MSI PRO MP272 E14C 27" Black

The MSI PRO MP272 E14C is a 27-inch 1080p monitor with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and handy USB-C, all for a low price. The 1080p resolution looks soft at this size, and HDR is a bust, but it's a solid budget pick for casual gaming or as a secondary screen. If you need sharp text for work, look for a 1440p or 4K option instead.

The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time are the stars here, landing this monitor in the 77th percentile for performance in our database. Motion clarity is solid for fast-paced games, and FreeSync keeps tearing at bay without drama. But the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch panel means pixel density takes a hit, so text and fine details look a bit soft. Color coverage is a mixed bag, hitting 87% DCI-P3 which is decent, but the 6-bit+FRC panel and middling 61st percentile color ranking mean this isn't a creator's monitor. The 300-nit brightness is fine for indoor use, but HDR content looks flat and washed out, so don't buy it for that.

Stacked against the competition, the MSI MP272 E14C carves out a niche but doesn't dominate. The Dell S2725QC gives you 4K resolution and better color accuracy for not much more cash, making it a smarter pick for productivity. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A and Acer Nitro XV272U both step up to 1440p, which is the sweet spot for 27 inches, and they offer better gaming features and ergonomics. The Gigabyte M27UP SA even throws in 4K at a competitive price. Where the MSI wins is on sheer affordability and the inclusion of USB-C, but you're sacrificing sharpness and adjustability to get there.

Pricing floats between $110 and $153 depending on the sale, and at the lower end, this monitor makes a decent case for itself. You're getting a 144Hz IPS panel with USB-C, which is a combo that usually costs more. But the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen is a real trade-off, and the lack of height adjustment means you might spend extra on a VESA arm. If you can snag it under $130 and you're mostly gaming or using it as a secondary display, it's a fair deal. If you're doing serious office work or photo editing, your money is better spent elsewhere.

The MSI PRO MP272 E14C is a 27-inch 1080p monitor that tries to straddle the line between a budget office display and a casual gaming screen. It brings a 144Hz refresh rate and USB-C connectivity to the table, which is a nice combo at this price. But the 1080p resolution stretched across 27 inches is a compromise you'll notice every day, especially if you're used to sharper text on a higher-res panel.

MSI pitches this as a productivity and comfort monitor, and the slim bezels and VESA mount support do make it a clean fit for a multi-screen setup. The built-in speakers and USB-C with 15W power delivery add convenience, but the overall package feels like it's cutting corners where it counts, particularly in color accuracy and HDR performance.

Skip this if you spend your day in documents, code, or spreadsheets. The 1080p resolution on a 27-inch panel makes text look fuzzy and will strain your eyes over time. You're better off with a 1440p monitor like the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A or a 4K option like the Dell S2725QC. Also skip it if you need a truly portable monitor, our database scores it a dismal 17.4 out of 100 for portability.

The MSI PRO MP272 E14C is a budget monitor that makes sense for a specific person: someone who wants a smooth 144Hz experience and USB-C convenience without spending much, and who won't be staring at spreadsheets all day. It's a solid secondary screen for a gaming setup or a decent primary display for a dorm room where space and cash are tight. Just know that the 1080p resolution at this size is a compromise you'll feel every time you open a document.