As many of you may already know, the monitor market has turned into a battleground. Manufacturers are scrambling to deliver us all with monitors that are high fidelity in terms of colors, performance, physical properties and so much more. The big problem today though is whether or not these monitors are actually telling the truth. Many manufactures today are using twisted nematic displays. Twisted nematic displays can be manufactured cheaply and quickly, but do not accurately depict the color spectrum in an accurate manner.
IPS stands for "in-plane switching." This is a technology that was developed by Hitachi engineers. IPS monitors tend to provide more even backlighting which means there is less strain on your eyes when you use them for long periods of time compared to twisted nematic displays (TN). TN monitors have lower response times than IPS screens because there are fewer liquid crystals involved in their construction, this makes them faster than IPS panels. Unfortunately, they also suffer from slower pixel persistence rates than their IPS counterparts due to the limited number of liquid crystals involved with TN monitor construction making them inadequate when it comes to displaying fast-moving graphics. IPS displays are much better when it comes to vivid color reproduction, but they are prone to showing blur in action movies due to their slower pixel persistence rates caused by the number of liquid crystals involved with their construction. VA stands for vertical alignment. This technology offers users a variety of benefits that IPS and TN can't provide. Vertical alignment monitors have blacker blacks than both IPS and TN because there is no "backlight." The best analogy for this would be comparing how a shadow works compared to light shining on something so you can see it. All three technologies have their pros and cons, making them viable options depending on your needs.
All three panels are suitable for different types of use. So, you must wonder which one you should invest in. However, the choice totally depends on your requirements. We will discuss all three panels in detail to help you make the right decision.
Let’s compare VA vs IPS vs TN to find out which would be suitable for you.
Twisted Nematic (TN) Panel
When it comes to gaming, you will find TN panels in most monitors due to the fast response time of 1ms that makes it popular among PC gamers. Also, the high refresh rate gives a smooth and quick reaction time for competitive gaming. It is also the most affordable type of display available in the market. In short, if you love gaming and want a monitor with a fast response time at an affordable price, then the TN panel is the one for you.
However, the only downside of this panel is the picture quality. Even though it is excellent for gaming, the notably poor color contrast and worst viewing angles make the image appearing on the screen look strange when viewed from skewed angles.
Moreover, from the front angle, when you look straight at the display, the colors might seem alright, but they still don’t appear to be very accurate. Although some expensive models offer vibrant colors, they aren’t as high in quality as VA and IPS panels.
Therefore, if you care more about the high performance of the monitor compared to the color and image quality, then go for the TN panel. But, if you want a monitor that can deliver better color and viewing angles along with top-notch performance then move on to the next option.
TN Features:
- 1 ms quick response time
- High refresh rates (120 Hz to 240 Hz) for competitive gaming
Pros:
- Top-notch performance
- Affordable for most buyers
Cons:
- Image quality is not very accurate
- Colour contrast and viewing angles are poor
In-Plane Switching (IPS) Panel
The IPS panel is the best for graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers, thanks to the 178 degrees wide angles and color accuracy. Many gamers also prefer IPS panels because they provide a higher resolution that allows gaming enthusiasts to appreciate the game's graphics.
Although IPS models provide a slower response rate (generally 4ms to 5ms) compared to the TN panels, most non-professional gamers barely notice the difference.
Also, the latest models of IPS monitors offer a 1ms response time, making them suitable for FPS gamers. Of course, the newer models are a bit expensive but, if you are willing to spend the extra cash, you’ll get an all-rounder display screen that provides you with excellent performance and high-grade image quality.
The only disadvantage of the IPS monitor is the IPS glow that causes the light to pass around the corners of the screen, creating a distraction during the appearance of anything dark you’re watching on the screen in a dim-lit room. Although this issue isn’t a big deal, if you think the light is too much, you could replace the model.
In conclusion, the IPS panel is the best for watching movies, designing, editing photos and videos, and gaming.
IPS Features:
- 178 degrees wide angles
- Accurate and bright colors
- Large viewing angles
Pros:
- Accurate and rich colors
- Wide viewing angles
Cons:
- Expensive for most buyers
- IPS Glow from the corners of the screen distracts you when you watch anything dark in a dim-lit room
Vertical Alignment (VA) Panel
If you want to find a middle ground between a TN and IPS panel, then VA is the go-to monitor for you. Its color reproduction is slightly low than an IPS display screen and offers a slower response time than a TN panel. But the latest models with VA panels are capable of allowing a 1ms response time.
All in all, if you aren’t on a tight budget, you could look for a VA or an IPS monitor. The biggest advantage of a VA panel is its quick refresh rates, while the downside is the motion blur and ghosting issues.
More or less, you can expect the same kind of performance and benefits from a VA panel that you would from an IPS panel with slight variations here and there.
VA Features:
- High refresh rates (144 Hz to 240 Hz) for competitive gaming
Pros:
- Affordable for most buyers
- Good color reproduction and viewing angles offer decent image quality
Cons:
- Slower response time than TN panels (4ms to 5ms)
Final thoughts
Your final choice depends on your budget and preferences. When it comes to VA vs IPS, there aren’t a lot of differences except for a higher color contrast rate present in the VA monitors than the IPS panels. You could try out both panels for watching movies and graphic designing. Gamers who are on a budget can go for the TN monitors, while those who can invest more money should buy the latest IPS display.
Overall, you should choose the monitor that offers the best features for your requirements.