The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a decent 1440p monitor with a VA panel and a great design. It delivers great gaming performance, with an excellent response time, low input lag, and support for AMD's FreeSync variable refresh rate technology for a nearly tear-free gaming experience. Unfortunately, the unit we tested has terrible black uniformity, and like most VA monitors the image degrades when viewed at an angle. The stand has a limited range of motion, so it might be difficult to place it in an ideal viewing position.
Our Verdict
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a decent monitor for most uses. It's designed with gaming in mind, and it delivers a great overall gaming experience. It isn't very versatile though, as it has limited ergonomics, disappointing viewing angles, and terrible black uniformity.
- Excellent response time and low input lag
- Excellent gray uniformity
- Image degrades at an angle
- Terrible black uniformity
- Limited range of motion on the stand
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a decent monitor for office use. It has very good peak brightness and great reflection handling, so glare shouldn't be an issue in a bright office. Unfortunately, the image degrades at an angle, and the stand has limited ergonomics.
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a great gaming monitor. It has outstanding low input lag, an excellent response time, and a fast refresh rate. The 1440p native resolution is great for gaming. There's an optional black frame insertion feature for clearer motion, and it supports FreeSync, for a nearly tear-free gaming experience.
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a decent monitor for multimedia. The high-resolution, large screen is great for watching movies, and it has excellent low input lag. It has great reflection handling, so glare shouldn't be an issue in a bright room. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good in a dark room, as it has terrible black uniformity, and the image degrades at an angle.
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a decent monitor for media creation. It has a great size and resolution, so you can see more of your work, and it has excellent low input lag. Unfortunately, the image degrades at an angle, and the stand has a limited range of motion.
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR doesn't support HDR.
Changelog
- Updated May 19, 2022: Reran the vertical viewing angle text to fix an error.
- Updated Jul 06, 2020: Corrected an internal issue that caused some boxes to not appear.
- Updated May 29, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Sep 20, 2019: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the 27 inch Optix MAG271CQR, which is part of MSI's Optix MAG Series of gaming monitors and has other models available, some of which are listed below. We do not expect our review to be valid for the other models.
If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their MAG271CQR doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that some tests such as gray uniformity may vary between individual units.
| Model | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Notes |
| MAG271CQR | 27" | 1440p | 144Hz | Tilt & Height Adjustment |
| MAG241C | 24" | 1080p | 144Hz | Tilt only, 1500R curve |
| MAG271CR | 27" | 1080p | 144Hz | Tilt & Height Adjustment |
| MAG271C | 27" | 1080p | 144Hz | Tilt only |
| MAG321CQR | 32" | 1440p | 144Hz | Tilt & Height Adjustment |
The MAG271CQR we reviewed was manufactured in May 2019.
Popular Monitor Comparisons
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is a great gaming monitor with some useful additional features, but it faces some steep competition in the same price range.
See our recommendations for the best gaming monitors, the best 144 Hz monitors, and the best monitors.
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is much better than the MSI Optix G27C. The MAG271CQR has a higher native resolution, better ergonomics, and a much faster response time. The MAG271CQR also has an optional black frame insertion feature and a built-in USB hub.
The AOC AGON AG271QX is slightly better than the MSI Optix MAG271CQR. The AGON has better ergonomics, better black uniformity, and much better gradient handling. The MSI Optix has an optional black frame insertion feature.
The LG 27GL850-B/27GL83A-B and the MSI Optix MAG271CQR use different panel technologies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The MSI looks better in a dark room, as it has better contrast, but the LG has better viewing angles, and it supports HDR. The Optix has an optional black frame insertion feature, and it has better reflection handling.
The MSI Optix MAG271CQR is slightly better than the Dell S2719DGF. The MSI has much better contrast, better gray uniformity, and an optional black frame insertion feature. The Dell, on the other hand, has better ergonomics, so it's a bit easier to place it in an ideal viewing position.
We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, all of which we purchase ourselves, without cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized, custom tools to measure various aspects and deliver objective, data-driven results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance compared to the competition, and whether it's easy to find.
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