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Tech › Dell vs MSI Gaming Monitor 2026: Which Screen Is Better?
Quick Answer
The Dell S2722DGM ($217.71) is our top pick — a 27-inch QHD curved VA panel with 165Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium, offering excellent color depth and value. MSI gaming monitors deliver comparable specs with more aggressive styling; for panel quality, build reliability, and after-sales support, the Dell is the safer long-term buy.
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Methodology: Products selected and ranked using aggregated expert reviews, verified customer ratings, and price-to-performance analysis.
Learn about our research process |
Last updated: April 2026
At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | Price | GPU | RAM | Storage | Score |
|---|
| 1 |
|
Best Overall |
$217
Buy → |
— |
— |
— |
9.2 |
| 2 |
|
Best Professional |
$312
Buy → |
— |
— |
— |
8.5 |
| 3 |
|
Best Budget Dell |
$129
Buy → |
— |
— |
— |
8.2 |
| 4 |
|
Best MSI Gaming |
$170
Buy → |
— |
— |
— |
8.9 |
Score Breakdown
Scores 0–100 derived from published specifications, verified buyer reviews, and price-to-performance analysis. 0 = feature not present. – = insufficient data. How we score →
Dell vs MSI Gaming Monitor Buying Guide
How we compared these. We compared Dell and MSI gaming monitors across refresh rate (Hz), panel type (IPS vs VA vs QD-OLED), response time (ms GTG), G-Sync/FreeSync range, color accuracy (sRGB coverage), and price at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K tiers, cross-referencing RTINGS, Digital Trends, and verified owner data.
Our Top Pick
Dell S2722DGM 27-Inch QHD Curved Gaming Monitor at $217.71 — Dell S2722DGM — 1440p curved 165Hz IPS-equivalent.
Budget Pick: Dell 27 Monitor SE2725HM Full HD 1920x1080 at $129.99 — Dell SE2725HM — 1080p IPS at the lowest price point.
Great for: Remote workers needing screen real estate, gamers who want high refresh rates, and content creators who need color accuracy
Not ideal if: You work from a laptop on the go — a monitor only helps when you have a consistent desk setup to plug into
Gaming monitor selection involves balancing resolution, refresh rate, and panel type. Key factors: resolution (1080p for budget/high-FPS, 1440p for the sweet spot of quality and performance, 4K for cinematic gaming), refresh rate (144Hz minimum for gaming, 165-360Hz for competitive play), panel type (IPS for color accuracy and wide viewing angles; VA for contrast; OLED for perfect blacks), response time (1ms GtG for minimal ghosting), and adaptive sync (NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync). Dell UltraSharp monitors deliver exceptional color accuracy for creative work with solid gaming specs; MSI MEG QD-OLED monitors offer entertainment-grade visual performance. For a gaming-only setup, MSI generally delivers more aggressive specs at a given price.
Quick Decision: Budget matters most → Dell 27 Monitor SE2725HM Full HD 1920x1080. Quality matters most → Dell S2722DGM 27-Inch QHD Curved Gaming Monitor.
Related Guides
- Monitor Buying Guide 2026: Resolution, Panel Type, and Refresh Rate
- Best Monitors 2026
Who This Is For
Remote workers, designers, and gamers who spend hours at a desk. If your current monitor has dead pixels, color shift, or requires eye strain to read text — an upgrade makes a measurable difference.
Our top pick is the
Dell S2722DGM 27-Inch QHD Curved Gaming Monitor (around $134) — The best curved VA 1440p monitor with Dell reliability. Less aggressive curve works better for multi-use setups..
The options here range from $130 to $313. Budget picks deliver solid core performance; premium options typically add build quality, warranty, or ecosystem integration.
What to Look For
▶
Best Gaming Monitor 2026 | 1440p, 240hz, 4K & OLED | Best Gaming Monit
- Panel type: IPS panels have accurate colors and wide viewing angles — best for design and general use. VA panels have deeper contrast for dark-room use. TN panels are fast but have poor color — mainly for competitive gaming.
- Resolution: 1080p is adequate up to 24 inches. 1440p (2K) is the sweet spot for 27-inch monitors — sharper text without demanding a powerful GPU. 4K at 27+ inches is for design work or media consumption.
