How to Check If Monitor is IPS (2026 Complete Guide)
Last updated: July 19, 2026
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels have become the gold standard for monitor technology in 2026, offering superior color accuracy, wider viewing angles, and better overall image quality compared to older TN and VA panel types. However, not all monitors are created equal, and knowing whether your monitor uses an IPS panel can help you understand its capabilities and limitations. Whether you have purchased a new monitor and want to verify its panel type, or you are considering a used monitor and need to confirm its specifications, there are several reliable methods to determine if your monitor is IPS. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every method available, from simple visual tests to advanced software tools.
Table of Contents
- What Is an IPS Panel?
- The Visual Angle Test
- Check Your Monitor Model Number
- Software Methods to Identify Panel Type
- Windows Display Settings
- How IPS Compares to Other Panel Types
- Why Knowing Your Panel Type Matters
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an IPS Panel?
IPS stands for In-Plane Switching, a type of LCD panel technology that was developed by Hitachi in 1996 as an improvement over TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. The primary advantage of IPS technology is its ability to produce consistent colors and maintain image quality when viewed from wide angles, typically up to 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically.
IPS panels work by aligning liquid crystals in a plane parallel to the glass substrates. When voltage is applied, the crystals rotate within this plane rather than twisting perpendicular to it like TN panels. This fundamental difference in how the liquid crystals move is what gives IPS panels their superior viewing angles and color reproduction.
In 2026, IPS technology has evolved significantly. Modern IPS panels feature improved response times, higher refresh rates, and better contrast ratios than earlier generations. Technologies like Nano IPS from LG and Fast IPS from various manufacturers have narrowed the gap between IPS and other panel types in areas where IPS historically struggled, such as response time and contrast ratio.
The Visual Angle Test
The simplest and most intuitive way to check if your monitor is IPS is the visual angle test. This method requires no special tools or software, just your eyes and your monitor.
Step 1: Display a colorful image on your monitor. A photograph with a wide range of colors works best. You can use any wallpaper or image viewer.
Step 2: Stand directly in front of your monitor and note how the image looks. Pay attention to the colors, brightness, and contrast.
Step 3: Slowly move to the side, viewing the monitor from an extreme angle of at least 60-70 degrees from center. You can also tilt your head or physically move your viewing position.
Step 4: Observe what happens to the image quality as you view from the side.
VA (Vertical Alignment) panels fall somewhere in between. They maintain better color accuracy than TN panels from angles but still show more degradation than IPS panels. VA panels are known for their superior contrast ratios and deep blacks, but their viewing angle performance is not as consistent as IPS.
Check Your Monitor Model Number
One of the most definitive ways to determine your monitor’s panel type is to look up its model number. Every monitor has a unique model number that can be used to find detailed specifications online.
Where to find your model number:
- Check the sticker on the back of your monitor. This typically includes the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date.
- Look in your monitor’s On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. Most monitors display their model information in the settings or information section.
- Check the original box or documentation that came with your monitor.
- Look at the receipt or order confirmation from your purchase.
Once you have the model number, search for it online along with the word “specifications” or “specs.” The manufacturer’s website will list the panel type, along with other specifications like resolution, refresh rate, response time, and color gamut.
Common IPS monitor brands and model prefixes include: LG UltraGear and UltraFine series, Dell UltraSharp and S-series, ASUS ProArt and some TUF Gaming models, BenQ PD and EW series, and Acer Predator and Nitro models with IPS variants. However, many manufacturers offer multiple panel types across their product lines, so always verify with the specific model number.
If you are connecting your monitor and unsure about which port to use, our guide on whether to plug your monitor into graphics card or motherboard can help ensure you are getting the best performance from your IPS display.
Software Methods to Identify Panel Type
Several software tools can help identify your monitor’s panel type without physically examining the monitor.
Hardware Info Tools: Programs like HWiNFO, Speccy, and AIDA64 can read your monitor’s EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), which often includes information about the panel type. These tools provide detailed hardware information and are useful for identifying not just the panel type but also the specific panel manufacturer.
Monitor Info Tools: Dedicated monitor information utilities like MonitorInfoView (from NirSoft) and Crucial’s System Scanner can display detailed information about your connected monitors, including panel type when available in the EDID data.
How to use these tools:
- Download and install one of the mentioned tools from their official websites.
- Launch the application and look for your monitor in the list of detected displays.
- Look for fields labeled “Panel Type,” “Technology,” or “Display Technology.”
- Note that not all monitors include this information in their EDID data, so if you do not find it, try another tool or method.
It is worth noting that EDID data is programmed by the monitor manufacturer, and not all manufacturers include panel type information. If the software method does not work, combine it with the visual angle test for a definitive answer.
Windows Display Settings
Windows itself does not directly display your monitor’s panel type in its settings, but there are a few ways to gather information through the operating system.
Device Manager: Open Device Manager, expand the “Monitors” section, and double-click on your monitor. The Properties window will show the device description and driver information, though it typically does not include the panel type.
Display Settings: Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings.” Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings.” This will show your monitor’s name, resolution, refresh rate, and connection type. While it does not directly show the panel type, the monitor name can be used to look up specifications online.
Third-party tools integrated with Windows: Some monitor manufacturers provide their own software utilities that can display detailed information about your monitor, including panel type. Check your monitor manufacturer’s website for any available software for your model.
