What is the difference between IPS and TN screen?

IPS panels have a higher color accuracy and color contrast. TN panels are more widely available with a 1 ms response time. Both TN and IPS panels can be purchased with high refresh rates such as 144Hz, 240Hz, and 280Hz. IPS panels lose no visual color clarity when viewed from any angle.

IPS has a wider viewing angle of almost 180 degrees. TN screen has only about 120 degrees.

1. Panel Technology and Display Quality
   • IPS (In-Plane Switching):
   • IPS screens offer wider viewing angles and more accurate color representation.
   • Due to the way liquid crystals are aligned parallel to the screen, IPS panels provide better color saturation and contrast, resulting in clearer and more lifelike images.
   • TN (Twisted Nematic):
   • TN screens have poorer color performance and viewing angles. Because of the liquid crystal alignment, colors distort or darken when viewed from side angles.
   • The color reproduction is generally weaker, especially in terms of contrast and black levels.
2. Response Time
   • IPS:
   • Although modern IPS panels have significantly improved in response time, they are still slightly slower compared to TN panels.
   • Response times typically range from 4ms to 8ms.
   • TN:
   • TN panels have very fast response times, usually ranging from 1ms to 3ms, making them popular for competitive gaming.
   • Ideal for applications where speed is a priority, such as eSports.
3. Color and Contrast
   • IPS:
   • Provides more accurate and vibrant color reproduction, making it ideal for applications like image editing, video production, and professional design that require high color fidelity.
   • Better black performance, reducing the occurrence of “grayish blacks.”
   • TN:
   • Color reproduction is less vibrant, and blacks are more prone to distortion.
   • Has lower contrast, and the display quality is not as vivid as IPS.
4. Viewing Angles
   • IPS:
   • Offers much wider viewing angles, typically up to 178° (both horizontally and vertically). The image and color quality remain consistent from various angles.
   • TN:
   • Has narrower viewing angles, typically around 140° horizontally and even less vertically. The image quality noticeably degrades when viewed from the sides.
5. Cost
   • IPS:
   • Due to the more complex technology, IPS panels are more expensive to produce, so they tend to be priced higher.
   • TN:
   • Manufacturing costs are lower, so TN panels are generally more affordable.
6. Use Cases
   • IPS:
   • Ideal for applications requiring accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles, such as graphic design, photo editing, video production, general office work, and multimedia entertainment.
   • TN:
   • Best for users who prioritize fast response times, such as competitive gamers, or those on a tighter budget.

Summary
• IPS displays are known for accurate color, wide viewing angles, and are suitable for design work, office tasks, and multimedia entertainment, but they are slightly slower and more expensive.
• TN displays are known for their fast response times and affordability, making them great for gaming or budget-conscious users, but they have weaker color performance and narrower viewing angles.

Choosing between them depends on your needs: if you’re a designer or someone who enjoys high-quality visuals, IPS is the better choice. If you’re a competitive gamer or care more about response time, TN may be a better fit.