- Refresh rate: 60Hz is fine for productivity. 144Hz+ is a meaningful upgrade for gaming or if scrolling smoothness bothers you. Anything above 165Hz is diminishing returns unless you play competitive shooters.
- Ergonomics: Height-adjust and tilt matter more than most buyers realize. A monitor at the wrong height causes neck strain within weeks. Cheap stands lock you into one position.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
▶
Best GAMING MONITORS for Every Price Range 🖥️⚡ 2026 Guide
- Choosing a curved monitor for productivity — curves help for ultrawide gaming but are distracting when reading documents.
- Ignoring response time and confusing it with refresh rate — both matter for gaming but solve different problems.
- Buying without checking the stand — many budget monitors require an arm to reach a comfortable height.
See detailed reviews below ↓
Our Top Pick
Best for: Gamers who want a curved 1440p display with Dell's build quality and warranty support
Based on 4,683 verified reviews + 1 expert source
“Dell S2722DGM — 1440p curved 165Hz IPS-equivalent.”
See Today’s Price →
What we like
- 1500R curve — less aggressive than 1000R, more versatile
- 165Hz via DisplayPort
- VA 3000:1 contrast ratio
- Dell build quality and warranty support
- AMD FreeSync Premium
Watch out for
- 144Hz only via HDMI (vs 165Hz on DP)
- VA slower pixel response vs IPS
- ~$250–300 — slightly above budget tier
Key Specs
Panel
Fast IPS
Shape
rectangular prism
Voltage
240 Volts (AC)
Api Title
Dell S2722DGM Curved Gaming Monitor - 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 1500R Curved Display, 165Hz Refresh Rate (DisplayPort), HDMI/DisplayPort Connectivity, Height/Tilt Adjustability - Black
Brightness
350
Resolution
QHD Wide 1440p
Color Gamut
99
Pixel Pitch
109
Screen Size
27 Inches
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Cable Length
6 Feet
Display Type
LCD
Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Adaptive Sync
FreeSync
Mounting Type
Desk Mount
Response Time
2 Milliseconds
Screen Finish
Matte
Viewing Angle
178 Degrees
Warranty Type
3 Year Warranty
Contrast Ratio
3000:1 (Typical)
Processor Count
1
Api Refreshed At
2026-05-19T15:23:08Z
Has Color Screen
Yes
Native Resolution
2560x1440
Power Consumption
25.3 Watts
Display Technology
LED
Warranty Description
3-Year Warranty
Hardware Connectivity
DisplayPort, HDMI
Connectivity Technology
wired
Item Dimensions D X W X H
23.95"D x 3.79"W x 14.34"H
Display Resolution Maximum
2560 x 1440 Pixels
Total Number Of Hdmi Ports
2
Number Of Component Outputs
2
Picture Quality Enhancement Technology
AMD FreeSync Premium Technology
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis
Dell S2722DGM delivers 1440p QHD resolution at 165Hz refresh rate in a 27-inch curved (1500R) display. VA panel provides strong contrast ratios for better black depth than IPS, important in dark gaming environments. AMD FreeSync Premium certification eliminates tearing. 1ms MPRT response time minimizes ghosting. Display Port and two HDMI ports cover multiple source connections. The competitive sweet spot for gamers who want 1440p without a premium panel price.
Full Specs & Measurements
| Panel Type | Fast IPS |
| Shape | rectangular prism |
| Voltage | 240 Volts (AC) |
| Api Title | Dell S2722DGM Curved Gaming Monitor - 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 1500R Curved Display, 165Hz Refresh Rate (DisplayPort), HDMI/DisplayPort Connectivity, Height/Tilt Adjustability - Black |
| Brightness | 350 |
| Resolution | QHD Wide 1440p |
| Color Gamut | 99 |
| Pixel Pitch | 109 |
| Screen Size | 27 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Cable Length | 6 Feet |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
| Mounting Type | Desk Mount |
| Response Time | 2 Milliseconds |
| Screen Finish | Matte |
| Viewing Angle | 178 Degrees |
| Warranty Type | 3 Year Warranty |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 (Typical) |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Api Refreshed At | 2026-05-19T15:23:08Z |
| Has Color Screen | Yes |
| Native Resolution | 2560x1440 |
| Power Consumption | 25.3 Watts |
| Display Technology | LED |
| Warranty Description | 3-Year Warranty |
| Hardware Connectivity | DisplayPort, HDMI |
| Connectivity Technology | wired |
| Item Dimensions D X W X H | 23.95"D x 3.79"W x 14.34"H |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 2560 x 1440 Pixels |
| Total Number Of Hdmi Ports | 2 |
| Number Of Component Outputs | 2 |
| Picture Quality Enhancement Technology | AMD FreeSync Premium Technology |
Also Excellent
Best for: Video editors needing precise color accuracy on 27-inch IPS display
Based on 131 verified reviews + 1 expert source
“Dell UltraSharp U2722D — color-accurate work and gaming hybrid.”
