You’re exploring options for a new monitor, and one specification stands out—refresh rate, often 60Hz or 75Hz. Does a higher monitor refresh rate always mean better performance, or is there a sweet spot for your needs? Whether you’re working, gaming, or multitasking, understanding monitor refresh rate is key. The good news? Choosing the right monitor refresh rate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It all depends on how you plan to use your monitor. 

Keep reading to learn more about monitor refresh rate, or explore ViewSonic’s wide range of monitors to find the best option for enhancing your setup.  

In this guide, we’ll break down what refresh rates mean, explore the differences between common monitor refresh rate values, and help you find the one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Let’s simplify your decision-making process and help you choose with confidence. 

What Is Monitor Refresh Rate? 

Refresh rate refers to how many times a display updates the image on the screen per second. This is crucial because video isn’t a continuous stream but rather a sequence of still images shown in rapid succession. When these images update quickly enough, they create the illusion of seamless motion. The faster the updates, the smoother and more fluid the video appears. 

Measured in hertz (Hz), refresh rate indicates how many updates occur in one second. For example, a refresh rate of 1 Hz means the screen refreshes once per second, while 75 Hz means the screen refreshes 75 times in a single second. 

In general, a higher monitor refresh rate results in smoother and more lifelike visuals, provided it matches the frames per second (FPS) of the content being displayed. 

Refresh Rate vs Frame Rate 

If refresh rate is how many images your screen shows per second, then what is frame rate? 

Measured in frames-per-second (fps), frame rate also describes how many images get displayed on the screen each second. The difference lies in the source: refresh rate is determined by the display while frame rate is determined by the computer’s processors. 

To fully take advantage of a monitor’s high refresh rate, it’s important that the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) and graphic processing unit (GPU) are able to produce enough frames per second. And on the other side, a high-performance graphics card would only go to waste if paired with a monitor with a slower refresh rate.  

You can learn more about the interplay between refresh rate and frame rate here: G-Sync vs Free Sync Explained 

Benefits of a Higher Monitor Refresh Rate 

Sometimes more is just more. When it comes to monitor refresh rate, a higher refresh rate results in smoother video, less strain on the eyes, and even improved performance in competitive gaming. Even if that jump is a modest increase from 60 Hz to 75 Hz, there is a noticeable improvement in media quality. 

Smoother Scrolling 

Modern work demands hours of screen time, from managing emails to analyzing data or participating in video calls. Display quality plays a vital role in comfort and efficiency, with higher monitor refresh rates like 75Hz and 100Hz offering smoother visuals and reducing eye strain compared to the standard 60Hz. A 60Hz refresh rate refreshes the screen 60 times per second, sufficient for basic tasks. Upgrading to 75Hz enhances smoothness, especially when scrolling through documents or dashboards. A 100Hz refresh rate goes further, providing fluid transitions for tasks like switching apps or working on large spreadsheets. These upgrades sharpen visuals, minimize fatigue, and make prolonged screen use more productive and comfortable. 

Clearer Video 

Higher monitor refresh rate leads to smoother, more realistic on-screen visuals. With more images per second, motion blur is significantly reduced, enhancing video quality and gaming experiences. Moving from 60Hz to 75Hz results in a 25% improvement in refresh rate, providing a noticeable boost in clarity without requiring a high-performance display. Upgrading further to 100Hz takes this a step beyond, offering exceptionally fluid visuals that are especially beneficial for fast-paced media and detailed graphics. 

Easier on the Eyes

Clearer and more natural motion on the screen can significantly contribute to better eye health. A lower refresh rate, like 60Hz, may lead to flickering, causing eye strain and vision fatigue over time.A lower refresh rate, such as 75Hz, helps alleviate these issues by providing a smoother viewing experience. Stepping up to 100Hz enhances comfort even further, ensuring flicker-free performance that’s easier on your eyes, making it an ideal choice for extended work or gaming sessions. For effective ergonomics, whether for work or play, a high-quality display with a higher refresh rate is crucial. 

Learn more about monitor features that protect your eyes  here.  

Gaming Performance 

While there are monitors specializing in gaming performance, not everyone can invest in a high-end monitor solely for entertainment. However, even a modest upgrade from 60Hz to 75Hz, or from 75Hz to 100Hz, can make a significant difference in both gaming enjoyment and overall performance. 

• Improve motion resolution 

• Reduce ghosting and tearing 

Together these three factors can make games way more fun to play and even improve accuracy in high-paced games. But unless it’s a dedicated gaming rig, even hardcore gamers feel high-performance monitors aren’t strictly necessary for anything but games.  

Which Refresh Rate Should I Use 

Not all tasks require the same refresh rate, and choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use your monitor for. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide based on your needs: 

Work and Productivity: 100Hz  

For general office work, productivity tasks, and multitasking, 100Hz is emerging as the new golden standard. It provides a smoother experience when scrolling through documents, navigating spreadsheets, or switching between applications, helping reduce eye fatigue during long work sessions. 

On-the-Go Usage: 60Hz or 75Hz

For portable monitors or casual use while traveling, 60Hz or 75Hz is sufficient. These refresh rates offer a good balance between performance and energy efficiency, making them ideal for basic tasks like email, document editing, or video calls on the go. 

Gaming: 144Hz and Beyond

For gaming, a higher refresh rate is a must to ensure a fluid and immersive experience. A minimum of 144Hz is recommended for most gamers, but competitive players with high-performance GPUs may benefit from displays with refresh rates of 180Hz or even up to 280Hz, where every frame counts in fast-paced scenarios. 

Video and Photo Editing: 75Hz to 165Hz 

For basic video and photo editing, a refresh rate of 75Hz or 100Hz ensures smooth playback and editing precision. However, professionals working on high-quality video projects should consider 165Hz displays, which offer enhanced clarity and fluidity for complex timelines and effects. 

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to monitor refresh rate, higher value is generally better for smoother visuals and a more enjoyable experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is the basic standard, suitable for general use. Stepping up to a 75Hz refresh rate offers a noticeable improvement, providing smoother visuals without requiring a high-end setup. For those seeking even greater performance, a 100Hz monitor strikes the perfect balance between enhanced visuals and affordability, making it ideal for more demanding applications like gaming. By understanding your specific needs and tasks, you can choose a monitor refresh rate that enhances your experience and matches your usage requirements. 

Ready to upgrade your monitor? Explore ViewSonic’s range of 60Hz, 75Hz, and 100Hz monitors to find the perfect fit for your needs.