When comparing BenQ vs MSI monitors, BenQ wins best overall for faster response times, top-tier color accuracy and eye care, plus 3-year warranties versus 1-year for MSI. However, MSI has advantages for high refresh rates, deeper blacks and immerisve curved screens better for entertainment.
When it’s time to upgrade your display, choosing between BenQ vs MSI gaming monitors can be tricky. Both Taiwanese companies produce high-quality monitors tailored to gamers and creative professionals.
We’ll analyze monitors like the BenQ EX2780Q and MSI Optix MAG271C to see how specs like refresh rate, panel type, ergonomics and more stack up.
This comparison guide covers everything you need to confidently choose the best monitor brand and model for your needs and budget. Let’s dive in!
BenQ Monitor Overview
Founded in 1984, BenQ is a Taiwanese manufacturer known for making monitors with top-notch TN and IPS panels.
BenQ gaming monitors are geared more towards competitive gamers who want the best response times. Models like the Zowie XL2546 aim for extreme speeds to keep up with fast-paced play.
For creative tasks and entertainment, BenQ IPS monitors like the EX2780Q provide impressive color accuracy and image quality.
Some of BenQ’s most popular monitors include:
- EX2780Q – 27-inch QHD IPS monitor made for entertainment with impressive audio and color
- Mobiuz EX2510 – 24.5-inch IPS gaming monitor with 1ms response time and 165Hz refresh rate
- EW3270U – 32-inch 4K monitor with vivid colors and Eye-Care technology to reduce strain
MSI Monitor Overview
Founded in 1986, MSI (Micro-Star International) is a Taiwanese electronics company that produces a wide range of gaming hardware and components, including gaming monitors.
Many MSI gaming monitors utilize curved Vertical Alignment (VA) panels which provide a balance between the high contrast of VA and the wide viewing angles of IPS panels. Some MSI monitors also incorporate IPS panel technology.
A few benefits VA panels offer over other panel types:
- High 3000:1 to 5000:1 contrast ratios, deeper blacks
- Good color depth and accuracy out of the box
- High refresh rates combined with the above provide an immersive viewing experience
Some of MSI’s most popular curved gaming monitors include:
- Optix G271 – 27-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) gaming monitor with 1500R VA panel curvature, 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- Optix G241 – 24-inch Full HD monitor with 1080p resolution featuring a VA panel
- Optix MAG271CR – 27-inch Curved VA panel monitor designed for gaming with up to 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
BenQ vs MSI Monitor Comparison
Now that we’ve provided overviews of both brands, let’s compare BenQ and MSI gaming monitors across 6 key categories:
- Price and Budget Options
- Gaming Performance
- Picture Quality
- Features
- Design
- Warranties and Support
Price and Budget Options
When it comes to price, BenQ and MSI monitors range from affordable to high-end:
| Price | BenQ | MSI |
|---|---|---|
| Budget ($100 – $200) | BenQ GW2480 | MSI Optix G241 |
| Mid-Range ($200 – $400) | BenQ EX2510 | MSI Optix MAG241C |
| High-End ($400+) | BenQ EX2780Q | MSI Optix MEG381CQR |
Both brands offer monitors at a range of prices suitable for various budgets. MSI tends to be cheaper in the budget segment while BenQ has more premium monitors in the high-end category.
Gaming Performance
For gaming, performance factors like refresh rate, response time and sync technology come into play.
BenQ gaming monitors shine when it comes to response time. Models like the Mobiuz EX2510 have exceptionally fast 1ms response times perfect for competitive gaming.
MSI gaming monitors feature high refresh rates up to 165Hz or even 240Hz. Their Extreme Rapid IPS (ERIPS) panels offer 1ms response times with vivid image quality.
Both brands support AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility for smooth variable refresh rate gameplay.
Picture Quality
When evaluating monitor picture quality, panel types, color reproduction, brightness, contrast and viewing angles are key factors.
BenQ monitors utilize top-notch IPS and TN panels that provide great color accuracy out of the box. Many models cover 100% of the sRGB color gamut. Their IPS panels boast superior viewing angles up to 178°.
MSI gaming monitors feature VA panels acclaimed for their high 3000:1 – 5000:1 contrast ratios and rich blacks. Their latest IPS panels also provide vibrant images with wide viewing angles. Most support true 8-bit color for 16.7 million colors.
