60 Hz vs 144 Hz: Refresh Rate Explained
Short answer
A 144 Hz monitor shows a new image every 6.9 ms instead of every 16.7 ms at 60 Hz, so motion looks smoother, blurs less while your eyes follow it, and can feel more responsive. You only see the gain when your computer produces enough frames and the display is actually set to 144 Hz: on Windows 11 go to Settings, System, Display, Advanced display, Choose a refresh rate; on a Mac use System Settings, Displays, Refresh Rate.
Test it on your own screen
See the refresh rate your screen is really running at, with frame times and late frames.
What refresh rate means
Refresh rate is how many times per second your screen redraws the picture, measured in hertz (Hz). A 60 Hz monitor redraws 60 times per second; a 144 Hz monitor redraws 144 times. RTINGS describes it as the number of times the screen refreshes itself from top to bottom each second.
Frame rate (fps) is a different number: how many new images your computer or console produces per second. The monitor can only show new images as fast as they arrive. A 144 Hz monitor fed 60 fps still shows 60 new images per second; it simply repeats frames. So to benefit from 144 Hz you need both the monitor setting and a source fast enough to feed it.
Check yours now: the refresh rate test shows the rate your browser is actually drawing at, the time per frame and any late frames, in a few seconds.
60 Hz vs 144 Hz: the real differences
At 144 Hz a new image can appear every 6.94 ms instead of every 16.67 ms. That changes three things you can feel.
| Refresh rate | Time between frames | Lowest possible input lag (RTINGS) | Step per frame at 960 px/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 Hz | 16.67 ms | 8.33 ms | 16.0 px |
| 120 Hz | 8.33 ms | 4.17 ms | 8.0 px |
| 144 Hz | 6.94 ms | 3.47 ms | 6.7 px |
| 165 Hz | 6.06 ms | 3.03 ms | 5.8 px |
| 240 Hz | 4.17 ms | 2.09 ms | 4.0 px |
| 360 Hz | 2.78 ms | 1.39 ms | 2.7 px |
1. Smoother motion
Moving objects advance in smaller steps. At 960 pixels per second an object jumps 16 px between images at 60 Hz and 6.7 px at 144 Hz. Scrolling, dragging windows and moving the mouse cursor look noticeably more fluid, and RTINGS points out that it helps everyday scrolling through long documents, not just games.
2. Less motion blur while your eyes track
Most LCD and OLED screens hold each image until the next one (sample and hold). Your eyes keep moving while the image stands still, so it smears. RTINGS calls this persistence blur and shows that it shrinks as the refresh rate goes up, even on screens with near instant pixels. The blur width is roughly the step per frame in the table above.
3. A more responsive feel
Each frame reaches the screen sooner. RTINGS lists the lowest possible input lag, measured at the center of the screen, as 8.33 ms at 60 Hz and 3.47 ms at 144 Hz. They also note that a higher refresh rate makes lower lag possible but does not guarantee it.
What 144 Hz does not change
- Pixel response. Two monitors at the same refresh rate can look very different in motion if one has slower pixels, which RTINGS demonstrates with two 180 Hz models. Trails behind moving objects are covered in the monitor ghosting guide.
- Tearing. A faster refresh makes tears shorter lived, but only VSync or variable refresh rate removes them. See screen tearing.
- Sharpness, color and contrast. Those depend on the panel, not the refresh rate.
You can see the difference yourself with the motion test: follow one moving object at 960 pixels per second, then switch the monitor between 60 Hz and 144 Hz and compare.
Is 144 Hz worth it
| You mainly | What makes sense | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Work in documents, email, spreadsheets | 60 Hz is fine; 120 Hz or more is a comfort upgrade | Scrolling and cursor movement feel smoother, but nothing depends on it |
| Watch films and TV | Refresh rate matters little | Video runs at 24 to 60 fps. Apple suggests picking a rate that divides evenly into the content, for example 48 Hz for 24 fps video |
| Play console games | A 120 Hz input with HDMI 2.1 and VRR | PS5 and Xbox Series X|S top out at 120 fps (RTINGS), so rates above 120 Hz add nothing for them |
| Play PC games casually | 144 to 165 Hz with VRR | A large, visible step up from 60 Hz, and VRR keeps frame rate dips smooth |
| Play competitive shooters | 240 Hz or more | Less blur and lower minimum lag, if your PC can produce the frames |
The catch is the source. RTINGS puts it plainly: without a graphics card that reaches high frame rates, the display's refresh rate is limited by the source. Pair a high refresh monitor with variable refresh rate so dips below the maximum stay smooth.
