The difference at a glance
IPS glow is a characteristic of IPS panel technology. It appears as a warm, silvery glow visible from off-center viewing angles, especially in the corners. It changes intensity as you move your head. Every IPS panel has some degree of IPS glow. It is not a defect.
Backlight bleed is a manufacturing defect where light from the LED backlight leaks around the edges of the LCD panel. It appears as bright spots or bands along the edges, particularly visible on dark backgrounds. It does not change when you move your head.
How to test
Open our Dark Screen tool and set it to pure black in a completely dark room.
If the bright areas shift as you move your head, it is IPS glow. This is normal and expected.
If the bright areas stay in the same position regardless of your viewing angle, it is backlight bleed. Mild bleed is common and usually acceptable. Severe bleed that is visible during normal use warrants a return or exchange.
When to return a monitor
Mild IPS glow and minor backlight bleed are present in virtually all IPS LCD monitors. They are most visible when displaying dark content in a dark room at high brightness, which is not a typical use scenario.
Return your monitor if: