Monitor refresh rate explained

Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.

What is monitor refresh rate and how does it affect what you see?

Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), tells you how many times the screen redraws the image every second. A 60 Hz monitor updates 60 times per second; a 144 Hz monitor updates 144 times. This is not the same as frames per second (FPS), which is what your graphics card outputs, but the two work together: you typically want your FPS to match or exceed your refresh rate for smooth, tear-free motion. Higher refresh rates make motion appear more fluid and can reduce perceived judder. They also lower input lag because the monitor shows a new frame sooner. The effect is most noticeable when you move the mouse rapidly, scroll through documents, or play fast-paced games. It’s a sensory upgrade, once you’ve used 144 Hz, 60 Hz can feel sluggish.

60Hz: Is it still enough for everyday use and casual gaming?

A 60 Hz monitor remains perfectly adequate for office work, web browsing, watching movies (most film is 24 fps), and playing slower, story-driven games. It’s also the standard for consoles that output 30 or 60 fps. The vast majority of computer screens sold still run at 60 Hz, and many people never feel a need to upgrade. Where 60 Hz falls short is in fast-moving content. Quick camera pans, scrolling, and competitive shooters can look blurry or stuttery because each frame stays on screen for over 16 ms. For casual gaming it’s fine, but if you play multiplayer shooters or racing sims, the jump to a higher refresh rate is one of the most impactful hardware upgrades you can make.

144Hz: The sweet spot for smooth gaming and productivity?

144 Hz is widely considered the ideal balance of performance and cost for gamers. The jump from 60 to 144 Hz is immediately obvious: mouse movement feels snappy, scrolling is silky, and in games targets appear to move more continuously. The reduction in perceived blur and input lag gives you a tangible advantage in fast-paced titles. You don’t need a top-tier graphics card to enjoy it. At 1080p, a mid-range GPU can push 100+ FPS in most esports and many AAA games with adjusted settings. Even outside gaming, the smoother desktop experience makes 144 Hz worthwhile for anyone who spends hours in front of a screen. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back.

240Hz and beyond: When does more refresh rate become overkill?

240 Hz monitors exist mostly for competitive esports players, think Counter‑Strike, Valorant, or Apex Legends, where every millisecond of response time matters. The difference from 144 Hz is subtle: you get slightly less motion blur and a marginal reduction in input lag. Most people, even many gamers, will not notice the improvement in blind testing. A 240 Hz screen demands a very powerful GPU to sustain 240 FPS, especially at higher resolutions. If you play graphically intensive single‑player games, your frame rate will likely hover well below 240, making the extra Hz irrelevant. For the typical enthusiast, a good 144 Hz panel is a smarter investment, and 360 Hz or 500 Hz monitors are truly niche products.

What GPU do you need to drive higher refresh rates?

Your graphics card must be able to output frames at least as fast as your monitor’s refresh rate to unlock the full benefit. For 60 Hz, any modern integrated or entry-level dedicated GPU works. For 144 Hz at 1080p, a mid-range card like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 is a good starting point. At 1440p or 4K, you need a significantly more powerful card, high-end models from the current generation. For 240 Hz, the requirement jumps again. Even in esports titles, you’ll typically need a high-end CPU and a top-tier GPU to maintain 240+ FPS. In demanding single‑player games, 240 Hz is often unattainable regardless of hardware. Always check the frame rates your PC can actually deliver before buying a high‑refresh monitor, or you’ll pay for Hz you never see.

How to choose between 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz for your setup?

Start with your primary use. If you’re a general office worker, a media consumer, or a casual gamer who plays story-driven titles, 60 Hz is perfectly fine and budget-friendly. If you play multiplayer games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Overwatch, even occasionally, 144 Hz is a transformative upgrade that you will notice every time you move the mouse. If you are a competitive esports player with a powerful PC and you play at high frame rates, 240 Hz can give you a small edge. For everyone else, the money is better spent on a higher resolution, better color accuracy, or a larger screen. And remember: the GPU must keep up, a 240 Hz monitor paired with a budget graphics card is money wasted.

Frequently asked questions