[Monitor] What is the difference between TN, IPS, VA, and OLED? How to choose the best panel for FPS, RPG, and movie viewing

When buying a gaming monitor, do you look at the “panel type”?
The characters “IPS” and “TN” in the spec table.
If you buy it without knowing this, you will regret it because the screen is whitish and the afterimage is terrible.
I will tell you the correct answer for each purpose.

TN panel: Serious FPS only

Advantages:Fast response time and cheap.
Disadvantages:The color is pale and the viewing angle is narrow (discoloration occurs when viewed from an angle).
This is for Apex and Valorant players who don’t care about image quality, as long as they can see the enemy.
Nowadays, IPS has become faster, so there are fewer reasons to choose one.

IPS panel: All-around excellent student

Advantages:Bright colors and wide viewing angle.
Disadvantages:Not good at expressing black (slight white cast).
Current academic standards.
If you are unsure, choose the panel labeled “Fast IPS” and you will be able to play everything from RPG to FPS at a high level.

VA panel: For movies and horror games

Advantages:High contrast ratio, making blacks look sharper.
Disadvantages:Response speed is slow and afterimages are likely to occur.
It is ideal for games with many dark scenes (such as Resident Evil) and for watching movies, but is not suitable for fast-moving FPS.

OLED (organic EL): the strongest king

Advantages:Infinite contrast, ultra-fast response speed, ultra-thin.
Disadvantages:High price, risk of burn-in.
If you have the budget, this is your choice.
It has performance that can be said to be upwardly compatible with all panels.

Summary

Now in 2026, there are two choices: “IPS panel” or “OLED”.
Since TN and VA have limited uses, beginners should definitely choose IPS.