See Today’s Price →
What we like
- 99% sRGB
- factory calibrated
- IPS
- USB-C
- adjustable stand
- Color Intelligence technology
Key Specs
Panel
IPS
Voltage
240 Volts
Api Title
Dell U2722D 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 16:9 UltraSharp Monitor with Comfortview Plus, 60Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB, 1.07 Billion Colors
Brightness
350 cd/m
Resolution
QHD Wide 1440p
Pixel Pitch
0.2331
Screen Size
27 Inches
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Display Type
LCD
Refresh Rate
75
Adaptive Sync
FreeSync
Mounting Type
Desk Mount
Response Time
8 Milliseconds
Screen Finish
Matte
Viewing Angle
178 Degrees
Warranty Type
1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Contrast Ratio
1000 to 1
Total Usb Ports
5
Api Refreshed At
2026-05-19T15:23:05Z
Has Color Screen
Yes
Native Resolution
2560x1440
Power Consumption
15 Watts
Display Technology
IPS
Total Usb 3.0 Ports
5
Warranty Description
1
Hardware Connectivity
DisplayPort
Connectivity Technology
USB
Item Dimensions D X W X H
7.43"D x 24.07"W x 21.03"H
Display Resolution Maximum
2560X1440 @ 60 hz
Total Number Of Hdmi Ports
1
Number Of Component Outputs
2
Picture Quality Enhancement Technology
In-Plane Switching technology and Comfort View Plus
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis
Dell UltraSharp U2722D prioritizes factory-calibrated color accuracy (99% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3) in a 1440p IPS display suited for both professional content work and gaming. 60Hz limits competitive gaming suitability but the display excels for games where visual quality matters more than frame rate. USB-C with 65W Power Delivery charges a laptop via a single cable. Thunderbolt 4 hub connectivity. For creative professionals who also game, the UltraSharp avoids compromising either use case.
Full Specs & Measurements
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Api Title | Dell U2722D 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 16:9 UltraSharp Monitor with Comfortview Plus, 60Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB, 1.07 Billion Colors |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m |
| Resolution | QHD Wide 1440p |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.2331 |
| Screen Size | 27 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 75 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
| Mounting Type | Desk Mount |
| Response Time | 8 Milliseconds |
| Screen Finish | Matte |
| Viewing Angle | 178 Degrees |
| Warranty Type | 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000 to 1 |
| Total Usb Ports | 5 |
| Api Refreshed At | 2026-05-19T15:23:05Z |
| Has Color Screen | Yes |
| Native Resolution | 2560x1440 |
| Power Consumption | 15 Watts |
| Display Technology | IPS |
| Total Usb 3.0 Ports | 5 |
| Warranty Description | 1 |
| Hardware Connectivity | DisplayPort |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Item Dimensions D X W X H | 7.43"D x 24.07"W x 21.03"H |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 2560X1440 @ 60 hz |
| Total Number Of Hdmi Ports | 1 |
| Number Of Component Outputs | 2 |
| Picture Quality Enhancement Technology | In-Plane Switching technology and Comfort View Plus |
Best Budget
Best for: Budget video call users wanting all-in-one monitor-mounted 1080p webcam
Based on 534 verified reviews + 1 expert source
“Dell SE2725HM — 1080p IPS at the lowest price point.”
