When you walk into a retailer like Sim Lim Square in Singapore or browse online stores such as Lazada and Shopee, the monitor aisle is dominated by IPS panels. Walk into Courts or Harvey Norman, and you will see OLED TVs and high-end gaming monitors. TN (Twisted Nematic) panels, once the default for fast gaming, have become harder to find. Yet they have not disappeared. In 2025, TN panels still occupy a narrow but real niche. This article examines the pros and cons of TN panel technology, compares it with IPS, VA, and OLED, and helps you decide whether a TN monitor is still worth buying in Singapore.

We will cover response times, colour accuracy, viewing angles, price, and real-world use cases. We will also look at specific models available in Singapore, such as the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K and the Dell S2421HGF, and discuss retailers like Tech-Dome and Atrix. If you are a competitive esports player on a budget, or someone who values speed above all else, TN might still be your best bet. But for most other uses, the gap has narrowed significantly.

What Is a TN Panel? A Quick Technology Recap

Twisted Nematic (TN) is one of the oldest LCD panel technologies still in mass production. It works by applying a voltage to liquid crystal molecules that are initially twisted 90 degrees between two polarising filters. When voltage is applied, the crystals untwist, allowing light to pass through. This design allows very fast switching between states, which translates to low response times.

Key characteristics of TN panels:

  • Fast response times, typically 1 ms GtG (grey-to-grey) or lower, sometimes advertised as 0.5 ms.
  • Narrow viewing angles, colour and contrast shift noticeably when viewed from above, below, or the side.
  • Lower colour accuracy, typical sRGB coverage is around 90-95% (versus 100%+ for good IPS), with less accurate colour reproduction out of the box.
  • Lower contrast ratio, usually around 1000:1, similar to IPS, but worse than VA (3000:1 or higher).
  • Lower cost, TN panels are cheaper to manufacture, so monitors are often more affordable.

In 2025, TN panels have improved somewhat. Some newer TN panels from AU Optronics and BOE have better colour reproduction and slightly wider viewing angles, but they still cannot match IPS or OLED in those areas.

Pros of TN Panels in 2025

1. Blazing Fast Response Times

The single biggest advantage of TN panels is response time. In competitive gaming, especially first-person shooters (FPS) like Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, and Overwatch 2, every millisecond matters. TN panels routinely achieve 1 ms GtG, and some high-end models claim 0.5 ms. In contrast, most IPS panels in the same price range offer 4-5 ms GtG, though fast IPS panels have reached 1 ms in recent years.

For example, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K (available at Tech-Dome for around S$599) is a 24.5-inch 240 Hz TN monitor with DyAc+ technology (backlight strobing for motion blur reduction). It is still the monitor of choice for many professional CS2 players because of its exceptional motion clarity. Similarly, the Dell S2522HG (around S$379 at Amazon SG) offers 240 Hz and 1 ms response time at a lower price.

If you play esports titles at a high level, TN’s speed advantage is real. Even in 2025, no other panel technology matches TN for raw pixel transition speed at the same price point.

2. Low Input Lag

Input lag is the total delay from pressing a key or moving a mouse to seeing the result on screen. TN panels tend to have lower input lag than IPS or VA panels because of their faster response times and simpler processing. While the difference is small (often 1-2 ms), it can be meaningful in competitive play. Many TN monitors also have a dedicated “input lag” or “fast” mode that disables most image processing to minimise delay.

3. High Refresh Rates at Lower Cost

In 2025, you can buy a 240 Hz TN monitor for under S$400. For example, the Acer KG251Q F (24.5-inch, 240 Hz, 1 ms) is often priced around S$329 at Courts. Compare that to a 240 Hz IPS monitor, which typically starts at S$450 and goes up to S$800. For budget-conscious gamers who want the highest possible refresh rate, TN still offers the best value.

Even 360 Hz TN monitors exist, such as the Asus ROG Swift PG258Q (around S$699 at Atrix), though 360 Hz IPS models have also appeared in 2024-2025. Still, TN remains the cheapest way to get ultra-high refresh rates.

4. Better Motion Clarity with Backlight Strobing

Backlight strobing (also called ULMB, DyAc, or MBR) reduces perceived motion blur by flashing the backlight between frames. TN panels, with their fast response times, benefit more from this technology than slower panels. The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K’s DyAc+ is widely praised for making fast-moving objects appear sharper. In 2025, some IPS monitors also offer backlight strobing, but the combination of fast TN response + strobing still produces the clearest motion for many users.

