Matte vs Glossy Screens
Ranked #61 in Computers & Electronics, #914 overall
The Two Kinds of LCD Monitors
Matte screens don't get glare or reflections on them; however, the same rough surface (polarizer) that reduces the intensity of reflected light results in less contrast and brightness since the light from the LCD screen passes through it. Matte screens diffuse light instead of reflecting it so they might be easier to read outdoors, if the backlight provides enough brightness. You don't have to worry as much about reflections as with a glossy screen.
Glossy screens have vibrant colors and the highest contrast and brightness because they have a smooth, high-gloss surface. As a result, it is often the choice for movies or gaming. However, strong lighting causes glare on these screens which is very annoying and may tire your eyes if you have to stare at it all the time. You can also see reflections on the screen. Some graphics designers may also find the colors inaccurate. Glossy will work great for you if the lighting in your room doesn't create any glare on the screen.
Which ones do you think are better, and why? We'd love to hear your opinion!
Matte vs Glossy Opinions
What kind of LCD screens are better?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byMatte screens are better than glossy!
Rebecca says:
Matte. There must be something seriously wrong with people's eyeballs if they can't see the reflections on glossy.
Posted February 14, 2012
Mrs. Magoo says:
I bought a "matte" film to go over the glossy screen and STILL couldn't see the screen when out doors. Matte please.
Posted February 13, 2012
mel oster says:
I am looking for a new lap top and would not even consider a glossy monitor. they are totally impossible to see when you are outdoors or in a lighted room.
Posted February 09, 2012
Brian says:
Unless you have an absolutely perfect enviornment, a matte screen is far better. It's much more usable, and the reduction in color gamut isn't that bad.
Posted January 28, 2012
Jacky says:
I haven't TRIED matt screen, but I HATE my new Macbook Pro glossy screen. My eyes become sore and red very quickly when using it, and stay that way for a very long time. I also think my eyesight is being affected!
Posted January 27, 2012
ulung says:
MATTE....!!! Glossy screen burns my eyes. Matte screen for healthier eyes
Posted January 22, 2012
Karin says:
Matte, because you can actually see what's on the screen when there's a window next to you...
Posted January 20, 2012
Doug says:
I hate the glossy screens. The glare is so annoying! I don't understand how anyone can use them!
Posted January 09, 2012
Cihan says:
MATTE
Posted January 09, 2012
Jerry Sandusky says:
I prefer matte all the way.
Posted January 05, 2012
Tommy says:
I hate glossy screens I had one laptop with a glossy screen and I never want one ever again. Using it outdoors was a downright nightmare. Too bad so many of the laptops I'm looking at today only come with glossy screens. I wish I at least could have the option of choosing which one I wanted, and not have a glossy one forced upon me.
Posted January 05, 2012
Laurie says:
People think that they like the glossy, LED backlit screens, but they're not good for the eyes. Glossy may look good in a Best Buy, and 14 year old gamers may like them, but take it home and do any serious work, like word processing and many of us find serious eye fatigue and/or headaches to be the result of the backlit LED glossy. I fear that the young gamers may find themselves, unwittingly, doing damage to their eyes. As much as I like the Macbook Pro, it seems to have a particularly irritating screen in terms of eye strain. I recently purchased one and no sooner turned it on to use it, than my eyes started to burn, tear and sear, leaving my nose dripping in sympathy to the eye irritation. What a pity. It's such a nice machine. Besides, if I want a mirror, I'll get a mirror. I don't want to have to fight with my computer to see the screen, wrangling this way and that trying to avoid reflections from behind, the side or best yet, from light reflecting off of my clothing.
Posted December 30, 2011
dee says:
I work with imaging systems in a hospital. After some critical inspection for
use in immunohistology (colors) and x-rays (black and white) the winner
was the Eizo Flexcscan S2243W (matte). I had a budget to allow for much more money to be paid, but this was the hands down winner of anything I could find. Excellent sharp images along edges of tissues and bones, etc. Contrast was superior across entire spectrum, and importantly, in black and white. Most people around here like glossy, and some of them were expensive... but no match for this screen when we compared with some color standard images covering contrast in all colors and B&W. I can't wait to get a 24-27" 2560x1600 version of this. For those working in medical
imaging, at least have a look at one of this line before comitting to what you feel is better.
