60Hz vs. 120Hz vs. 144Hz

Tired of confusing specs? This interactive guide helps you see, feel, and understand the difference in monitor refresh rates to choose the perfect one for your needs.

See the Difference: Refresh Rate Simulator

Click the buttons below to change the refresh rate of the animation. Notice how higher values result in smoother motion. The simulation mimics how your eyes perceive motion on different screens.

The Competitors: A Head-to-Head Look

Each refresh rate has its own strengths and is suited for different tasks and budgets. Use these tabs to explore the key features, best use cases, pros, and cons for each of the main contenders in the display market.

60Hz: The Baseline Standard

The long-time standard for most monitors and TVs. It's perfectly adequate for general computing tasks like browsing, office work, and watching standard videos.

Best For:

General Use, Office Work, Budget Builds, Watching Movies.

Pros

Affordable
Widely available
Low power consumption
Doesn't require a powerful GPU

Cons

Noticeable motion blur
Can cause eye strain for some
Not ideal for fast-paced gaming
Choppy cursor movement

Which Refresh Rate is Right for You?

Answer these two simple questions to get a personalized recommendation. This tool will help you cut through the noise and identify the best monitor refresh rate based on your specific activities and budget constraints.

1. What is your primary use?

Office Work, Browsing, & Videos Casual & Single-Player Gaming Competitive Multiplayer Gaming

Your Recommendation Awaits

Select your use case to see our suggestion.

A Deeper Dive: FPS vs. Refresh Rate

Your monitor's refresh rate (Hz) and your computer's performance (Frames Per Second, or FPS) are a team. For the best experience, your FPS should ideally match or exceed your Hz. This chart shows how many of your game's frames a monitor can actually display.

Your PC's Average FPS:

Question & Answer

Best Refresh Rate for Gaming Laptops

144Hz strikes the balance between performance and affordability. It’s widely supported, reduces motion blur, and pairs well with mid-tier GPUs like the RTX 4060.

Is 300Hz Worth It?

For most users, no—diminishing returns kick in. Human eyes struggle to discern differences beyond 240Hz, and GPU demands skyrocket. Reserve 300Hz for professional esports.

Does the MacBook M2 Pro Support a 240Hz 1080p Monitor?

Yes—with caveats. The 2023 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M3 Pro chips supports HDMI 2.1, enabling 4K at 240Hz or 8K at 60Hz when connected directly via HDMI. For 1080p at 240Hz, bandwidth requirements are lower, making this achievable via Thunderbolt or USB-C with a compatible adapter. However, macOS may limit customization without third-party tools like SwitchResX.

Pro Tip: For gaming, ensure your monitor supports DSC (Display Stream Compression) to maximize performance without latency.

Is More Than 60Hz Necessary for 60 FPS Gaming?

Not strictly, but higher refresh rates future-proof your setup. A 60Hz monitor displays 60 FPS smoothly, but a 144Hz or 240Hz display reduces input lag and motion blur, enhancing responsiveness even at lower frame rates. Gamers often report smoother panning and aiming in titles like Valorant on high-refresh displays, even when FPS fluctuates.

Data Point: 85% of esports professionals use 144Hz+ monitors for competitive edge.

Can the MSI 1650 Super Handle a 27-inch 144Hz Monitor?

While playable, 144Hz+ is ideal. Valorant relies on rapid reactions, where every millisecond counts. A 144Hz monitor updates 2.4x faster than 60Hz, making flick shots and tracking enemies noticeably smoother.

User Case: A Reddit user noted a 30% improvement in headshot accuracy after upgrading to 144Hz.

Is 60Hz Good Enough for Valorant?

Yes, but depend on resolution and settings. The GTX 1650 Super can drive 1080p at 144Hz in less demanding games (e.g., CS:GO , Rocket League). For AAA titles, expect lower FPS—adjust graphics settings or use adaptive sync to avoid stuttering.

Can USB-C 3.0 Run a 165Hz FHD Monitor?

Yes, but with limitations. USB-C 3.0 (10 Gbps) supports 1080p 165Hz via DisplayPort Alt Mode, but bandwidth constraints may require compression. For reliable performance, use a certified USB-C to DisplayPort cable and ensure your GPU supports DSC.

Workaround: DisplayLink docks enable multi-monitor setups on bandwidth-limited devices like M1/M2 Macs, but introduce slight latency.

Is a 240Hz Monitor Overkill?

It depends on use case:

Gaming: For competitive esports, 240Hz offers tangible benefits.

Content Creation: Overkill—prioritize color accuracy over Hz.

General Use: Unnecessary; 60–120Hz suffices.

Stat: Only 12% of Steam users own 240Hz monitors, highlighting their niche appeal.

How to Achieve 240Hz in Games?

GPU Power: Ensure your GPU can render 240+ FPS (e.g., RTX 4080, M3 Max MacBook Pro).

Cable Quality: Use HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 cables.

Settings: Disable VSync, enable adaptive sync, and lower graphics presets.

Do All Laptops Support 120Hz Monitors?

No. Older laptops with HDMI 1.4 or USB-C 3.0 may lack bandwidth. Check your laptop’s specs:

HDMI 2.1: Supports 4K 120Hz or 1080p 240Hz.

Thunderbolt 4: Handles 4K 144Hz via DSC.

Example: The M3 MacBook Air supports dual 60Hz monitors in clamshell mode, but only with macOS Sonoma 14.6.

Why Is My 60Hz Monitor Set to 75Hz?

This is often a driver or cable issue. Some monitors overclock slightly, but sustained use may cause artifacts. Revert to 60Hz or upgrade to a certified high-speed cable.

Will a 144Hz Monitor Increase FPS?

No—refresh rate ≠ FPS. The monitor only displays frames rendered by the GPU. However, a 144Hz monitor reveals higher FPS, making gameplay smoother if your GPU can keep up.

60Hz vs 120Hz vs 144Hz: A Guide to Monitor Refresh Rates