60Hz vs 144Hz vs 240Hz
Does refresh rate really make a difference? We break down the numbers to help you choose the right display.
What is Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), is the number of times per second your monitor draws a new image. A 60Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second, while a 144Hz monitor refreshes 144 times.
Higher refresh rates result in smoother motion. When objects move across your screen, they appear to glide rather than "teleport" or skip between positions.
The Comparison
60Hz
The Standard
Perfect for office work, web browsing, and 4K movies (which are usually 24 or 30 fps).
144Hz
The Gamer's Choice
The most noticeable upgrade. Makes gaming feel significantly more responsive and fluid.
240Hz+
The Pro Level
Diminishing returns. Only recommended for competitive esports athletes who need absolute minimal latency.
Latency and Frame Time
Refresh rate isn't just about smoothness; it's about input lag. Higher Hz reduces the time between when your computer generates a frame and when you see it.
| Refresh Rate | Frame Time |
|---|---|
| 60Hz | 16.67 milliseconds |
| 144Hz | 6.94 milliseconds |
| 240Hz | 4.17 milliseconds |
The "FPS" Catch
Buying a 240Hz monitor won't help you if your computer can only produce 60 frames per second (FPS). To see the benefit of a high-refresh monitor, your Graphics Card (GPU) must be powerful enough to output high frame rates.
Test your current setup with our Refresh Rate Check tool.