The debate as to which refresh rate is better between 60Hz and 75Hz monitors has been ongoing for a while now. Many are quick to pick the highest refresh rate of 75Hz over 60Hz.
However, to answer which is better, we will be looking at them closely in this article and comparing them in terms of gaming, pricing, and other features.
To get started, I will answer the question – what is a refresh rate?
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What Is Refresh Rate All About?
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Refresh rate is the number of times per second that the image on your monitor screen can be updated. In order to display a new image on the screen, the monitor refreshes per second, it is the refresh rate that tells you the number of times it refreshes.
The refresh rate of monitors is calculated in Hertz, which is abbreviated as Hz. So if the refresh rate is 1Hz, a new image would be displayed every one second. If it is 2Hz, two images will be displayed in a second, and so on.
The higher the refresh rate, the more you get to enjoy working or gaming on your monitor. This is because having a high refresh rate helps to produce a smoother picture and reduce flickering effects that tend to occur on fast-moving objects.
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60Hz Monitor
A 60Hz monitor refreshes the image on the screen 60 times in a single second. That is 60 frames per second. The refresh rate doesn’t go beyond that, and it is a standard display that has been available for years.
Although a 60Hz monitor is alright and can be used for working and gaming, you don’t get to focus as you would with a monitor with a higher refresh rate and the images are not that smooth.
What’s more, only a few basic games can be played without any hassle and in full detail using this refresh rate.
75Hz Monitor
This type of display refreshes or updates the image on the screen of the monitor at a rate of 75 times per second which makes it more expensive than monitors with a 60Hz refresh rate.
75Hz monitors are perfect for working, watching movies, and playing games. Gamers experience a higher moving rate of images in terms of speed and so need not worry about having motion sickness, and their screen is kept up to date with the other players’ gameplay.
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Gaming
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60Hz Monitors
If you are looking for a low-budget monitor that you can use for gaming, then the 60Hz monitor is perfect and you get to save money on it.
Although 60Hz monitors have slower response times, they are still suitable for gaming. If you are into casual gaming, or you are just a beginner then you won’t have a problem. However, competitive gamers will find it slow and experience screen tearing and input lag.
75Hz Monitors
A 75Hz monitor is obviously higher than a 60Hz monitor with a higher response time which makes it better for fast-paced games and games with quick reflexes. That way, you don’t get to lag when playing as a team or against opponents, especially as a competitive gamer.
When playing graphically demanding games, 75Hz monitors let you turn down your graphics settings. Doing this gives you a performance boost.
75Hz monitors provide a better gaming experience; plus, you can use them to watch movies and sci-fi movies.
Verdict
Whether to choose a 60Hz monitor or a 75Hz monitor is dependent on the quality and type of game as both monitors can pass. However, it is most likely that a gamer would pick the 75Hz monitor over a 60Hz monitor because of its higher refresh rate and compatibility for games with quick reflexes.
Since the 75Hz monitor refreshes 75 times in a second and 60Hz monitors refreshes 60 times in a second then with a 75Hz monitor you get to see less motion and the game is smoother. This is because, with a higher refresh rate, both casual and competitive gamers get to enjoy smooth gameplay.
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FreeSync
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60Hz Monitors
FreeSync links systems together in order to reduce tearing. It happens when the graphics card tells the monitor to change its refresh rate to the frame rate.
When a game uses vsync or a limiting mechanism, the monitor’s refresh rate becomes out of sync with the frame rate. What this implies is that the monitor doesn’t get to display a whole image or frame before it is instructed to display another.
When a 60Hz monitor is used with FreeSync, the difference is obvious as the images become smoother and the experience is better.
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75Hz Monitors
FreeSync on 75Hz Monitors reduces screen tearing. Tearing is when the image is updating faster on the screen than it can be displayed by the monitor. It is usually due to mismatches between the refresh rate of a monitor and the frame rate.
Activating FreeSync on a 75Hz Monitor helps you to boost your experience. It improves graphic flow and smoother gameplay.
Verdict
With FreeSync, both 60Hz and 75Hz monitors get reduced screen tearing and smoother motion. The refresh rate of both monitors improves graphic flow.
However, the quality of a higher refresh rate with FreeSync is better than that of a lower refresh rate. So, with FreeSync, a 75Hz refresh rate is better than a 60Hz refresh rate.