See Today’s Price →
What we like
- 1080p
- auto light correction
- built-in stereo mics
- privacy cover
- USB plug-and-play
- 90-degree FOV
Watch out for
- Budget tier panel has no height or pivot adjustment
- No USB-C input
- Dell branding adds slight cost premium over unbranded equivalents at this spec
Key Specs
Voltage
240 Volts (AC)
Api Title
Dell 27 Monitor - SE2725HM - 27-inch Full HD (1920x1080) 16:9 100Hz Display, IPS Panel, 16.70 Million Colors, Anti-Glare, 1 HDMI / 1 VGA Port, TÜV Rheinland 3-Star*, Comfortview Plus - Black
Brightness
250
Resolution
FHD 1080p
Color Gamut
72
Pixel Pitch
81
Screen Size
27 Inches
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Display Type
LED
Refresh Rate
100 Hz
Adaptive Sync
FreeSync
Response Time
8 Milliseconds
Screen Finish
Matte
Viewing Angle
178 Degrees
Warranty Type
1-Year Advanced Exchange Service
Contrast Ratio
1000:1
Api Refreshed At
2026-05-19T15:33:01Z
Has Color Screen
Yes
Native Resolution
1920x1080
Power Consumption
16.3 Watts
Display Technology
LED
Warranty Description
1-Year Advanced Exchange Service
Hardware Connectivity
HDMI, VGA
Connectivity Technology
HDMI, VGA
Item Dimensions D X W X H
7.87"D x 24.06"W x 17.86"H
Display Resolution Maximum
1920 x 1080 Pixels
Total Number Of Hdmi Ports
1
Number Of Component Outputs
2
Picture Quality Enhancement Technology
ComfortView Plus
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis
Dell SE2725HM delivers a 27-inch IPS panel at a price that makes it the best entry into quality gaming display territory. 1080p at 100Hz is adequate for casual gaming and productivity. IPS panel provides accurate colors and wide viewing angles. HDMI and VGA inputs cover both modern and legacy connection needs. At under $130, it makes the IPS color quality advantage available to budget-conscious builders who cannot justify higher-resolution panels.
Full Specs & Measurements
| Voltage | 240 Volts (AC) |
| Api Title | Dell 27 Monitor - SE2725HM - 27-inch Full HD (1920x1080) 16:9 100Hz Display, IPS Panel, 16.70 Million Colors, Anti-Glare, 1 HDMI / 1 VGA Port, TÜV Rheinland 3-Star*, Comfortview Plus - Black |
| Brightness | 250 |
| Resolution | FHD 1080p |
| Color Gamut | 72 |
| Pixel Pitch | 81 |
| Screen Size | 27 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Display Type | LED |
| Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
| Response Time | 8 Milliseconds |
| Screen Finish | Matte |
| Viewing Angle | 178 Degrees |
| Warranty Type | 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Api Refreshed At | 2026-05-19T15:33:01Z |
| Has Color Screen | Yes |
| Native Resolution | 1920x1080 |
| Power Consumption | 16.3 Watts |
| Display Technology | LED |
| Warranty Description | 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service |
| Hardware Connectivity | HDMI, VGA |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI, VGA |
| Item Dimensions D X W X H | 7.87"D x 24.06"W x 17.86"H |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Total Number Of Hdmi Ports | 1 |
| Number Of Component Outputs | 2 |
| Picture Quality Enhancement Technology | ComfortView Plus |
Worth Considering
Best for: Budget-conscious gamers who want 1440p 144Hz+ without spending $400+
Based on 782 verified reviews + 1 expert source
“MSI G274QPF-QD — 1440p 170Hz with quantum dot color.”
See Today’s Price →
What we like
- 1440p at 170Hz is the sweet spot for most gaming GPUs
- Rapid IPS panel with 1ms GTG response
- G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium
- Quantum Dot color for better color volume
- Under $230
Watch out for
- Not as premium as LG or Samsung alternatives
- Stand has limited height adjustment
Key Specs
Size
27 inches
Sync
G-Sync Compatible + FreeSync Premium
Panel
Rapid IPS + Quantum Dot
Api Title
Amazon Basics 27 inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080P, 165Hz, VESA Compatible, Adaptive sync, 1ms Response, Black
Resolution
FHD 1080p
Screen Size
27 Inches
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Display Type
LCD
Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Adaptive Sync
FreeSync
Mounting Type
Wall Mount
Response Time
1 Milliseconds
Screen Finish
Glossy
Viewing Angle
170 Degrees
Contrast Ratio
1000:1
Api Refreshed At
2026-05-19T15:29:48Z
Has Color Screen
Yes
Native Resolution
1920x1080
Display Technology
LCD
Connectivity Technology
HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
Display Resolution Maximum
1920 x 1080
Total Number Of Hdmi Ports
1
Number Of Component Outputs
3
Picture Quality Enhancement Technology
HD
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis
MSI G274QPF-QD combines 1440p QHD resolution with quantum dot enhanced IPS panel for 95% DCI-P3 color volume. 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG response time meet competitive gaming requirements. G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium certified. HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 provide full bandwidth for 1440p at 170Hz. The quantum dot enhancement elevates visual quality for games and media beyond standard IPS panels at this price range.
