Ips Monitor Buying Guide: Choosing The Best Display

When it comes to choosing a monitor, there are several factors to consider, including size, resolution, panel type, and refresh rate. One popular choice for computer monitors is an IPS monitor, which stands for In-Plane Switching. IPS monitors offer superior color accuracy, wider viewing angles, and better image quality compared to other types of displays. They are widely used for gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks.

IPS monitors use liquid crystal molecules that are aligned horizontally, allowing light to pass through without distortion, resulting in more accurate and vibrant colors. They also provide a more immersive experience, making them ideal for visually stunning and graphically intense games. Additionally, IPS monitors have standard connectivity options like HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI, making them compatible with various devices.

When deciding on an IPS monitor, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. IPS monitors come in a range of sizes and can be used for dual monitor setups. They tend to consume slightly more power than TN panels but often include energy-saving features. While IPS monitors excel in color accuracy and viewing angles, TN panels offer faster response times and are generally cheaper.

IPS monitors are available from various brands, including Samsung, LG, Dell, and Asus, offering different features and price points to suit diverse requirements. Whether you're a gamer, graphic designer, or everyday user, an IPS monitor can enhance your visual experience and improve your overall productivity.

IPS monitors for gaming

IPS monitors are a great choice for gaming, offering superior colour accuracy and wide viewing angles. They are a type of LCD monitor, with liquid crystals aligned in parallel, and have improved significantly in recent years.

IPS panels used to be considered a no-go for gaming due to slow response times and high input lag, but these issues have been addressed and modern IPS panels can now compete with TN panels for speed. IPS monitors also used to be expensive to produce, but improved manufacturing techniques have brought the cost down.

IPS panels offer the best colours of any panel type, with greater colour gamut performance leading to richer colours for your games. They also have the best viewing angles, with brightness levels remaining consistent even when viewed from wide angles. This makes them ideal for local co-op gaming sessions.

When choosing an IPS gaming monitor, opt for one with at least a 1080p resolution, and consider 2K or 4K for sharper visuals. A refresh rate of at least 120Hz is recommended, with some monitors offering an even smoother experience of over 300Hz. For an even smoother experience, consider a monitor with variable refresh rate technology, like AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync, to eliminate screen tearing. A response time of 5ms or less will reduce motion blur and ghosting in fast-moving graphics.

ViewSonic OMNI Gaming Monitors

ViewSonic's OMNI VX28 Series of fast IPS monitors offers a combination of superior colour accuracy, wide viewing angles, and lightning-fast response times. With a 180Hz refresh rate, 0.5ms MPRT response time, and AMD FreeSync, these monitors are great for immersive gaming. They are available in 24” and 27” sizes and feature HDR10 for enhanced contrast and colour saturation.

Dell Alienware AW2725QF

The Dell Alienware AW2725QF is an excellent choice for a 4K IPS gaming monitor. It offers rich, accurate colours and great viewing angles, with a native 4K resolution that can reach a respectable 180Hz refresh rate. It also has the option to drop to 1080p and rocket the refresh rate up to 360Hz, giving you the best of both worlds: crispness and fluidity. The panel can reach a peak brightness of 600 nits and is rated to cover 95% of the DCI-P3 colour space. It also features two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 4K 120Hz compatibility for console players.

Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM

The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM is a great budget option, offering a 27-inch Full HD display with an overclockable 240Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and adaptive sync for smooth action. Its IPS panel offers decent viewing angles and colour reproduction, while the 400-nit brightness makes it suitable for use in brighter spaces. It also has a height-adjustable pivoting stand, two HDMI ports, and one DisplayPort for ample connectivity.

Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2 Pro

The Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2 Pro is a stunning 32-inch 4K gaming monitor with an extremely thin panel. It supports a high refresh rate of 240Hz and features an OLED panel with up to 99% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, delivering exceptional picture quality. It also comes with quality-of-life features like picture-in-picture and an automatic black equalizer.

Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is an incredible budget option, offering features and picture quality that are usually reserved for monitors well over double its price. It has a mini-LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones, allowing for fine control over the dark and light areas of the screen and delivering a picture that's surprisingly close to OLED monitors. It also achieves a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and supports a refresh rate of 180Hz.

AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD

The AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD is a high-end OLED ultrawide gaming monitor with a massive 45-inch screen and a slight curvature for an immersive gaming experience. It offers a 240Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, and G-Sync compatibility for tear-free gaming. The OLED panel provides a near-infinite contrast ratio for true blacks, and its brightness is commendable, allowing highlights to pop.

Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP

The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP is a great choice for competitive gamers, with a native 480Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time. It offers exceptional HDR performance thanks to its WOLED panel, and impressive out-of-the-box colour accuracy. It also features a wide array of OLED protections, including pixel shifting, pixel refresh cycles, and a dynamic dimming mode to ward off image retention.

IPS monitors for work

IPS monitors are a popular choice for work, gaming, and entertainment. They offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Wide viewing angles: IPS monitors provide a wide viewing angle of up to 178 degrees, making them ideal for collaboration or when viewing the screen from different positions.
• Superior colour accuracy: IPS monitors are known for their accurate and vibrant colours, making them suitable for tasks that require precise colour details, such as graphic design, photo editing, and video editing.
• Better image quality: IPS panels deliver better image quality compared to other types of displays, with richer colours and sharper details.
• High resolution: IPS monitors typically have high resolutions, such as QHD or 4K, resulting in crisp and clear visuals.
• Versatility: IPS monitors can be used for various tasks, including gaming, programming, coding, and everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing.
• Standard connectivity: IPS monitors usually have standard connectivity options like HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI, making them easy to connect to your computer or other devices.

When choosing an IPS monitor for work, consider factors such as size, resolution, response time, colour accuracy, and connectivity options. Additionally, look for features that enhance your work experience, such as built-in speakers, height adjustment, pivoting, tilting, and swivel capabilities.

• Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE): This monitor offers a high 4K resolution, wide viewing angles, and extensive ergonomic features. It also includes a USB-C connection that can charge your laptop and provide Ethernet connectivity.
• HP E27m G4 QHD USB-C Conferencing Monitor: This monitor is ideal for teleconferencing, with a hi-res webcam, powerful speakers, dual microphones, and USB-C connectivity. It also offers a 27-inch QHD screen with good colour coverage and ergonomic stand.
• HP 24mh 23.8-Inch Display: This budget-friendly monitor provides excellent colour coverage and a high contrast ratio for an IPS panel. It includes a DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA connectors, as well as height, pivot, and tilt adjustment.
• MSI PRO MP273A 27" IPS LCD FHD FreeSync Monitor: This monitor is designed to reduce eye strain and fatigue during extended use, making it suitable for long work hours. It offers a clear picture and has a sleek design.
• BenQ AQCOLOR PD2706UA Designer 27" IPS LED 4K UHD Monitor: This monitor covers 95% of the P3 colour gamut and 100% of sRGB/Rec.709, ensuring accurate and vibrant colours. It also includes an ergonomic stand for flexible adjustments.

IPS monitors for photo and video editing

IPS monitors are a great choice for photo and video editing, offering accurate colour reproduction and great viewing angles. When choosing an IPS monitor for these tasks, there are several key features to consider.

Firstly, you should look for a monitor with good colour accuracy and a wide colour gamut. This will ensure that the colours on your screen are accurate and consistent, which is crucial for photo and video editing. Look for monitors that cover a high percentage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 colour spaces.

The resolution of the monitor is also important. A 4K resolution will provide a sharp and detailed image, but if you are working with a smaller screen (less than 27 inches), you may not notice much of a difference between 4K and FHD.

The size of the monitor is another important consideration. A larger monitor will give you more screen space to work with, but it will also take up more physical space on your desk. A good middle ground is a 27-inch monitor, which offers a balance between screen real estate and desk space.

Other features to look for include ergonomic stands that allow you to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel of the monitor, as well as connectivity options such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C.

• Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U4025QW): This monitor offers a massive port selection and a high-contrast screen, making it a great choice for photographers and videographers.
• Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC: This monitor provides superior colour accuracy and coverage, with multiple HDR modes and an included colourimeter.
• ViewSonic ColorPro VP2776: Features a magnetically attached glare-blocking hood and an easy-to-use calibration tool, making it a good choice for professionals.
• BenQ PD3220U DesignVue Designer Monitor: This monitor offers a large screen, UHD resolution, good colour accuracy, and convenient features such as a built-in KVM switch.
• ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED Portable Monitor: If you need a portable option, this monitor offers a wide colour gamut and excellent contrast, making it a great choice for on-the-go photo and video editing.
• Apple Pro Display XDR: This monitor offers exceptional colour accuracy and build quality, but it comes with a high price tag.
• BenQ SW321C: With excellent colour accuracy and coverage, this monitor is a great choice for professionals. It also includes useful features such as Paper Color Sync mode and M Book mode.
• Iiyama Prolite XUB3293UHSN-B5: This affordable 32-inch 4K IPS screen offers good colour coverage and an integrated KVM switch, making it a great budget option.
• Eizo ColorEdge CG319X: With unparalleled image quality and a unique built-in hardware colour calibration tool, this monitor is the ultimate choice for professionals, but it comes with a high price tag.

IPS monitors for programming

When it comes to monitors for programming, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, a big screen is beneficial so you can see more lines of code at once, but the size is ultimately a personal preference. A high resolution is also important as it increases pixel density and results in sharp text clarity, which is useful for coding.

Monitors with wide viewing angles and good ergonomics are also recommended if you need to share your screen with a coworker, as the image remains consistent from the sides. If you code in a dark room with a dark mode, a monitor with a high contrast ratio will help display deep blacks, but high brightness is more beneficial if you're working in a well-lit room.

IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitors are a good option for programming as they offer rich colours and better viewing angles than TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. They also have faster response times and better colour/contrast than many VA (Vertical Alignment) panels. IPS monitors are known for their colour accuracy and consistency, making them ideal for graphic designers, CAD engineers, pro photographers, and video editors.

Dell U2723QE

The Dell U2723QE is a 27-inch, 4K monitor with a range of productivity features, including a large USB hub and a KVM switch for easy switching between computers. Its high resolution means you can easily read your code and view more lines at once. It uses an IPS Black panel, which offers a decent contrast ratio, making it suitable for use in dark rooms.

Dell U4025QW

If you're looking for an ultrawide screen, the Dell U4025QW is a good option. It has a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it easier to see more of your work at once, and its 5120x2160 resolution results in fantastic text clarity. Like the U2723QE, it uses an IPS Black panel, making it suitable for use in dark rooms. It also has a KVM switch and a large USB hub with Thunderbolt 4 support.

Dell S2722QC

The Dell S2722QC is a mid-range alternative to the Dell U2723QE and U4025QW. It has a smaller USB hub and doesn't have a KVM switch, but it offers 65W of power delivery and supports Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture. Its 4K resolution results in very sharp text, and its wide viewing angles and fantastic ergonomics make it easy to adjust and share your screen with others.

Dell S2721QS

If you're on a budget, the Dell S2721QS is a good option. It's similar to the S2722QC but has fewer features, as it doesn't have any USB ports. However, it has a high brightness and good reflection handling, making it suitable for use in bright environments.

Dell P2425H

For something even cheaper and simpler, consider the Dell P2425H. It's a basic, entry-level monitor with a lower resolution and smaller screen, but it still offers more features than other cheap monitors, including a USB hub. Its ergonomic stand makes it easy to adjust, and its text clarity is decent.

BenQ GW2785TC

The BenQ GW2785TC is a 27-inch 1080p work monitor with a specialised Coding mode that lets you display a stark contrast of colours on a black background. It also has eye-care features like eReader picture mode and Care Mode for sensitive eyes. It offers good connectivity with a USB-C port, HDMI 1.4, and DisplayPort 1.2, and it has a built-in noise-cancelling USB mic.

Philips 288E2A

The Philips 288E2A is an affordable 28-inch 4K monitor with an IPS panel, offering excellent viewing angles. It has decent pixel density, so fonts and menus are crisp and clear. However, it's not the brightest screen at 300 nits, and it lacks USB-C connectivity and HDR support.

Huawei MateView

The Huawei MateView is a 28.2-inch monitor with an unusual 3:2 aspect ratio, providing more vertical space for comfortable coding. It has a USB-C interface with 65W of power delivery, making it ideal for laptop users. It offers good accuracy at 98% coverage of DCI-P3 and is rated at 500 nits for brightness.