Posted December 28, 2011
Igor says:
I accidentally bought a laptop with a glossy screen without knowing that any idiot could produce such screens. In any next laptop I will buy I will first exclude any that are glossy. That's a primary concern. I can't work on a glossy screen!
Posted December 27, 2011
vinylsaur says:
as a music producer i have found matte to be more versatile and easier on the eyes. i would say that anyone looking to spend an extended amount of time on their computer (like me) should invest in a matte screen.
Posted December 25, 2011
Tomi says:
Matte
Posted December 23, 2011
yiuyth says:
I think both of them are great but matte is a little better than glossy ...
Posted December 12, 2011
UseppaKaren says:
If you are at all serious about photography and having the screen image match your printed image, then matte is the only way to go - particularly if you are working in a MAC environment. Although the images can look great on any MAC, HD or backlit glossy screen, the image you print will ALWAYS look significantly darker then what you see on your screen, unless a matte screen is used.
Posted December 08, 2011
CVicious says:
I Like Glossy screens, but I am a amateur and don't do anything on my iMac but play video games and watch sum movies some times... perfect for me, just a screw around system my 27 inch iMac. But, if I was to do professional stuff I would obviously want a Matte screen Duh? what are you stupid? Matte screens are for professional people that need to do real work, Glossy fun screen iMac's are for people like me that are just farting around. There you go buddy, or chick. Matte for serious professionals, Glossy fun screens for farting around.
Posted November 30, 2011
Alice Wonder says:
Matte screen protectors are good for smartphone touch screens because you don't have to worry about light glaring nor cleaning your screen everytime due to fingerprint smudges after using your phone.
Posted November 22, 2011
Timothy says:
Glossy screens look better on a display at Best Buy or Walmart. Matte screens look better when you're actually using them. It's no surprise which one the computer industry has chosen.
Posted November 18, 2011
tanya says:
Glossy screens are not for work. I bought a laptop and wish I could return it even if only because of the glossy screen. I hate it, makes my eyes strain and distracts my concentration.
Posted November 08, 2011
WeWantMatteScreens! says:
Where can I buy a PC laptop with a matte screen?
Why do the companies keep foisting mandatory glossy screens on the public when the public obviously prefers matte screens???
Posted October 19, 2011
jerp says:
what you write holds no water if there's no proper photos to show us the differences side to side
Posted October 13, 2011
AppleDude says:
I tried both types for many years and I still have both. Personally, I find that a good quality matte screen such as the optional anti-glare display on MacBook Pros beats a glossy screen without any doubt. I even prefer the aluminum border around the screen rather than an all glass screen. If Apple makes a 27" matte display I will get rid of the eye-straining terrible-headache-causing glossy display I have in an instant. I HATE GLOSSY because working 12+ hours a day using it is driving me crazy!
Posted October 03, 2011
Alex says:
I like glossy for movies but. I need matte to work with.... please Apple give me back an imac and mackbook pro matte option
Posted September 30, 2011
dino says:
I just can't stand glossy screen especially the one on laptop. The main complaint is glare and reflection. Laptops which are often taken outdoor shouldn't be made with glossy screen. Unfortunately, it's not easy to find a good laptop with matte's. If you have a chance seeing a IPS matte monitor, you will love matte screens because colors are so vibrant and, good of all, your eyes won't quickly get tired as will with the glossy screens.
Posted September 23, 2011
Ryan says:
I use both, simultaneously, in tandem. One is attached to my laptop (glossy) and the other's an external (matte). The color on the glossy one is more vibrant yes, but sometimes it interferes with my work. I also can't stand it when the sun reflects off of it. I wish more laptop manufacturers made laptops with matte screens...
Posted September 22, 2011
iracer_JLo says:
Glossy screens do look better, but you need such perfect light conditions that I'd never use one, especially on a laptop or other mobile device.
Posted September 21, 2011
jeeno says:
Definitely matte. I can't stand to continuously see reflections in the screen. I'd rather see what I'm doing as opposed to seeing my face reflect back at me all the time. I use a mirror for that purpose.
Posted September 17, 2011
Programmer says:
When you have to spend hours in front of your computer typing away you come to realize how important it is to keep your eyes from getting tired. A matte screen is a lot easier to work with. Glossy screens might look fancier, but fancy comes last in my list of priorities. Health and practicality are much more important.
Posted September 16, 2011
Glossy screens are better than matte!
HATER says:
"Matte screens are for old geezers and look like throwback screens. Glossy is what's up."
