IPS Vs LED Monitor (Key Differences & Which Is Better?)

Understanding IPS Monitors (Overview + Pros & Cons)

Compared to Vertical Alignment and Twisted Nematic panels, IPS provides better image quality and experience. The liquid molecules being transferred parallel to a substrate provides improved color reproduction. Also, they cover large amounts of sRGB gamut while contrast appears dark, retaining details.   

In-plane-switching screens are best for individuals that need a monitor with good color accuracy, such as artists, photographers, and graphic designers. Nevertheless, these monitors were initially built to address extensive problems in older model types, like limited color reproduction and viewing angles.  

Thus, most IPS monitors today have substantially wider viewing angles than their VA and TN counterparts. Moreover, they have some of the most brilliant and vivid colors available.   

However, compared to TN panels, the refresh rate of the IPS monitors is slow (75Hz). In addition, gaming-oriented IPS monitors exist, but they cost more than TN screens.

Understanding LED Monitors (Overview + Pros & Cons)

It might seem confusing when in reality, it’s not: both display types employ liquid crystals for helping create images; the only difference is the backlight. 

These monitors are less expensive than IPS monitors and feature a more comprehensive dimming range. In addition to that, it has a high contrast ratio, is relatively more reliable, and is less detrimental to the environment. For more info, read through our guide on monitor contrast ratio.

When it comes to LED monitors, two kinds of backlights are available in the market: direct-lit LEDs and edge-lit LEDs. Edge-lit LED backlights are placed around the screens’ edges. As a result, displays using this tech are more energy-efficient and thinner, adding aesthetic appeal.  

But, they could be less bright than displays using direct-lit LED backlights. In addition, they may have issues with backlight ghosting and uniformity. 

On the contrary, direct-lit LED backlights are placed behind a screen, providing higher brightness and better uniformity. However, they’re a bit heavier and have low contrast.

IPS Vs LED Monitor Comparison: Key Differences & Which Is Better? 

Now that you know what LED and IPS monitors are, let’s delve into some critical differences between the two and which is better:  

Image Quality 

With IPS tech providing crisp and clear imaging through their vivid colors along with improved color consistency as well, you’ll get a satisfying experience.

On the other hand, LED monitor screens are poor at accurately reproducing black color; however, they still have rich contrast. In addition, LED monitors viewing angle is also inferior and can wreak havoc if you’re not sitting directly before it, making colors appear rather peculiar.  

The viewing angle doesn’t matter much in terms of gaming. This means if you sit directly before the monitor, you won’t be able to notice any difference between IPS and LED monitors.    

Display & Compatibility 

In terms of display, the key difference lies with color and brightness. IPS display provides users to watch monitors from almost all angles without seeing color shifts of any sort on the model. Thus, you can lean back or front without worrying about image disintegration. 

On the contrary, the LED monitor’s main focus is light (brightness). So while coloring might get washed depending on brightness settings, its screen will remain lighted. IPS and LED monitors might differ in tech; however, there are a handful of models featuring a blend of both technologies: 

Power Consumption

LED monitors consume very little power from the outset. It’s also worth mentioning that simple LEDs use even less energy than LED and IPS equivalents.

It’s related to on-screen graphics and the light needed to brighten them. Less vibrant and darker graphics require little lighting, meaning the LEDs might slash power to conserve energy.  

In contrast, IPS monitors are solely about generating high-quality images that are clear and sharp. Since there’s no variable energy usage between color changes, you’ll need more energy to meet high-quality visuals.  

Response Time 

Response time for monitors is when they shift from one color to another. It’s typically measured utilizing the time in-between shifts from white to black and the other way around.  

You can easily notice response time differences when utilizing a specific display monitor to play fast-paced games like: 

Moreover, you should also remember that response time and refresh rate are different.  

Many people critiqued IPS panels due to their slow response time. But, their newer versions are relatively better and quicker. Nevertheless, the targeted audience of IPS monitors isn’t those prioritizing response time. 

If you’re looking for monitors with swift response timings, consider choosing LCD monitors with TN or VA panels. These monitors typically have a response time of 1ms.  

However, you should remember that LED monitors tend to have poor viewing angles and image quality compared to IPS monitors. It won’t bother you much if you sit directly before the screen when playing fast-paced games.  

Refresh Rates 

The refresh rate is how often (per second) the screen can draw new images. It’s measured in Hertz. This feature is increasingly crucial since higher refresh rates provide competitive advantages in different games such as PUBG, CSGO, etc. Monitors with lower refresh rates like 60Hz may not be sufficient for modern gaming.

Like response time, the refresh rate also remains lower for IPS due to the technology difference. However, the modern models provide 144 Hz refresh rates on modern-range monitor screens.  

Therefore, you can get higher refresh rates if you buy premium models. However, compared to TN and VA panels, IPS falls behind both response time and refresh rate. Therefore, the TN panel is the ideal option for high-paced games since it provides a better quick response rate and refresh rate.

Heat 

Generally speaking, the less power a device uses, the less heating it generates. However, since high-resolution IPS display monitors offer versatile and stunning image quality, they use more energy and produce more heat.  

And because of the backlit panel’s inconsistent display capabilities, many high-quality LED monitors emit comparatively little to no heat. If you worry about overheating units or cannot pay for the rest of the parts, LED monitors are the best option. 

Price  

The expense of monitors using IPS technology starts anywhere from $100 and more based on whether or not a panel instills other techs such as TN panels or different kinds of LCDs. Interestingly, mid-range IPS screen monitors typically exceed high-grade LED screen monitors.  

Nonetheless, you can find LED monitors at varying prices. For example, you can easily get amazing monitors for under $200, based on the model type and associated attributes.  

IPS & LED Monitor Frequently Asked Questions

Is IPS or LED monitors better for your eyes? 

Yes! However, IPS display monitors are less likely to induce eye strain than LED monitors. You’ll get stunning contrast ratios and reasonable color representation with IPS panels. Due to such reasons, they reduce the effort eyes take to crack things.   

Is IPS or LED monitor better for gaming? 

Both IPS and LED display monitors are better for gaming. However, LEDs are arguably the best choice if you seek gaming screens for fast-paced games. They provide effective power delivery, quicker pixel switching, improved image processing, and more.    

How do LCD monitors differ from IPS & LED? 

Most people often get confused about the difference between LCD, LED, and IPS. Both IPS and LED are kinds of LCD monitors. And while they use liquid crystals to form a picture, the distinction lies in backlights.  

Which monitor is best for work from home? 

Are you looking for a monitor to work from home? If so, look no further than IPS monitors. They provide some of the best image quality.  

In addition to that, the IPS panel provides users with a balanced blend of viewing angle and color reproduction. It means contrast and color reproduction are minimally affected at different viewing angles.  

Conclusion

Every monitor has its advantages and disadvantages. No matter whichever you select – whether LED or IPS –  it won’t let you down if it meets your preference and needs.  

Nevertheless, IPS monitor screens are the best options if budget isn’t the concern and you want several viewing angles and better color and image quality. However, if you’re budget conscious, LEDs might be the right monitors.