OLED vs. IPS Portable Laptop Monitors: Which is the Best?

Monitors have been evolving at a faster rate with increasing refresh rates and screen resolution. Nowadays, most monitors feature IPS and OLED panels, with IPS being the popular ones with numerous numbers of devices using them. On the other hand, OLED displays have so far been used primarily for premium devices such as laptops, TVs, phones, and tablets. However, in the past few years, OLED panels have made their place in many flagship products. If you plan to buy a portable laptop monitor, understanding the difference between these leading screen technologies (IPS and OLED) can help you evaluate which type of screen will deliver the best working and viewing experience.  

OLED vs. IPS Laptop Monitors: A Detailed Comparison

Portable laptop monitors are one of the best options for those who need extra screen space while on the go. The two popular monitors in this category (boasting different display technologies) are OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and IPS (In-Plane Switching). Let’s get into the details of how these two technologies work against each other for better clarity: 

1. Display Technology:

• OLED Portable Laptop Monitors: OLED Display Technology

OLED screens use organic materials such as Tris (8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum, Polyfluorene, or Triphenylamine that emit light when an electric current is applied. Each pixel in OLED monitors emits light, offering true black levels and vibrant colors. The OLEDs are better known for their high contrast ratios and deep blacks.

• IPS Portable Laptop Monitors: IPS Display Technology

IPS monitors have a layer of liquid crystal between two glass surfaces. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to the surfaces. The molecules are reoriented through an electric field to control the passage of light. The IPS technology offers wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. 

2. Color Accuracy:

• OLED: OLED monitors offer exceptional color accuracy and produce rich, saturated colors. These are often used by professionals for performing creative and intensive tasks like photo editing and graphic design. 
   
• IPS: IPS monitors also provide excellent color accuracy but lack the vibrancy of OLED displays. However, they are the best choice for individuals dealing with color-critical work. 

3. Contrast Ratio:

• OLED: OLED monitors have an infinite contrast ratio. That is so because each pixel can be turned off individually, resulting in deep blacks and bright whites. As a result, these monitors are great for watching movies and playing games. 

• IPS: IPS displays have a good contrast ratio but can’t reach the same deep blacks as the OLED does. However, they are still best for most day-to-day tasks. 

4. Viewing Angles:

• OLED: OLED screens offer excellent viewing angles. You will experience almost no color or contrast distortion, even if you view from extreme angles. 

• IPS: IPS monitors are well known for their wide viewing angles, so there are no second thoughts about them. You can easily use them for collaborative work or sharing content. 

5. Power Efficiency:

• OLED: OLED screens are power-efficient when displaying dark or black images. Herein, each pixel can be turned off when required. However, displaying bright content or white backgrounds for extended periods may consume more power. 
   
• IPS: IPS monitors consume uniform power regardless of the content displayed. That is so because IPS monitors deliver specific quality images. They often require more energy to keep up with all the on-screen activity. Hence, they are less power efficient.  

6. Burn-in Risk:

Burn in: A persistent and visible mark on the screen panel. 

• OLED: OLED displays are susceptible to burn-in (if static images are displayed for extended periods). It is a significant concern for users who use monitors for tasks such as continuous data monitoring. 

• IPS: IPS monitors are not prone to burn-in even if the images are displayed for extended periods, making them a safer choice for tasks with static elements. 

OLED vs. IPS Portable Laptop Monitors: Tabular Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of OLED and IPS portable laptop monitors: 
 

Parameter	OLED Portable Laptop Monitors	IPS Portable Laptop Monitors
Display Technology	Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)	In-Plane Switching (IPS)
Color Accuracy	Excellent for vibrant colors	Excellent with accurate color reproduction
Contrast Ratio	Infinite (Perfect blacks)	Good, but not as deep as OLED have
Viewing Angles	Excellent with almost no distortion	Excellent with wide angles
Power Efficiency	Efficient for dark or black content	Consistent power consumption
Burn-in Risk	Susceptible to burn-in	Not prone to burn-in

Read Also: 8 Ways how Portable Laptop monitors Improve your Work Productivity

Conclusion:

Whether you go for OLED or IPS portable laptop monitors, the decision will depend on your specific needs. Generally, the OLED monitors are great for tasks that require vibrant colors and deep blacks, but they come with a burn-in risk. On the other hand, IPS monitors provide excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles without the burn-in concern. Consider your purpose and priorities to select the best technology for yourself.