^this
Posted January 16, 2012
uktvbrackets says:
glossy, i can put up with some glare. colours are richer and screen looks better overall
Posted January 11, 2012
Strom Thurmond says:
I think I need lasik surgery. Otherwise I have to keep using shitty matte screens.
Posted January 05, 2012
ADC says:
Matte screens are for old geezers and look like throwback screens. Glossy is what's up.
Posted January 05, 2012
Trickworn says:
I think the Glossy one is the better one cause it looks cute and also very much perfect .
cheap lcd monitors
Posted January 04, 2012
Notty says:
I would lyk glossy screens than Matte one coz am a hardcore gamer...
Posted December 25, 2011
Obama says:
Glossy screen help my eye recovery from been destroy by matte screen one.
But I also found it hard to find professional level screen that offer glossy so perhaps matte screen has some advantage in this area. I wish in some manufacturer made professional glossy screen in future.
Posted December 18, 2011
Beauke says:
Glossy is the best, matte has ugly colors, and bad black and white's, and it cost's more... FTW , Just take a glossy, better colors and deeper black and brighter white's !!!
Posted December 17, 2011
asdf says:
Glossy
Posted December 09, 2011
hima says:
GO GLOSSY !!
Posted December 05, 2011
Ben says:
Glossy!
I have no idea how these people get so distracted by reflections? Even at 30% brightness its still bearable, anything higher than that and you're looking at an amazing screen. Theres a reason photos are always printed on glossy paper instead of normal paper from your home printer.
Posted December 02, 2011
Runefox says:
Matte screens disperse light. This necessarily means that there is a loss in sharpness and colour depth when dealing with matte. Matte is useful for mobile devices and displays subjected to bright light sources, but for graphics design, gaming, or any real multimedia tasks, glossy screens provide a clearer viewing experience with richer colours. It's no surprise that there are many glossy displays to be found in the TV industry, though it is extremely surprising that desktop monitors are almost always matte, while notebook displays are almost always glossy - Based on their respective advantages, I'd expect it to be the opposite.
Posted November 25, 2011
Rufus says:
It's the same as with photography. When you enlarge and develop a photo onto matte paper is looks nice, but you can't help knowing that it would "pop" so much more if it had been printed on glossy paper. It's why it's the standard for when photos are printed.
The exact same principles seem to work for glossy screens. Things look just fine on my matte screen but everything on my macbook is made beautiful by its glossy display and when watching films, glossy is a priority for me.
Posted November 18, 2011
glossy? Yes please! says:
Matte screens look *dead* or like looking through a dirty window. Glossy screen give depth to pictures and the colours come alive. Frankly, I have never been disturbed by reflections from glossy screens.
Posted November 16, 2011
Steve the tech says:
I prefer the glossy. Web pages and software screens are built with more stuff in them now, so in turn all that stuff gets tiny (like the writing on this screen). I prefer to see it all at once and not have to scroll back and forth, so I need high contrast. With the matte screen I find myself straining MORE, and I also work 12 hours a day on a screen.
Posted October 21, 2011
SaznRai says:
I've been used both and I prefer glossy. The name and the sound of it might seem a bit off but it really is the good one. Whatever you need for clear and bright viewing, you get it. I didnt know about these types, I researched a bit and came to the conclusion that Glossy is my choice!
Posted October 18, 2011
Jack says:
Clarrity.
Posted October 11, 2011
Arthur in Japan says:
I would like to say glossy is best as all three PCs I have are so... Netbook, 15.4", and external monitor...
However, I have been interested in buying a larger 24" monitor and there are now very good spec. monitors available. Yes glossy always looks so virtual and fresh but the 'mirror-effect' is indeed a little niggling...
So, I am hoping that I can find a super performance matte finish monitor. LG electronics seem to be right up there in late 2011.
Posted October 03, 2011
holly says:
I think Glossy screens look much better on a laptop where as a matte one makes it looks old, my laptop screen is matte and is a very old laptop, i really want a Glossy one to make it look better. Even though Glossy screens do reflect the light making it more difficult to see, the picture is better. Matte screens are very dull in colour and light, you can modify this but it makes it look even worse, i do think Glossy screens are far better.
Posted August 23, 2011
iQwestArticles says:
I'm only opting for glossy to keep all options on the table, since there are third party products that we can use to turn your glossy screen into a matte finish. With that said, I'd much rather read on the matte finished Kindle screen outside than the iPad glossy screen.
