This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Mamija
If you’ve ever spent more than five minutes shopping for a monitor, you’ve definitely seen the term IPS pop up. IPS this, IPS that. But if you’re anything like me the first time I went hunting for a new display, you probably shrugged and thought, “Cool—what even is that?”
I used to think IPS was just another meaningless acronym brands threw around to make their screens sound fancier. But after testing dozens of monitors over the years—both budget and premium—I’ve come to appreciate why IPS panels actually matter, and when they’re worth paying for.
Let me break it down in a way that makes sense if you’re looking at monitors and wondering whether IPS is the right move.
So, What Does IPS Actually Mean?
IPS stands for In-Plane Switching, and it’s one of the main types of LCD panel technology—alongside VA (Vertical Alignment) and TN (Twisted Nematic). I won’t bore you with the science too much, but the gist is that IPS panels arrange liquid crystals in a way that keeps colors consistent no matter how you’re viewing the screen.
This is the tech that gives IPS monitors their biggest selling point: superior viewing angles and color accuracy.
If you’ve ever tilted your old laptop screen and seen the colors go all weird or washed-out, that was probably a TN panel. With IPS, the image stays pretty much the same whether you’re sitting dead center or off to the side.
Why Do Gamers and Creators Like IPS?
Back when I first got into PC gaming seriously, I used a cheap 1080p TN panel. It was fine at the time—I was playing mostly CS:GO and cared more about frames than looks. But once I switched to a 144Hz IPS panel for testing, I didn’t want to go back. It wasn’t just smoother; it looked better. Colors popped, shadows weren’t muddy, and the image didn’t fall apart if I leaned back on my chair or played split-screen with a friend.
If you’re someone who does photo editing, video work, or just watches a lot of Netflix on your PC—an IPS panel can make a huge difference in how your content looks. Even budget IPS monitors look noticeably richer and more vibrant than their TN counterparts.
The Real-World Benefits of IPS Panels
Color Consistency:
This is the one that hits you immediately. Whether you’re browsing Reddit, editing photos, or watching a movie, colors on an IPS monitor tend to feel more lifelike. Reds look like actual reds, not pink-orange hybrids.Wide Viewing Angles:
On my current 27-inch IPS display, I can have friends sitting next to me during a game session or movie night, and they see basically the same picture I do. That wouldn’t be possible on a VA or TN screen without someone getting the short end of the viewing angle.Less Color Shift:
If you’re working on something visual—design, YouTube thumbnails, streaming overlays—you’ll notice that what you see on screen is closer to how it’ll look elsewhere. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
What IPS Panels Aren’t Great At
Let’s be real. IPS isn’t perfect.
Black levels and contrast ratios are where VA panels still have the edge. If you’re watching something like The Batman at night in a dark room, the blacks on an IPS monitor might look a bit grey. And while modern IPS displays have improved here, it’s something you’ll notice if you care about deep contrast.
Response times have also traditionally lagged behind TN and VA panels, especially on older or cheaper IPS models. That said, most 2023–2025 IPS gaming monitors have closed the gap big time. If you’re picking up something like the Dell S2721DGF or LG UltraGear 27GL83A, ghosting won’t be a problem.
My Favorite IPS Monitors I’ve Tested
Over the past couple years, I’ve used and tested a lot of displays. Here are a few IPS monitors that genuinely impressed me:
LG 27GL850 / 27GP83B: These are kinda the gold standard for QHD gaming on IPS. 144Hz, excellent color, super responsive. Perfect if you’re into competitive gaming and content.
Acer Nitro XV272U: Probably the best budget 1440p IPS panel I’ve used. I remember thinking, “Wait, this thing’s under $300?” It’s not flashy, but the image is clean, fast, and really sharp.
ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV: If you do a lot of creative work, this is one of the few mid-range IPS monitors that comes calibrated out of the box. Colors were on-point for Lightroom and DaVinci Resolve.
IPS vs VA vs TN – Quick Recap
If you’re trying to choose between monitor types, here’s how I’d sum it up based on my actual experience:
IPS: Best all-around. Great colors, good for everything from gaming to office to creative work. Slightly more expensive, but worth it.
VA: Best for watching content or dark scenes—strong contrast. OK for gaming but can feel sluggish depending on the model.
TN: Best response times, cheapest price, but colors are usually flat and viewing angles narrow.
Are All IPS Monitors Equal?
Nope. Just because something says IPS doesn’t mean it’s automatically amazing. I’ve seen some budget IPS monitors that still looked kinda washed out or had bad brightness.
If you’re shopping on Amazon, look out for the following:
Color Gamut specs (sRGB, AdobeRGB percentages)
Peak Brightness (ideally over 250–300 nits for office/gaming)
sRGB Mode or custom calibration profiles in the menu
Also, keep an eye on user reviews. I’ve dodged some duds just by scrolling through feedback on Reddit or Newegg.
One Redditor said it best when comparing a no-name IPS monitor to a Dell UltraSharp:
“They both say IPS, but one looks like a monitor, the other looks like a window. Don’t just go by the spec sheet.”
Couldn’t agree more.
Who Should Get an IPS Monitor?
If you fall into one of these groups, IPS is probably your best bet:
You play both competitive and cinematic games and want balanced visuals.
You care about accurate color and want your screen to look good from any angle.
You’re building a dual-purpose setup for work and entertainment.
You’re tired of your current screen looking dull or washed out.
But if you only care about ultra-high contrast, or you’re on a really tight budget and just need “a screen,” you might want to explore VA panels instead.
Final Verdict: Is an IPS Monitor Worth It?
From someone who’s made the switch and never looked back—yes, IPS is 100% worth it in most cases.
It’s not about chasing buzzwords or maxing out every stat. It’s about getting a monitor that makes games look better, colors pop, and daily tasks easier on your eyes. Whether you’re gaming, editing, watching content, or just browsing, an IPS display is a solid foundation.
If I were building a new setup today, IPS would be my go-to for the main screen. It strikes the right balance between speed, color, comfort, and price.
Just don’t forget to check for things like brightness, refresh rate, and build quality. Not all IPS monitors are created equal—but when you find a good one, it’s a game-changer.
If you want to dig deeper into how IPS monitors really perform in everyday use, I’ve actually written a full piece that breaks it down based on my experience. You can check it out in this article on Mamija Gaming.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Mamija