In today’s times, technology is an integral part of our day-to-day life with most of us spending more time than ever in front of our display screens. This is why it is especially important to understand which monitor you should invest in. The two main types of monitor technologies available in the market are LCD monitors and LED monitors. Read on to find out more about each of them along with their pros and cons.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
A sheet of liquid crystals is placed between two pieces of polarized glass in LCD displays. The LCD monitor doesn’t produce its light, instead, additional lighting behind the screen shines through the glass and illuminates the crystals.
Pros of LCD Monitors:
– A lifespan of 30,000 hours (8 years of use at 10 hours per day)
– A lower-cost due to the fact that it is an older technology that has been on the marketplace for longer.
– Burn-in isn’t a problem, making LCD monitors good for gamers since heads-up display (HUD) elements in some video games can cause image retention.
Cons of LCD Monitors:
– These tend to lack 4k support
– The use of mercury causes pollution when the monitor reaches the end of its lifespan
– Consumes a lot of power and runs hot
– Lower contrast leads to poorer picture clarity
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
LED monitors also use liquid crystals between two pieces of polarized glass. However, the difference between LCDs and LEDs is that backlighting in LED monitors is produced by LEDs.
Pros of LED Monitors:
– A lifespan of 50,000 hours (15 years of use at 10 hours per day)
– More energy-efficient, making them cheaper to run in the long run.
– 4K resolution allows you to play the latest games and watch the latest videos.
– Fast reaction time makes them ideal for serious gamers.
– No pollution issue as LED monitors don’t use mercury.
Cons of LED Monitors:
– Higher price point
– Higher risk for image retention/screen burn
Before deciding on which monitor is the ideal choice for you, make sure to weigh the various options and consider the amount of time you plan to use your monitor.