Why Refresh Rate Matters: 60Hz vs. 144Hz vs. 240Hz Explained

What Is Refresh Rate—and Why Should You Care?

When shopping for a new monitor or gaming display, you’ve probably seen terms like 60Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz. But what do these numbers really mean—and do they actually make a difference?

The refresh rate refers to how many times per second your monitor updates the image on screen. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means smoother motion, less input lag, and a more responsive experience—especially in fast-paced games.

Let’s break down the difference between 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz—and help you decide which refresh rate is best for gaming, work, and everyday use.

What Is Refresh Rate? (Quick Definition)

• Refresh Rate = How many frames per second your monitor can display.
• A 60Hz monitor shows 60 frames per second (fps).
• A 144Hz monitor shows 144 fps.
• A 240Hz monitor shows 240 fps.

💡 The higher the refresh rate, the smoother your screen looks—if your GPU can deliver enough frames.

Why Refresh Rate Affects Your Experience

• Smoother Motion: Higher refresh rates reduce choppiness in games and even during regular scrolling.
• Lower Input Lag: Your actions appear onscreen faster—crucial for competitive gaming.
• Reduced Motion Blur: Great for fast-moving scenes in FPS, racing games, and action titles.
• Better Eye Comfort: Fewer flickers and smoother transitions mean less strain over time.

60Hz vs. 144Hz vs. 240Hz: What’s the Difference?

60Hz – The Standard for General Use

• Best For: Office work, casual browsing, video playback
• Pros:
  • Affordable and widely available
  • Good enough for non-gamers and console players
• Cons:
  • Feels choppy in fast-paced games
  • Noticeable input lag compared to higher refresh rates

144Hz – The Sweet Spot for Most Gamers

• Best For: PC gamers, competitive players, high-refresh-rate console gaming (PS5, Xbox Series X)
• Pros:
  • Much smoother motion than 60Hz
  • Better responsiveness for FPS, MOBAs, and racing games
  • Widely supported and cost-effective in 2025
• Cons:
  • Requires a mid-range GPU to hit high frame rates in modern games

240Hz – For the Hardcore and Competitive Gamers

• Best For: Esports professionals, high-FPS titles like Valorant, CS2, and Fortnite
• Pros:
  • Ultra-smooth motion and minimal input lag
  • Gives a competitive edge in reaction time and visual clarity
• Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Diminishing returns if your system can’t push 240 fps
  • Overkill for casual or single-player gaming

SaleBestseller No. 1

SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey G55C Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, 1ms(MPRT), HDR10, 165Hz, AMD Radeon FreeSync, Eye Care, Glare Free, Sharp Resolution LS32CG550ENXZA

• BOOST YOUR REALITY: Your gaming world, more lifelike than ever. With 1.7x the pixel density of Full HD, QHD resolution offers razor-sharp, highly detailed visuals. Experience a wider view with more space to immerse yourself in every moment of action
• REACT IN REAL TIME: Experience the exhilaration of gameplay as you speed through scenes with a 165Hz refresh rate that eliminates lag for smooth action; Jump on enemies immediately with a 1ms1 response time (MPRT) for frames with minimal blur¹
• EXHILARATE YOUR SENSES: Experience the next level of heart-pounding gaming; Vivid scenes wrap even more tightly around you with the 1000R curved display, filling your peripheral vision and drawing you right into the character’s shoes
• STAY IN SYNC WITH ALL THE ACTION: AMD Radeon FreeSync keeps your monitor and graphics card refresh rate in sync to reduce image tearing, providing a superfluid entertainment experience. Watch movies and play games without interruptions
• FIND HIDDEN DETAILS OTHERS MISS: Awe-inspiring graphics with HDR10; A kaleidoscope of shades brings game scenes to life with incredible vibrancy; Uncover secrets hiding in the shadows with deep dark blacks, luminous whites & detailed resolution

$229.99

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SaleBestseller No. 2

Samsung 24-Inch Odyssey G3 (G30D) Series FHD Gaming Monitor, 1ms, 180Hz, AMD FreeSync, Adjustable Stand, Black Equalizer, Virtual Aim Point, Eye Saver Mode, Flicker-Free, LS24DG302ENXZA

