IPS panels are made for bright colors and wide viewing angles. This makes them a great choice for people who work, want to get entertainment, and for everyday use. But if you’re after perfect blacks, they might not be the best bet. Unlike OLED, which turns off pixels completely for deep black tones, IPS technology keeps a backlight on at all times.
But why? It’s all about how black levels in displays work. Since light is always on, some of it sneaks through, softening contrast. Manufacturers have tried to improve this by dimming, but deep blacks are still a challenge for most.
That said, IPS panels have their own strengths. They handle colors better than VA screens, offer consistent visuals from different angles, and don’t suffer from burn-in like OLED. If color accuracy and longevity matter more to you than ultra-deep blacks, IPS technology is still a solid pick. Let's check more about these panels.
Why IPS Panels Struggle with Deep Blacks?
IPS panels are bought by a lot of people for their vivid colors and wide viewing angles. But when it comes to deep blacks, they are not chosen by many. The reason lies in how they handle light. Unlike other display technologies, these panels can't get true black levels. Let’s know the real reasons:
1. Backlight is Always On
They are not like normal OLED perfect blacks, where individual pixels turn off completely. Instead, IPS panels use a backlight that’s always on. Even when showing black, some light can sneak through.
2. Glow Effect
Light leakage around the screen edges is what the backlight bleed is. It can wash out dark scenes. Another issue is the IPS glow effect, where blacks take on a faint haze.
3. Impact on Low-Light Viewing
The difference isn’t as noticeable in bright rooms, but in dim lighting doesn't work well. For those who enjoy watching movies or care about black levels for gaming monitors, OLED and VA panels deliver the best experience.
How Backlight Technology Affects Black Levels ?
Backlight keeps the display bright. But this very feature also limits how deep blacks can appear. IPS panels always have a light source running in the background. This leads to a few unavoidable issues when it comes to black levels.
1. The Constant Glow of the Backlight
IPS panels rely on a uniform backlight that spreads across the entire screen. Even in dark scenes, this backlight remains on. This is why black areas on an IPS panel often look like dark gray rather than pitch black.
2. Light Leakage & Backlight Bleed
Some of this backlight leaks around the edges of the screen. This effect, known as backlight bleed and it becomes more noticeable in dark rooms or when viewing dim content. OLED emits light per pixel but IPS panels struggle to control how much light reaches certain areas.
3. Attempts to Improve Black Depth
Manufacturers use contrast enhancements like local dimming, but this technique isn’t always accurate. Since IPS panels can’t dim each pixel independently, the screen may show halos around bright objects in dark scenes. VA panels offer deeper blacks due to their higher contrast ratios.
Comparisons with Other Panel Types
Not all screens handle dark tones the same way. Some bring out deep, rich blacks, while others struggle with light leakage. Here's LCD vs IPS vs OLED comparison to help you buy the best.
1. OLED: The Gold Standard for Black Levels
Unlike other screens, OLED doesn’t need a backlight. Each pixel lights up on its own and shuts off completely when displaying black. That’s why OLED perfect blacks create unmatched contrast and depth. But it’s not all sunshine—these displays cost more and can develop burn-in if static images stay on too long.
2. VA Panels: A Middle Ground Between IPS and OLED
VA panels handle dark tones much better than IPS, thanks to their high contrast. These are made to minimize light leakage and keep black areas deep. But the catch here is that colors can shift when viewed from an angle, and response times may not be the fastest.
3. IPS: Colors with Some Tradeoffs
IPS panels are loved for their bright colors and wide viewing angles. But when it comes to LCD display black levels, they don’t quite measure up. Since the backlight is always on, black often appears more like dark gray. This can make movies, and dark scenes look less immersive compared to OLED or VA.
Which One Should You Pick?
If deep blacks and eye-popping contrast are a must, OLED is unbeatable. VA panels offer a good balance between contrast and affordability. But if accurate colors and wide viewing angles matter most, IPS remains a solid option—even if its black levels aren’t the deepest.
When IPS is Still a Great Choice ?
Your screen might not be the same as others where other panels can work in a better way. If you’ve compared displays, you must have heard about IPS panels and why they are the best. But how do they handle darker scenes? Let’s know here.
Advantages of IPS Panels
Vibrant Colors – IPS panels give bright and accurate colors. Thus, it makes them a top choice for professionals who work with visuals.
Wide Viewing Angles – Unlike TN or VA panels, their colors stay consistent even when viewed from the side.
Good for Content Creation – Since they maintain color accuracy, they’re widely used by designers, photographers, and video editors.
Responsive for Gaming – Many modern IPS panels have high refresh rates. Some of the best gaming monitors for black levels now use IPS with improved contrast.
Long-Lasting Colors – IPS panels don’t suffer from color degradation over time as much as some other display types.
Disadvantages of IPS Panels
Struggles with Deep Blacks – IPS panel black levels in dark scenes aren’t the deepest.
Backlight Bleed – Some IPS displays have a common issue where light leaks around the edges.
Not Ideal for Dark Rooms – If you’re setting up a screen for a dim environment, an OLED or VA panel might be the best display technology for dark room setups.
Higher Price for Premium Models – While IPS displays are common, the high-end versions with better contrast and refresh rates can get pricey.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why don't IPS panels have perfect blacks?
IPS panels use a backlight that stays on, causing some light to leak through even in dark scenes, making black appear more like deep gray.
2. How to get deeper blacks on an IPS panel?
Lower brightness, tweak contrast settings, use local dimming if available, and add bias lighting behind the screen for better perceived black levels.
3. Can IPS technology achieve OLED-level blacks?
No, since IPS relies on a backlight, it can’t match OLED’s ability to turn off individual pixels completely for true black levels.
4. Best monitor for perfect blacks?
OLED displays offer the deepest blacks. If sticking with IPS, look for models with mini-LED backlighting for better contrast.
5. Do IPS monitors have backlight bleed issues?
Yes, some IPS panels have backlight bleed, especially around the edges, but high-quality models minimize this issue with better panel design.
