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Monitor makers love to print a big refresh rate number on the box: 144 Hz, 165 Hz, 240 Hz, even 360 Hz and above. Gamers repeat that higher is better, and in a general sense they are right. But the number only matters if your computer feeds the monitor enough frames, the cable and settings allow it, and the difference is large enough for you to notice. Plenty of people own a 144 Hz monitor that has been running at 60 Hz since the day they plugged it in.
This guide explains what refresh rate is, how it relates to frame rate, tearing and adaptive sync, how much of a difference each step makes, how to check and change your setting on Windows, why cables and ports matter, how motion clarity and response time fit in, and how to choose a refresh rate for your games and hardware. It is based on general display knowledge rather than lab testing of specific monitors, so check reviews with measurements for models you are considering.
By the Reviewstook Editorial Team. Last updated: November 1, 2026.
What Refresh Rate Is
Refresh rate is the number of times per second a monitor redraws the picture, measured in hertz (Hz). A 60 Hz monitor refreshes 60 times each second. A 144 Hz monitor does it 144 times. Each refresh can show a new image, so a higher refresh rate lets the screen display more distinct images per second, which makes motion look smoother and more responsive.
The time between refreshes shrinks as the rate rises.
| Refresh rate | Time between refreshes |
|---|---|
| 60 Hz | About 16.7 ms |
| 75 Hz | About 13.3 ms |
| 120 Hz | About 8.3 ms |
| 144 Hz | About 6.9 ms |
| 165 Hz | About 6.1 ms |
| 240 Hz | About 4.2 ms |
| 360 Hz | About 2.8 ms |
Notice the diminishing returns. Going from 60 to 144 Hz saves about 9.8 ms between refreshes. Going from 144 to 240 Hz saves only about 2.7 ms, and 240 to 360 Hz saves about 1.4 ms. That is why the first jump feels big and later jumps feel subtle.
Refresh Rate vs Frame Rate
These two are often confused.
- Refresh rate belongs to the monitor. It is how often the screen can update.
- Frame rate (FPS) belongs to the game and your PC. It is how many images per second the graphics card produces.
The two must work together. A 144 Hz monitor showing a game running at 60 frames per second shows each frame for multiple refreshes and looks like a 60 Hz experience. A 60 Hz monitor showing a game at 200 frames per second can show only 60 of them each second. To benefit from a high refresh rate, your PC needs to produce frames at or near that rate. Our graphics card list helps you choose hardware, and our stuttering guide explains steady frame times.
Tearing, Vsync and Adaptive Sync
When the frame rate and refresh rate do not match, problems appear.
Screen tearing
If the graphics card sends a new frame while the monitor is partway through drawing the old one, you see parts of two frames at once, split by a horizontal line. This is tearing, and it is most visible in fast side-to-side motion.
Vsync
Vertical sync makes the graphics card wait for the monitor’s refresh cycle before sending a frame. It removes tearing, but it can add delay and cause stutter when the frame rate drops below the refresh rate, because frames are held back to match the cycle.
Adaptive sync (FreeSync and G-SYNC)
Adaptive sync flips the relationship. The monitor changes its refresh rate to match each frame the graphics card delivers, within a supported range. The result is no tearing and smoother motion without the delay of traditional vsync. Most gaming monitors support some form of it. To use it, enable the feature in the monitor menu and in the graphics driver, use a supported cable and keep the frame rate within the monitor’s range. Some monitors extend the benefit below the minimum range by repeating frames.
A common recommendation is to cap your frame rate a few frames below the monitor’s maximum, so that adaptive sync stays active. Our input lag guide explains this combination in more detail.
How Much Does Each Step Matter?
| Step | Typical noticeability | Who benefits most |
|---|---|---|
| 60 to 75 Hz | Small | Everyone, a free improvement on some monitors |
| 60 to 120 or 144 Hz | Large and easy to notice | Almost all gamers, and even scrolling feels smoother |
| 144 to 240 Hz | Noticeable to many, but subtle | Competitive players with strong PCs |
| 240 to 360 Hz and above | Very subtle for most people | Esports specialists |
For most players, 144 to 165 Hz is the sweet spot. Beyond that, the benefit is smaller and requires a very fast PC and a game that runs at very high frame rates. Our 240 Hz monitor list covers options for those who want it.
Benefits Beyond Gaming
- Everyday use. Moving windows, scrolling and cursor movement feel smoother at higher refresh rates.
- Videos. Most video plays at 24, 30 or 60 frames per second. Refresh rates that are multiples of the video rate show them evenly. Adaptive sync can help, but it is not a major factor.
- Eye comfort. Some people find high refresh rate displays less tiring, though experiences vary.
Motion Clarity and Response Time
Refresh rate is not the only thing that determines how clear fast motion looks.
- Sample-and-hold blur. Most modern screens hold each image until the next refresh. Your eyes follow moving objects, so the held image smears across your vision. Higher refresh rates reduce this effect.
