By Robin Owens 4 days ago, Monitors
Are VA panel monitors better than IPS?
VA panel monitor, in other words, Vertical Alignment, is the best choice if you want to get maximum contrast and depth during gaming sessions. Although VA screens are less popular compared to the other two options, IPS and TN panel types, they are still worth considering.
VA monitors offer a high contrast ratio of over 3000: 1, so users get rich blacks and high-quality grayscale performance.
VA panel monitors are a neutral option which will satisfy both TN type panel lovers and IPS fans. This type of panel is susceptible to side effects and picture artifacts, as the transitions from white to black take longer than IPS or TN offer.
As a rule, we recommend a VA panel gaming monitor for those who like fun games rather than those, who are interested in competitive fast gameplay. Whether you are among those who prefer RPGs like The Witcher 3 or Survivor Horror genres like Resident Evil, VA panel for gaming will bring you lots of benefits and pleasure.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080| Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: / | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Affordable
⊕ High-end color and grayscale performance
⊕ Low input lag
⊖ Tilt-only stand
⊖ Without DisplayPort input
⊖ No USB ports
The Acer KB272HL is a decent 27-inch VA monitor with 1080p resolution, which is an example of an affordable yet very powerful product. Still, if you are looking for a monitor for gaming or work rather than watching movies and videos, there are better variants on the market.
Today this model is the most affordable of all 27-inch displays. The monitor offers AMD FreeSync technology, a beautiful design with a slim bezel and excellent contrast.
With the Acer KB272HL, you will not experience long input lag, as it is only 10ms, which is almost unnoticeable at 75Hz. The response speed is 4ms, which is quite enough to avoid excessive delays of fast-moving objects with the specified refresh rate. It can be called the best VA panel monitor with support for FreeSync technology with a 48-75Hz Variable Frequency (VRR). If you have a compatible graphics card, you can get rid of screen tears in the specified range.
If you only need HDMI and VGA connections, the Acer KB272HL will impress you with its stylish design and picture quality.
Screen size: 32-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440| Brightness: 350cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle:178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ AMD FreeSync
⊕ Fast refresh rate
⊕ Game-friendly options
⊖ A bit distorted greens
⊖ Without speakers
LG 32GK650F-B is a VA display that will impress you with its size. It’s a great choice if you want to follow every action without missing out on details. Thanks to the VA panel, the monitor provides great grayscale performance.
We were satisfied after testing this model, as the device belongs to the most popular category – excellent value for money. Many brands aspire to fall into this category, a favorite for many users, but few can achieve good performance at affordable prices. In our opinion, LG 32GK650F places the winner seat as the best VA monitor in this category today.
This 32-inch 1440p VA monitor has a 144Hz refresh rate, that is why it works great for modern games. Thanks to the advantages of VA technology, the monitor is very popular among gamers. For those who hate curved screens, the good news is that the model is flat.
Screen size: 35-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440x1440| Brightness: 350cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 100Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: / | Contrast ratio: 2500:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ HDR support
⊕ 100Hz refresh rate
⊕ Great color and grayscale
⊕ FreeSync technology
⊖ No integrated speakers
⊖ Non-adjustable swivel
⊖ Ports are difficult to reach
The BenQ EX3501R is a monitor with a VA panel that offers seamless immersion when you play fast-action games. The model delivers great performance thanks to HDR10, still, if you compare it to its counterparts, it lacks contrast and color saturation in HDR mode.
As for SDR, the BenQ EX3501R can easily beat other options. You’ll find many faster monitors, but few look as stylish as this one.
This model is rather expensive. However, it’s well worth its price as it offers an impressive set of features and specifications. It has an outstanding curve and spectacular dimensions. The screen will serve you for long, as it’s well-built. It has a classy and not too flashy design. All in all, this is a worthy VA gaming monitor.
Screen size: 24-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920×1080| Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178 degree | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Reasonably-priced
⊕ Amazing color and grayscale performance
⊕ Low input backlog
⊕ Energy-saving
⊖ Tilt-only stand
⊖ Without USB ports
The Acer R240HY6, which is also known as the Acer R240HY bidx, is the best VA panel monitor due to its affordable price and the features it offers. The screen delivers a high-quality picture with rich, vibrant colors. The slim monitor bezel is almost invisible, so you can easily install two or more displays for comfortable gaming or productive work.
The Acer is not inferior to similar models in terms of design. The panel fits in a frameless glossy-block plastic body (thin enough, about 0.25 inches).
The frame is lifted thanks to the ring-shaped stand that allows the panel to tilt up to 20 degrees. Tilt is the only possible manipulation, as the stand goes without height adjustment or swivels. Thus you get a tilt angle range of -5 to 15 degrees.
Screen size: 31.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ 75Hz works great for gaming
⊕ HDMI port
⊕ Value for money
⊕ Rather responsive
⊖ Limited stand configurations
⊖ Stock stand isn't convenient enough
Are you looking for the best VA monitor? The AOC C32V1Q is a decent 31-inch device with a wide curved screen. Thanks to the 1800R curve, you can be even more passionate and immersed in a game or, let’s say, movie. Plus, the curved design is helpful for better viewing and capturing of the entire field of the screen, which is convenient enough for both gaming and working on projects.
The monitor is famous not only for its size and design, but also for its package of functions. It goes with a 1920x1080 Full HD resolution and 1800R curve radius that puts you deeper into the action. That is why the AOC C32V1Q is considered to be the best VA gaming monitor by many.
The VA panel delivers color clarity and contrast. For its price, the monitor meets all expectations. It also provides refresh rates up to 75Hz through DisplayPort connectivity and 60Hz through VGA and HDMI.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178 degree| Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Classy design
⊕ Comfortable curve
⊕ Vivid and dynamic colors
⊖ Non-adjustable height
⊖ No integrated speakers
The Samsung C27F398 is a budget 27-inch VA panel monitor. It features a curved design and some high-end options. It has a glossy black front with the matte rear and stylish bezels on the front.
