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IPS stands for in-panel switching and are the best quality LCD panels at present. However, they also have a premium price tag compared to other types due to their higher quality of images, color reproduction, and viewing angles.

If you need a monitor for intensive and color-dependent tasks like graphic design, animation, and parts designing, IPS displays would be your best bet. The viewing angles can be up to 178 degrees on higher-end models so they are preferred if people want a multi-screen display.

However, IPS panels are not the best in every aspect when it comes to LCD displays. The response times are a tad bit slower compared to TN panels and range between 5-16ms. So, for gaming purposes, unless you can buy the higher-end IPS LCD’s, your better option would be TN LCD’s. IPS panels are again differentiated as S-IPS, H-IPS, E-IPS, and P-IPS. But, the difference between them is very nominal.

VA stands for vertical alignment technology and is the middle ground for LCD panels. VA’s are known for their superior image quality compared to IPS panels. The contrast levels and black uniformity offered by VA’s are far superior compared to IPS.

However, the viewing angles of VA’s are the major dealbreaker when comparing with other LCD panels. Even a slight tilt in angle makes the screen unviewable and so they are only used for a handful of purposes.

The response times offered by VA panels are also below par and are definitely not preferred for gaming. Some users have also reported a delay in response while doing basic tasks such as typing. There was a time when all LCD TV’s were using VA panels, but as IPS image quality improved, the manufacturers traded a slightly higher image quality for overall better features.

TN display stands for twisted nematic display and is the most affordable and widely used panel at present. The USP of TN displays is definitely a very high response time. It varies between 1-5ms, which is way higher than any other LCD panel, making it ideal for gaming and other high-intensity activities.

However, the tradeoff in TN displays is the very low image quality compared to an IPS or VA panel. This is largely attributed to the 6-bit configuration as compared to the 8-bit configuration in IPS and VA panels. The lower bits mean that the TN panel cannot display the whole range of colors like an IPS or VA panel. Dithering is a tech that has been adopted to overcome this con, but it still can’t make the image quality even compared to other LCD panels. TN panels are currently used extensively in offices around the world and unless IPS panels become cheaper, that will remain the case.