Viewing Angle Test
Physically move your head to view the image on the screen from different angles (up, down, left, and right) to check for visual distortions.
How to Use the Viewing Angle Test
This viewing angle test helps you determine how well your screen performs when not viewed from a direct, center position. Different panel types (IPS, VA, TN) have vastly different viewing angle characteristics. This is a manual test that requires you to physically move.
- Color Shift: Look for changes in color as you move your viewing position. For example, do reds become orange, or do whites take on a yellowish or bluish tint? Good monitors (usually IPS) show minimal color shift in a viewing angle test.
- Contrast Loss: Observe the dark areas of the image. Do they become grayish or washed out when viewed from an angle? This loss of contrast is common on VA and especially TN panels.
- Brightness Drop: Note if the overall image becomes significantly dimmer when you move off-center. This is a common part of any thorough viewing angle test.
Viewing Angle Test FAQ
Which monitor panel type has the best viewing angles?
IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels have the best and widest viewing angles, showing the least amount of color and contrast shift. VA (Vertical Alignment) panels are a step below but generally better than TN (Twisted Nematic) panels, which have the narrowest viewing angles and show significant color distortion when not viewed head-on.
Why are good viewing angles important?
Good viewing angles are crucial for color-critical work like photo or video editing, ensuring the colors you see are accurate regardless of your position. They are also important for collaboration when multiple people are viewing the same screen, or for watching content with family and friends. A good viewing angle test helps verify this performance.