LED vs LCD Monitors Comparison

The debate between LED vs LCD Monitors has been going on since LED’s hit the market. The LED versus LCD debate is one that deals with the differences between the two types and which one is better than the other.

What is the Difference?
The main difference between LCD and LED monitors involves the back-light of the monitors. While the technology of the displays of LCD’s and LED’s is basically the same, the LCD monitor uses cold cathode fluorescent lamps as back-lights as compared to the LED monitors that emit diodes. While this is not the only difference between the two, this is the main difference, and a major point of contention between those who prefer LCD technology and those who prefer LED technology.

The old CRT monitors generated their own light by using their cathode rays. LCD technology, on the other hand, depends on outside lighting to create the image and project the display colors by manipulating the light that traverses polarized liquid crystals.

Since LED’s are built on LCD technology, they have taken this process (manipulating light as it traverses polarized liquid crystals) and have enhanced it, making a higher quality backlight that distinctly affects the quality of the monitor’s display.

This means that LED monitors offer more intense lighting and finer color resolution, meaning that the colors of an LED monitor come closer to the colors one will find in nature. There is also the topic of contrast – LED has a sharper contrast which makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy quality color and picture reproduction.

When it comes to purchasing an LED monitor, there are differences in those that are sold. Two major types are the RGB dynamic LED monitors which use LED’s behind LCD while other, edge LED uses LED’s around the monitor trim and diffuse light behind the screen. On average, these edge LED monitors are slimmer than the RGB dynamic LED monitors because of this.

Another major difference between LCD monitors and LED monitors is energy consumption. LED’s are unarguably better on power consumption. On average they use 40% less power than their LCD counterparts, a percentage that really starts adding up, especially for computers that are used regularly in a home or office setting.

Another distinction between LCD monitors and LED monitors is the angle of viewability. LCD monitors are better viewed directly on. If you go too far to one side or another, or if you go too far to the left or to the right, the computer display distorts. LED’s have a much sharper image, even from an angle.

Finally, the biggest difference between LCD monitors and LED monitors is, currently, their price. Being a relatively new technology (or rather, a newer technology), LED monitors tend to cost a bit more than their LCD brothers; though the prices have been steadily decreasing as LED technology has become more prevalent. But they still cost a bit more, though there are plenty who consider the advantages of LED to outweigh the difference in price.

So, Which is Better?
A comparison of LCD and LED monitors brings one to the reasonable conclusion that while LED monitors by far provide a better overall picture, with better clarity, resolution, and color, the LCD costs considerably less so it will depend on what you plan on using your computer monitor for that will determine whether you want to invest in an LED or whether you can make do with an LCD computer monitor.