IPS stands for In-Plane Switching. It describes how liquid crystal molecules in an LCD screen are arranged and controlled. In an IPS panel, these molecules shift horizontally across the screen, which allows light to pass through more evenly regardless of the angle from which you view it.
The main benefit of IPS technology is colour accuracy and viewing angles. If you sit off to the side of an IPS screen, the image remains clear and colours stay true. This contrasts with older TN (twisted nematic) panels, which shift colour and contrast noticeably when viewed from an angle.
IPS panels are standard in professional monitors used by photographers, designers, and video editors who need to trust what they see on screen. They're also common in mid-range and premium consumer laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
The trade-off is response time. IPS panels typically respond to changes a few milliseconds slower than TN panels. For fast-paced gaming, this matters; for office work, web browsing, or content creation, you won't notice. Power consumption is also slightly higher than TN technology.
When shopping for a monitor or laptop, check whether it uses IPS if colour accuracy or comfortable viewing angles matter to you. Look for specs that mention 99% sRGB or DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage, which signals a quality IPS panel. Refresh rates (measured in Hz) and response times are separate specs worth checking separately, especially if you plan to game.