If you’re building a PC or upgrading your current setup, you’ve likely come across the term “high refresh rate monitor.” But what does it actually mean, and why is it important?
Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or professional, understanding the importance of a high refresh rate monitor can dramatically improve your computing experience.
🖥️ What Is a Refresh Rate?
The refresh rate of a monitor refers to how many times per second the display updates the image — measured in Hertz (Hz).
60Hz = refreshes 60 times per second
144Hz = refreshes 144 times per second
240Hz or higher = ultra-smooth visuals
A higher refresh rate means smoother motion, reduced screen tearing, and more fluid visual performance.
🎮 Why High Refresh Rate Monitors Matter for Gaming
✅ 1. Smoother Gameplay
A 144Hz or 360Hz monitor offers ultra-smooth frame transitions, especially in fast-paced games like Valorant, CS2, Fortnite, or Call of Duty. It gives you a more immersive and responsive experience.
✅ 2. Competitive Edge
In esports and FPS games, every millisecond counts. A high refresh rate paired with low response time reduces input lag and motion blur, giving you a crucial advantage in fast reactions.
✅ 3. Reduced Screen Tearing
With a higher refresh rate and features like G-Sync or FreeSync, screen tearing is minimized, delivering a clean, uninterrupted visual output.
🎨 Benefits for Content Creators and Designers
Even if you’re not a gamer, high refresh rate monitors bring advantages to tasks like:
Video editing – Smoother timeline scrubbing
3D animation – Clearer motion previewing
Graphic design – Better responsiveness and reduced latency
Working on a 120Hz or 144Hz monitor feels more natural and reduces visual fatigue during long hours.
🧑💻 Everyday Use: Scrolling & Multitasking
High refresh rate monitors also benefit casual users:
Smoother scrolling on webpages and documents
Snappier window movements
Better overall user experience
Once you’ve experienced 120Hz or more, going back to 60Hz often feels laggy and choppy.
🔍 High Refresh Rate vs. Frame Rate (FPS)
It’s important to note:
Refresh Rate (Hz): Capability of the monitor
Frame Rate (FPS): Output from the GPU
To fully benefit from a 144Hz monitor, your GPU should push 144+ FPS in games. Otherwise, you won’t experience its full potential.
🛒 Is It Worth Upgrading to a High Refresh Rate Monitor in?
Absolutely. With graphics cards getting more powerful and games more demanding, investing in a 144Hz or 165Hz monitor ensures your setup is future-proof. Even budget monitors today offer high refresh rates at accessible prices.
Top Gaming Monitors
🏆 1. ASUS ROG Swift 360Hz PG259QN
Refresh Rate: 360Hz (native, also supports 300Hz)
Screen Size: 24.5” Full HD (1920×1080)
Panel Type: Fast IPS
Response Time: 1ms (GTG)
Features: NVIDIA G-Sync, ULMB, HDR10
Best For: Esports professionals and serious FPS players (Valorant, CS2, Fortnite).
⚔️ 2. Alienware AW2524H
Refresh Rate: 500Hz (native), also supports 300Hz–360Hz modes
Screen Size: 24.5” Full HD
Panel Type: Fast IPS
Response Time: 0.5ms (GTG)
Features: NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer, G-Sync, DisplayHDR 400
Best For: Cutting-edge performance with the highest refresh rate currently on the market.
🔥 3. Acer Predator X25
Refresh Rate: 360Hz (adjustable down to 300Hz)
Screen Size: 24.5” Full HD
Panel Type: IPS
Response Time: 0.3ms
Features: G-Sync, NVIDIA Reflex, LightSense, AdaptiveLight
Best For: Competitive gamers looking for top-tier features and ultra-low latency.
🎯 4. MSI Oculux NXG253R
Refresh Rate: 360Hz (stable at 300Hz as well)
Screen Size: 24.5” Full HD
Panel Type: Rapid IPS
Response Time: 1ms GTG
Features: NVIDIA G-Sync, Reflex Latency Analyzer
Best For: Smooth and responsive gaming with esports-focused performance.
💻 5. Lenovo Legion Y25g-30
Refresh Rate: 360Hz (supports 300Hz profiles)
Screen Size: 24.5” Full HD
Panel Type: IPS
Response Time: 1ms
Features: G-Sync, EyeSafe Certification, ergonomic design
Best For: Fast-paced gaming with comfort-focused features for long sessions.
What is the difference between refresh rate and FPS?
Refresh Rate (Hz): How many times the monitor updates the screen per second.
FPS (Frames Per Second): How many frames your GPU outputs per second.
Which is better: 240Hz vs 300Hz vs 500Hz
All three offer smooth performance, but:
240Hz is ideal for most serious gamers.
300Hz offers an incremental boost for high-end competitive play.
500Hz is best for elite-level esports players who demand every millisecond advantage.
What’s the best 500Hz monitor right now?
The BenQ Zowie XL2586X and Alienware AW2524H are considered the best 500Hz monitors in 2025, offering industry-leading refresh rates with fast response times and low latency.