IPS Glow vs Backlight Bleed: Know the Differences

Author: Anirban Saha

Last Updated On:

Discover the key differences between IPS Glow and Backlight Bleed. If you’ve ever wondered about those lights on the edges of your screen when it displays black, this article is your go-to guide.

So, let’s get started!

Image of a Gaming Monitor with light backlight leaking from the display

IPS Glow vs Backlight Bleed Compared

IPS GlowBacklight Bleed
Is it a Monitor DefectNot a monitor defect.Yes, it is a monitor defect.
Location of OccuranceMonitor CornersLocation of Occurrence
Is it NormalYesNo

What is IPS Glow?

IPS glow is a phenomenon often observed in In-Plane Switching (IPS) LCD monitors, characterized by the slight light bleed or halo effect around the edges of the screen when viewing dark or black content at certain angles due to the technology’s inherent panel properties.

The IPS Glow can be seen by the human eye as a faint light coming from either corner of the screen. 

It does not affect your ability to see accurate colors, only that there may be some IPS Glow present on the display which could cause eye strain if you are sensitive to seeing it for long periods. 

So, Is IPS Glow a defect? IPS glow is not a defect rather it comes from the normal process during the manufacture of the IPS display.

IPS monitors have built-in IPS glow because they use In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology which spreads out lights horizontally instead of vertically like other types of displays such as cathode ray tubes (CRT). 

This gives IPS screens more vibrant and detailed color reproduction with wide viewing angles so these types of displays are usually preferred. 

What is Backlight Bleed?

Backlight bleed refers to any leakage from the backlighting system onto either side of the LCD panel within an LED-backlit LCD display device causing uniformity issues along those edges of the screen which should be completely black or otherwise very dark. 

In monitors whether Full HD or HD, you would find that the edges of the monitor emit a glow.

This is more noticeable for dark-colored pictures.

You would be clearly able to see the backlight of the monitor is spreading across the edges of the monitor.

This type of flaw is majorly seen in the case of cheap monitors and also rarely happens in some good monitors because of manufacturing defects.

Backlight bleed can impact the color accuracy of IPS displays and IPS screens.

Generally, you can avoid backlight bleed problems if you choose a high-quality display initially.

To test Backlit bleed you need a pitch-black color image on the screen.

Here is the video below. This will make your screen black and you will get to see if there is any backlit bleeding in your monitor.

FAQs on IPS Glow vs Backlight Bleed

How much IPS Glow is acceptable?

IPS Glow on the monitors can be distracting to your eyes during gaming or when you use your monitor. After you get your monitor you need to test dimming lights in a dark room to check the IPS glow if it is distracting you. If you are using a high-quality display then the IPS glow would be minimal and of no issues.

Does the backlight bleed get worse?

Generally, the backlight bleed does not get worse with time. It is a manufacturing defect and stays long unless repaired. If the backlight bleed bothers you it’s time to replace or repair the display panel.

Does the backlight bleed affect the picture quality?

The backlight bleed happens around the edges of the Monitors which has the issue. However, with backlight bleed the central part of the monitor remains unaffected.

Is Blacklight bleeding normal on laptops with an IPS display panel?

Laptops with an IPS display can have a slight backlight bleeding on their edges. This is normal.

Final Words

Whether you have an IPS glow or backlight bleeding, you need to identify it properly to take the next steps to rectify it. 

If you have backlight bleeding then you can go with the warranty claim and get your monitor replaced or repaired.