VA Panel vs IPS TV

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:12 PM

Table of Contents

When you’re looking into buying a VA panel vs IPS TV, there are many things to consider. Narrow viewing angles, color performance, refresh rates, and more all come into play. Your budget will also be a huge determining factor.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Both types are part of the two-panel technologies that make up LCDs available to consumers.
  • VA panels have an easier time with black uniformity, which refers to their ability to display deeper blacks even in dim lighting.
  • The VA panel is a much better choice if you’re viewing at an extreme angle, you like to watch your favorite TV in a dark room, or you just want something with fantastic color quality.

VA Panel VS IPS TV

Pitting a VA panel vs. IPS TV against one another means looking into how they measure up in a few categories. The type of LCD panel that is right for you will be determined by both lifestyle and budget. Those are the most important factors to most consumers.

Insider Tip

The type of LCD panel that is right for you will be determined by both lifestyle and budget.

Differences Between VA Panel and IPS TVs

There are a few differences between a VA panel and an IPS panel. We’ll go over what sets them apart so you can better understand the display technology behind them.

The Viewing Experience

A few different factors go into deciding your viewing experience after installing your TV. One of them is the viewing angle, which refers to how much of an angle you can watch TV at before there’s a drop in picture quality. A VA panel will give you much wider viewing angles than an IPS will. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but the limited viewing angles offered by IPS panels should be kept in mind while shopping. The wide viewing angles make the VA panel a clear winner in this category.

Insider Tip

Having an impressive contrast ratio makes a world of difference to your viewing experience.

Native Contrast Ratios

Having an impressive contrast ratio makes a world of difference to your viewing experience. Color accuracy refers to how well panel TVs can reflect the true color on their screens. A superior contrast ratio means that you’ll be able to see details far better, and white will show through far better. TVs with the lowest contrast ratio will show white as light shades of gray. The excellent contrast ratio of a VA panel makes it a superior choice.

The Black Uniformity

Essentially, we’re talking about the ability to display perfect blacks even in a dark room. Black colors can be complex for LCD screens to express adequately when in dim-lighting. Having screen uniformity means displaying the same deep blacks across the entire display. A VA panel is the clear winner here, with superior blacks that hold up even in low lighting. An IPS panel just can’t give the same black uniformity, going either blue or gray towards the center of the screen.

Which Type Is Better

The most significant difference is price, which means that your budget will determine which is better. VA panels have an easier time with black uniformity, which refers to their ability to display deeper blacks even in dim lighting. They also have better viewing angles. However, they’re also much pricier. On the other hand, an IPS isn’t a wrong choice and will still give a quality viewing experience. When shopping for a UHD or SUHD TV, knowing the key differences between the two panels will help you make a better choice.

Warning

A VA panel will give you much wider viewing angles than an IPS will.

F.A.Q.

Why do IPS panels now offer a good choice for gaming monitors?

There are a few reasons why IPS panels are becoming more popular:

  • Quicker response times
  • Improved refresh rate
  • Great viewing angles
  • Vibrant colors

Are 144Hz Gaming Monitors Worth It?

Absolutely, and especially for fast-paced gaming. 144Hz gaming monitors offer far better processing, and this leads to better performance. If you’re into competitive gaming, this is probably what you need.


Which Panel Type Is Right for You?

Your priority should be your budget. Figuring out how much money you can spend on a new television will put you on the right path to finding the best panel type for you.


LED, IPS or OLED – which TV to buy? Who wins?

The answer to this depends on your individual needs. Generally, an OLED is the best choice of the three in terms of picture quality. However, there are some other things to keep in mind about these different types.


STAT: It transmits 100% of the light in a twisted state and blocks out light in a chaotic state. (source)

Christen da Costa Avatar

Learn More About TVs