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Top 5 lowest-power-consuming IPS monitors

Low-power-consuming IPS screens are a rare breed, but here are five that won't run your electric bill into the stratosphere.

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.
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Eric Franklin
2 min read

Watch this: The HP 2311xi impresses with wide viewing angles.

So, how difficult is it to make a low-power-consumption monitor? Well, if this list is any indication, not very. However, among the lowest of low-power-consumption monitors, there's usually one common factor: Twisted Nematic (TN) panels.

Any company can make a low-power-consumption TN-based monitor, though, so a list consisting of only TN monitors would be pretty boring. What would be slightly less boring is a list consisting of In-Plane Switching (IPS) monitors that draw relatively small amounts of power to function. That is a list to get somewhat more excited about. So, I've decided to make that list.

To be clear, the difference you'd pay per year running these things -- using our formula -- is small in the grand scheme of things.

Still, I thought it would be interesting to see just how low IPS monitors can go.

 
The 324i is a huge battering ram of a monitor. Josh Miller/CNET

Lacie 324i
Yep, the price is steep, but the 324i isn't the most expensive monitor on this list. Its IPS performance kills, with deep blacks, a bright screen, and all the ergo options you'd ever need. Yearly power draw: $22.32. Read the full review.

 
The PA246Q's reasonable price, unique features, and high performance make it appealing to many a graphics professional. Josh Miller/CNET

Asus PA246Q
With its impressive performance, low price, and unique grid overlay features, the PA246Q is one of the best values out there and its power draw is within reason. Yearly power draw: $22.08. Read the full review.

 
The HP DreamColor LP2480zx uses RGB LED tech to produce dreamy color and draws little power while doing so. Josh Miller/CNET

HP DreamColor LP2480zx
The most expensive monitor on the list is also one of the most eco-friendly. At least when it comes to power. It'll cost you an arm and a leg, but its color reproduction and black levels are second to none. Yearly power draw: $20.05. Read the full review.

 
Still the king of value! Also, takes great overcast day pics. Josh Miller/CNET

Dell UltraSharp U2412m
OK, this is the moment when IPS monitors get serious about power consumption. We're not messing around anymore. For a 24-inch IPS, it doesn't get any more efficient than this. Yearly power draw: $8.63. Read the full review.

 
In keeping with the green theme here, leaves. Yep. Leaves. Josh Miller/CNET

HP 2311xi
While it should come as no surprise that the monitor with the smallest screen is also the monitor that draws the least power, what is surprising is a 23-inch monitor sporting an IPS screen with a cost under $250. Yearly power draw: $7.73. Read the full review.

Looking for specs and pricing? Compare these monitors head-to-head.