Ips Monitor: Worth The Investment?

When it comes to buying a new monitor, there are a few things to consider. IPS stands for In-Plane Switching and is the display technology commonly used in smartphones. IPS monitors are known for their high display quality, better colours and improved viewing angles compared to TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. However, they tend to be more expensive and have slower response times. TN panels are the most common, offering faster response times at a lower cost. So, if you're a gamer or on a budget, TN might be the better option. But if you're looking for a better all-round experience and can afford the higher price tag, IPS could be the way to go.

IPS vs TN panels for gaming

When it comes to gaming monitors, there are three main types of panels to choose from: TN (Twisted Nematic), VA (Vertical Alignment), and IPS (In-Plane Switching). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

TN Panels

TN panels are the most commonly used type in PC monitors and are known for their fast response times and low cost. They are often favoured by competitive gamers as they can achieve extremely low response times, typically 1ms, which is currently unreachable for IPS technology. TN panels also offer high refresh rates, with some models reaching up to 240Hz. However, the viewing angles and colour accuracy of TN panels are not as good as those of IPS panels.

IPS Panels

IPS panels, on the other hand, offer superior display quality with richer colours and better viewing angles. This makes them a popular choice for creatives and anyone working in visual media. While IPS panels are generally more expensive than TN panels, they can still be a good option for gamers who want high-quality visuals. IPS panels typically have response times of 4ms or higher, and while they may not match the highest refresh rates of TN panels, they can still offer high resolution and fast refresh rates, making them suitable for gaming.

VA Panels

VA panels offer the best contrast ratios among the three types, with ratios commonly reaching 3000:1 or higher. This makes them an excellent choice for HDR content and is why they are often used in TVs. VA panels also have good viewing angles and colour reproduction, falling somewhere between TN and IPS panels. However, their response times are typically slower than those of TN panels, usually ranging from 2ms to 3ms.

Choosing the Right Panel

The best panel type for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are primarily a gamer, especially one who participates in competitive multiplayer, a TN panel may be the best choice due to its fast response times and high refresh rates. If you are less competitive and more focused on visual quality, an IPS panel could be a better option, offering superior colours and viewing angles. VA panels, on the other hand, strike a balance between the two, making them a good all-around choice for gamers who want a mix of performance and image quality.

Cost of IPS monitors

The cost of IPS monitors varies depending on the size, resolution, and features offered. IPS monitors are generally more expensive than TN (Twisted Nematic) monitors, but they offer superior image quality with better colours and viewing angles. Here is a breakdown of the cost of IPS monitors based on different factors:

Size

The price of IPS monitors can range from $69.99 for a 21.5-inch Philips 221V8LB monitor to $999.99 for a 32-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 gaming monitor. The most common sizes for IPS monitors are 24-inch and 27-inch, which typically fall in the $150 to $300 price range. Larger IPS monitors, such as 31 or 32-inch models, usually start at around $220 to $250.

Resolution

IPS monitors with higher resolutions, such as 4K or Ultra HD, tend to be more expensive than those with lower resolutions like 1080p or Full HD. A 27-inch 4K IPS monitor can cost around $500, while a 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor can be found for less than $150.

Features

IPS monitors with additional features will also carry a higher price tag. For example, the LG 23MP68VQ IPS monitor, which offers a fast response time, can be purchased for around £130. The Dell S2721QS, a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor with excellent ergonomics, is priced higher at $319.99. IPS monitors with gaming features, such as high refresh rates and VRR support, will also be more expensive. For instance, the LG UltraGear 27GP850-B 27-inch 1440p 165Hz IPS gaming monitor is priced at $379.99.

Budget Options

If you are looking for a budget-friendly IPS monitor, there are a few options available. The Acer SB220Q is a 21.5-inch 1080p IPS monitor that offers excellent colour accuracy and is usually sold for less than $100. The HP 24mh is another affordable option, with a 23.8-inch 1080p IPS panel, height and pivot adjustment, and built-in speakers, priced at $159.99. For an even lower price, the Philips 221V8LB 21.5-inch 1080p VA monitor offers similar features for just $69.99.