The bezels mask the edges of the panel and make it look more elegant. These few details help this Samsung VA monitor look similar to the premium models.
The C27F398 is a classy and reasonably-priced option that works for users who are looking for an immersive full HD display. When it comes to features, the C27F398 is similar to budget monitors. Still, thanks to a curved VA panel, the screen looks extraordinary, if you compare it to other options at this price range. It is perfectly suitable both for casual use and work-related tasks.
This 27-inch curved display is the right choice if you want to get an immersive watching experience. This great VA panel gaming monitor delivers vibrant colors. After making some adjustments, you will get a high-quality image.
I recommend this option to anyone who wants to purchase a monitor that comes at an affordable price and offers advanced functionality. The Samsung C27F398 won’t make you regret your choice.
Screen size: 32-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178 degree | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Great black colors from any angle
⊕ Built-in speakers
⊕ FreeSync technology
⊖ No way to adjust the height
⊖ Poor materials
The Philips 328E9QJAB is a 32-inch VA panel gaming monitor with Full HD support. You will be impressed by the design of this model with a curved screen, which is more comfortable compared to a flat one. Thanks to the narrow bezels, you can put two screens side by side without any problem.
The screen displays all colors in the sRGB spectrum without distortion, so users can see the color palette as it is, both during work and gaming. The blue filter option helps you relieve stress and avoid eye strain.
The Philips 328E9QJAB cuts some corners to keep costs down, but it's a decent budgetary screen for those looking for a large model. This model is especially suitable for users, who need it to improve the gaming experience, not for work.
Screen size: 24-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 8ms | Viewing angle: 178 degree| Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Tiltable display
⊕ Perfect for a dual monitor setup
⊕ High contrast and great black levels
⊕ No built-in speakers
⊖ Lacks height adjustment option
The AOC 27B1H is the best VA monitor with a slim design that comes at a reasonable price. If you would like to get this model or can’t choose between several 21-inch monitors of this kind, pay attention to their specs. While it is stated on the product webpage that its response time is 7ms, manufacturers indicated in the product datasheet that this monitor has a 9ms response time.
While it’s significantly lower than 5ms that the IPS monitors usually have, you will hardly notice any sign of ghosting in fast-paced games. The monitor offers a refresh rate of just 60Hz.
The AOC 27B1H comes with a non-flicker backlight and a built-in filter to minimize blue light emissions. Thanks to these features, you won’t experience headaches or eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
The AOC 24B1H is the best VA panel monitor for office or home usage. Besides being well-designed, this model combines style and practicality. Thanks to the thin bezels, this 24-inch screen can be used as a part of a multiple-monitor setup.
The MVA panel offers the full sRGB color space and deep black levels. It has a tiltable screen, which is perfect when you need to find the most comfortable position.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Acer KB272HL
Gaming |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
LG 32GK650F-B
Budget |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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BenQ EX3501R
Professional |
CHECK PRICE → |
It’s difficult to define which option is the best, as they are quite different. Below, I have listed the key differences between IPS, TN and VA monitors under $400 to help you choose the one that suits your needs best. Let’s discuss the main advantages of each option.
TN TVs for PC monitors feature fast response times. If you use this type of monitor with a response time ranging from 1ms to 5ms, you will be satisfied with the results when playing competitive games.
It takes a bit too long for IPS monitors to process images. Manufacturers release IPS monitors with the response time ranging between 5ms to 8ms.
Still, VA monitors are the slowest, which is why they take third place.
IPS monitors for photo editing have better viewing angles compared to TN ones. You’ll see distorted colors when looking at a TN monitor from extreme angles.
IPS monitors deliver accurate colors regardless of an angle you are looking at them from. While VA panel monitors have better viewing angles than TN monitors, IPS monitors offer the widest viewing angles. If you look at a VA monitor from different angles, you’ll notice colors change.
TN monitors quickly display images, which significantly enhances your gaming experience. If you are looking for a monitor to play games, TN screens are what you need.
IPS screens provide high-quality images but offer worse response times compared to TN ones.
You don’t need to choose a monitor from the most popular models only. It’s important to select an option that suits your preferences.
TN monitors are suitable for hardcore gamers, as they give you a cutting edge in competitive gaming. If you are fond of fast-paced and competitive games, make sure to consider this option.
In case you need to buy a monitor to create content, edit photos or work on design projects, IPS monitors come in handy.
Moreover, if you like playing games, but graphics quality is crucial, I recommend choosing an IPS glossy monitor.
The 5ms isn’t noticeable for everyday use. However, for E-sport gamers, it will be better to choose a monitor with better response times.
A VA panel is suitable for gaming as it offers wide viewing angles and great color reproduction. Thanks to high color accuracy, VA monitors with a triple monitor setup are ideal for design tasks, as well as for gamers who want to play games with amazing image quality. However, there might be some signs of blur when you play games.
A worthy monitor should come with at least 60Hz. The level of the refresh rate matters considerably for games. A high refresh rate accounts for better gaming experience. Plus, it keeps details accurate and reaction time high. Modern monitors feature a 240Hz refresh rate.
VA panels aren’t all that bad. Most high-priced LCD TVs come with VA panels. Each of the panel types has its weaknesses, for instance, IPS and TN panels offer a poor contrast ratio. gt; gt;As a rule, VA panels for TVs have higher quality than those used in monitors. While TVs have an 8000:1 contrast ratio, some VA monitors have only 2000:1.
A VA monitor is something of a compromise between TN and IPS. It is less expensive than IPS, while offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles than TN.
