Refresh Rate: 60Hz vs 120Hz – What’s the Difference?
When shopping for a new TV, monitor, or gaming display, you’ll often come across the term refresh rate. It’s an important specification that impacts how smooth your visuals appear on screen. The most common refresh rates you’ll encounter are 60Hz and 120Hz. But what exactly do these numbers mean, and which one is better for you? Let’s dive into the details.
What Is Refresh Rate?
The refresh rate of a screen refers to how many times per second the display refreshes the image on the screen. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz).
- 60Hz means the screen refreshes 60 times per second.
- 120Hz means the screen refreshes 120 times per second.
A higher refresh rate generally results in smoother motion and a more responsive experience, especially for fast-moving content.
1. 60Hz Refresh Rate
What It Is:
- A 60Hz refresh rate means the screen refreshes 60 times per second. It is the most common refresh rate found in standard HD and 4K TVs, as well as many basic monitors.
Pros:
- Standard for Everyday Use: For most general purposes like watching TV shows, movies, or browsing the web, 60Hz is perfectly sufficient.
- Affordable: Displays with a 60Hz refresh rate are generally more affordable than higher refresh rate models.
- Ideal for Non-Gaming: If you’re not playing fast-paced games or engaging in high-speed motion, 60Hz will give you smooth visuals.
Cons:
- Limited Smoothness for Fast Motion: When you’re watching fast-moving scenes, such as sports, action movies, or playing video games with fast action, you may notice some motion blur or less smoothness.
- Not Ideal for Competitive Gaming: 60Hz might not be responsive enough for fast-paced competitive gaming, where every millisecond matters.
Best For:
- Watching Movies & TV Shows: Great for content that’s shot at standard frame rates, like movies, news broadcasts, and most TV shows.
- General Use: If you don’t mind a bit of motion blur or are not engaged in high-speed activities, a 60Hz display will work well.
2. 120Hz Refresh Rate
What It Is:
- A 120Hz refresh rate means the screen refreshes 120 times per second, making it ideal for fast-moving visuals like those in video games or action-packed movies.
Pros:
- Smoother Motion: With 120Hz, motion appears much smoother and more fluid, especially during fast scenes like sports or high-speed action.
- Better for Gaming: Gamers benefit most from a 120Hz display, as it provides a more responsive experience. This is especially true for competitive gamers, where higher refresh rates give an advantage in reaction time.
- Reduces Motion Blur: The faster refresh rate means less motion blur, making the image clearer in fast-moving scenes, which is great for both gaming and watching high-action content.
- Future-Proof: More modern TVs and monitors are starting to support 120Hz refresh rates, and as content evolves (like 4K HDR at higher frame rates), having a 120Hz screen makes your setup more future-proof.
Cons:
- More Expensive: Displays with 120Hz refresh rates tend to be more expensive than those with 60Hz.
- Not Always Fully Utilized: If you’re not playing games or watching content with a high frame rate (e.g., 120 fps or higher), you may not fully appreciate the benefits of 120Hz.
Best For:
- Competitive Gaming: 120Hz is ideal for gamers who need fast, responsive visuals and smooth gameplay. It reduces lag and allows for quicker reactions.
- Watching Action Movies/Sports: If you love action-packed movies or sports, 120Hz provides a smoother experience with less motion blur.
- Future-Proofing: If you want to stay ahead with newer content like high-frame-rate movies or gaming on consoles with 120fps output (e.g., PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X), 120Hz displays are a great choice.
Key Differences: 60Hz vs 120Hz
| Feature | 60Hz | 120Hz |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | 60 times per second | 120 times per second |
| Smoothness | Standard smoothness for everyday use | Much smoother motion, ideal for fast-paced content |
| Motion Blur | Noticeable blur in fast-moving scenes | Reduced blur, crisper motion |
| Gaming | Suitable for casual gaming | Ideal for competitive gaming, faster reactions |
| Cost | More affordable | More expensive |
| Content | Best for movies, TV, and casual use | Best for gaming, sports, and action-packed content |
| Future-Proofing | May be limiting for future content | Ready for high frame rate content (e.g., 120 fps) |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go for 60Hz if:
- You’re using your display for watching movies, TV shows, or other everyday activities where fast motion isn’t critical.
- You have a limited budget and don’t need the extra smoothness for gaming or high-speed action.
- Go for 120Hz if:
- You’re a gamer and want the best responsiveness and smooth visuals for fast-paced games.
- You watch sports or action movies and want smoother motion with less blur.
- You’re looking for a future-proof display that can handle high-frame-rate content, such as 120 fps gaming or 4K HDR content.
Conclusion:
In short, if you’re a casual viewer and your main use is TV shows and movies, a 60Hz display will suffice. However, if you’re a gamer, love watching sports, or want a smoother experience with action-packed content, a 120Hz display will provide the enhanced visual quality and responsiveness you’re looking for.