Both brands calibrate their monitors to accurately reproduce color for gaming and creative work. BenQ excels at factory calibration while many MSI monitors require additional user calibration for color-critical tasks.
Features: Regarding extra features, both BenQ and MSI pack in plenty of connectivity, adjustments and display modes.
Connectivity: Both provide the key HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI inputs. Many models add USB ports and audio jacks for headsets.
Adjustability: MSI monitors tilt, swivel pivot and are height adjustable. Most BenQs easily tilt and some swivel/pivot but less offer height adjustment.
Eye Care: BenQ monitors emphasize eye care with flicker-free, low blue light tech. Some even have brightness sensors and light filters to detect ambient light conditions and auto adjust screen brightness for eye comfort.
MSI also uses anti-flicker and low blue light technologies. Select Optix models feature less blue light exposure verified by TÜV Rheinland and/or SGS.
Design
Aesthetically, both brands offer gaming monitors built with slim bezels and attractive stands.
BenQ gaming monitors feature angular stand designs and Razer Chroma RGB lighting on some models. The minimal three-side bezels immerse you in the action on-screen.
MSI gaming monitors also utilize ultra-thin bezels and adjustable stands, some with RGB lighting. Popular curved models like the Optix MAG272CQR provide an immersive 1800R curvation paired with vivid images.
Design comes down to user preferences for RGB lighting, curved vs flat and overall aesthetics. Both brands allow gamers to style their setup.
Warranties and Support
BenQ offers impressive 3-year limited warranties compared to MSI’s 1-year limited warranties. Both will replace or repair defects.
For customer service, BenQ provides support via email, phone and live online chats. Users praise their helpful and responsive service.
MSI also offers customer support through email tickets, phone calls and community forums. Response times can vary from quick solutions to delayed responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between BenQ and MSI monitors?
The main differences are that BenQ focuses more on response time and color accuracy while MSI emphasizes high contrast, deeper blacks and immersive curved viewing experiences.
Which brand has better monitors for gaming?
Both BenQ and MSI make exceptional gaming monitors. BenQ shines for fast-paced competitive gaming thanks to extremely fast 1ms response times. MSI impresses with high refresh rates and vivid VA/IPS panels great for story-driven games.
Are BenQ or MSI monitors better for office work?
For everyday office use, BenQ monitors like the GW2480 provide excellent eye care and comfortable viewing as well as IPS clarity and sharpness beneficial for tasks like spreadsheets and documents. Either brand would work excellently for office setups depending on specific needs.
Which monitors work best with Mac or PC?
Both BenQ and MSI monitors are compatible with Mac and PC systems. For Macs, BenQ Designer monitors like the PD2720U and PD3220U optimize features for creative workflows. MSI Creator monitors also work seamlessly with Macs. Ultimately you can’t go wrong with either brand for Mac or PC use.
Do they both support FreeSync and G-Sync?
Yes, both brands support variable refresh rate technologies. BenQ and MSI gaming monitors are verified as G-Sync compatible and FreeSync Premium for smooth, tear-free gaming.
What’s better for creative work like photo/video editing?
For creative professionals, BenQ monitors like the PD series or SW series outperform thanks to factory calibrated panels targeting color accuracy along with 14-bit 3D LUTs and uniformity technologies to easily achieve reliable and precise color.
Conclusion
When choosing between BenQ vs MSI gaming monitors, both brands have strengths. BenQ wins for response times, color accuracy and eye care technologies along with impressive 3-year warranties. MSI impresses with high refresh rates, vivid contrast and immersive curved screens.
Ultimately, BenQ monitors are best for competitive gaming and creative color-critical work. MSI optimizes their monitors for story-driven games and entertainment with inky blacks and curvature.
For well-rounded performance, BenQ monitors like the EX2710Q and Mobiuz EX2510 balance fast response times, rich colors and great features at fair prices. But MSI also offers versatile options like the Optix G273QPF which blends rapid IPS speeds with vivid contrast and frameless style.
A former esports professional turned tech journalist, Aiden Johnson is on a mission to help gamers optimize their setups. His expertise extends beyond gaming monitors, encompassing the broader tech ecosystem. Known for breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces, Aiden provides a holistic view of how monitors fit into the larger gaming and tech landscape.