Cons of TN Panels in 2025

1. Poor Viewing Angles

This is the most frequently cited drawback. When you move your head slightly off-centre, TN panels show colour shifting and contrast loss. The image becomes washed out, and gamma changes. For a single user sitting directly in front of the monitor, this is not a problem. But if you share your screen with someone else, or if you often lean back or move around, the viewing angle issue becomes annoying.

In Singapore’s typical HDB flat or condo study desk setup, where desk depth is often limited to 60-70 cm, you might sit close to the monitor. That minimises the angle issue. But if you use a monitor arm to tilt or swivel the screen, you might notice colour shifts at the edges.

For screen size and desk depth considerations, a 24-inch TN monitor at 60 cm distance is fine. A 27-inch TN monitor, however, will show more colour shift at the edges because your eyes are not perpendicular to the entire screen. That is why most TN gaming monitors are 24-25 inches.

2. Mediocre Colour Accuracy and Gamut

TN panels typically cover 90-95% sRGB, which is acceptable for gaming and general use, but not for photo editing, video colour grading, or design work. They often have poor out-of-the-box colour calibration, with noticeable green or blue tints. If you need accurate colours, you would be better off with an IPS monitor that covers 100% sRGB or even DCI-P3.

For example, the Dell U2724D (IPS, 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3) is available for around S$529 at Dell Official Store. A TN monitor like the Dell S2421HGF (around S$269) covers only 90% sRGB. The difference is visible when editing photos or watching high-quality content. If you do any design work, TN is not suitable.

3. Lower Contrast Ratio

TN panels have a native contrast ratio of about 1000:1, similar to IPS but much lower than VA (3000:1) and OLED (infinite). This means blacks look more like dark grey, especially in a dark room. For watching movies or playing horror games, VA or OLED offer a much more immersive experience. In 2025, even budget VA monitors like the Gigabyte G27QC (around S$399 at Bizgram) deliver 3000:1 contrast.

4. Limited Availability in Singapore

Walk into Sim Lim Square in 2025 and you will see rows of IPS and VA monitors. TN models are fewer. Most major brands, LG, Samsung, Dell, Asus, now focus on IPS for mainstream monitors. TN is mainly kept alive by specialist gaming brands like BenQ ZOWIE and ViewSonic XG lines. That means fewer choices, and sometimes higher prices for the remaining TN models.

For example, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is S$599, while a 240 Hz IPS monitor like the Asus TUF VG259QM (24.5-inch, 280 Hz, IPS) is S$549 at Atrix. The price gap has shrunk, making TN less of a bargain.

TN vs IPS vs VA vs OLED: A Quick Comparison Table

Below is a summary of how TN stacks up against other panel types in key metrics as of 2025. These are generalisations; specific models may vary.

  • Response time (GtG): TN (1 ms) > IPS (1-5 ms) > OLED (0.1-1 ms) > VA (4-10 ms). OLED is fastest, but TN is close and cheaper.
  • Viewing angles: OLED > IPS > VA > TN. TN is the worst.
  • Colour accuracy: OLED > IPS > VA > TN. TN is the worst.
  • Contrast ratio: OLED (infinite) > VA (3000:1) > IPS (1000:1) ≈ TN (1000:1). TN and IPS tie.
  • Price per Hz: TN is cheapest for high refresh rates. IPS is competitive at 144-165 Hz. OLED is expensive.
  • Burn-in risk: TN (none) = IPS (none) = VA (none) > OLED (risk). TN is safe for static content.

For a deeper dive, read our IPS vs VA vs TN vs OLED comparison.

Who Should Still Buy a TN Monitor in 2025?

Despite its drawbacks, TN remains a valid choice for specific users:

1. Competitive Esports Players

If you play Valorant, CS2, Rainbow Six Siege, or Fortnite at a high rank, you will benefit from TN’s speed. The difference between 1 ms and 4 ms might not be noticeable to everyone, but if you are trying to shave off every millisecond, TN helps. The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is still used by many pro players in 2025 tournaments.

2. Budget-Conscious Gamers Who Want High Refresh Rates

If you have a limited budget (under S$400) and want 240 Hz, TN is the most reliable option. IPS 240 Hz monitors at that price often have worse response times or use older IPS technology that has more ghosting. A TN monitor like the Dell S2522HG (S$379) offers genuine 1 ms and 240 Hz.

3. Users Who Prioritise Motion Clarity Over Image Quality

Some people are sensitive to motion blur. For them, the combination of fast TN response and backlight strobing gives the sharpest motion. If you watch fast-paced content or play games where tracking moving targets is critical, TN still leads.