Response time and refresh rates

Response time and refresh rate are two of the most important monitor specifications to consider when purchasing a new monitor, especially for gaming.

Response Time

Response time refers to the time it takes for a pixel to change from one colour to another, usually measured in shades of grey (Grey-to-Grey or GTG). It is often measured as the time taken for a pixel to shift from black to white and then back to black. A lower response time is preferable as it reduces the blurring of fast-moving images, which is particularly noticeable in gaming. Response times for typical office or homework displays are around 16 milliseconds (ms) or less, but can be as low as 1ms.

IPS panels have historically had slower response times than TN panels, but this has changed with improvements in manufacturing processes. While older IPS panels had response times of 8ms or more, today's IPS gaming screens average around 4ms, with some as low as 1ms. It is worth noting that a very fast overdrive mode can be added to achieve a response time of below 1ms, but this can introduce a lot of ghosting and overshoot, making the monitor unusable.

Refresh Rate

Refresh rate refers to the number of times per second that a monitor updates with new information. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and a higher number means a smoother image. A basic desktop display will have a refresh rate of 60Hz, while gaming displays can have refresh rates of 144Hz or higher. The higher the refresh rate, the lower the input lag, as the game is given more intervals to read and react to inputs.

IPS panels have historically struggled with refresh rates, but modern IPS panels have significantly improved in this area.

While response time and refresh rate are important factors to consider when choosing a monitor, it is also worth noting that a very high refresh rate may not be noticeable to the average user. Additionally, a lower frame rate or graphics card may limit the benefits of a high refresh rate. Therefore, it is essential to consider your specific use case and balance it with other specifications such as resolution, size, input options, and VRR.

Viewing angles

IPS monitors offer much better viewing angles than TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. TN panels are the most common type of PC monitor and offer benefits such as fast response times and low cost. However, their viewing angles are not as good as IPS monitors. If you are sitting straight on, a TN panel may be sufficient. However, if you are looking at your monitor from different angles, an IPS monitor will provide a better experience.

IPS monitors provide richer colours and better display quality, making them a popular choice for creatives and anyone working in visual media. They are also a good option for those who want their photos and videos to "pop". The improved viewing angles of IPS monitors also mean that they are a better choice for multiple viewers, such as in a collaborative work environment or when watching movies with family or friends.

While IPS monitors offer superior viewing angles to TN panels, it is worth noting that VA (Vertical Alignment) panels also offer good viewing angles. VA panels provide deep blacks and great viewing angles, making them a popular choice for TVs. However, they have slower response times than IPS panels, which can impact the gaming experience.

In summary, if you require a monitor with excellent viewing angles, rich colours, and high display quality, an IPS monitor is a strong option. However, if you are a competitive gamer or on a tight budget, a TN panel may be more suitable due to its faster response times and lower cost.

Colour accuracy

If colour accuracy is important to you, an IPS monitor is likely the best option. IPS stands for In-Plane Switching, and it's the display technology most commonly found on smartphones. IPS monitors produce much higher display quality, with better colours and viewing angles. This is important if you're looking at the monitor from an angle other than straight on.

IPS monitors are ideal for anyone working in visual media or for those who want their photos and videos to really pop. They are also the best all-round choice for creatives.

IPS panels tend to have a faster response time than VA panels since their crystals don't have to tip over and then twist as they do with VA. While VA panels can produce bright colours when needed, their resting state blocks light, giving them the lowest black level of all LCDs. A typical IPS panel will have a contrast of 1000:1 or lower, while VA panels can double that.

IPS monitors tend to be more expensive than TN or VA panels, but the value proposition is still fairly high when you compare the technical benefits against the increased cost.

If you're a gamer or on a tight budget, a TN monitor will likely be your best bet. They are the cheapest and offer the lowest response time and highest refresh rates. However, the viewing angles and colours aren't as good.

If you're looking for a screen to be part of a multimedia hub, VA might suit your needs. VA panels have poorer response times than IPS and TN panels, but they have very deep blacks and great viewing angles.

Frequently asked questions