Finishes explained

How a screen treats light
changes everything about working on it.

Every display in this catalogue uses one of four surface treatments to handle reflections. They trade off reflection control, image clarity, and long-term durability in different ways — and the right choice depends almost entirely on your room.

Nano-Texture
6 displays

Anti-glare etched glass. Matte finish etched at the nano level, scatters light without a coating.

Reflection handling
Excellent — scatters light
Image clarity
High — slight softening
Durability
High — permanent, requires special cloth
Common use
Pro displays, high-end iMacs
AR Coating
7 displays

Anti-reflective coating over glossy glass. Cancels reflections optically while keeping image sharp.

Reflection handling
Good — cancels reflections
Image clarity
Maximum — sharpest image
Durability
Moderate — coating can wear over years
Common use
Apple laptops, tablets, standard Studio Display
Matte
15 displays

Anti-glare film or hard coating applied to the panel. Diffuses light through surface texture.

Reflection handling
Excellent — diffuses light
Image clarity
Moderate — some haze / sparkle
Durability
High — film is part of the panel
Common use
Office / productivity monitors
Glossy
8 displays

Plain glossy glass with no anti-reflective treatment. Vivid colors but visible reflections.

Reflection handling
Poor — acts like a mirror
Image clarity
Maximum — highest perceived contrast
Durability
High — just glass
Common use
Consumer TVs, older displays

At a glance

FeatureNano-TextureAR CoatingMatteGlossy
Reflection handlingExcellent — scatters lightGood — cancels reflectionsExcellent — diffuses lightPoor — acts like a mirror
Image clarityHigh — slight softeningMaximum — sharpest imageModerate — some haze / sparkleMaximum — highest perceived contrast
DurabilityHigh — permanent, requires special clothModerate — coating can wear over yearsHigh — film is part of the panelHigh — just glass
Common usePro displays, high-end iMacsApple laptops, tablets, standard Studio DisplayOffice / productivity monitorsConsumer TVs, older displays

Which one should you get?

Bright room with windows

Nano-texture or matte. Both scatter light well. Nano-texture keeps contrast higher; matte is far cheaper.

Controlled studio lighting

AR-coated glass. You get the sharpest image and most vibrant color when glare isn't a factor.

Color-critical pro work

Nano-texture if budget allows. Matte film introduces mild haze that can affect shadow detail.

Office productivity

Matte film is the category standard for a reason. Durable, affordable, forgiving of mixed light.