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Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
This $159 Acer Nitro KG272 monitor is a game-changer for budget PC setups — and it's now my favorite affordable display
If I told you to check out a monitor with a 100Hz refresh rate with limited brightness at 1080p resolution, you'd probably laugh and point me toward other options on our best gaming monitors list. Understandable, so why would I recommend the Acer Nitro KG272 E anyway? A look at its $159 / £129 price tag says it all. High-end monitors like the $1,099 MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED and $799 Alienware AW3425DW keep up with the latest in gaming hardware to deliver splendid visuals. But for those with budget setups, that's a lot of pennies going down the well. Instead, the Nitro KG272 E answers the call of value with its entry-level specs that surprisingly deliver smooth, clear visuals in real-world views, even though it may not come across as well on paper. But it also goes a step beyond with its adjustable tilting for a better viewing angle 100 x 100 VESA mountable compatibility. Despite many gamers who would make the most of far greater refresh rates and quality, those who are perfectly fine with entry-level stats or need a capable secondary display will find the Acer Nitro KG272 E to be a solid bet. Could it fit the bill as one of the best monitors on a budget? Considering its cheap price, yes, but those who opt for it will also have to temper their expectations. Let's dive into it all. Specs Acer Nitro KG272 E Price $159 / £109 Display 27-inch Resolution FHD 1920 x 1080 Aspect ratio 16:9 Refresh rate 100Hz Response time 1ms Panel type LCD Color depth 10-bit Backlight LED Inputs 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x VGA, 1x 3.5mm audio jack Wall mountable VESA Mount Compatible (100 x 100) Dimensions 24.1 x 17.7 x 9.1 inches (with stand) Weight 11.9 pounds (with stand) No premium frills here, but the Acer Nitro KG272 E exceeds expectations once it's put into action. It makes for a decent display for gaming and a second monitor for productivity — something the best laptops for students can take advantage of. With displays sporting top-of-the-line features like 240Hz refresh rates on OLED panels with 0.03 response rates, along with multiple display modes geared for specific games, it's easy to write off the Nitro KG272 E as a monitor that can't keep up. But not everyone needs to take advantage of all these specs, and sometimes, a simple screen can go a long way. That's exactly what the Nitro KG272 E offers, and I was impressed by the color accuracy, clarity and smoothness it boasts. In our tests, the KG272 E produced the lowest numbers we tested, but not by much. And considering the price of the other monitors it's matched up with, it does an admirable job. Although it still falls behind another budget banger: the Lenovo L27i-4B ($109 / £159). Acer Nitro KG272 E Lenovo L27I-4B MSI MPG 272URX Alienware AW2752Q sRGB 110.1% 126% 131% 182.5% DCI P3 78% 89.3% 97% 129.3% Delta-E (lower is better) 0.17 0.05 0.15 0.06 Despite its numbers, the screen can still pull off detailed colors during work and play, as in real-world testing, nothing looked washed out. I watched "28 Weeks Later" on Netflix in anticipation of "28 Years Later," and it comfortably presented the vicious infected running down the hill after our understandably freaked-out lead, Don (Robert Carlyle). This is at 1080p on a 27-inch LCD display, so it's not the clearest of details out there, but I still was terrified by the bloody, rage-induced faces of the infected. Even in more recent, visually stunning shows like "KPop Demon Hunters," it captured the bright gold and deep purple of the Honmoon barrier, keeping the human and demon worlds apart. I also used it as my main monitor, plugging it into my 13-inch MacBook Air M3, and it reflected exactly what I'd expect to see on the MacBook's display. Using its "Normal" color mode (there's no specific "Mac" display mode), details, smoothness and color accuracy were on point. Lenovo's L27i-4B also manages to offer some impressive visuals for its price, but the Nitro KG272 E one-ups it in one area... The Nitro KG272 E may only have a 100Hz refresh rate, but it still offers a super-fast 1ms response rate and AMD FreeSync for virtually zero-lag, tear-free gameplay. That works in favor of both fast-paced multiplayer titles and single-player games. I tested out The Finals, Doom: The Dark Ages and Cyberpunk 2077, and despite the Asus TUF Gaming A18 with an RTX 5070 that can pump out over 200 FPS at high settings on its 1600p resolution display, the Nitro monitor could still deliver smooth frame rates with fine details (if only a tad dark in some areas and without those real crisp textures, but more on that later). While demolishing walls in The Finals, with settings set to Epic at 1080p resolution and Nvidia's multi-frame gen at x4, I could easily nail headshots and manage my way through the madness of all the destruction around me. Even in a frantic, fast-paced game such as this, I never felt I was at a disadvantage. I didn't get the same visual spectacle of the demon-torn landscape in Doom: The Dark Ages as I would in other displays. It was a tad grainy, but it could keep up with the bloody action of tearing down hulking beasts with Doom Guy's chainsaw shield. Even visual cues, such as the green orbs you can parry back at enemies, were clear. Cyberpunk 2077 pulled off better lighting reflections and neon-infused visuals of Night City's skyline, and with brightness on the monitor at max, I was happily cruising through the streets. It's not something I see often on budget gaming monitors, but the Nitro KG272 E comes with some adjustability. There's no way to swivel or change the height of the display, but it does have some tilt action. It has a vertical and horizontal viewing angle of 178 degrees, but this can be adjusted by tilting it up or down. This makes it easier to get the right angle when setting it up on a desk, as there's nothing worse than having a fixed monitor that's slightly off viewing angle-wise and there's nothing you can do to change it. It helps that the Nitro KG272 E is relatively light, too. It only weighs 11.9 pounds with the stand (compared to the 24 pounds of the MSI MPG 272URX), so it's light enough to shift around to get the right angle. Better yet, it looks sleek with its nearly bezel-less borders. The Acer Nitro KG272 E may triumph due to its price, but it falls into the usual pitfalls of being budget. That includes low brightness and just passable speakers. If your PC setup is in a room that's filled with sunlight, the Nitro KG272 E will struggle to show a lot on its display. Generally, it's best to keep a monitor out of sunlight's way, but the Nitro's max 196.2 nits of SDR brightness (no HDR here) can also make darker elements in games or shows harder to see. Acer Nitro KG272 E Lenovo L27I-4B MSI MPG 272URX Alienware AW2752Q SDR Nits (brightness) 192.6 231.8 254 250.4 It isn't surprising that it falls behind its pricier competition, but even the Lenovo L27I-4B offers a wealthy number of nits to offer acceptable viewing. This isn't a deal breaker, especially in darker rooms that I usually find myself in, and I was able to comfortably play games without it being a hassle. That said, in certain games such as Doom: The Dark Ages, trying to find hidden passages to crash through to find secrets was tricky in darker tunnels or hallways (I had to fire off a few rounds to illuminate the areas). Finding speakers on a monitor is always a win, but they don't usually offer the best sound. That's certainly true of the dual speakers of the Nitro KG272 E. While they do just fine if you're watching shows in the background, it's far from an immersive experience or being able to let you hear the footsteps of foes in competitive multiplayer games. They can sound hollow without that oomph from the bass, and it makes shots fired out of guns in The Finals, Doom and Cyberpunk sound weak. You won't be blown away by the audio it fires, so you may want to get one of the best gaming headsets instead. There are some premium, ultra-fast gaming monitors out there sporting jaw-dropping visuals on OLED panels, but all that comes at a high price. The Acer Nitro KG272 E strips down those features for a pocket-friendly price. For those who don't need the full spectacle of stunning details at sky-high frame rates, especially for entry-level or casual gamers with budget systems, the Nitro KG272 E is a fantastic shout for its budget price. Just keep in mind that it won't keep up with the latest in PC or console hardware, along with its low brightness, and this gaming monitor will shine. It's now my favorite budget gaming monitor to use, as I believe it even surpasses the cost it's set at from what I get out of it. But if you have the funds to get something flashier, our list of the best gaming monitors will point you in the right direction.