Dell SE3223Q

The Dell SE3223Q is a 32-inch 4K display that offers excellent value for money. It uses a VA panel, so the response, colour accuracy, and viewing angles are slightly compromised, but it delivers excellent contrast, which helps with font clarity and reduces eye fatigue during long coding sessions.

Dell UltraSharp U4021QW

The Dell UltraSharp U4021QW is a 40-inch ultrawide monitor with a high resolution of 5120x2160, resulting in crisp fonts and huge working space. It offers excellent colour coverage at 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut and USB-C connectivity with 90W of power delivery.

Samsung Viewfinity S9

The Samsung Viewfinity S9 (also known as the S90PC) is a 27-inch monitor with a 5K resolution, built-in colour calibration, and a detachable Slimfit webcam. It offers excellent connectivity with USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and DisplayPort.

Dell S2722QC

IPS monitors for watching movies and streaming

IPS monitors are a great choice for watching movies and streaming content. When it comes to choosing the right IPS monitor for this purpose, there are several factors to consider, including screen size, resolution, colour accuracy, contrast ratio, and connectivity options. Here are some recommendations and key features to look for when making your decision:

BenQ EX240 (23.8-inch, 165Hz IPS):

• Offers an IPS-type panel with an sRGB colour gamut, delivering rich and natural colours.
• Flexible gamma settings allow for fine-tuning to suit your preferences.
• While contrast isn't its key strength, it performs well in brighter room lighting.
• Supports multiple refresh rates, including 24Hz (24p) and up to 165Hz.
• Integrated TreVolo speakers provide richer sound than typical integrated speakers.
• Includes Low Blue Light (LBL) settings for a more relaxing viewing experience.

AOC C24G1/C24G1A (23.6-inch, 144Hz/165Hz curved VA):

• Features a VA panel with an sRGB colour gamut, resulting in natural-looking images with less saturation.
• Strong contrast enhances the atmospheric look of dark scenes and helps bright elements stand out.
• The 1500R curve adds a bit of immersion without feeling unnatural.
• Pixel responsiveness is better than average for this panel type, making it suitable for movie content.
• Includes Low Blue Light (LBL) settings for comfortable viewing.

Philips 288E2UAE/288E2E (28-inch, 60Hz IPS):

• Provides a 28-inch 4K UHD IPS-type panel with strong clarity for 4K video content.
• Handles Full HD content well, running at its native resolution.
• The IPS panel keeps colours consistent and rich throughout the screen.
• The light to very matte screen surface helps maintain clarity and vibrancy.
• Contrast is adequate for brighter room lighting but may not deliver a deep atmospheric experience in a dark room.
• Includes flexible Low Blue Light (LBL) settings.

AOC Q27G3XMN(/BK) (27-inch, 180Hz VA):

• Delivers a dynamic HDR experience through a 336-zone 'Mini LED' backlight and a VA panel with strong native contrast.
• Offers good brightness levels, including for bright shades, and supports local dimming under SDR for enhanced contrast.
• The VA panel provides decent colour consistency, and the generous gamut adds vibrancy to the visuals.
• Pixel responsiveness is reasonable for the panel type, ensuring a competent performance for video content of any frame rate.
• Includes Low Blue Light (LBL) settings for relaxed viewing.

MSI MAG 322UPF (32-inch, 160Hz IPS):

• Features a 32-inch IPS-type panel with a 4K UHD resolution, providing an immersive experience.
• The generous DCI-P3 colour gamut adds vibrancy without the oversaturated appearance of wider gamuts.
• The light to very light matte screen surface preserves clarity and vibrancy, with a smoother finish that prevents graininess when viewing lighter content.
• Supports VESA DisplayHDR 400, allowing it to utilise its DCI-P3 gamut effectively.
• Provides competent pixel responsiveness for movie content of all frame rates.
• Includes 'Low Blue Light Hardware Solution' certification and additional Low Blue Light (LBL) settings for viewing comfort.

When choosing an IPS monitor for movies and streaming, consider your budget, the desired screen size, and the specific features that align with your viewing preferences. Additionally, ensure that the monitor has the necessary connectivity options (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, etc.) to suit your setup.

Frequently asked questions