Posted August 20, 2011
collins kanjanda says:
can i replace the glossy lcd on my laptop with a matte one?
Posted August 04, 2011
Edge says:
I have a 1080p matte and a 1400x900 glossy. The 1400x900 just looks to have crisp colours compared to my other screen. I am comparing a 25'' Gateway screen to the HP w1907. The HP looks to have clear colors.
Posted June 24, 2011
Scott says:
I would never give up the contrast and vibrancy of any of my glossy screens. My phone, laptop, and TV all have them, and I've never found it a nuisance to avoid reflections. My work PC has a matte screen, and I always feel like I'm looking through a film I can never clean off.
Posted June 21, 2011
markets says:
It's all about the vibrant colors. I don't go computing outside, so indoors this is the best option.
Posted June 21, 2011
Fanofboth says:
I know my iPod touch is a glossy screen and my monitor is a matte. I love them both. I am getting a alienware m14x and it has a glossy screen so I hope it will do well.by the way I am typing this from my glossy screen iPod touch. :)
Posted June 15, 2011
77inc. says:
everything just seems so muchhh better
Posted June 12, 2011
3ICE says:
MatteMacFan (on the left side) has not seen touchscreen laptops, but that doesn't mean they don't exist! In fact I am writing this comment with my fingertips on my glossy touchscreen with handwriting recognition.
--3ICE
Posted June 12, 2011
GrowWear says:
Whatever is the easiest to clean wins my favor. Which reminds me that a lot of the designs out there don't factor that in. So many nooks and crannies in stuff! They could do better.
Posted June 05, 2011
hyungsup says:
glossy is great for movies and games!
I'd go for glossy 80% of the time because it's usually cheaper.
Posted May 31, 2011
dfrye1 says:
I prefer a glossy screen because everything is crisper and brighter. I do see the value of matte screens too.
Since I spend most of my time computing inside where there is not much worry for glare, I will stick with my glossy screen.
Posted May 25, 2011
pwisbanana says:
Okay, I actually prefer matte screens for computers / laptops because of anti-glare, and it doesn't look messy when the screen is off.
But I am using a new glossy TV for my PlayStation 3! Since I am a basement gamer (sounds creepy, huh?), I don't have to worry at all about glare at all. I found a Vocaloid wallpaper at http://anime.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/549298/ This wallpaper is a nice piece of artwork, but you didn't experience a *HALLELUJAH CHORUS* moment on your computer screen, right? However, when I set this as my PS3 background, the lighting shone so holy and sacred! It makes me want to pay $600 for some kind of glossy canvas to be hung up onto the wall.
Posted March 21, 2011
johnkimble says:
Glossy just looks so much better, matte looks old/outdated and washed out. Myself, I've gotten used to the slight reflections I get on the screen and I don't hardly notice them any more. And as long as you don't have the brightness turned down on your screen, you shouldn't have much of a problem with glare hindering your view. Also, I kind of like seeing my reflection in the background (I can still see the screen fine) - these matte lovers must be some ugly people :P
Posted February 28, 2011
fashionality says:
glossy for recreational uses; matte for print production.
Posted February 27, 2011
I AM "GLOSSY" says:
GLOSSY BABY!!!!! I only need to watch movies and play games or browse the internet and even work on projects.... I am getting the GLOSSY macbook pro 15"......
Posted February 27, 2011
Comparison of Matte & Glossy Monitors
You can see two Apple MacBook laptops compared side by side in the photo above. The left one has a matte (anti-glare) LCD monitor while the right one has a glossy screen. The test was performed in a brightly lit room and as a result the glossy monitor has reflections on it.
Photo credit: Engadget
Glossy vs Matte Information & Links
1
MacBook vs MacBook pro
Apple switched to glossy screens for their MacBooks, do you think it was the right move to make?1 point
2
PixelBright LCDs
Some scientific information about gloss vs matte screens, and also an offer to add high gloss coating to your matte display.1 point
3
ArsTechnica: 'Glossy versus matte: fight!'
ArsTechnica has some precise, even if outdated, information: 'An overwhelming 86 percent of respondents preferred the anti-glare matte finish for their laptops, with only 8 percent voting for the glossy finish.'0 points
Computer Screen Preference Poll
Comments
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jimmyworldstar
Feb 16, 2012 @ 12:28 pm | delete
- I like the ability of matte screens to reduce glare but if it takes reducing color quality to do so, it's better to just find a way to lower sunlight glare.
