IPS vs. VA: Choosing the Right Monitor Panel

VA technology delivers deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios, creating more cinematic visuals compared to IPS panels.

Hardware by Katmin on Sep 06, 2025

There are many different viewpoints regarding the optimal panel technology when comparing IPS vs. VA displays. There are still supporters of Tennessee, some who swear by VA, and some who argue in favor of IPS.

The fact is that there isn't a single "best" panel type that works for all applications. The best option will depend on how the monitor is utilized, as every technology has its advantages and disadvantages.

IPS, VA, Choosing the Right Monitor Panel, NoobFeed

Do You Like Curves?

If you have looked for a monitor with a VA panel, you've probably noticed that most of them are curved. In fact, there are very few VA monitors with a flat design.

On the other hand, curved IPS monitors are quite rare. To put it into perspective, over 90% of IPS monitors available in the market have a flat panel, while more than 80% of VA monitors are curved.

This has direct implications for how games look, how suitable a monitor is for photo editing and design work, and even how it handles glare. Typically, VA goes hand in hand with curved panels, while IPS is more often paired with flat panels.

A common VA design uses what's called a 1500R curve. In simple terms, if you placed these monitors side by side, they would form part of a circle with a 1.5m radius. A higher "R" value means a less pronounced curve. At 1500R, the curvature is noticeable.

Why consider a curved monitor? The biggest argument is immersion—the sense that the monitor wraps around your peripheral vision.

While this sounds great in theory, the benefits are minimal unless we sit close to a very large monitor. In gaming and movie watching, especially on larger screens, the curved design can enhance the experience.

Gray or Black?

One of VA technology's strongest points is its superior contrast ratio. Side by side, it is clear that a VA panel delivers deeper blacks compared to IPS. The black bars or dark scenes on IPS often appear as dark gray, while VA provides a truer black.

On average, IPS monitors have a contrast ratio around 1000:1. In contrast, VA panels typically reach 2500:1 and, in some cases, as high as 5000:1. This makes VA an excellent choice for video content where deep blacks enhance the cinematic experience.

Let It Glow!

When viewed from an angle, both IPS and VA panels exhibit a glowing effect. With IPS, this is commonly referred to as "IPS glow," but VA panels also display glow with an additional bluish tint. While IPS glow is more pronounced, VA is not completely free of it.

IPS, VA, Choosing the Right Monitor Panel, NoobFeed

VA for Creatives?

For creative tasks such as photo editing and graphic design, consistency is critical. While both IPS and VA panels suffer from some glow, IPS provides far more reliable color accuracy across different viewing angles.

From the front, both technologies appear similar, but from an angle, VA loses saturation while IPS maintains its colors. VA also suffers from gamma shift or "black crush," where a dark spot appears in the center of the screen and follows your line of sight. IPS panels do not struggle with this, making them the superior option for creative professionals.

If you're not heavily involved in editing work, these inconsistencies may not matter much. However, for color grading or accurate visual work, IPS remains the better choice.

Glaringly Obvious!

Glare is another issue worth noting. The curved design of VA panels tends to amplify reflections, making glare more noticeable compared to flat IPS displays.

While this is not an inherent flaw in VA technology, the curved shape creates larger and more distracting reflections. If your setup involves windows or lights behind you, this can become an issue.

What's That Smear?

Both IPS and VA monitors are available with high refresh rates, making them suitable for gaming. VA panels typically max out at 240Hz, while IPS models can reach up to 390Hz. Refresh rates, however, are not the only factor that matters.

Response time plays a huge role in gaming performance. Manufacturers often advertise both IPS and VA monitors as having 1ms response times, but this number can be misleading. In practice, IPS panels handle response times better than VA.

When moving objects appear on screen, VA panels often leave behind smeary trails, especially in darker scenes. This is because VA pixels struggle to transition quickly back to their original color. IPS panels, on the other hand, manage faster transitions with less smearing.

Some high-end VA models, like the AOC PD27 or Samsung G7, perform much better and come close to IPS response times. However, even the best VA panels still show noticeable dark-level smearing. This can be distracting not only in games but also in everyday use, such as scrolling through websites in dark mode.

IPS, VA, Choosing the Right Monitor Panel, NoobFeed

Final Thoughts

Competitive gamers find VA panels less enticing due to their slower pixel reaction rates, especially in darker situations. IPS is the safer option if winning and FPS performance are your main priorities.

Because of their superior contrast ratios, VA monitors are more appropriate for people who value watching movies or television shows.

If you want one display that balances both gaming and media consumption, an IPS monitor with mini-LED backlighting is currently the best option, though it comes at a premium price.

Overall, IPS remains the most versatile choice. It offers consistent performance across tasks, from gaming to creative work, and with modern pricing, IPS and VA monitors are now similarly affordable. If in doubt, IPS is the safest option.

Check our other Monitor Articles:

Tanvir Kabbo

Senior Editor, NoobFeed

No Data.