CNET's top-rated IPS- and VA-based LCD monitors
IPS and VA monitors. Who doesn't love these?
Eric Franklin Former Editorial Director
Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.
Expertise Graphics and display technology. Credentials
- Once wrote 50 articles in one month.
Oh, monitor panel types. You're so exciting and not at all nerdy to talk about.
There are many of you out there unaware of the different panel types available in LCD computer monitors. In the Monitor Buying Guide, each panel type--Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), and Vertical Alignment (VA)--is explained.
Not surprisingly, most monitors use the cheapest panel of the bunch, TN. IPS and VA panels are rarer, as they are usually more expensive. Most of the monitors I review are TN, but there have been a few that aren't. Here are the five top-rated, non-TN monitors we've reviewed.