4. Users Who Need a Secondary Monitor for Gaming

If you already have an IPS or OLED main monitor for colour-critical work, a cheap TN monitor as a second screen for gaming can be a cost-effective solution. You get the speed when you need it, without spending much.

Who Should Avoid TN in 2025?

Most people fall into this category:

  • Content creators and designers, colour accuracy and viewing angles are too poor. Read our design monitor buying guide for better options.
  • Office workers, you stare at spreadsheets and documents all day. IPS is more comfortable on the eyes, has better colour, and wider viewing angles for collaboration. See our office monitor buying guide.
  • Movie and TV viewers, TN’s poor contrast and viewing angles ruin the experience. VA or OLED are far better.
  • Casual gamers who also do other tasks, if you play a mix of games (RPGs, strategy, single-player), IPS offers a better all-round experience with similar response times at 144-165 Hz.

Specific TN Models Available in Singapore (2025)

Here are some TN monitors you can still buy from Singapore retailers:

  • BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K, 24.5-inch, 240 Hz, 1 ms, DyAc+. Price: ~S$599. Available at Tech-Dome, Atrix, Lazada Official Store.
  • BenQ ZOWIE XL2746K, 27-inch, 240 Hz, 1 ms, DyAc+. Price: ~S$799. Available at Tech-Dome.
  • Dell S2522HG, 24.5-inch, 240 Hz, 1 ms. Price: ~S$379. Available at Amazon SG, Courts.
  • Acer KG251Q F, 24.5-inch, 240 Hz, 1 ms. Price: ~S$329. Available at Courts, Lazada.
  • Asus ROG Swift PG258Q, 24.5-inch, 240 Hz, 1 ms, G-Sync. Price: ~S$699. Available at Atrix.

Note: The Asus ROG Swift PG258Q is an older model (released 2017) but still sold. Its TN panel is good, but for the same price you can get a 240 Hz IPS monitor now.

How to Decide: A Simple Decision Tree

If you are still unsure, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do you play competitive esports at a high level (e.g., Diamond rank or above in Valorant)? Yes → consider TN. No → go to question 2.
  2. Is your budget under S$400 and you want 240 Hz? Yes → TN is the safest bet. No → go to question 3.
  3. Do you do any colour-critical work (photo editing, video editing, design)? Yes → avoid TN. No → go to question 4.
  4. Do you share your screen with others or watch movies in a dark room? Yes → avoid TN. No → TN could work if you are sensitive to motion blur.

For a comprehensive overview of all monitor types, read our complete guide to choosing a monitor in Singapore.

Future of TN: Will It Disappear?

In 2025, TN is a shrinking niche. IPS has improved response times to 1 ms on some fast IPS panels (e.g., LG 27GN750-B). OLED is becoming more affordable, with 240 Hz OLED monitors like the LG 27GR95QE-B (S$1,099) offering near-instant response times and perfect blacks. VA panels are also getting faster, with 1 ms MPRT claims on some models.

However, TN still has a cost advantage at the extreme high end of refresh rates. 360 Hz and even 500 Hz TN monitors exist (e.g., Asus ROG Swift PG248QP at 540 Hz, though that uses a different technology). For the next few years, TN will likely remain the choice for esports professionals and budget ultra-high-refresh-rate seekers. But for the average consumer, IPS has become the default recommendation.

Conclusion

In 2025, TN panels are not dead, but they are a specialised tool. If you are a competitive esports player on a budget, or someone who absolutely must have the fastest response time and motion clarity, a TN monitor like the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K or Dell S2522HG can still be a good buy. For everyone else, office workers, content creators, casual gamers, movie watchers, IPS, VA, or OLED offer a better experience with only a small trade-off in speed.

Before you buy, check the monitor warranty comparison for Singapore, and always test for dead pixels using the retailer’s dead pixel policy. Also consider VESA mounting and cable choices to get the most out of your monitor.

Ultimately, the best monitor is the one that fits your specific needs, desk space, and budget. TN still has a place, but it is no longer the default. Choose wisely.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Choosing a Monitor in Singapore
  • IPS vs VA vs TN vs OLED: Which Panel Is Best for You?
  • What Is Response Time? A Simple Explanation
  • Refresh Rate Explained: 60Hz vs 144Hz vs 240Hz vs 360Hz
  • Gaming Monitor Buying Guide (Singapore 2025)
  • Office Monitor Buying Guide (Singapore 2025)