MSI G242L E14 24" Black

A stupidly good value 144Hz IPS monitor with a stand that actually doesn't suck. Just don't buy it for the fake HDR or the annoying joystick controls.

What surprised us most is how fluid the motion handling is. The 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate make tracking targets in shooters feel immediate and clean, with no noticeable ghosting or tearing thanks to FreeSync. In our database, its overall performance sits in the 77th percentile, which is strong for a budget monitor. The 300-nit brightness is just about average, so it's fine for a dim or moderately lit room, but don't expect it to fight off harsh afternoon sun. The built-in crosshair feature is a neat little bonus for hardcore FPS players who don't want to rely on in-game overlays.

Stacked against the Acer Nitro XV272U or the HP OMEN 27qs, the MSI's 1080p resolution feels its age. Those competitors offer sharper 1440p panels and often higher refresh rates, but they'll cost you significantly more. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A is a direct step up in color and resolution, but if you're strictly on a 1080p budget and prioritize frame rates over pixel density, the MSI holds its own. The Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 is a curved VA alternative with better contrast, but the MSI's IPS panel gives you wider viewing angles and less smearing in motion.

This is a no-brainer if you find it in the $100-$130 range. You're getting a responsive 144Hz IPS panel with a stand that doesn't feel like an afterthought. At the higher end near $180, it gets a little too close to better-equipped 165Hz or 1440p options, but on sale, it's an absolute steal for budget-conscious gamers.

The MSI G242L E14 is the monitor you buy when you want smooth 144Hz gameplay without your wallet filing a missing persons report. It's a 24-inch 1080p IPS panel that nails the basics for competitive gaming and even throws in a surprisingly solid adjustable stand, something you rarely see at this price. The one thing to know? This is a killer value play that punches above its weight for fast-paced titles, as long as you don't expect HDR miracles or pro-level color accuracy.

If you're a content creator who needs pinpoint color accuracy or a gamer who wants a truly immersive single-player experience with deep blacks, this isn't it. The low contrast and fake HDR will leave you underwhelmed. Go grab a 1440p VA panel like the Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 for better contrast, or save up for a color-accurate IPS display from ASUS's ProArt line.

The MSI G242L E14 is the definitive budget 1080p gaming monitor for anyone who just wants to plug in and play. It skips the frills and focuses on what matters: a smooth, responsive panel and a stand that doesn't wobble every time you rage-type. If you're building your first PC or need a second screen for console gaming, this is the one to beat at its sale price.