• REACT IN REAL TIME: 180Hz refresh rate eliminates lag for exhilarating gameplay with ultrasmooth action; 1ms response time (MPRT) provides frames with minimal blur, allowing you to jump on enemies right when you see them¹
• STAY IN SYNC WITH THE ACTION: AMD Radeon FreeSync keeps your monitor and graphics card refresh rate in sync to reduce image tearing; Watch movies and play games without interruptions; Even the fastest scenes look seamless and smooth²
• DISCOVER ENEMIES IN THE SHADOWS WITH BETTER VISIBILITY: Black Equalizer allows you to adjust dark areas in games, letting you spot your enemies in even the darkest hiding nooks²
• A NEW LEVEL OF ACCURACY: Line up more accurate shots with Virtual Aim Point; Crosshairs on the screen give you a new level of accuracy in any game, when precision can mean the difference between life and death²
• FRESH EYES WIN MORE: Eye Saver Mode minimizes blue light to help keep your eyes relaxed and comfortable when gaming for extended periods; The Odyssey G3 also reduces irritating and frustrating screen flicker, so you can focus longer²

$168.00

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Bestseller No. 3

AOC C27G2Z 27″ Curved Frameless Ultra-Fast Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, 0.5ms 240Hz, FreeSync, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x Display Port, Height Adjustable, Xbox PS5 Switch Ready, 3-Year Zero-Bright-Dot

• 27″ AOC Gaming G2 series monitor with 1920×1080 Full HD (1080P) Resolution Curved VA panel.Aspect ratio:16:9.Viewing Angle:170.0 degrees
• 240Hz refresh rate (via DP1.4) and rapid 0.5ms MPRT response time lets you target moving opponents with precision, putting you ahead of the game. Fast-moving action and dramatic transitions will be rendered smoothly without the effects of ghosting with AMD FreeSync Premium technology.
• 1500R curved monitor wraps around your vision for an immersive gaming experience
• 119.9% sRGB, 89.8% DCI-P3 wide color gamut brings characters to life and creates stunning imagery with rich details and diverse contrast
• The VA display and sleek 3-sided frameless design offers minimal bezel distraction for the ultimate seamless multi-monitor setup

$169.99

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SaleBestseller No. 4

LG 32GS60QC-B Ultragear 32-inch Curved Gaming Monitor QHD (2560×1440) 180Hz 1ms 1000R AMD FreeSync HDR10 HDMIx2 DisplayPort Borderless Design Black Stabilizer DAS Crosshair FPS Counter – Black

• Ascend your game with the speed of UltraGear – Experience next-level QHD gaming performance.
• 180Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms GtG – Gear up for smooth gameplay at up to 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG. The faster speed and smoother action lets you respond quickly to stay a step ahead of the competition.
• 1000R Curved Screen – This UltraGear monitor’s dramatic and steep 1000R curve draws you in with game play by extending the periphery to feel like you’re surround by the action.
• AMD FreeSync – AMD FreeSync equips gamers with a fluid, virtually tear-free gaming experience. With up to a 180Hz refresh rate at Full HD resolution and low latency gameplay, you’ll never miss a frame of the action as you play at peak performance.
• Gamer-Centric Design – Lose yourself in the game with a three-side virtually borderless, ultra-thin design that optimizes space on your battlestation. With two HMDI ports and DisplayPort connectivity on a tilt adjustable display, game to your specs.

$255.00

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SaleBestseller No. 5

SAMSUNG 34′ Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor with 1000R Curved Screen, 165Hz, 1ms, FreeSync Premium, Large Display, Eye Comfort, Multiple Ports, WQHD, LC34G55TWWNXZA, Black

