What is the difference between Hz and FPS?

Hz is your monitor's hardware limit (how often it can refresh), while FPS is how many frames your GPU renders per second. You can only see as many frames as your Hz allows.

You need a 144Hz-capable monitor and a display cable (DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+). Then enable 144Hz in your OS display settings.

Why does my refresh rate show lower than expected?

Browser tab throttling, low GPU performance, cable limitations, or incorrect OS display settings can all cause lower-than-expected refresh rates.

Refresh Rate Tester – Check Your Monitor Hz & FPS Online

Q: What is refresh rate?

Refresh rate is the number of times per second your monitor updates the displayed image, measured in Hertz (Hz). A 60 Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second.

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Stabilizing...

Refresh Rate

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Hz (Hertz)

Frame Rate

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FPS

Frame Time

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Stability

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Score

Dropped Frames

Frames

Live FPS & Hz Graph

FPS

For Best Accuracy Use fullscreen mode and close all other applications.

Give It 10–30 Seconds Results stabilize after measuring ~300 frames.

Check Your Cable Use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+ for high Hz displays.

Enable in OS Settings Confirm your refresh rate in Display → Advanced settings.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Browser-based refresh rate detection depends on requestAnimationFrame accuracy. Tab throttling, GPU load, or background processes may affect readings. For highest accuracy, use fullscreen on a dedicated window.

Dropped Frames

frames skipped

Each bar = a detected frame skip. Green = OK | Yellow = Minor skip | Red = Major skip

Watch the ball. At higher Hz, it should appear sharper with less blur. Lower Hz causes visible trailing.

Sharp ball → High refresh rate running correctly

Blurry trail → Low Hz or high motion blur setting

Stuttering → Frame drops or VSync issues

Compare animation smoothness at three simulated frame rates. Your monitor must support the Hz to see the difference.

● 30 FPS Simulation

● 60 FPS Simulation

● 120 FPS Simulation

Can't tell 60 & 120 apart? Your monitor may be limited to 60Hz, or VSync may be capping your output. Check OS display settings.

Screen Resolution

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Viewport Size

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Pixel Ratio (DPI)

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Browser

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Operating System

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Color Depth

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Orientation

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Touch Points

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Top High Refresh Rate Monitors

Best High Refresh Rate Monitors For Smoother Motion, Quicker Response, And A More Enjoyable Gaming Or Work Experience.

360Hz

ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN

24.5" FHD IPS, G-Sync, 1ms GTG

~$499

240Hz

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8

32" 4K Quantum Mini LED, HDR2000

~$799

144Hz

LG 27GP850-B UltraGear

27" QHD Nano IPS, FreeSync, 1ms

~$299

Best Value

Dell S2722DGM

27" QHD VA, 165Hz, FreeSync Premium

~$229

* Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are approximate and subject to change.

What Is a Refresh Rate Test?

A refresh rate test is an online tool that measures how many times per second your monitor redraws its image — expressed in Hertz (Hz). Unlike OS display settings that simply report what your system thinks it is running, a browser-based tester uses the requestAnimationFrame API to observe actual frame delivery in real time. This means you get an honest, live reading of your display's true performance, not just the spec on the box. Our tester also tracks FPS, frame time, dropped frames, and stability score simultaneously, giving you a complete picture of your display's health in one place. Whether you're a gamer confirming your 144Hz panel is fully unlocked, or a casual user curious about your phone's ProMotion behavior, this tool delivers precise results within seconds — no downloads, no plugins, no account required. Everything runs entirely in your browser.

What Is Refresh Rate?

Refresh rate is the number of times your monitor updates or redraws the image on screen every second, measured in Hertz (Hz). A 60 Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second, while a 144 Hz monitor refreshes 144 times per second. This rate directly impacts how smooth motion appears — the higher the Hz, the more individual frames your display can show each second, resulting in fluid, sharp movement especially during fast-paced action. Refresh rate is a hardware specification determined by your monitor's panel and its connected cable. Common refresh rates include 60Hz (standard), 75Hz (entry gaming), 120Hz (mobile and mid-range), 144Hz (popular gaming), 165Hz, 240Hz, and 360Hz for pro esports. It is important not to confuse refresh rate with resolution — you can have a 4K monitor at 60Hz or a 1080p monitor at 360Hz. Both are independent specifications.