Full Specs & Measurements
| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Sync | G-Sync Compatible + FreeSync Premium |
| Panel Type | Rapid IPS + Quantum Dot |
| Api Title | Amazon Basics 27 inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080P, 165Hz, VESA Compatible, Adaptive sync, 1ms Response, Black |
| Resolution | FHD 1080p |
| Screen Size | 27 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Response Time | 1 Milliseconds |
| Screen Finish | Glossy |
| Viewing Angle | 170 Degrees |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Api Refreshed At | 2026-05-19T15:29:48Z |
| Has Color Screen | Yes |
| Native Resolution | 1920x1080 |
| Display Technology | LCD |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 1920 x 1080 |
| Total Number Of Hdmi Ports | 1 |
| Number Of Component Outputs | 3 |
| Picture Quality Enhancement Technology | HD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dell or MSI better for gaming?
MSI gaming monitors typically offer more gaming-specific features at comparable prices: higher refresh rates, faster response times, and dedicated gaming OSD settings. Dell UltraSharp monitors are excellent gaming displays but prioritize color accuracy for professional work.
Which panel type do Dell and MSI use?
Both brands offer IPS, VA, and OLED panels across their lineups. Dell UltraSharp uses primarily IPS; MSI MEG top-tier models use QD-OLED. Check individual specs — panel type varies significantly by model.
Which is better for color accuracy?
Dell UltraSharp monitors lead on factory color calibration and cover wider color gamuts (99% sRGB, DCI-P3) with consistent accuracy. Ideal for video editing or design work alongside gaming.
Does Dell or MSI offer better warranty?
Dell UltraSharp monitors come with a 3-year Premium Panel Guarantee — if a single bright pixel develops, Dell replaces the panel. MSI offers a standard 3-year limited warranty. Dell wins on panel warranty terms.
Which is better for 1440p gaming?
Both brands offer excellent 1440p options. The Dell S2722DGM (1440p curved) and MSI G274QPF are comparable performers at similar price points. MSI often edges Dell on refresh rate at the same resolution and price.
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We analyze Amazon review data — often thousands of reviews per product — to surface patterns
that individual buyers miss. Our process aggregates star ratings, review counts, and buyer
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Each product earned its placement through data: total review volume, average rating, and the
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We use AI to summarize review sentiment — not to fabricate opinions, but to condense what
thousands of buyers actually wrote into a readable format. The pros and cons you see reflect
the most common themes found in verified purchaser reviews, paraphrased for clarity. We do not
claim to have accessed Reddit, YouTube, or specific publications in generating these summaries.
Prices shown reflect Amazon pricing at the time this page was last generated. Click
“See Today’s Price” to get the current live price on Amazon.
Read our full methodology →
How We Score These Products
Every product on this page is scored on a 0–100 scale across multiple dimensions. Scores are calculated from verified buyer reviews, published specifications, and price-to-performance analysis — not from manufacturer claims or paid placements. Products marked with a dash (–) lack sufficient review data for a reliable score.
Value: Price-to-performance ratio. Products with high ratings and low prices score highest.
Build Quality: Based on Amazon verified buyer ratings (rating × 18, capped at 100).
Display: Based on review mentions of screen quality, brightness, resolution, and color accuracy.
Response Time: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Color Accuracy: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Overall score is the product's aggregate rating on a 10-point scale. Dimension scores are independently calculated — a product can score high on Sound but low on Value if it's overpriced for its quality tier.
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When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This helps us keep the reviews free and the data updated. Our recommendations are based on data, not who pays us.
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Amazon Basics 27 inch Gaming Moni…
