Viewsonic vs MSI Monitor: Which Brand is the Best?

Viewsonic offers more affordable, general use monitors while MSI specializes in high-end gaming monitors with faster refresh rates and response times. For most users, Viewsonic provides the best value, but serious gamers may want to pay more for MSI’s performance.

With so many monitor brands on the market, it can be tough deciding between different models when purchasing a new display. Two well-known brands to consider are Viewsonic and MSI. Both companies make monitors across a range of sizes, resolutions, and prices.

Viewsonic has been around since the 1980s and offers monitors for general office work, creative projects, and casual gaming. MSI is a more gaming-focused brand known for high refresh rates and fast response times. They make monitors designed for esports competitions and other intensive gaming uses.

Overview of Viewsonic and MSI Monitors

Viewsonic, founded in 1987, is an American company known for making affordable and reliable monitors for office, home, and basic gaming use. They offer a wide range of general-use monitors from 22 to 32 inches for LCD and LED monitors. Viewsonic also produces some curved, ultra-wide, and high-resolution 4K monitors.

MSI, or Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese brand founded in 1986. MSI focuses more on components and devices for gaming and professional uses. They are known for high-end specs tailored specifically for gaming, like high refresh rates, low response times and adaptive sync. MSI’s monitor line includes both flat and curved options from 27 to 34 inches.

Both brands offer monitors across three main price tiers—budget, mid-range, and high-end. Viewsonic has more options on the cheaper end, while MSI focuses on the high-end gaming-specific monitors. When it comes to special features like touchscreens and adjustable stands, MSI tends to include these while Viewsonic offers simpler, more affordable options.

Comparing Monitor Specs and Features

When looking at the technical specs and features of Viewsonic and MSI monitors, there are some key differences between the brands:

Screen Size

• Viewsonic offers a wider range of smaller sizes from 22″ to 32″
• MSI focuses on larger 27″ to 34″ monitors for immersive gaming

Resolution and Aspect Ratio

• Viewsonic has more 1080p and 1440p monitors
• MSI specialized in higher 1440p and 4K resolutions
• MSI has ultra-wide 21:9 ratio gaming monitors

Refresh Rate

• Viewsonic maxes out at 144Hz refresh for gaming monitors
• MSI goes up to 360Hz refresh for silky smooth gaming

Response Time

• Viewsonic is typically slower at 5ms or more
• MSI offers ultra fast 1ms response time monitors

Adaptive Sync

• Both support FreeSync and G-Sync adaptive sync
• MSI has more G-Sync compatible options for Nvidia GPUs

Ports

• Viewsonic has HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA ports
• MSI adds more HDMI and USB ports

Warranty

• Viewsonic offers 3 years on parts, labor and backlight
• MSI provides 1 year manufacturer warranty

For gaming performance and premium features, MSI monitors have the edge. But Viewsonic monitor provides solid performance for general use at more affordable prices

Monitor Prices Compared

When it comes to monitor pricing, here’s an overview of what to expect from Viewsonic and MSI at various budget levels:

Budget Models Under $200

• Viewsonic has more options under $200 like the VA2246 and VA2232
• MSI only offers one under $200 – the Optix G241

Mid-Range Monitors $200 – $400

• Viewsonic has many choices from $200 to $350
• MSI offers several from $250 to $400

High-End and Gaming $400+

• Viewsonic tops out around $500 for its most advanced monitors
• MSI has options ranging from $400 up to $800

Here’s a direct price comparison of some similar sized monitors:

Model	Price
Viewsonic VA2732	$209
MSI Optix G271	$279
Viewsonic VP2768	$349
MSI Optix MAG274QRF	$399

Based on the pricing, Viewsonic generally offers more budget-friendly options, while MSI comes at a premium for the high-end gaming monitors with extra features. Overall MSI’s price-to-performance ratio is higher than Viewsonic’s.

Viewsonic vs MSI Monitor Reviews

Looking at customer satisfaction and reviews on retail sites, both Viewsonic and MSI receive mostly positive feedback, but some differences emerge:

Viewsonic Monitor Reviews

• Rated 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon and BestBuy
• Praised for affordability and solid performance
• Some complaints about cheap build quality
• Top rated models: VX3276, VP2768, VG2440

MSI Monitor Reviews

• Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Newegg
• Known for fast refresh rates and response times
• Reviews mention excellent gaming performance
• Some QC issues mentioned on budget models
• Top rated models: Optix MAG274QRF, Optix G27C4, Optix G241

Based on thousands of customer reviews, MSI tends to rate slightly higher than Viewsonic overall. The extra cost brings better gaming specs, but more quality control issues on cheaper models. Viewsonic gets praise for value, but isn’t specialized for gaming like MSI.

For a budget general use monitor, Viewsonic is a solid choice. Gamers and professionals may want to invest more for MSI’s performance and features. Check reviews for your specific model before purchasing.

Which Brand Makes the Best Gaming Monitors?

For gamers, a high-performance monitor is essential. Based on their gaming monitor offerings, MSI is better optimized for gaming than Viewsonic:

• Refresh Rate: MSI offers ultra high refresh rates up to 360Hz, ideal for competitive esports. Viewsonic maxes out at 144Hz.
• Response Time: MSI gaming monitors have blazing fast 1ms response times for smooth, lag-free visuals. Viewsonic is slower at 5ms or more.
• Adaptive Sync: Both offer FreeSync and G-Sync, but MSI has more G-Sync compatible options for Nvidia GPUs.
• Input Lag: MSI monitors are tested for low input lag for real-time reactions. Viewsonic has higher typical input lag.

When tested side-by-side for gaming, MSI monitors perform better with higher refresh rates, faster response times and low input lag. Features like curved screens and RGB lighting also give MSI the edge for immersive gaming.

Monitor Brand Comparison Chart

Factor	Viewsonic	MSI
Budget Options	More models under $200	Only one under $200
Gaming Performance	Decent for casual gaming	Excellent for competitive gaming
Image Quality	Good color and contrast	Great color accuracy and viewing angles
Warranty	3 years parts, labor and backlight	1 year manufacturer warranty
Customer Support	Mixed reviews	Generally responsive

To summarize the key differences:

• Viewsonic has better budget options under $200
• MSI excels at gaming with high refresh rates and response times
• MSI also edges out Viewsonic in color quality and viewing angles
• Viewsonic provides a longer 3 year warranty versus 1 year for MSI
• Customer service reviews are mixed for both brands

Considering these factors, if gaming performance is most important, MSI is easily the better choice. But for office use or mixed media consumption, Viewsonic’s lower prices give it the advantage. Weigh your priorities to pick the right brand.

Final Verdict: Viewsonic vs MSI Monitors

When choosing between Viewsonic and MSI for a new monitor, there are a few key differences to consider.

Overall, MSI gaming monitors are better for performance, while Viewsonic provides good quality for more affordable pricing.

MSI is the superior choice for gaming, with faster response times, higher refresh rates up to 360Hz, and extras like curved screens and RGB lighting. Viewsonic can still work for casual gaming, but MSI dominates for esports and competitive play.

However, Viewsonic shines in the budget category, offering more options under $200. Their monitors provide decent color, contrast and brightness for general office work and home use.

For non-gaming needs, Viewsonic is a great bang for your buck. But for gamers who want a silky smooth, ultra responsive gaming monitor, MSI is easily worth the investment.