An anti-reflective screen is a screen with a coating layer that does not reflect light. Displays with anti-reflective coating, whether it is a smartphone, monitor or laptop allows you to work comfortably in bright sunlight without problems, unlike glossy screens, which are reflective.
Glare is the reflection of light from a source (such as the sun) off a window or screen, which makes it difficult to see what, is happening on the display.
You can reduce this glare with a thin matte coating. However, it can also make the image on the screen more fuzzy and grainy.
A glossy screen or a matte finish?
Generally, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. A glossy screen without antiglare protection provides richer and more realistic colors. However, it is also very reflective, making the display almost impossible to use in direct sunlight.
A display with a matte anti-reflective coating eliminates all distracting reflections, but can have a negative impact on the image. Ideally, you want a screen with a light matte surface that not only eliminates glare, but also maintains image quality.
If you mostly use the display at night and in poorly lit rooms, an anti-reflective coating will not do you any good, so you should choose a glossy screen. However, keep in mind that even if you turn on the light in a dark room, the screen will reflect it, which is irritating and harmful to the eyes.
In the video below, you can compare the difference between glossy and matte laptop displays.