Glossy vs. Matte monitor screen

[Lazarus52980]

I am looking to order a new monitor today (hooray for tax return!) and I have noticed some monitors have a glossy finish on the screen, others have a matte finish.

Which is better?

 

[Krynj]

Whichever you prefer.

 

[corkyg]

That's a personal choice. The ambient light where you use it can have an impact. I have had both - there are plusses and minusses for both. Go to a store and look at them both.

 

[Lazarus52980]

I think I prefer a glossy finish, but I was also considering getting an IPS monitor. On a quick search, I was not able to find a glossy IPS. Does anyone know why, or where I can find one?

 

[Numenorean]

I think I prefer a glossy finish, but I was also considering getting an IPS monitor. One a quick search, I was not able to find a glossy IPS. Does anyone know why, or where I can find one?

IPS panels are good at color reproduction, which a glossy screen basically screws up.

Photographers, video editors, creative content people prefer accurate color reproduction over the fakery of glossy screens. Probably why most IPS panels are going to stick with matte unless they are on a laptop.

 

[Blain]

Only the coolest kids have glossy monitors.

 

[Anomaly1964]

I prefer matte, less glares...

 

[TheStu]

IPS panels are good at color reproduction, which a glossy screen basically screws up.

Photographers, video editors, creative content people prefer accurate color reproduction over the fakery of glossy screens. Probably why most IPS panels are going to stick with matte unless they are on a laptop.

I have read articles written by professional photographers that use matte monitors and insist that they are the only way to go. I have read articles written by professional photographers that use glossy monitors and insist that they are the only way to go.

Here is what they both agree on... either way, you have to calibrate the monitor, almost none are good out of the box.

OP, what resolution are you looking for? The only glossy IPS that I know of off the top of my head is the 27" Apple LED Display. 2560*1440 resolution, but it only has MiniDP on it, no other connectors, oh and it is $999 so might be outside your price range.

IF you are willing to tear your brand new monitor apart... all LCD monitors are glossy by default, and you can peel off the matte covering with sufficient patience, though it will obviously void your warranty.

Matte monitors reduce glare because when light comes in from an external source, it gets diffused and scattered by the matte coating, that is why it reduces glare, but it also means that they are noticeably dimmer than an otherwise identical glossy monitor. Also, I have read of people with high-dpi matte monitors complain about blurriness.

Glossy monitors on the other hand allow external light sources to reflect off of the monitor, allowing other light to contribute to the backlight, which is why the colors appear brighter. But of course depending on where you are sitting, and if the backlight isn't strong enough, external light sources can put a massive glare on the screen, and if you are wearing a light shirt, it will show up on the screen.

As others have said, whatever you like.

 

[lxskllr]

I prefer matte, less glares...

Same

 

[fffblackmage]

I prefer matte, less glares...

+1

Glossy typically does look nicer, but only if you live in a cave.

 

[imagoon]

Hate glossy. I would get a mirror if I wanted to stare at my own face all day.

 

[BoomerD]

I wish I'd have had this option with my plasma TV...even though the room has fairly low ambient light most of the day, the reflection of room lighting can be annoying as hell.

 

[JackMDS]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how-to/tips/4213062

 

[M0RPH]

I have a glossy screen IPS, the NEC 20WMGX2, and I love it. Personally I would always choose glossy over matte, although it seems they are becoming harder to find in desktop monitors... common in laptops though.

 

[fffblackmage]

I have a glossy screen IPS, the NEC 20WMGX2, and I love it. Personally I would always choose glossy over matte, although it seems they are becoming harder to find in desktop monitors... common in laptops though.

Which never made sense to me... glare is the worst once you're outside with a glossy laptop screen.... How do people put up with it?