Tom's Guide
22-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I tested this $159 gaming monitor thinking it was a joke — but it's now my favorite budget display
I've tested some premium, ultra-fast monitors with jaw-dropping OLED panels over the years, and it's hard to go back to anything less than the best gaming monitors once you've seen them upfront in all their glory. So, when the Acer Nitro KG272 E landed in our testing labs, I wasn't expecting much. A quick rundown of its specs will give you a good idea of what I mean: an FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel with a 100Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and a 100,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. All that doesn't exactly make me say "I need this monitor on my desk right now," not when there's a ridiculous LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B 5K2K OLED curved gaming monitor or an MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED boasting a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time. Impressive? Yes, but they're also both over the $1,000 / £1,000 mark. That's a whole lot of chump change for premium-quality visuals, but depending on your PC setup, some may not even take full advantage of what these monitors can deliver. Still, it's hardly a surprise that anyone would glaze over Acer's offering to check out these beasts instead. Me included, but that's until I took a peek at the Nitro KG272 E's price tag. At just $159, and even more impressive £129, (down to £109 as of writing!), this is one of the cheapest gaming monitors out there. For the specs it offers at this price, and having used it as my primary monitor for a week, I can confidently say that this is now my favorite budget display for both work and play. The Acer Nitro K272 E gaming monitor is a budget underdog for anyone looking for a simple yet effective display to play PC games or get some work done. With its 27-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS panel, 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it may pale in comparison to the top dogs, but for its price, it goes above and beyond. And it's even more of a bargain in the U.K.! Right now, you can get £20 off this already pocket-friendly monitor. Whether you're using it as a second monitor or your main display for work, gaming, or watching shows, it will do the job just fine for this cost. There's still more testing to be done, but I've put it through its paces during everyday tasks, watching shows and playing games. So far, it does everything I could ask for, considering its price — and that says a lot about how you don't need to spend a fortune to get ample performance on a gaming monitor like this. So, let's get this out of the way first. We've received the numbers from the test lab, and just as I expected, it falls far behind its premium competitors in terms of color accuracy and brightness. I mean, is that surprising considering the specs it sports? Hardly. But I'd argue that for its low price, its results are pretty manageable. Acer Nitro KG272 E MSI MPG 272URX Alienware AW2752Q sRGB 110.1% 131% 182.5% DCI P3 78% 97% 129.3% Delta-E 0.17 0.15 0.06 When putting it together (it's very simple) and setting it up with a 4K video just to see how it looks, though, I had a small hint of surprise on my face and said to my fellow tester Nikita Achanta, "Hey, that isn't too bad." And I was met with agreement. And so, I lugged it home and started using it as my main monitor. For work, I use my 13-inch MacBook Air M3, and while its display offers great detail for work and binge-watching shows, it's always nice to have a 27-inch monitor as a secondary display. Better yet, it worked like a charm. The Nitro KG272 E doesn't have many customizable settings, nor a display mode for Mac, but bumping up its brightness to max (it only measures 196.2 nits of SDR brightness, but more on that later) and using its "Normal" color mode allowed it to easily reflect exactly what I'd expect to see on my MacBook's display. That includes fine details, smoothness and fine color accuracy. A 27-inch monitor is big enough for a desk, and seeing as it only weighs 11.9 pounds with the stand (compared to the 24 pounds of the MSI MPG 272URX), it's light enough to shift around to get the right angle. Speaking of, and not something I'd expect from a monitor at this price, the display's angle can also be adjusted. That's only a simple feature, but it makes shifting the monitor to your liking all the more accessible. Anyway, it isn't just a few Google Docs and Google Sheets that it helped me out with, as I also threw on a few shows to see if it could dish out some decent visuals. Nothing mindblowing here, but I was decently surprised by the image quality it presented. In anticipation of "28 Years Later," I decided to throw on "28 Weeks Later" on Netflix. This is a 1080p display, so details weren't completely vivid, but I was still on the edge of my seat as Don (Robert Carlyle) fled the house with the rage-infected people coming over the hill chasing him down at full speed. The vicious, bloodshot eyes were on point, and I didn't feel I was missing out on any finer details while watching the thrilling intro sequence. After that, I finally used the Nitro KG272 E for what it's intended for: gaming. More specifically, first-person shooters such as The Finals and Doom: The Dark Ages. With its 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this won't be the first choice for hardcore competitive gamers, and it won't take advantage of the powerful performance the Asus TUF Gaming A18 with an RTX 5070 can pull off (with DLSS 4 delivering frame rates over 200 FPS). Still, especially for budget gaming systems, this can pull off some mighty fine, buttery smooth visuals. With settings set to Epic at 1080p resolution, with Nvidia's multi-frame gen at x4, I was smashing down buildings, popping off shots and securing cash in The Finals in all its graphical, fast-paced glory. And frame rates were smooth enough to get me clean shots at the competition. With similar settings in Doom: The Dark Ages with patch tracing turned on, while it wasn't the same "wow" moment I had experienced on a 4K monitor, I was still impressed by the war-torn, demon-infused settings in the game. Visual cues, such as the green orbs you can parry back at enemies, were clear, and despite it looking just a smidge grainy, I was happy with what it was able to pull off. For those with budget laptops or gaming PCs, the Nitro KG272 E offers an affordable way to elevate your system's visuals, if only by a bit, and it's quite the wallet-friendly solution. While I've been impressed by its gaming potential and how it handles productivity, I noticed two downsides that are inevitable for a gaming monitor at this price. I tried putting on "Love, Death + Robots," known for its visually stunning animation. I watched "Can't Stop," which is basically a new music video for the iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers, seeing them as puppets. The Nitro KG272 E could capture the stunning lights and frantic movements of the band, but I did notice during the darker moments, environments that should be visible weren't on show. That's due to the display's brightness. At an average of 196.2 nits of SDR brightness (no HDR here), it isn't much. If it's in a room where the sun can get at it, it would be hard to see what's on display. The speakers aren't a key selling point, either. They can sound hollow without that oomph from the bass, and while it's fine for easy watching, you won't be blown away by the audio it fires. Essentially, you may want to get one of the best gaming headsets instead. Now, with all that said, these are only minor points that are common with budget monitors. Plus, don't expect absolutely jaw-dropping visuals, but for those who only need a simple and affordable gaming monitor solution to catch up with competitive multiplayer games or even the latest single-player adventures, then the Acer Nitro KG272 E does this in its stride. If I were a student after a display, I can imagine this being at the top of my list.