How To Check Monitor Refresh Rate?

There are several ways to check your monitor's current refresh rate. The easiest is to use our free online tester above — it shows your live Hz reading within seconds, directly from your browser. For system-level verification on Windows, right-click your desktop, open Display Settings, then Advanced Display, and look for the Refresh Rate option. On macOS, go to System Settings, then Displays, and check the refresh rate dropdown. On Android, look under Settings, then Display, then Advanced or Motion Smoothness. On iPhone Pro models, ProMotion is always active and can be verified under Accessibility. For the most accurate real-world reading, our browser-based tester captures the actual frame cadence your GPU delivers — not just the configured setting in your OS. It also warns you when tab throttling or system load is affecting the reading.

How Does Refresh Rate Affect Gaming Performance?

Refresh rate has a profound impact on gaming performance and feel. At 60Hz, each frame is displayed for approximately 16.7 milliseconds. At 144Hz, that drops to just 6.9ms — meaning your screen shows new game state nearly 2.4 times more often. This faster update cycle reduces motion blur, makes on-screen movement appear sharper, and lowers perceived input lag. Even if your mouse moves at the same hardware speed, you see the result sooner on a high-Hz screen. In competitive titles like Valorant, CS2, or Fortnite, this translates to a measurable advantage: enemies are easier to track, recoil control is more precise, and target acquisition is faster. Additionally, high refresh rates reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions by presenting smoother transitions between frames — making gameplay noticeably more comfortable and less fatiguing over extended play.

Why Is High Refresh Rate Important For Gaming?

High refresh rate monitors have become essential in modern gaming for several concrete reasons. First, competitive advantage — professional esports players almost universally use 144Hz or higher displays because smoother visuals improve reaction times and target tracking. Second, immersion — open-world and cinematic games look dramatically more lifelike at 120Hz compared to 30Hz. Third, reduced input latency — a 240Hz monitor can display a new frame every 4.2ms, so inputs feel near-instantaneous. Fourth, VRR compatibility — technologies like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync work best with high-Hz panels, eliminating screen tearing across a wide performance range. Finally, with modern GPUs delivering 200+ FPS in popular titles, a 60Hz monitor wastes that GPU power entirely. Upgrading your refresh rate is often the single biggest perceptible improvement you can make to your overall gaming experience and setup.

Why Choose Us?

Refresh Rate Tester.com is built specifically for accuracy, speed, and transparency. Unlike simple frame counters, our tool uses a multi-sample averaging algorithm that stabilizes over 300 frames, filtering out noise to give you a rock-solid Hz reading. We display five live metrics simultaneously — Hz, FPS, frame time, stability score, and dropped frames — all in one clean dashboard. Our tester detects browser tab throttling and warns you when readings may be unreliable, something most competing tools do not do. We support all devices: desktop monitors, gaming laptops, smartphones, and tablets — including variable refresh rate displays that dynamically change Hz. No sign-up, no paywall, no data collection required. The tool runs entirely in your browser. We also provide in-depth guides, a refresh rate comparison leaderboard, and a motion blur test — making us the most comprehensive free display testing platform available online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good refresh rate for gaming?

For competitive gaming, 144 Hz or higher is ideal. 60 Hz is the minimum standard, and anything above 240 Hz offers diminishing returns for most gamers. Choose based on your GPU power and game genre.

Why is my refresh rate lower than my monitor's spec?

Common causes: wrong cable type (need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 for 4K 144Hz+), incorrect OS display settings, outdated GPU drivers, or hardware acceleration disabled in your browser.

Is 120Hz on a smartphone the same as 120Hz on a monitor?

