# Is 60Hz TV better than 120Hz for gaming? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-60hz-tv-better-than-120hz-for-gaming/ - Published: 2024-11-02 - Author: Kara Masterson - Categories: [Technology](https://33rdsquare.com/category/tech/) --- If you‘re looking to upgrade your gaming TV or monitor, one of the most important factors to consider is the refresh rate. Refresh rate determines how many frames per second (fps) a display can show and is measured in Hz (hertz). While 60Hz has been the standard for years, new 120Hz displays offer a significant upgrade for gaming performance. In this guide, we’ll compare 60Hz vs 120Hz models in-depth to help you decide which is better suited for your gaming needs and setup. ## What does refresh rate mean for gaming? The refresh rate is how many times per second a display updates the image. This has a big impact on your gaming experience: - Higher refresh rate = lower input lag for more responsive controls - Higher refresh rate = reduced motion blur for sharper visuals in motion - Matches high FPS (frames per second) from console or PC for smoother gameplay A 60Hz standard display refreshes the image 60 times per second. A 120Hz display doubles that for 120 updates per second. The more frequent the refresh, the lower the input lag and the smoother and sharper the motion clarity. This is extremely beneficial for gaming performance. ### 120Hz Reduces Input Lag for Faster Reactions One of the biggest advantages of 120Hz displays is significantly lower input lag, which is the time delay between hitting a button and seeing the reaction on-screen. Lower lag means much more responsive controls. According to detailed input lag testing by DisplayNinja, many 120Hz monitors and TVs now achieve <10ms input lag, often around just 4-5ms. On the other hand, input lag for 60Hz displays averages 20-40ms. That's up to 8x faster response times on 120Hz! For competitive multiplayer gaming, this lower input lag can directly translate into faster reaction times and improved gaming skills. ### Less Motion Blur for Sharper Visuals Higher refresh rates also significantly reduce motion blur in fast moving visuals. This is caused by ‘sample and hold‘ displays showing a static frame for too long. At 60Hz, each frame is displayed for over 16ms before updating. This leaves more motion blur. 120Hz displays hold each frame for half that time at under 8ms. The faster refresh results in crisper, sharper visuals in motion. Reduced blurring makes it easier to track objects and react faster in gameplay. Modern 120Hz TVs and monitors also utilize advanced technologies like black frame insertion and backlight strobing to further reduce motion blur. This inserts black frames between content frames to clear the image, improving clarity of fast scenes. ### Matching Console and PC Frame Rates To take full advantage of high FPS (frames per second) that today‘s powerful gaming PCs and consoles can output, your display needs an equally high refresh rate. For example, the latest PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles are designed to support up to 120fps gaming. To experience those buttery smooth 120fps frame rates, a TV or monitor with 120Hz refresh rate is required. At 60Hz, 120fps games would be capped at 60fps. For PC gaming, monitors with up to 240Hz refresh rates can match the high frame rates possible on cutting edge GPUs. This creates an incredibly fluid and responsive gameplay experience at 200fps+ that 60Hz displays simply can‘t deliver. ## 60Hz – The Previous Standard For many years, 60Hz has been the norm for televisions and monitors. At 60Hz, screens can display up to 60fps content smoothly with decent motion handling. This provides a fairly solid gaming experience. The majority of console games are designed around 30fps or 60fps frame rates to match common 60Hz display capabilities. So 60Hz easily allows you to take advantage of up to 60fps gaming performance that many titles offer. 60Hz displays are also far more affordable and widely available than higher refresh rate alternatives like 120Hz or 144Hz models. For more casual gaming, a good 60Hz screen still provides enjoyable gameplay, especially in slower paced genres like RPGs. The savings over high refresh models also makes 60Hz a tempting choice for budget-focused buyers. However, for fast-paced competitive gaming like first person shooters, 60Hz displays fall behind modern 120Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz options. The lower frame rates and higher input lag on 60Hz displays make them less suited for competitive esports and multiplayer titles where quick reactions and visual clarity are key. ## 120Hz – Smoother Motion and Crisper Visuals With a 120Hz refresh rate, displays can be updated twice as often as standard 60Hz – up to 120 times per second. This enables exceptionally smooth motion clarity along with the optimized lag and blur reduction we‘ve already covered. Doubling the refresh rate to 120Hz brings noticeable advantages: - Gameplay looks buttery smooth, with no choppiness or stuttering - Sharpness and clarity in fast motion scenes is radically improved - Input lag is reduced to imperceptible levels for incredibly responsive controls - High frame rate gaming above 60fps can be fully realized These benefits lead to a highly responsive and immersive gaming experience. Gameplay feels "snappier" with crisp on-screen motion so you can more easily track objects and react faster. Displays feel more lively and connected. The faster response times also enhance gameplay across gaming genres. For competitive multiplayer titles, the lower lag and clarity gives a strong competitive edge. But the smoother visuals also benefit cinematic single player games by enhancing immersion. ### 120Hz Performance with Newer Consoles The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X aim to deliver heightened gaming performance, including higher frame rates than previous generations. They are designed with 120fps gaming capabilities. **PlayStation 5 includes a "Performance Mode" in games targeting 120fps frame rates at 1080p or 1440p resolution. The Xbox Series X also supports up to 120fps.** To fully experience these high frame rates, a compatible television or monitor with 120Hz refresh rate is required. At 60Hz, 120fps from the consoles would be capped at 60fps. You‘d miss out on the ultra smooth gameplay. 