Tom's Guide
21-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I spent two weeks with MSI's 4K OLED 240Hz monitor — and it's a beast for gaming and productivity
How much are you willing to spend on a fantastic gaming monitor? If the answer is over $1,000, then the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED might be the one for you. This is one of the most powerful monitors I've used, and it's an absolute beast, not just for gaming, but for productivity and photo editing too. With its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, the MPG 272URX stuns with its performance across various games. Its 4K QD-OLED panel is sharp and clear, and it displays colors accurately. The 27-inch panel is big enough to navigate massive spreadsheets at work and get immersed in different gaming worlds in your downtime. Is it the best gaming monitor for you? Read my full MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED review to find out. Specs MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Price $1,099 / £999 Display 27-inch Resolution 3840 x 2160 pixels (UHD) Aspect ratio 16:9 Refresh rate 240Hz Response time 0.03ms Panel type QD-OLED Color depth 10-bit DPI 166 Backlight OLED Inputs 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 2.1a, 1x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-B, 1x 3.5mm audio out Dimensions 24.01 x 16.62 x 9.53 inches (with stand) Weight 24.04 pounds (with stand) From its stunning gaming performance and bright OLED panel to its sleek design and intuitive interface, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED is a powerful monitor. If you're a gamer who wants a high-performance monitor, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED will be right up your alley. There are numerous picture modes for both gaming and professional use, namely RPG, FPS, Anti-Blue, Adobe RGB, etc — so you can alter your viewing experience as needed. I played a few games on a Windows 11 machine plugged into the MPG 272URX, in the Premium User mode. Regardless of which game I played, I found myself lost in it because of how wonderful the colors looked and how smooth the transitions between scenes were. The neon lights in Cyberpunk 2077 were mesmerizing and looked much better on the monitor than on my TV. The colors appeared bright but not too oversaturated so that they looked fake. I also like that, in darker games, I didn't struggle to see blackened areas on the screen. Case in point: Lies of P, which usually appears so dark that you can't appreciate the level design — but I could, thanks to the MPG 272URX. It also made the monsters and enemies far scarier as I could clearly make out the finer details in character design. MSI MPG 272URX Alienware AW2752Q HP Omen Transcend 32 sRGB 131% 182.5% 187.6% DCI P3 97% 129.3% 132.9% Our lab tests showed that the MPG 272URX performs well when it comes to color coverage, as you can see above. While both the Alienware AW2752Q ($899) and the HP Omen Transcend 32 ($1,299) outclass the MPG 272URX when it comes to sRGB coverage, in practice, the colors look great, as my coworkers also agreed. Thanks to the 240Hz refresh rate, I didn't experience any choppiness during fast-paced games, especially in racing titles. And with the 0.03ms response time, I saw no ghosting during my testing either. I've been a photographer for years now, and I have the pleasure of reviewing some of the best cameras and the best drones as part of my job. It's difficult to appreciate the photos and videos I've taken on any old monitor, but the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED has completely changed that. Not only is this a fantastic monitor for gaming, it's excellent for work and post-production too. MSI MPG 272URX Alienware AW2752Q HP Omen Transcend 32 Delta-E 0.15 0.06 0.31 Its 10-bit color depth means it's capable of showing 1.07 billion individual hues. We talked about color coverage, so let's talk about accuracy now. In the default standard mode, the MPG 272URX Delta-E score (a numerical representation of how much two colors differ) ranks well, as the lower the score, the better the color accuracy. It isn't as good as the Alienware AW2752Q but it's better than the HP Omen Transcend 32. Good news is that the MPG 272URX has dedicated color modes for sRGB, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB for enhanced accuracy in photo/video editing. I had just started testing this monitor when I was also testing the DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, and I was able to properly analyze the colors in the photos and videos because of it. I even color graded some 10-bit 4:2:2 log