Functionally yes — 120 frames per second. But smartphone panels often use PWM dimming, lower peak brightness at high Hz, and VRR that varies between 1–120 Hz based on content, unlike desktop monitors.

How accurate is this browser-based tester?

For most users, accuracy is within ±1 Hz after 15–30 seconds. Background tab throttling, system load, and browser overhead can cause variance. Use fullscreen and close other apps for best results.

Does higher Hz use more power?

Yes. Higher refresh rates require more GPU processing and display panel power. Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology helps by dynamically lowering Hz when you don't need high frame rates, saving energy on laptops and phones.

What cables support 144Hz at 1080p?

DisplayPort 1.2+, HDMI 2.0, or HDMI 2.1 all support 1080p at 144 Hz. For 4K at 144Hz you need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Avoid VGA and DVI for high refresh rates.

How to change refresh rate on monitor?

On Windows: right-click the desktop → Display Settings → Advanced Display → select your refresh rate from the dropdown and click Apply. On macOS: System Settings → Displays → pick from the Refresh Rate dropdown. Make sure your cable (DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+) supports the target Hz before changing.

How to change monitor refresh rate?

Right-click your desktop and open Display Settings (Windows) or go to System Settings → Displays (macOS). Look for the "Refresh Rate" dropdown, select your desired rate, and confirm. If your target Hz is not listed, your cable may be limiting it — switch to DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+.

Should I change my monitor refresh rate to 180Hz?

Yes, if your monitor supports 180Hz, enabling it provides smoother motion and lower input lag. Make sure your GPU can push enough FPS to match — if you're only hitting 80 FPS in games, the jump from 144Hz to 180Hz won't be very noticeable. Use our tester to confirm the rate is active after changing it.

How to change refresh rate?

Open your OS display settings. On Windows: Display Settings → Advanced Display; on macOS: System Settings → Displays. Select your monitor and change the Hz from the dropdown. You can also set custom rates via the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software under "Change Resolution."

How to optimize a gaming PC for high refresh rates?

1) Enable your monitor's full Hz in OS display settings. 2) Use DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 for 144Hz+. 3) Update GPU drivers. 4) Set your in-game frame rate limit slightly above your Hz. 5) Enable G-Sync or FreeSync if supported. 6) Disable global VSync in the GPU panel and use in-game VSync. 7) Close background apps to free CPU and GPU headroom.

Is 60Hz refresh rate good?

60Hz is the standard and perfectly adequate for casual use, productivity, and watching videos. For gaming it works but is noticeably less smooth than 144Hz+. Competitive gamers will feel the difference immediately when upgrading. For everyday office and media use, 60Hz is completely fine.

Could changing GPU settings limit refresh rate on an external monitor?

Yes. VSync, frame rate caps in the GPU control panel, or power-saving modes can cap your FPS and effectively limit visible refresh rate. Some laptops also route external monitors through the integrated GPU which restricts available Hz options. Check your GPU panel settings and confirm the correct GPU is driving the display.

What refresh rate is best for gaming?

144Hz is the sweet spot for most gamers — a major improvement over 60Hz without requiring an extremely powerful GPU. Competitive esports players often prefer 240Hz or 360Hz for the lowest input lag. For casual gaming, 120Hz is excellent. Anything above 360Hz offers diminishing returns perceptible only to pro-level players.

How to check my monitor refresh rate?

The fastest way is to use our free tester above — it shows your live Hz in seconds. Alternatively: Windows → Display Settings → Advanced Display; macOS → System Settings → Displays; Android → Settings → Display → Motion Smoothness. Our browser-based tool gives the most accurate real-world reading.

What is a good refresh rate for a monitor?

For general use and productivity, 60–75Hz is good. For gaming, 144Hz is the recommended minimum. For competitive gaming, 240Hz or higher is ideal. For creative work like video editing, refresh rate matters less than color accuracy. Choose based on your primary use case and GPU capability.

What is a good refresh rate for gaming?

