ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV vs MSI PRO MP251 E14L

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against monitors at a similar price

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV scores 6.9/10 overall, ahead of the MSI PRO MP251 E14L at 4.9/10.

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV leads on sharpness for text, connectivity and docking and ergonomics.

The MSI PRO MP251 E14L leads on refresh rate and motion.

They score the same on panel quality and build and warranty.

The biggest difference is connectivity and docking, where the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV scores 8/10 to the MSI PRO MP251 E14L's 3/10.

ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV

6.9/10verdict: buy

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV is a 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor for people who care about colour accuracy, such as photo editors. It suits a single-cable laptop desk, with USB-C at 65W, a four-port USB hub and a fully adjustable stand. It is less suited to HDR, dark-room viewing or fast games.

Typically about £239 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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MSI PRO MP251 E14L

4.9/10verdict: skip

The MSI PRO MP251 E14L is a 24.5 inch 1080p IPS monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. It suits buyers who want a fast second or main screen and will connect it over HDMI. It is less suited to anyone who needs a sharper picture, USB-C, DisplayPort or a flexible stand.

Typically about £68.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV	MSI PRO MP251 E14L
Panel quality	25%	7/10	7/10
Sharpness for text	20%	6/10	3/10
Connectivity and docking	20%	8/10	3/10
Ergonomics	15%	8/10	3/10
Refresh rate and motion	10%	5/10	9/10
Build and warranty	10%	6/10	6/10
Overall		6.9/10	4.9/10

Specifications

Spec	ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV	MSI PRO MP251 E14L
Screen size	27-inch	24.5 inch
Resolution	2560 x 1440 (WQHD)	1920 x 1080 (FHD), 16:9
Panel type	IPS, 178° viewing angle, LED backlight, anti-glare surface	IPS, flat, anti-glare, 8-bit (6-bit + FRC), 178° / 178° viewing angles
Refresh rate	75Hz maximum, Adaptive-Sync 48–75Hz	144Hz; Adaptive-Sync / FreeSync 48-144Hz; 1ms MPRT / 4ms GtG
Inputs and USB-C	USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode, 65W Power Delivery), two DisplayPort 1.2 (daisy-chain), one HDMI 1.4, USB hub with four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, earphone jack	1 x HDMI 1.4b (FHD@144Hz), 1 x D-Sub (VGA)
Stand adjustment	Tilt +35° to −5°, swivel ±45°, pivot ±90°, height 150mm, VESA 100x100mm	Tilt -5° to 20°; no height, swivel or pivot adjustment; VESA 100 x 100 mm
HDR	No HDR support	Not supported (HDR SUPPORT: N/A); 300 cd/m² SDR brightness

Strengths and weaknesses

ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV

+ Factory calibrated, 100% sRGB, ΔE below 2
+ USB-C with 65W power plus four USB-A ports
+ Height, tilt, swivel and pivot, plus VESA mount
− Mediocre contrast and black uniformity
− No HDR support
− 75Hz maximum, with some motion blur reported

Skip it if:

Buyers who want HDR or strong contrast for dark-room viewing
Gamers who want a refresh rate above 75Hz
Anyone who needs a built-in KVM or Ethernet in the monitor

Read the full ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV review ›

MSI PRO MP251 E14L

+ 144Hz refresh with FreeSync range of 48-144Hz
+ IPS panel with 99% sRGB coverage
+ Three-year warranty
− Only HDMI 1.4b and VGA inputs
− Tilt-only stand with no height adjustment
− About 90 PPI is soft for text

Skip it if:

Anyone who wants USB-C or DisplayPort connections, or one-cable laptop docking
Developers and writers who want sharp text from a higher pixel density
Buyers who need height, swivel or pivot adjustment without adding a VESA arm

Read the full MSI PRO MP251 E14L review ›

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