When checking your monitor settings, you might also want to ensure you are running at the optimal resolution. If you are curious about whether your monitor can handle different resolutions, check out our article on can a 4K monitor run 1440p for insights on resolution scaling.
How IPS Compares to Other Panel Types
Understanding how IPS compares to other panel types helps you appreciate why identifying your panel type matters.
| Feature | IPS | TN | VA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing Angles | Excellent (178/178) | Poor (170/160) | Good (178/178) |
| Color Accuracy | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
| Contrast Ratio | Good (1000:1) | Good (1000:1) | Excellent (3000:1+) |
| Response Time | Good (1-5ms) | Excellent (1ms) | Moderate (4-8ms) |
| Price | Moderate to High | Low | Moderate |
| Best For | Color work, general use | Competitive gaming | Media consumption, gaming |
TN (Twisted Nematic): The oldest and cheapest LCD technology. TN panels offer the fastest response times, making them popular among competitive gamers. However, they suffer from poor viewing angles and limited color reproduction. Colors shift noticeably when viewed from the side, and the image can appear washed out or inverted at extreme angles.
VA (Vertical Alignment): VA panels offer the best contrast ratios among LCD technologies, producing deep blacks and excellent dark scene performance. They are a middle ground between IPS and TN, with better viewing angles than TN but not quite as good as IPS. VA panels are popular for media consumption and gaming in dark rooms.
OLED: While not an LCD technology, OLED is worth mentioning as it has become increasingly popular in 2026. OLED monitors offer perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and excellent viewing angles, often surpassing IPS in these areas. However, they are typically more expensive and carry a risk of burn-in with static content.
Why Knowing Your Panel Type Matters
Understanding your monitor’s panel type is more than just a technical curiosity. It directly impacts how you use and care for your display.
Color-critical work: If you are a photographer, graphic designer, video editor, or any professional who relies on accurate colors, knowing you have an IPS panel gives you confidence in your display’s color reproduction. IPS panels are the industry standard for color-critical work because they maintain consistent colors across a wide range of viewing angles and positions.
Gaming setup optimization: Different panel types excel in different gaming scenarios. IPS panels offer the best balance of color quality and response time for most gamers. If you primarily play fast-paced competitive games, a TN panel might actually be preferable despite its viewing angle limitations. For immersive single-player games in dark rooms, a VA panel might be ideal.
Troubleshooting: When you experience issues like color shifting, poor viewing angles, or inconsistent brightness, knowing your panel type helps you determine whether the behavior is normal for that technology or indicates a problem that needs addressing.
Resale value: When selling or buying used monitors, knowing the panel type helps you assess fair value. IPS monitors typically command higher prices than TN monitors of similar specifications, reflecting their superior image quality.
If you have noticed unusual color behavior on your monitor, it might not be related to the panel type at all. Check out our guide on how to fix black smear for solutions to common display issues that can affect any panel type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPS better than TN for gaming?
For most gamers, yes. IPS panels offer better colors and viewing angles, which enhance the gaming experience for all genres. However, competitive gamers who prioritize maximum response time and refresh rate may prefer TN panels, which can achieve slightly faster pixel response times. In 2026, Fast IPS panels have largely closed this gap, making IPS the better choice for nearly all gaming scenarios.
Can I tell if my monitor is IPS just by looking at it?
Not by looking at the front of the monitor alone, as all LCD panel types look similar from directly in front. However, the visual angle test described in this guide is very effective. View the monitor from an extreme side angle, and if the image quality remains consistent, it is very likely an IPS panel. TN panels will show dramatic color and brightness shifts.
Do all 4K monitors use IPS panels?
No, not all 4K monitors use IPS panels. While IPS is the most common panel type for 4K displays, you can also find 4K monitors with VA and TN panels. OLED 4K monitors have also become more common in 2026. Always check the specific model’s specifications to confirm the panel type.
Is IPS worth the extra cost over TN?
For most users, absolutely. The improved color accuracy, viewing angles, and overall image quality of IPS panels justify the price difference. The gap has narrowed significantly in 2026, with many IPS monitors priced competitively against TN alternatives. Only competitive gamers who need every millisecond of response time should consider TN over IPS.
How long do IPS monitors typically last?
IPS monitors typically last 5-10 years with normal use. The backlight is usually the first component to degrade, gradually becoming dimmer over time. IPS panels themselves are quite durable and do not suffer from burn-in like OLED displays. With proper care, including avoiding maximum brightness for extended periods, an IPS monitor can provide many years of excellent service.
Can IPS monitors show true blacks?
IPS panels cannot produce true blacks because their backlight is always on to some degree. They typically achieve contrast ratios around 1000:1, which means blacks appear as very dark gray rather than true black. For true blacks, you would need an OLED display or a VA panel with its higher contrast ratio. However, for most content and applications, IPS black levels are more than adequate.
Do IPS panels have ghosting issues?
Early IPS panels did have noticeable ghosting, but modern IPS technology has improved significantly. Fast IPS panels can achieve response times of 1ms or less, rivaling TN panels. Some IPS monitors may still show slight ghosting in very demanding scenarios, but for the vast majority of users, ghosting is not a concern with current IPS technology.
Is my monitor IPS or VA?
Use the visual angle test to determine the difference. IPS panels maintain consistent image quality from extreme angles, while VA panels may show some degradation but less than TN panels. VA panels have noticeably better blacks and contrast than IPS. Check your monitor’s model number online for definitive confirmation of the panel type.