How to check your monitor's refresh rate
- Open the refresh rate test on the monitor you want to check, close other busy tabs and wait a few seconds for the number to settle. Screens rarely run at a perfectly round number, so 59.94 counts as 60 and 143.9 counts as 144.
- On Windows 11, open Settings, System, Display, Advanced display. The display information shows the current resolution and refresh rate, and whether variable refresh rate is supported.
- On a Mac, open System Settings, Displays and look at the Refresh Rate menu for the selected display.
- If the test reads lower than the setting, jump to monitor stuck at 60 Hz.
How to change refresh rate on Windows 11
These are the steps Microsoft documents for Windows 11:
- Select Start, then Settings, System, Display, Advanced display.
- If you have more than one monitor, pick the one you want at the top of the Advanced display page.
- Next to Choose a refresh rate, select the rate you want from the list.
Microsoft notes that the list shows an asterisk (*) next to rates that do not support your current resolution. Choosing one of those changes your resolution too.
The rates offered depend on what your display, cable and graphics card support. If the rate you paid for is missing, the fix is almost always in the troubleshooting table below, not in Windows.
Dynamic refresh rate (DRR)
On supported laptops, Windows 11 can raise and lower the rate automatically to save battery. Microsoft says DRR needs a display that supports VRR and at least 120 Hz. Turn it on or off on the same Advanced display page. Microsoft also notes that DRR can limit the maximum refresh rate of games not designed for VRR; if a game runs slower with DRR on, turn it off.
Windows 10
Go to Start, Settings, System, Display, Advanced display settings, choose the display under Choose display, then pick a rate under Refresh rate.
In the graphics driver
NVIDIA's Control Panel also has a refresh rate list under Display, Change resolution, and turning on G-SYNC sets it to the highest rate available. AMD and Intel have similar display pages. Use one place only, so settings do not fight each other.
How to change refresh rate on a Mac
Apple's steps for current macOS:
- Choose Apple menu, System Settings (System Preferences on older versions), then click Displays.
- If you have more than one display, select the one you want at the top of the window.
- Click the Refresh Rate pop-up menu and choose a rate.
- MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inch with Apple silicon can use ProMotion, which adapts the rate to the content. Apple lists fixed choices such as 120, 60, 59.94, 50, 48 and 47.95 Hz on supported displays.
- External displays with Adaptive Sync show Variable or Adaptive in the menu on macOS Monterey or later with a supported Mac. Apple says to use Thunderbolt, USB-C or DisplayPort, not HDMI, for Adaptive Sync.
- macOS Catalina and Big Sur: hold the Option key and click Scaled to reveal the refresh rate menu.
- Apple warns that a rate set too low can cause flicker, and a rate the display does not support can leave the screen black. Check the display's documentation for the rates it supports.
Monitor stuck at 60 Hz: troubleshooting table
A new high refresh monitor showing 60 Hz is very common. Work down the table from the top; the first rows fix most cases.
| Cause | How to tell | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The computer is still set to 60 Hz | Windows Advanced display or Mac Displays settings show 60 Hz, but a higher rate is in the list | Choose the higher rate (steps above). New monitors often start at 60 Hz. |
| The rate needs a lower resolution | In Windows the higher rate has an asterisk (*) next to it | Pick a rate without an asterisk at your native resolution, or accept that Windows will lower the resolution. |
| Cable or port bandwidth | The higher rate appears on one input but not another, or only at a lower resolution | Use DisplayPort, or an HDMI 2.1 port on both ends with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. HDMI 2.0 tops out at 18 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 at 48 Gbps. |
| Plugged into the motherboard | On a desktop with a graphics card, the cable is in a video port on the motherboard's rear panel instead of a port on the card | Move the cable to a port on the graphics card. |
| Adapter, dock, KVM switch or splitter | The rate returns when you connect directly | Connect directly, or use a dock or adapter rated for your resolution and refresh rate. |
| A monitor menu setting | The monitor has an overclock, dual mode or input version setting (for example LG's Input Compatibility Version) | Turn on the overclock or dual mode if you want the top rate, and set the input to its newest version. |
| 10-bit color or HDR uses more bandwidth | The top rate disappears when HDR or 10-bit is on | Accept the lower rate for HDR, or use a connection with more bandwidth. |
| Laptop power saving | The rate drops on battery or changes with what you are doing | Windows 11 Dynamic refresh rate lowers the rate when you do not need it; turn it off in Advanced display, and check the laptop maker's power or graphics app. |
| Outdated or generic graphics driver | The list of rates is short or only shows 60 Hz on every input | Install the current driver from NVIDIA, AMD, Intel or your laptop maker. |
| The game is capped, not the screen | The refresh rate test shows 144 Hz, but the game's counter stays at 60 fps | Check the game's frame limit and VSync settings. |
| The browser or tab | Only a web page reads 60 | Keep the tab in front, move the window to the right monitor and press Measure again. |
| Mac with an external display | No Refresh Rate menu for that display | Apple shows the menu only for displays that support rate changes. Select the external display at the top of Displays, and try USB-C, Thunderbolt or DisplayPort instead of an HDMI adapter. |
How much bandwidth each connection has
- HDMI 2.0: up to 18 Gbps (Premium High Speed HDMI cables are certified for it).
