The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a 2019-model mid-range gaming monitor that promises visual immersion and high-resolution gameplay to enthusiasts. Like some of the best computer monitors, this device has a 1800R screen curve that provides an engaging viewing experience. It boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync, reducing screen tearing. This device has a 2560 x 1440 screen resolution, delivering crisp text and images. An impressive contrast ratio also delivers deep blacks. This monitor has an impressive response time and very low input lag, providing fast gameplay. Continue reading our MSI Optix MAG271CQR review and see how it stacks up against the top gaming monitors available today.
42
out of
196
Computer Monitors
MSI Optix Mag271CQR Review
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Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:26 PM
Published
True Score
True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.
83
Absolutely Fresh
81
3
Experts
90
3,930
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
3
)
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR impressed experts, and they recommended it for gaming, office, and moderate content creation. They lauded its AMD FreeSync, 2560 x 1440 resolution, and 144Hz refresh rate. However, like most monitors with VA panel technology, this device has narrow viewing angles. See our MSI Optix G272 review for an IPS panel model with wider viewing angles.
Product Snapshot
Overview
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a 2019-model mid-range gaming monitor that promises visual immersion and high-resolution gameplay to enthusiasts. Like some of the best computer monitors, this device has a 1800R screen curve that provides an engaging viewing experience. It boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync, reducing screen tearing. This device has a 2560 x 1440 screen resolution, delivering crisp text and images. An impressive contrast ratio also delivers deep blacks. This monitor has an impressive response time and very low input lag, providing fast gameplay. Continue reading our MSI Optix MAG271CQR review and see how it stacks up against the top gaming monitors available today.
Consensus
our Verdict
Reviewers were impressed by the MSI Optix MAG271CQR, endorsing it for gaming. Analysts at Tom’s Hardware praised its 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSynch technology, observing that it has smooth motion handling. Users who require a higher 165Hz refresh rate should explore the MSI Optix G27C6 review. This monitor has a VA panel with a very high 3,372:1 contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks even in dark rooms. The 27-inch screen with a 2560 x 1440 resolution pleased experts, who recommended it for office and moderate graphics work. Consider our Nixeus EDG 34 review if you need a larger 34-inch display. Clocking in at 12.1 ms in total response time tests and boasting a great 4.7 ms input lag, this device pleased researchers. Clocking in at 340 nits in the peak brightness tests, this curved gaming monitor pleased product testers, especially because it doesn’t have HDR tech. See our MSI Optix MAG273R review if you need an HDR model. The MSI Optix MAG271CQR impressed with its wide color gamut, covering 81.4% of the Adobe RGB color space. Reviewers at PC Gamer were pleased by the HDMI 2.0 ports, saying that they support 4K content. However, analysts criticized the narrow viewing angles of this display. If you need an IPS monitor with much better viewing angles, browser our MSI Optix G273QF review. Testers also criticized its ergonomically limited stand.
ReasonS to Buy
- Impressive response time and input lag
- Excellent contrast ratio
- Good 2560 x 1440 resolution
- Screen gets bright
- HDMI 2.0 ports
Reason to Avoid
- Poor viewing angles
- Mediocre black uniformity
- The stand is not very flexible
MSI Optix Mag271CQR Specs
| Display Type | VA | |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | |
| HDR Format | n/a | |
| Max Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | |
 | Panel Type | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz | |
 | Response Time | 1 ms |
| Screen size | 27" | |
 | Sync Technology | AMD FreeSync |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Computer Monitors based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Brightness (nits) | 346.07 |
| Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) | 2,906.05 |
| Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) | 80 |
| Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) | 0 |
| Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) | 81.4 |
| Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) | 108.05 |
| Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) | 0 |
| Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) | 0 |
| Input Lag (ms) | 17.1 |
| Response Time (ms) | 5.75 |
| Reflections % (Total Reflections) | 5.2 |
| Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) | 36 |
| Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) | 34 |
| Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) | 29 |
| Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) | 33 |
All Tests
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Product Comparison
 MSI Optix Mag271CQR Review | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 83 | NR | NR | NR |
Ranking | # 42 / 196 | # / | # / | # / |
Market Context |
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a 2019-model mid-range gaming monitor that promises visual immersion and high-resolution gameplay to enthusiasts. Like some of the best computer… |
The MSI Optix MAG272CQR has a better 165Hz refresh rate than its predecessor, the 144Hz MSI Optix MAG271CQR (this review). MSI has also equipped the… The MSI Optix MAG272CQR has a better 165Hz refresh rate than its predecessor, the 144Hz MSI Optix MAG271CQR (this review). MSI has also equipped the new monitor with HDR, which is lacking on the MAG271CQR. Additionally, the newer MAG272CQR has a gentler 1500R curve than the 1800R curve of the older model. |
The MSI Optix G27CQ4 has a better 165Hz refresh rate compared to the 144Hz of the MSI Optix MAG271CQR. The MAG271CQR, for its part has… The MSI Optix G27CQ4 has a better 165Hz refresh rate compared to the 144Hz of the MSI Optix MAG271CQR. The MAG271CQR, for its part has a faster 12.1 total response time and better motion handling than the G27CQ4, which has a 13.5 ms total response time. |
The Gigabyte M27Q has a faster 8.1 ms total response time compared to the 12.1 ms response time of the MSI Optix MAG271CQR. The Gigabyte… The Gigabyte M27Q has a faster 8.1 ms total response time compared to the 12.1 ms response time of the MSI Optix MAG271CQR. The Gigabyte monitor also boasts a better 170Hz refresh rate than the 144Hz of the MSI display, and it has better viewing angles. The Gigabyte has HDR tech, PiP, and USB-C, all of which are lacking on the MAG271CQR. |
Display Type | VA | – | – | – |
HDMI Inputs | 2 | – | – | – |
HDR Format | n/a | – | – | – |
Max Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | – | – | – |
Panel Type | VA | – | – | – |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz | – | – | – |
Response Time | 1 ms | – | – | – |
Screen size | 27" | – | – | – |
Dig Deeper |
Score Card
E
Expert Score
81
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
90
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
83
Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
101.4Category Trust Rating
72Though the MSI Optix MAG271CQR has a couple of image accuracy issues, its superior gaming… Read MoreBy:
Unknown
89.25Category Trust Rating
80The MSI MAG271CQR offers an immersive picture quality as well as smooth performance and plenty… Read MoreBy:
Adam Babcock
17.45Category Trust Rating
78The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a decent monitor for most uses. It’s designed with gaming… Read MoreBy:
Rob Shafer
Customer Scores
- 94
(
4.7/5
)
3930Ratings
- NR
(
NR/5
)
Ratings
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