• OPTIMAL CURVE, TRUE IMMERSION: The all-encompassing 1000R display fills every part of your peripheral vision and draws you right into the character’s shoes; Experience a level of gaming more heart-pounding than ever before
• WQHD RESOLUTION: The ultrawide WQHD monitor provides a seamless dual-monitor experience with a 1000R curvature that matches the human field of view, offering eye comfort for long gaming sessions
• SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: This gaming monitor features a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms (MPRT) response time, eliminating motion blur for a smooth, competitive gaming experience that gives you the winning edge
• AMD FREESYNC PREMIUM: Effortlessly smooth gameplay; AMD FreeSync Premium features adaptive sync technology which reduces screen tearing, stutter, and input latency; Low framerate compensation ensures every scene flows seamlessly
• TRUE TO LIFE COLORS: This VA monitor has HDR10 that creates excellent color accuracy that shows contents exactly as the creator intended; This brings game scenes to life and shows small hidden details in the lightest and darkest scenes

$329.99

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SaleBestseller No. 6

Alienware 34 Curved Gaming Monitor – AW3425DWM – 34-inch WQHD 180Hz 1ms Display, 1500R, AMD FreeSync Premium, VESA AdaptiveSync.

• Bring virtual worlds to life with WQHD quality: Explore your games’ vast, detailed landscapes with WQHD resolution and fluid, responsive visuals in an iconically designed ultrawide gaming monitor.
• Dive into expansive details: Whether you’re exploring open worlds or completing challenges, you’ll never miss a detail thanks to WQHD resolution and a 34” ultrawide panel with a 1500R curve.
• Fluid Performance: Get in the game with a smooth 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms gray to gray response time, AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA Adaptive Sync Technology.
• Sharp visuals: Enjoy vibrant colors with DCI-P3 95% color coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification.
• Game longer: Lock in for marathon gaming sessions with a dedicated console mode and hardware-based low blue light solution that reduces eye strain while preserving color.

$369.99

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SaleBestseller No. 7

SANSUI 32 Inch Curved 240Hz Gaming Monitor High Refresh Rate, FHD 1080P Gaming PC Monitor HDMI DP1.4, Curved 1500R, 1Ms MPRT, HDR,Metal Stand,VESA Compatible(DP Cable Incl.)

• 32 Inch curved 1500R gaming monitor, 240Hz high refresh rate for gameplay
• Performance: 240Hz refresh rate, Full HD 1920*1080P resolution, 1ms MPRT response time, Built-in FreeSync technology, Anti-flicker, Low blue light
• Interfaces: HDMI up to 240Hz, DP 1.4 up to 240Hz, Earphone Jack, No speakers built-in. One DP cable comes with the package
• Display Colors: 125% sRGB color gamut, 16.7M display colors, 300 Nits brightness, HDR technology, 3500:1 contrast
• Ergonomic Design: 1500R curved, Tilt: -5°~15°, VESA Compatible (75 x 75mm), 178° Wide Viewing Angle

$189.99

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SaleBestseller No. 8

Samsung 49″ Odyssey OLED (G93SC) Series Curved Gaming Monitor w QD-OLED, 240Hz, 0.03ms, DQHD, G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro,Height Adjustable Stand,3 Yr Warranty,LS49CG932SNXZA

• HANDPICKED BY AMAZON: They did the research so you don’t have to
• THE ULTIMATE QD-OLED MONITOR EXPERIENCE: Experience the difference with Samsung OLED. A brighter screen delivers brilliant colors, deeper shades, and more intense contrast, bringing vibrant vistas to life in new ways
• ULTRAWIDE VISTAS: Immerse yourself in expansive worlds with an ultrawide display that’s two quads wide. Enjoy maximum screen space and razor-sharp detail, while the 1800R curvature wraps around your field of vision for unparalleled depth and engagement
• OUTMANUEVER OPPONENTS WITH SUPREME SPEED: QD-OLED technology delivers near instant reaction time with 0.03ms(GTG) response time; HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort connections keep you ahead of the competition with the 240Hz refresh rate
• SEE EVERY DETAIL: Uncover every secret with infinite expression with DisplayHDR True Black 400, delivering true blacks and rich dark tones without pixel light bleed. Experience unmatched color accuracy, bringing every game to life with stunning detail

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Bestseller No. 9

SAMSUNG 49″ Odyssey G9 (G95C) Series DQHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, 240Hz, 1ms(GtG), DisplayHDR 1000, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Eye Saver Mode, Auto Source Switch+, LS49CG950ENXZA, 2024