Frame Rate
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60Hz Monitors
Frame rate refers to the number of images or frames that are displayed on a screen per second. It is calculated in FPS, that is, frames-per-second.
The frame rate per second is determined by the refresh rate. So, a 60Hz monitor is capable of handling only 60fps.
If the frame rate is more than the refresh rate, screen tearing will occur. Likewise, the more the difference between the frame rate and the refresh rate, the more screen tearing that will be experienced. To remove the difference between them, you can use free sync.
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75Hz Monitors
A 75Hz monitor is capable of handling 75fps. That is, the more the refresh rate, the more the frame rate per second.
This is why 75Hz monitors are better for games with a high frame rate than 60Hz monitors. With the 75Hz refresh rate, gamers experience smooth gameplay.
Verdict
60Hz monitors can only display 60fps while 75Hz monitors can only display 75fps. Getting a 75Hz monitor will offer you the best gaming experience if you have a powerful graphics card.
Being a higher refresh rate, your display has enough capabilities to support 75fps. But in a situation where the frame rate of a game exceeds 75Hz refresh rate, the screen tearing that will occur will not be as much as that of 60Hz monitors.
Overclocking
60Hz Monitors
Overclocking refers to the process of increasing refresh rates beyond the specified rates stated by their panels.
In fact, 60Hz monitors can be overclocked to a refresh rate of 75Hz. Overclocking it to around 100 Hz can strain the monitor.
Overclocking is the only way that the frame rate of 60Hz monitors can be exceeded. When it is overclocked, graphics will display more smoothly and quickly, but it also has its risks, and overclocking to a very high rate is dangerous.
75Hz Monitors
75Hz monitors can be overclocked to a refresh rate of 100Hz or 120Hz if you are lucky. With this, you get to play games with speed rates that are higher than 75Hz.
Although 75Hz monitors can be overclocked, not all monitors can. To overclock your monitor, it is required that you download and use a software application called an overclocking utility.
If you want to know whether your monitor can be overclocked or not, contact customer support on your manufacturer’s website.
Verdict
Both 60Hz and 75Hz monitors can be overclocked. When their refresh rates are increased the smoothness experienced is different and better. However, they are both at risk of straining the monitor if their refresh rates are increased beyond what the systems can handle.
Pricing
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60Hz Monitors
A 60Hz monitor is not expensive and it is the best option to pick when looking for a low and budget-friendly monitor. They cost between $120 to $300.
75Hz Monitors
75Hz monitors are more expensive than 60Hz monitors but quite affordable. They can be obtained at a range of $140 to $300.
Verdict
Obviously, a 60Hz monitor is cheaper, but when considering improved performance and better gaming experience then 75Hz monitors are the right fit, plus they offer a great value for your money.
Although if your budget isn’t quite high, then opt for a 60Hz monitor as it will still provide a worthwhile gaming experience. You can also overclock it to suit your needs but at a risk.
Choosing which monitor to get is however dependent on your budget and needs.
Best 60Hz Monitors
1. Samsung 32 inch UJ59 4k monitor
This is a 60Hz refresh rate gaming monitor with a screen size of 32 inches and a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160. Its picture quality is great and it enhances gaming, PC viewing, and lots more.
This UHD monitor provides you with a 4K gaming widescreen, which makes it more of a gaming TV than a PC monitor. Its one billion colors help to deliver lifelike detailed and realistic images.
You get to connect multiple devices like PC, desktop, laptop, Mac, etc. at once to the 4K monitor and still have the optimal quality maintained because of the two HDMI 2.0 inputs. It is compatible with PS4 and Xbox One.
This 60Hz monitor has a split-screen function like Picture-by-Picture viewing that lets you watch TV shows or sports while gaming. You get to resize the second source and place it wherever you want on the screen. The resize can be up to 25 percent of the screen.
For competitive gamers, it has a feature called Game Mode that boosts contrast. This allows you to see even the tiniest details in dark areas. With this, you can spot your enemies faster and emerge victoriously.
To reduce screen tearing and synchronize the refresh rate of your graphics card, this monitor has an AMD Free sync. It also has a flicker-free and eye saver mode that reduces blue eye emissions and minimizes eye strain that occurs during long working hours.
2. HP V28 4K Monitor
Here is a V28 4K monitor with 28 inches screen size and 3840 x 2160 screen resolution at 60Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It is built for snappy response times and low pixel latency.
