Matte vs Glossy screens

Two types of screen surfaces exist:

·         Matte (which is textured)

·         Glossy (which is smooth)

Matte screens make use of plastic surfaces, which are made up of a number of different polymers, and pass them through an etching process. This process creates a huge number of indentations or groves on the surface of the screen, which is why screens that have a matte finish (as well as anti-glare coating) diffuse instead of reflecting light, which is quite effective against reflections (you might experience some glare from time to time but it would be nowhere near the full effect you would experience if you were using a glossy screen) which means that eye strain would not be an issue.

However it does make the picture appear a bit fuzzy and due to the fact that matte finish also blocks some of the screen light output, you might also notice a drop in image illumination, details, contrast and colors may not be as lively as compared to glossy screen.

You might have also seen the words ‘semi-glossy ’ used to describe some screen, but such screens essentially have a matte finish, which is a tad bit smoother and a low haze surface (which means reflections are not an issue).

Screens that have a glossy finish are quite reflective, which means if you own such a display, you will have to adjust the lights in your surroundings in order to terminate or at least minimize reflections. These reflections are the main reason why users who own glossy displays suffer more from eye strain (in comparison to matte screen owners).However these displays do have an amazing picture quality due to the fact that there is no additional graininess.

Fortunately some glossy display manufacturers offer features such as anti-glare or anti-reflective treatments, which do help in reducing reflections without disturbing the picture quality too much, however such displays are still prone to reflections in well-lit rooms or outside.

Choosing the right type of screen

Unfortunately, display manufactures don’t usually include information regarding the screen type or the coating on it. This can be due to the fact that it is difficult to describe the coating type as it is very subjective, what is too reflective for some, might not be to others and similarly what might be too grainy to some might not be for others.

Regarding matte displays, you would be lucky to find any information regarding the anti-glare or reflective properties, haze value or surface texture or smoothness.

It is, however, noted if and when a monitor offers a glossy display along with anti-glare or anti-reflective properties, but it is quite rare to find such monitors.

Notably Philips is one of the manufactures that clearly shows the haze values as well as if an anti-glare or anti-reflective coating is present.  

So in order to choose your ideal display it is best if you use the monitor beforehand, to see if it fits your needs and doesn’t reflect much or doesn’t cause much (if any) eye strain (according to your opinion). Displays that offer medium anti-glare matte finish suit most people as they help to reduce reflections with distorting the image quality too badly