Comparison

PLS vs IPS – Panel Technologies Explained

PLS vs IPS

In the LCD monitor production, there are different types of panel technologies are used. Each technology has its own advantages and usefulness for a particular use. We have seen the comparison of TN Vs IPS panel technologies and found which one is better for gaming in our previous post. Today, we will see the difference between PLS Vs IPS monitors and check their features and specifications. Let us explain the two of the popular LCD monitor panel technologies; PLS panel and IPS panel.

PLS Panel Technology

The PLS (Plane to Line Switching) monitor technology is an improved version of an IPS (In Panel Switching) technology. The PLS monitors are produced by Samsung basically and are claimed to provide better brightness, viewing angles, and image quality at lower prices. The technology is also sometimes known as Super PLS Panel.

Advantages of PLS Monitors

  • PLS monitors are available at lower prices than other panel technologies
  • They have 10% more brightness, and you can see the content even in the well-lit places
  • They provide better image quality and accurate color reproduction which make them perfect for the professional use
  • PLS technology provide better and wider viewing angles, so you will see the consistent color effect on the display from any angle you sit
  • Enhanced image quality will minimize the ghosting effect and dark areas while playing games or playing videos containing night scenes
  • Temperature, light, heat and other interferences are controlled to maintain the image quality

Disadvantages of PLS Monitors

  • The PLS panel monitors have slower response time than the TN panel monitors
  • Due to their slim design and profile, they are more fragile
  • Although they are cheaper than the IPS monitors, they are quite expensive, and so an average budget user cannot buy them to enjoy the great functionality

IPS Panel Technology

The IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitors are generally known as the best LCD panel technology in terms of image quality, viewing angles, and color reproduction. The IPS panel technology was developed by LG and features a higher resolution than most of the other LCD panels. Though the technology was invented by LG, a few other top brands like Dell, ASUS, AOC, etc. also provide a wide range of IPS monitors.

The IPS panels have some iterations like; H-IPS, S-IPS, P-IPS, and e-IPS. Though all of them have similar technologies, the e-IPS panels offer a 6-bit color depth only, and the H-IPS panels have a different pixel structure than others.

Advantages of IPS Monitors

  • Better viewing angles and color reproduction to provide you an ultimate performance
  • Stronger gray-scale performance
  • Greater response rate by using the FreeSync and G-Sync technologies
  • The built-in backlight makes the IPS display more viewable even in the darkest or brightest areas
  • The wide viewing angle of 178-degree will enjoy the content on the display from any side you sit from the monitor
  • The durability of IPS monitors is more than any other display panel technology

Disadvantages of IPS Panel

  • The IPS panels are more expensive than other display times
  • Lower response time than the TN panels
  • Sometimes adjustments needed with the black emphasizer
  • They require more power than the TN and PLS monitors

PLS Vs IPS

Though the basic functionalities of both the panel technologies are moreover similar to each other, the PLS panel has some more minor advantages over the IPS panel.  It can be said as an improved version of the IPS panel technology. 

PLSIPS
NamePlane to Line SwitchingIn Panel Switching
SizeFrom 21” to higherUp to 27”, also ultra HD at 31.5”
Response time4ms5ms
AdvantageCheaper, brighter, low-powered than IPSMore response time, better gray-scale performance than PLS


IPS Vs PLS Monitors – Conclusion

Generally, people take an interest in the screen size, budget, and resolution while buying a monitor unit. Monitor ranges from a matte finish to glossy finish, from a game-friendly refresh rate of 60Hz to a high frame rate of 144Hz, from a USB powered monitor to display with 3D capabilities, etc. But, most of them forget about checking the panel technology used on the screen they are buying and this happens mainly because it is not mentioned in a prominent area.

The fundamental working principle of the different monitor panel technologies is the same, but they differ in some specific benchmark to provide a user-friendly experience to meet the needs. The general users do not aware of the LCD panel technology used in their monitors, and it does not make too much difference too. However, if you know the advantages and disadvantages of a particular monitor panel, then you can easily decide which will be the best for your specific demands.

People also ask

Here’s a little more information about PLS and IPS screen.

1) Is IPS really better?

Yes, if you are looking at gaming monitors, an IPS screen is definitely better. It offers wider viewing angles, faster responsiveness, and more.

2) Are PLS monitors good for gaming?

Yes, they are good for gaming.

3) Why is IPS expensive?

IPS screens are expensive because they tend to have high-end resolution and a much larger color gamut than the others.

4) Is VA or IPS better for gaming?

IPS monitors are definitely better. VA monitors do not come with the same quality or response time.

5) Is IPS better than LED monitor?

While LED screens are thinner and aesthetic, IPS screens have excellent viewing angles and better color accuracy.

6) Do curved monitors reduce eye strain?

Yes, they enable peripheral vision and are more immersive. Since you don’t have to move your head to see the whole screen, 

Here we have explained two of the popular panel technologies – PLS Vs IPS and tried to specify their features which can help you to decide your perfect match.

Howard Tavares

About Howard Tavares

Hi, Howard here. I love the computer displays, and I enjoy working on my dual monitor setup. After a lot of experiments, failures, successes, and reviews, I started Best Monitor Hz to helpmates like me who want to talk about a screen that can fulfil their working or gaming needs.

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One thought on “PLS vs IPS – Panel Technologies Explained

  1. Avatar G-Jazz4FAN says:

    I have both and PLS is not better than IPS. IPS has wilder view angles and doesn’t change the palette of colors, so dramatically if you did not sit straight in front of the screen. PLS has a glow effect for the viewer watching blacks and greys items on the screen under angle not equal 90 degrees to the monitor screen surface. PLS is for office use and IPS for home use in my opinion. None of these is perfect for gaming.

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