144Hz is widely considered the gold standard for gaming — dramatically reducing motion blur and input lag versus 60Hz. If your GPU consistently hits 200+ FPS, a 240Hz monitor is a worthwhile upgrade. For casual gamers, 120Hz already delivers a very smooth and responsive experience.

What refresh rate TV is better — 120Hz vs 60Hz?

120Hz is noticeably better for gaming, sports, and action content. PS5 and Xbox Series X both support up to 120Hz. A 60Hz TV is fine for casual streaming. Beware of "motion rate" marketing — "240Hz Motion Rate" may still be a native 60Hz panel with image processing. Always check the native panel Hz in the specs.

What is a good refresh rate for a TV?

For casual viewing, 60Hz is sufficient. For gaming or sports, native 120Hz is significantly better. Avoid TVs that advertise "120 Motion Rate" or "240 Clear Motion" — these are marketing terms for image processing, not the true panel Hz. Always check the native refresh rate in the product specification sheet.

What is the best refresh rate for a monitor?

For most users, 144Hz is the best balance of performance and value. Competitive gamers benefit from 240Hz or 360Hz. Content creators prioritize panel accuracy over Hz. The "best" rate depends on your GPU — running 360Hz with only 80 FPS output gives you no benefit. Match your monitor Hz to your typical in-game frame rate.

How to change the refresh rate of a monitor?

Windows: right-click desktop → Display Settings → Advanced Display → pick Hz from the dropdown. macOS: Apple menu → System Settings → Displays → Refresh Rate dropdown. Custom rates can be set via the NVIDIA or AMD GPU control panel. Always use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+ for higher Hz support.

How to set monitor refresh rate?

Right-click your desktop (Windows) → Display Settings → Advanced Display → Refresh Rate dropdown. On macOS, go to System Settings → Displays and choose from the available options. After applying, use our tester above to verify the new rate is actually active at the hardware level, not just in the OS settings.

Is refresh rate the same as FPS?

No. Refresh rate (Hz) is your monitor's hardware limit — how many times per second it can display a new image. FPS is how many frames your GPU renders. If your GPU outputs 200 FPS but your monitor is 60Hz, you only see 60 frames per second on screen. Hz is the ceiling your monitor places on visible FPS.

What is a good monitor refresh rate?

60Hz is the baseline standard. 75Hz is a small but noticeable improvement. 144Hz is excellent for gaming and general use. 240Hz is for competitive gamers. 360Hz+ is for pro esports. For productivity and content creation, 60–75Hz is fine. For gaming, aim for at least 144Hz if your GPU supports it.

What is the refresh rate on a TV?

Most budget TVs have a native 60Hz panel. Mid-range and premium TVs commonly feature native 120Hz panels, better for gaming and sports. Very few TVs exceed 120Hz natively. Be cautious of inflated "effective Hz" marketing — "240Hz Motion Rate" refers to image processing features, not the actual panel refresh rate.

Does refresh rate affect FPS?

Your monitor's refresh rate does not change the FPS your GPU renders. However, a higher Hz display lets you see more of those frames — at 60Hz you see at most 60 FPS on screen regardless of GPU output. So while refresh rate doesn't increase raw FPS, it determines how much GPU performance is actually visible on screen.

How do I check my monitor refresh rate?

Use our free tester at the top of this page for a real-time hardware-accurate reading. OS-level checks: Windows → right-click desktop → Display Settings → Advanced Display; macOS → System Settings → Displays; Android → Settings → Display → Motion Smoothness; iPhone Pro → ProMotion is always active. Our browser tester provides the most accurate real-world result.

How to check the refresh rate of your monitor?

The easiest way is our free online tester above — it measures your actual live refresh rate using the browser's requestAnimationFrame API. For a system check on Windows go to Display Settings → Advanced Display. On macOS go to System Settings → Displays. For the most reliable result accounting for cable limits and GPU output, use our browser-based tester.

Refresh Rate Tester

Refresh Rate Leaderboard