It offers four times the pixels of Full HD to provide detailed, sharper, and premiere image clarity. It comes with a one-year limited warranty according to HP standards.
With its AMD Free sync, you can synchronize your refresh rate to your graphics card and enjoy an artifact-free and fluid performance at any frame rate. You also get to adjust your screen with a 23-degree backward and 5-degree forward tilt to your preference.
You can connect your device easily to multiple devices with the Dual HDMI and DisplayPort. The headphone jack is available and located within reach for convenience and easy playing of your headphones while providing a lifelike experience.
To deliver amazing quality for brighter whites, deeper blacks, and crisper colors; plus, the 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio stands out.
One of its features is the low blue light mode for increasing eye comfort that makes whites more neutral and colors warmer.
3. ViewSonic VX2452MH 24 Inch Gaming Monitor
This is a 24 inches Full HD 1920×1080p resolution with 2ms response time, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It offers a great virtual experience for multimedia entertainment and gaming.
Its 100×1000mm VESA- compatible mount design is convenient and allows you to mount the monitor as you like. It also has dual 2W stereo speakers.
For viewing details in dark scenes and other visibility, it has a Game Mode feature that is perfect for competitive gaming.
With its HDMI, VGA, and DVI inputs, ViewSonic VX2452MH supports PCs, Mac’s and laptops. The Ultra-high 50M:1 MEGA Dynamic Contrast Ratio feature delivers crisp and sharp images for great viewing.
Best 75Hz Monitors
1. Sceptre 24-inch LED Gaming Monitor
This 75Hz refresh rate monitor is a 24-inch FHD LED Gaming Monitor with built-in speakers and 24-inch FHD LED Gaming Monitor and 1920x1080p screen resolution.
This 75Hz monitor has a VGA port and two HDMI ports that refine picture clarity. This makes it perfect for graphic design projects and action-packed gaming sequences. The headphone jack and Audio-In ports are available to provide diverse audio options.
It has an adaptive sync that eliminates the gap between the graphics card and the refresh rate of the monitor. This helps to reduce screen tearing and stuttering.
Notable features of this monitor include its anti-flicker, blue light shift, multiple ports, and built-in speakers.
2. BenQ 24 Inch 1080P Monitor
Here is a 75Hz refresh rate monitor that is suitable for playing games, watching shows online, and viewing documents.
It features a response rate of 1ms, a dynamic ratio of 12m, a display area of 531.3×298.8mm, and 1920×1080p screen resolution.
This 24-inch Full HD monitor has a zero flicker technology that eliminates flicker when used at the brightest levels which help users prevent eye discomfort and reduce eye strain when using it for long hours.
Its low blue light technology takes care of eye irritation and fatigue by removing harmful blue light.
The HDMI high-speed multimedia interface facilitates convenience and effortless digital entertainment. The refresh rate allows for smooth gaming and video viewing without ghosting or lag.
Overall, it comes with a three-year warranty and it is compatible with Windows 8.1, 8, and 7 Operating Systems.
3. Dell SE2722HX 27-inch Monitor
This is a 27-inch FHD monitor with Comfortview (TUV-Certified). It features a compact footprint for freeing up valuable disk space and three-sided slim bezels for a viewable and improved screen to body ratio, and fewer distractions.
This 75Hz refresh rate (1920 x 1080) 16:9 monitor has 16.7 million colors for delivering quality and natural-looking images. Dell’s TUVcertified Comfort View feature helps to reduce eye irritation and fatigue by minimizing harmful blue light emissions.
For a better gameplay experience, the monitor comes with AMD Free sync to ensure reduced screen tearing. It further has a cable holder and built-in power supply unit that reduces clutter. The VESA mount is compatible and perfect for mounting the monitor to your preference.
60Hz vs 75Hz Monitor – Which Is Better?
When you decide to choose a monitor, the comparison above should guide you. However, a 75Hz monitor is a better option because of its smoother gaming experience. It also scores more points when it comes to productive graphic design projects and video viewing.
If you don’t mind spending a little more on quality, we recommend a 75Hz monitor over a 60Hz monitor.
Scott L. Macarthur is a marketing consultant and an online author. He is mostly engaged in providing his expertise to startups and SMBs. He is also an author on TheNextWeb.