$400 has been the price floor for OLED gaming monitors for a couple of years now. But if you’re willing to go for a refurb, you can get a 27-inch 1440p OLED monitor from MSI for just $369.99 today.
The MSI MAG 271QPX hits the “sweet spot” for this category in just about every way, with a 2560×1440 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. That’s fast enough for intense online multiplayer gaming, with a little extra fidelity versus a standard 1080p screen, without putting too much strain on a mid-range gaming PC.
That being said, a desktop is probably a better option—this monitor does support USB-C video, but with just 15 watts of power delivery, a gaming laptop will still need a separate power source. You can also add a monitor arm with this display’s standard VESA mount.
If buying a refurbished OLED monitor gives you anxiety… well, fair enough. For what it’s worth, this one has been refurbished by MSI itself, even though it’s sold by a third party on eBay. MSI includes a 180-day warranty on the refurb, and you also get a two-year warranty from Allstate on top of that as part of eBay’s Certified Refurbished program.
I’d say it’s worth it if you’re looking to upgrade to a gaming-capable OLED on a budget. But if you’d rather shop for something else, check out PCWorld’s picks for the best gaming monitors.
Get this MSI 27-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED monitor for $369.99Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 15-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.