If you’re looking for a brand new monitor, you’ll come across a lot of specs. Some specs are immediately clear – even for the layman – while others require more explanation.
Take the panel for example. IPS, TN and VA are the most commonly used panels for monitors and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, there is no such thing as the ‘best’ panel: it depends on your user scenario.
I dived into the matter to help you get an answer to the question of which panel is most suitable for your situation. In this article I compare the three superpowers in this field: TN versus IPS versus VA.
What is a panel?
The panel is the most important part of a monitor. It ensures that the image is displayed. IPS, TN and VA are all three LCD technologies. This means that a backlit layer is present. This can cause ‘backlight bleeding’ – a light gradient along the edges of your screen. That is possible, but does not necessarily happen.
Keep in mind that there is much more to the search for the best monitor. Other points of interest, for example:
- Is a high screen resolution used, such as Full HD or 4K ?
- What size do you want: a 27 inch monitor, a 24 inch monitor or something else?
- What connections are available on the monitor?
TN (twisted nematic)
TN (twisted nematic) is the oldest technology and works with liquid crystals that twist the polarization of light.
TN panels especially excel in response time. This is the time it takes for a screen to switch from one color to another. With TN, this is usually between 1 and 2 milliseconds.
Also, TN panels normally have the highest refresh rate, or how many frames per second a screen can calculate, indicated in hertz (Hz). In concrete terms, this ensures a smooth display of moving images.
In addition, the panels consume less energy than IPS and VA. And also not unimportant: TN has the lowest price tag.
Then the cons. For the best visual experience, you should not take a TN panel: the color reproduction is faded. Most TN panels cannot display true 24-bit color.
There is therefore no support for HDR (high dynamic range) on TN panels. This is a technology that enables a monitor to display a wider spectrum of colors and contrasts.
Also, the contrast of TN is weak and this panel type has limited viewing angles. The latter means that the image is less sharp if you are not directly in front of it. This is especially disadvantageous if you are behind the screen with several users.
IPS (in-plane switching)
An IPS (in-plane switching) panel uses liquid crystals aligned in parallel and rotating to allow light to pass through.
Those who want to see a visual feast unfold before their eyes are looking for an IPS panel. The color reproduction is by far the best. You see vibrant and true-to-life colors, sharp details and clear images. On top of that, it has the widest viewing angle of up to 178 degrees.
The contrast of IPS panels is also good, although VA is the lord and master of that. The response time is around four milliseconds. That is better than VA, but still quite a bit different from TN.
The biggest drawback is that IPS panels are the most expensive of the three. The energy consumption is also the highest of the three panels. Finally, IPS has the lowest refresh rate: you don’t come across more than 75 Hz quickly.
What is Nano IPS?
Nano-IPS is an improved version of IPS, developed by technology giant LG and introduced in 2019. The use of nanoparticles on the backlight absorbs unnecessary light waves. This leads to an even richer color reproduction.
In addition, Nano-IPS panels have a much faster response time than ‘normal’ IPS panels: only 1 millisecond. For these impressive specifications you have to dig deep into your pockets for the time being.
VA (vertical alignment)
VA (vertical alignment) uses vertically aligned crystals that tilt to allow light to pass through.
VA is the king of contrast: this one is beautiful. The panels clearly show differences between light and dark and have deep black tones. VA displays typically offer three to five times more contrast than IPS or TN displays.
In many other areas, VA is the happy medium between TN and IPS. For example, it has good viewing angles, but they are slightly less wide than with IPS.
The color reproduction is acceptable. While it shows much nicer colors than TN, it’s a bit of a stark contrast to the visual arts of IPS. The energy consumption, viewing angles, refresh rate and price are also in between IPS and TN.
The response time is the Achilles heel of VA panels: it is usually around five milliseconds.
A small side note
The technology world is always changing. That is why, for example, nowadays there are IPS panels with a higher refresh rate and VA panels with a faster response time.
My advice is therefore not to focus on the panel type, but also to always look at the individual properties of a monitor.
The future: OLED
OLED stands for organic light emitting diode and is a technology that promises perfect contrast, deep black and fast pixel response. With this type of panel, there is no backlight, but the pixels themselves light up.
Televisions have been embracing this technology for some time, but the technology is still a rarity in the world of computer monitors. There is a clear reason for this: the high price.
Because that price is gradually falling, it is to be expected that OLED panels will become more common in the future, including in computers.
Tip: would you like to work on an OLED screen, but don’t want to pay the top price? Then you can consider using your TV as a monitor.
Which panel is best?
To make the above information clearer for you, I have listed the most important properties of the panels in a table below. ‘1’ is the best option, ‘3’ the least good option.
| TN | IPS | VA | |
| Response time | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Refresh rate | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Contrast | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Color display | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Viewing angles | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Favorable price | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Low energy consumption | 1 | 3 | 2 |
The best panel for gamers
Reaction time as well as color reproduction and contrast are important components of a gaming experience. Because each panel type distinguishes itself with a different aspect, you still have to make a choice.
The fast response time and high refresh rate seem to weigh most heavily on most gamers, as the TN panel is the most popular among those looking for a gaming monitor.
Screens with a slow response time can cause ghosting during gaming. This means that an object leaves a trail of pixels when moving quickly, creating a shadow-like image. You will not be bothered by this with a TN panel.
With an IPS panel, monitor ghosting can occur if you play a fast-paced shooter or racing game, and the chance is greatest with VA. Low response time can also cause motion blur. This effect blurs fast movements.
The fact that TN panels are preferably for the wallet can undoubtedly do no harm. Then you have some extra budget left over for games.
Do you like to play games where the focus is not on speed, but on the visual experience? Then you prefer to ignore the TN panel and opt for an IPS panel.
The best panel for photo and video editing
Because an IPS panel shows the most beautiful colors and has the widest viewing angles, it is the best choice for graphic work.
Then comes the VA panel. This panel type also has the best contrast. The TN panel is less suitable for photo and video editing, because these panels do not excel in colors and contrast, but in speed.
The best general purpose panel
The VA panel is seen as an all-rounder; a nice compromise between TN and IPS panels. The technique is therefore very suitable for general use and ‘normal’ office work. For example, if you are looking for a monitor for working from home, a VA panel is a good option.
Conclusion
As you have read, each type of panel is suitable for different purposes. Are you a gamer? Then consider a TN panel. Are you involved in graphic work and/or do you want to see films in good quality? Then choose an IPS panel. Do you want the best of both worlds ? Then I recommend a VA panel.
I hope that after reading this article you know exactly what TN, IPS and VA are good at and what they are not. Thanks for reading and let us know what your favorite panel is.