• HANDPICKED BY AMAZON: They did the research so you don’t have to.
• WRAP YOURSELF IN ADVENTURE: Experience the next level of gaming with vivid scenes wrapped around your field of view. The 49″ 1000R curved screen with Dual QHD resolution enables full peripheral vision, putting you right into the character’s shoes.
• LIGHTENING-FAST RESPONSE TIME: Conquer every enemy with extreme speed. A 240Hz refresh rate eliminates lag for ultra-smooth action. 1ms(GtG)* response time allows for blur-free frames and minimized ghosting, enabling you to game with precision.
• GROUNDBREAKING DISPLAY: See every detail in all its glory. From gloomy shadows to sun-scorched scenes, 1000 nit peak brightness and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio enhance color expression and depth. Gain an edge by spotting enemies in dark corners.
• IMMERSE YOURSELF WITHOUT DISRUPTION: Hyperfast action made seamless. Complex and fast-moving game scenes are projected smoothly and stutter-free with AMD FreeSyncTM Premium Pro to power your competitive edge.

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Bestseller No. 10

Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G3 (G30D) Series FHD Gaming Monitor, 1ms, 180Hz, AMD FreeSync, Adjustable Stand, Black Equalizer, Virtual Aim Point, Eye Saver Mode, Flicker-Free, LS27DG302ENXZA

• REACT IN REAL TIME: 180Hz refresh rate eliminates lag for exhilarating gameplay with ultrasmooth action; 1ms response time (MPRT) provides frames with minimal blur, allowing you to jump on enemies right when you see them¹
• STAY IN SYNC WITH THE ACTION: AMD Radeon FreeSync keeps your monitor and graphics card refresh rate in sync to reduce image tearing; Watch movies and play games without interruptions; Even the fastest scenes look seamless and smooth²
• DISCOVER ENEMIES IN THE SHADOWS WITH BETTER VISIBILITY: Black Equalizer allows you to adjust dark areas in games, letting you spot your enemies in even the darkest hiding nooks²
• A NEW LEVEL OF ACCURACY: Line up more accurate shots with Virtual Aim Point; Crosshairs on the screen give you a new level of accuracy in any game, when precision can mean the difference between life and death²
• FRESH EYES WIN MORE: Eye Saver Mode minimizes blue light to help keep your eyes relaxed and comfortable when gaming for extended periods; The Odyssey G3 also reduces irritating and frustrating screen flicker, so you can focus longer²

$224.79

Buy on Amazon

Which Refresh Rate Should You Choose?

Refresh Rate vs. Frame Rate: Are They the Same?

No, but they’re connected.

• Refresh Rate = What your monitor can show
• Frame Rate (FPS) = What your GPU produces

For example:

• If your monitor is 144Hz but your GPU only delivers 60fps, you won’t get the full benefit of 144Hz.
• To experience 240Hz, your system needs to regularly hit 240fps.

🛠 Tip: Use G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) to reduce screen tearing and stutter when FPS doesn’t match refresh rate.

FAQs: Refresh Rates Explained

Is 144Hz worth it over 60Hz?
Yes—especially for gaming. The difference is immediately noticeable and makes for a smoother, more responsive experience.

Can I see the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz?
Yes, but it’s subtle. Most noticeable in competitive games with ultra-high FPS. For casual users, 144Hz is usually more than enough.

Does refresh rate affect movie watching or YouTube?
Not much. Most video content is capped at 24–60fps, so 60Hz is sufficient for viewing.

Do you need a powerful GPU for high refresh rates?
Yes. To fully take advantage of 144Hz or 240Hz, your graphics card must consistently render that many frames per second.

Final Thoughts: Pick the Right Refresh Rate for Your Needs

Refresh rate isn’t just a gamer buzzword—it’s a key part of how smooth and responsive your screen feels. Here’s a quick recap:

• 60Hz is fine for basic tasks and casual gaming
• 144Hz is the best bang-for-your-buck for most gamers
• 240Hz is a premium choice for competitive players who demand the absolute best

Want smoother gameplay and better performance? Start by upgrading your monitor’s refresh rate—and make sure your hardware can keep up.

Additional Resources

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