So, you’re in the market for a new computer monitor—which means there’s an overwhelming sea of options facing you. But if the phrase IPS monitors has popped into your head, you’ll naturally be thinking, What actually makes it so special, anyway? And why should I care?
It does not matter if it is content creation, gaming, or the simple usage of your computer for elongated hours; knowing about an IPS can get you an even better option. Well, let’s get down and find out in simplified terms just how an IPS monitor might become a perfect screen for you.
What, then is an IPS monitor?
IPS stands for In-Plane Switching, which is a type of technology utilized in LCD monitors. Generally, IPS was developed to solve those problems that earlier monitors had: mainly, poor color quality and narrow viewing angles. If you ever used an old monitor and noticed that the picture would look completely different when you moved to the side, then you’ve experienced a TN panel, which tends to have very limited viewing angles and color accuracy.
A major breakthrough with IPS monitors is the fact that the colors can be maintained right, clear, and even when one is not sitting directly in front of the screen. For this very reason, IPS monitors have been made a necessary factor for anyone seeking accuracy—be it in creating artwork or enjoying lively content.
Key Benefits of IPS Monitors
Now, let’s find out whether the hype about IPS monitors is well-deserved and how they can be helpful for you in everyday use.
1. True-to-Life Colors
If you had some problems with weird color representations on your screen, then the IPS monitor will fix that for you. These monitors boast great color accuracy. Unlike other screen types, IPS monitors display rich, vivid colors and help preserve the integrity of your images as they should be seen. Be it photo editing or movie watching, the colors will be consistent and true, making your content pop in a way that feels natural.
For professionals who work with visuals, such as photographers, graphic designers, and video editors, having a monitor that showcases colors as close to reality is not a luxury but a necessity. With the wide color gamut, IPS screens help you make precise color decisions you need without changing your mind over and over.
2. Wide Viewing Angles
Another great feature of IPS monitors is their wide viewing angles. Compared to other monitor types, say TN panels, the picture washed out whenever you weren’t sitting right in front of the screen. The beauty of IPS technology is that it doesn’t matter where in relation you sit to your monitor, you still get clear and vibrant visuals with no noticeable drop-off in quality. This is especially useful if you share content or work in a team, since it means everyone has the same image in terms of detail and brightness.
3. Better for Work & Play
Whether one is doing detailed work or just binge-watching his favorite Netflix series, IPS monitors do it all. Although the monitors may be more expensive compared to TN panels, they strike an excellent balance between creative professionals and gamers.
- For Creators: As mentioned earlier, designers and photographers love IPS monitors because of their color accuracy. This technology helps make sure what you’re working on looks exactly the way it should, which is crucial for creating high-quality content that looks great across all devices.
- For Gamers: While TN monitors are still the best choice where response time is concerned and one is indulging in fast-paced games, modern IPS monitors have caught up quite well. Many even boast of a 240Hz refresh rate and super-fast response times. You can enjoy excellent gaming experiences without having to compromise on visuals.
4. Improved Contrast and Brightness
What gets lost on the backburner for people most often with IPS monitors is their improved contrast ratios. In the nature of how the pixels align themselves, IPS technology aids in producing good contrast, thereby keeping the darks from being lost in shadows, while the light tones stay bright but not overexposed. All this makes the IPS monitors nothing but perfect for general use to watching movies or playing video games enriched with graphics, where even minute details matter.
Why You Should Choose an IPS Monitor?
By now that you have heard all the benefits of an IPS monitor, you probably wonder, “Why should I go with one over other types of displays?” The simple answer is that IPS monitors just plain provide the best all-around experience for a myriad of different needs.
1. If You’re a Creative Professional
For activities that require an eye for detail and accurate colors, think photo editing, video production, or graphic design; IPS monitors are the way to go. Since color fidelity and image sharpness are critical, having a monitor that gets those details right is vital. An IPS monitor ensures every color stays true to give you confidence in knowing your work will look just as good elsewhere.
2. For Office Work
If your work doesn’t need complex design work, don’t just write off IPS monitors yet! For daily tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheet work, and web browsing, an IPS display offers clarity, color reproduction, and comfort. Moreover, wide viewing angles are convenient for teamwork and screen sharing.
3. For Gaming and Entertainment
Not all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy—IPS monitors are equally perfect for fun and entertainment. Be it playing your favorite game or streaming movies, sharp images with vibrant colors and impressive viewing angles make everything look great. Contemporary IPS gaming monitors are engineered to handle fast action and, at the same time, are considered a good option for gamers who look toward high visual quality, coupled with excellent performance.
IPS Monitors vs Other Display Types
Now that you’ve learned what makes IPS monitors stand out from the rest, let’s take a look and see how they compare with other types of monitors you might encounter.
- TN Panels: These are the fastest monitors around and are perfect for gamers who need the best response times possible. However, in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles, TN panels are less than stellar.
- VA Panels: These give superior contrast to IPS monitors but the color consistency and viewing angle for them isn’t quite solid. IPS monitors exhibit higher color consistency and, on the whole, have easier and more detailed visual tasks enabled. For most people, an IPS monitor would deliver the right balance between performance and visuals of the display. It is really well-suited, from everyday use to photo editing or hard-core gaming.
Related articles: IPS vs. LED Monitors: Which One is Better for You?
In a nutshell
If you’re after a monitor with good color representation, wide viewing angles, and great performance in different usage scenarios, then an IPS monitor is your best bet. Whether for work, gaming, or entertainment, an IPS monitor will elevate your experience.
An IPS monitor is an investment in a screen that looks great from any angle and makes everything you see crisp, clear, and full of life. If someone is seeking performance without giving up quality, this can be the perfect choice.