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PhyllisCOliver
Feb 15, 2012 @ 3:58 am | delete
- I would definitely go for the glossy screens since its the new thing now a days.
pc tune up
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PeaZip
Dec 24, 2011 @ 3:16 am | delete
- Nice lens! Both technologies IMHO have pros and cons, matte is more ok for outdoor work while I personally find glossy screens more "attractive", so I tend to prefer glossy screens for indoor machines.
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jadehorseshoe
Dec 23, 2011 @ 1:50 am | delete
- Return visitor. Good info.
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zulfadli
Nov 28, 2011 @ 1:38 am | delete
- thanks so much for the valuable information...do check my lens :)
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Ronlove Nov 22, 2011 @ 7:52 am | delete
- Nice Lens Plenty of information.
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Jolene_Belmain
Sep 15, 2011 @ 10:39 am | delete
- Nice lens, neat to see people's opinions as to why they like each one.
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coltus
Aug 24, 2011 @ 11:01 am | delete
- Nice lens,.....useful information.
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iQwestArticles
Aug 20, 2011 @ 2:35 pm | delete
- Great lens. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for incorporating the best traits of both glossy and matte finishes!
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blinded by the light
Aug 17, 2011 @ 6:31 am | delete
- Hi' We have a matte & gloss laptop working side-bye-side. I use the Matte one while my wife bobs & weaves try to see hers, sometimes even lifting the thing up to see, then ending up looking at mine!! We will never buy another gloss screen. If we cannot buy matte we will go for secondhand. Gloss is for games a & impressionable kids...we have a life.
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lasertek
Aug 11, 2011 @ 9:07 pm | delete
- I prefer matte screens. Great debate!
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dee
Aug 2, 2011 @ 7:58 am | delete
- Very informative articles! people sometimes do not think about the topics you discuss here until he complained about obstacles in the face it.
I personally recommend matte screen for better eyes comfort. if you already choose a glossy screen, do not be disappointed because by adding anti-glare protective films, the problem will be resolved.
dee - macbook hard case
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praneet87
Jul 3, 2011 @ 1:23 pm | delete
- Use this League of Legends Guide if you are new. Learn the basics first !!
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sukkran
Jun 30, 2011 @ 9:47 pm | delete
- my choice is matte. very interesting debate and informative lens.
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TIRMassageStone
Jun 29, 2011 @ 10:54 am | delete
- I prefer matte over glossy, but they both have their pros and cons.
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markets
Jun 21, 2011 @ 2:00 am | delete
- Thank you for creating this page. It will surely help people to better understand a product before purchasing it :)
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Download_software
Jun 9, 2011 @ 10:57 am | delete
- Cool lens. Thank you for sharing good stuffs
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achraf
Jun 6, 2011 @ 3:00 am | delete
- nice and informative lens! and thank you to all people participating in the discussion with their point of views
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GrowWear
Jun 5, 2011 @ 2:02 pm | delete
- Just thought I'd drop in and congratulate you for reaching the Top 100 with your Matte vs Glossy Screens.
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joe
May 17, 2011 @ 11:35 am | delete
- the best screen is one without any finish, plain lcd and you and nothing between - just be careful not to poke it.
i had matte on mine and removed it and now it looks 10x better , my personal ( just personal ) advice is that you remove these whenever possible - and if you want to avoid glare simply have light source in front of you not behind you....
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CruiseReady
May 14, 2011 @ 6:31 pm | delete
- Nice, and I appreciate learning about this thank nyou!
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reash
May 13, 2011 @ 12:59 pm | delete
- Nice lens.Thanks for sharing. Work Plan Platform
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ClinicallySignificantProductions
May 8, 2011 @ 2:18 pm | delete
- I like the way a glossy screen looks when it's off, and they do have a better looking picture, but the glare is VERY distracting. In fact with a window behind you or an improperly positioned lamp the glare can make a glossy monitor nearly impossible to use in some cases!
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ComputerSecurityExperts May 3, 2011 @ 1:09 am | delete
- Definitely prefer Matte!
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UKGhostwriter
Apr 18, 2011 @ 6:33 pm | delete
- thanks for the information
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by Chadrew
When it comes to matte or glossy screens, I prefer matte all the way. I never had any complaints about their image quality. If you disagree, feel free... more »
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