footage using Adobe Premiere Pro and it looked glorious — it easily outclasses my MacBook Air M2 and the Lenovo L27i-4B ($109). It's also difficult to assess how good 4K video taken on drones and mirrorless cameras looks unless you have a 4K monitor, and MSI's monitor with its 3840 x 2160 pixels is just that. All the footage I watched as part of the testing process appeared smooth and bright. The 27-inch display also made accessing all the controls in Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro much easier during post-production. I could also easily navigate large spreadsheets and a vast array of open tabs and windows. Thanks to its black, sleek, low-key design, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED doesn't look out of place in an office setting — trust me, that's where I've been using it. The 27-inch panel is held together by a body that measures 24.01 x 16.62 x 9.53 inches (with stand). The MPG 272URX is a little on the heavy side, weighing 24.04 pounds with the stand, but that means you won't accidentally knock it over. The monitor's interface is very clean and easy to navigate, too. You do this via the responsive joystick located around the back, in the centre. The no-frills menu lets you swap between different gaming and professional modes, adjust the monitor's brightness and contrast, and, at a glance, see the active settings. There are also a bunch of connectivity options at work here. The MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED's ports include: power, two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 2.1a, a USB-C, a pair of USB-A ports, a USB-B port, and a 3.5mm audio out. Setup is a cinch, and it took me just a few minutes from unboxing to actually using the monitor. If you want to take advantage of the 240Hz refresh rate, remember to use the DisplayPort 2.1a port. There's also an anti-theft Kensington Security Slot just in case you're worried about someone running off with it — and you might be, considering how much the monitor costs (more on that soon). There aren't any major cons to the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED, but it's worth noting that the monitor can appear slightly dim, and boy, is it expensive! As OLED monitors don't require backlighting like your usual LCD panel, they often suffer from brightness issues. And just like the Alienware AW2752Q and the HP Omen Transcend 32, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED is slightly dim. MSI MPG 272URX Alienware AW2752Q HP Omen Transcend 32 SDR Nits (brightness) 254 250.4 245 HDR Nits 263 260 241 Our brightness lab test results in the table above confirmed this. While MSI's offering performs the best out of the three in both SDR and HDR tests, it's not ideal for use in direct sunlight, for example. That said, in general use (i.e. not in our windowless testing lab), I haven't found this too problematic. There are large windows right behind where I sit in the office, so I often get bright, indirect sunlight hitting my screen directly — I haven't had any issues seeing what's on screen. Again, this problem isn't specific to the MPG 272URX, as other OLED monitors have this problem too, so it isn't a massive con — just something to keep in mind. If you want good — and I mean good — picture quality, you're going to be paying a premium. The MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED is a very capable monitor, and as you'd expect, it doesn't come cheap. The monitor retails for $1,099 / £999, and the lowest we've seen it drop to is $999 at Amazon (big savings, clearly). The MPG 272URX is cheaper than the HP Omen Transcend 32, which costs $1,299, but it's pricier than the Alienware AW2752Q, which retails for $899. If money is tight, I'd recommend the AW2752Q. We rated it just as highly, and it's a very impressive monitor. As gaming monitors go, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED is up there among the best. Its 27-inch QD-OLED panel displays colors vividly and with great accuracy, perfect for gaming and productivity, especially if you deal with photo/video editing. In gaming, the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response rate ensure smooth gameplay, free from ghosting. I also like that the monitor has a sleek, premium design that makes it fit right into any office space. There are many connectivity options, too. But as is the nature of OLED monitors, it might be difficult to use the MPG 272URX in bright, direct sunlight as the screen appears slightly dim, as confirmed by our lab tests. The monitor will also cost you an arm and a leg — but that's the price you pay for its beautiful screen.