120Hz enables you to unlock the full visual performance new consoles offer. And the difference between 60fps and 120fps is immediately apparent – gameplay takes on a sharper and more responsive feel that simply can‘t be achieved at 60Hz. ### 4K 60Hz or 1440p/1080p 120Hz? For both console and PC gaming, 120Hz speeds often require a trade-off of lower display resolution. Modern systems must balance performance and fidelity: - **4K 60Hz** – Maximum resolution with smoother 60fps gameplay - **1440p or 1080p 120Hz** – Lower resolution but incredibly fluid 120fps gameplay This lets you tailor performance based on the types of games you enjoy most. Slower paced cinematic games can benefit from 4K visuals at 60Hz. Fast competitive multiplayer favorites demand 120Hz smoothness, making lower 1080p or 1440p resolutions a worthwhile sacrifice. Ultimately, both resolution and refresh rate impact gaming performance. Finding the right balance for your needs and system capabilities gives you the best experience. ## Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and G-Sync/FreeSync Displays with variable refresh rate (VRR) capabilities such as Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync dynamically match the screen’s refresh rate to the graphics card‘s frame rate output. This maintains smooth visuals and reduces screen tearing. VRR tech is extremely beneficial when frame rates fluctuate, such as between 40fps and 90fps. This allows the refresh rate to seamlessly vary based on FPS to avoid stuttering or tearing. For example, if frame rate momentarily drops to 72fps, the monitor synchronizes its refresh rate to 72Hz. When the system recovers back to 100fps, the display smoothly shifts to 100Hz as well. VRR provides a premium variable refresh gaming experience. It’s supported across modern 120Hz TVs and monitors, as well as new HDMI 2.1 connections. VRR is also coming to new PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. ## Is There Benefit Above 120Hz Refresh Rates? TVs and gaming monitors are now available with blazing fast refresh rates beyond 120Hz, including 144Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz, and even 480Hz models. However, there is limited benefit for these ultra high refresh rates when it comes to console gaming. No PlayStation or Xbox consoles can currently output higher than 120fps, which is already an ambitious frame rate target. The majority of console games are designed around 30fps or 60fps. For PCs, higher frame rates are possible with elite hardware. Competitive esports players may spot minor advantages going from 240Hz to 360Hz displays when systems can maintain 300fps+. But for most gamers, 120Hz delivers smooth high frame rate performance that is more than sufficient for an excellent experience across game genres. Diminishing returns start kicking in past the 120Hz mark. ## Perceivable Difference Between 60Hz and 120Hz? Some argue the human eye cannot perceive changes above 60Hz refresh rates. In the past, this may have held some truth. But thanks to modern display technologies, most viewers can discern and benefit from 120Hz over 60Hz: - Testing shows 120Hz panels have **2x faster pixel response times** over 60Hz, enabling crisper motion clarity. - **Input lag reduced by up to 8ms**, giving significantly snappier controls. - **Detailed frame time analysis** proves more consistent delivery of frames at 120Hz. - **Light strobing backlights** further improve 120Hz motion clarity by reducing persistence blur. The more fluid visuals, lower lag, and crisper motion at 120Hz are quantifiably apparent compared to 60Hz. While casual viewers may not explicitly realize a display is 120Hz, the enhanced gameplay experience and snappiness is proven. This becomes especially clear in dramatic side-by-side comparisons. So don‘t let the myth that "the human eye can‘t see above 60Hz" deter you. The benefits of 120Hz displays are very real and provide a competitive edge for gaming. ## 120Hz Gaming Monitor or TV? When shopping for a high refresh display, gamers are often faced with the choice between: - **Gaming monitor** – Dedicated for PC gaming up to 240Hz. - **Gaming TV** – Combination big screen 4K & 120Hz capabilities. Factors that differentiate monitors and TVs include: **Size** – Monitors are smaller, usually 24" to 27" screens compared to 55" to 85"+ TVs. Bigger TVs fill more of your field of view for immersive gaming. **Resolution** – Monitors favor performance with 1080p and 1440p being most common. 4K gaming monitors exist but remain rare. Most TVs offer 4K readily. **Refresh Rate** – Gaming monitors can achieve up to 240Hz or higher. TVs max out at 120Hz currently. **Features** – Monitors include gaming-centric features like crosshairs and timer overlays. TVs highlight streaming apps and smart platforms. For large screen immersive console gaming, a 4K 120Hz HDMI 2.1 TV provides an excellent combination of visual fidelity and fast refresh rates. PC gamers wanting to maximize 240fps frame rates are better suited with a high end 240Hz gaming monitor. Pick the display type that best matches your primary gaming setup and preferences. ## The Best Refresh Rate for You Based on the factors compared between 60Hz and 120Hz for gaming: - For fast competitive multiplayer games like FPS, racing sims, and fighters, **120Hz+ displays are highly recommended** for their lower lag and crystal clear motion. - For primarily slower paced, cinematic single player gaming, a **quality 60Hz 4K TV** may provide an excellent experience at an affordable price. - For the latest consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, **120Hz enables taking full advantage** of their up to 120fps capabilities. - PC gamers can benefit from **144Hz, 240Hz, or even 360Hz monitors** to match the high frame rates possible on cutting edge GPUs. - If upgrading your display strictly for console gaming, **120Hz hits the sweet spot** of maximizing improvements without diminishing returns. Take into account the games you spend the most time playing, your overall budget, and the capabilities of your gaming systems. This will determine whether it‘s worthwhile stretching your budget to upgrade to a 120Hz, 144Hz or higher screen. If a 60Hz display already delivers an enjoyable experience with the titles you love to play, it may not be worth the premium. But with 120Hz and faster monitors and TVs becoming more affordable, they represent your best chance at fully unleashing your gaming reflexes and skills. The boosted smoothness and crispness of high frame rate gameplay on 120Hz displays is a genuine game changer once experienced. --- Source: [Is 60Hz TV better than 120Hz for gaming?](https://33rdsquare.com/is-60hz-tv-better-than-120hz-for-gaming/)