Best IPS Monitor for Photography 2015 Review

I've been working on a computer all day long for several years now. When I switched jobs from being a financial analyst to a technical writer, I quickly noticed how much harder it was on my eyes. At about 2PM, each day, I'd start to get blurry vision.

I went through a multitude of inexpensive TN panel monitors, but shortly realized they were all pretty much the same. Switching to glasses did help somewhat, but I needed a monitor that not only had sharper text and images, but also had better color accuracy as well. After trying out an IPS display that a photo editing buddy of mine had purchased, I was hooked and couldn't go back. Since then, I've tested many types of IPS displays. In this post I'll give you a top ten of what I consider the best IPS monitors of 2015.

This list will include a variety of IPS monitors for both amateurs and professionals and be based more on bang for your buck and rating rather than overall specifications.

IPS Advantages

1. 8-10 bits per RGB color for a total of 24-30 bit depth. This allows for 16.7 million to just over a billion colors. TN panels must use dithering to achieve true 16.7 million color, a process where multiple colors are used in order to simulate a color which tends to be both inaccurate and somewhat blurry.

2. Wider Viewing Angles with consistent and accurate color from any angle.

3. Vivid and Clear Picture.

TN Monitor Advantages

1. Less Expensive

2. More Energy Efficient

3. Faster Response Times

4. Lightweight and Thin

#1 Dell UltraSharp U2412HM

The U2412HM is a great place to start if you want good color accuracy but don't have a large budget. It also gives you a bit more screen real estate with a 16:10 aspect ratio that has 1920 x 1200. The 8ms GTG response time is good enough to watch movies and play games, and with a 2 million:1 contrast ratio you get crisp images that are virtually ghost free.

Additional Technical Details include; 60Hz refresh rate, 178°(H) / 178°(V) viewing angles, 0.27mm pixel pitch, 16.7 Million display colors, DisplayPort, D-Sub, DVI, 1 USB 2.0 upstream port, 4 USB 2.0 downstream ports, Height, Pivot, Swivel, Tilt adjustment, VESA mount compatible, and it includes a 3 year parts and labor warranty.

#2 Apple Thunderbolt Display

#3 Dell UltraSharp U3011

If you need color accuracy, but don't need something as fancy as a high-end Eizo or NEC display, then the U3011 is perfect. This affordable display is perfect for photo editors, graphic designers, or even video editors. With 99% Adobe RGB coverage, 1.07 billion colors, and a 2560 x 1600 resolution, this 30 inch monitor gives you the perfect picture and enough space to work.

#4 AOC I2353PH 23

The AOC I2353PH 23 is a price breakthrough for the consumer that wants to spend the same amount as a TN panel and still get that crisp and accurate image that an e-IPS panel can provide. It also has a fast 5ms GTG response time.

A Budget 30-bit Depth IPS Monitor

When I was thinking up this list I had to include the new Asus PA246Q which is a 30-bit depth Pro IPS monitor with 1.07 Billion colors and 98% Adobe RGB coverage. In my opinion it's the best IPS monitor in the under $500 price range.

Has D-Sub, DVI-D, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB connectors and is Height, Pivot, Swivel, and tilt adjustable.

If you're a professional and need the best, then Eizo makes it.