- Response time. How fast pixels change color. Slow pixels leave trails, even at high refresh rates. Good overdrive tuning helps; poor tuning causes overshoot.
- Backlight strobing. Some monitors flash the backlight in sync with refreshes to reduce blur. It can improve clarity but may reduce brightness and conflict with adaptive sync.
- Panel type. OLED panels have very fast response, so motion looks sharp even at moderate refresh rates.
Our gaming monitor buying guide explains response time and panel types.
How to Check and Change Your Refresh Rate on Windows
- Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings.
- Scroll down and select Advanced display.
- If you have multiple monitors, select the right one at the top.
- Under Choose a refresh rate, pick the highest value your monitor supports.
- Click Keep changes when asked.
If the highest rate is missing, check the following:
- The cable or port. Some HDMI ports and older cables cannot carry high refresh rates at high resolutions.
- The graphics driver. Install the latest from the graphics maker.
- Monitor settings. Some monitors have a menu option for overclocking or higher modes that must be enabled.
- The graphics card. Plug into the card, not the motherboard.
- Resolution. Some monitors support higher refresh rates only at certain resolutions.
You can also check the refresh rate with online tests or the monitor’s on-screen display, which usually shows the current rate.
Cables and Ports
Higher resolution and higher refresh rate need more bandwidth.
| Connection | Notes |
|---|---|
| DisplayPort | The usual choice for high refresh rate PC monitors; newer versions carry more bandwidth. |
| HDMI 2.0 | Supports 1440p at high refresh rates and 4K at 60 Hz; limited at 4K high refresh rates. |
| HDMI 2.1 | Supports 4K at 120 Hz and above; needed on consoles for 4K 120 Hz. |
| USB-C | Depends on the version and the display mode support. |
| DVI and VGA | Older and limited; avoid for high refresh rates. |
Use the cable that came with the monitor, or a certified cable for the standard you need. If you are stuck at a lower refresh rate than expected, the cable is a common cause.
Consoles and Refresh Rate
Modern consoles can output 120 Hz in some games, on displays that support it over HDMI 2.1. Not all games offer it, and it may be limited to certain resolutions. Check the console’s display settings and the monitor’s input mode. A monitor that supports 120 Hz over HDMI with variable refresh rate can make console games smoother. Our 4K gaming monitor list includes models suited to consoles.
Choosing a Refresh Rate
| Your situation | Suggested refresh rate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office use and casual gaming | 60 to 75 Hz | Adequate and low cost |
| General PC gaming | 120 to 165 Hz | Big improvement in smoothness at a fair price |
| Competitive shooters with a strong PC | 240 Hz or more | Lower blur and slightly lower delay |
| 4K gaming on a high-end GPU | 120 to 165 Hz | Higher rates need extreme GPU power at 4K |
| Console gaming | 60 to 120 Hz depending on console and game | Match the console’s output |
| Slower story games | 60 to 120 Hz | Image quality matters more than raw rate |
Pair the refresh rate with your PC’s actual frame rate in your favorite games. A monitor you can feed at 144 frames per second is better than a 360 Hz monitor that only receives 100.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving a high refresh rate monitor at 60 Hz in settings.
- Buying a very high refresh rate monitor for a PC that cannot reach it.
- Using a cable or port that limits the refresh rate.
- Plugging into the motherboard instead of the graphics card.
- Turning on vsync and adaptive sync together without a frame cap, then seeing added delay.
- Assuming refresh rate fixes stutter. It does not fix a slow PC.
- Ignoring response time and overdrive settings.
- Judging a monitor on refresh rate alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 144Hz worth it over 60Hz?
For gaming, yes. Most people see a clear improvement in smoothness and responsiveness, even in non-competitive games.
Do I need 240Hz?
Only if you play fast competitive games and your PC can reach very high frame rates. For most players, 144 to 165 Hz is enough.
Why is my monitor stuck at 60Hz?
It is probably set to 60 Hz in Windows, or the cable, port or driver limits it. Check Advanced display settings.
Does refresh rate affect input lag?
Higher refresh rates can reduce delay a little because frames appear sooner, as long as your PC supplies the frames.
What is FreeSync or G-SYNC?
Adaptive sync technologies that match the monitor’s refresh rate to the game’s frame rate to avoid tearing and stutter.
Does a higher refresh rate use more power?
Slightly, and your PC works harder to produce more frames.
Can I run a game at more frames than my refresh rate?
Yes, but the monitor can only show as many images as its refresh rate. Extra frames may cause tearing without adaptive sync.
Is a 120Hz TV good for gaming?
It can be, especially with HDMI 2.1 and a game mode. Check low input lag and variable refresh rate support.
Bottom Line
Refresh rate matters, but only when the rest of the system supports it. For most players, a 144 to 165 Hz monitor is the best balance, with a real jump over 60 Hz and sensible demands on your PC. Choose 240 Hz or more only for competitive play with a strong machine. Whatever you buy, set the refresh rate in Windows, use a suitable cable and port, enable adaptive sync, and cap your frame rate just below the maximum.