- HDMI 2.1: up to 48 Gbps with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
- HDMI 2.2: up to 96 Gbps with the new Ultra96 HDMI cable.
- DisplayPort 2.1: DP40 cables carry up to 40 Gbps (UHBR10) and DP80 cables up to 80 Gbps (UHBR20). Display Stream Compression lets many monitors reach high rates over older DisplayPort versions too.
What matters is the lowest link in the chain. RTINGS gives a real example: a 1440p 180 Hz monitor that only reaches 144 Hz over its HDMI port because of bandwidth, while a monitor with HDMI 2.1 reaches its full 240 Hz over HDMI. The monitor's manual lists the maximum rate for each input.
Can you overclock a 60 Hz monitor
Some monitors have a factory overclock or a dual mode (higher rate at a lower resolution) in their menu; those are supported and safe to use. Forcing a higher rate with a custom resolution is a different matter. RTINGS warns that a custom resolution could cause issues, and Apple notes that an unsupported rate can leave the screen black. If you try it, change one step at a time and know how to revert. For most people, the realistic path to smoother motion is a monitor rated for 120 Hz or more.
Questions
Is the difference between 60 Hz and 144 Hz noticeable?
Yes, for motion. Each image lasts 6.9 ms instead of 16.7 ms, so scrolling, the mouse cursor and games look smoother and less blurred. Static images and text look the same.
Can HDMI do 144 Hz?
It depends on the HDMI version on both ends and the resolution. HDMI 2.1 with an Ultra High Speed cable has far more bandwidth than HDMI 2.0, and some monitors cap HDMI below their top rate, so check the manual or use DisplayPort.
Why does Windows only show 60 Hz?
The usual causes are a cable or port that cannot carry more, a connection through the motherboard or an adapter instead of the graphics card, or an outdated graphics driver. Work through the troubleshooting table above.
Do I need a powerful graphics card for 144 Hz?
For games, your PC has to render close to 144 frames per second to show 144 new images, which depends on the game and your settings. The desktop and scrolling only need a graphics output and connection that support 144 Hz.
Is 144 Hz useful for PS5 or Xbox?
Only up to 120 Hz. RTINGS notes both consoles are limited to 120 fps, so look for a 120 Hz HDMI 2.1 input with VRR.
Does a higher refresh rate use more battery?
Microsoft notes that lowering the refresh rate can save battery power, which is why Windows 11 dynamic refresh rate lowers it when you do not need it.
What is the difference between 120 Hz and 144 Hz?
Small: 8.33 ms versus 6.94 ms per frame. Most people notice the jump from 60 Hz far more than the step from 120 to 144 Hz.
Sources
- Change the refresh rate on your monitor in Windows, Microsoft
- Change the refresh rate on your MacBook Pro or Apple display, Apple
- Displays settings on Mac, Apple
- Use an Adaptive Sync external display with your Mac, Apple
- Our Monitor Motion Tests: Refresh Rate, RTINGS
- HDMI Specification Technology Overview (HDMI 2.1 and 2.2), HDMI Licensing Administrator
- Premium High Speed HDMI Cable, HDMI Licensing Administrator
- VESA Releases DisplayPort 2.1 Specification, VESA
- NVIDIA G-SYNC (Control Panel help), NVIDIA