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60hz vs 120hz vs 144hz: What's the Difference?

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With everyone talking about refresh rates and different numbers to signify the quality of their monitors, we often find ourselves in a confused state. In case you’re one of them who’s unaware of how 60Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz displays impact the overall visual scene, this article is everything you need right now.

What are the differences between 60Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz?

The main difference between a 60Hz, 120Hz, and a 144Hz monitor is the frequency of refreshes. While a 60Hz display refreshes 60 times in a second, the same for 120Hz, and 144Hz displays are 120 and 144, respectively. As a result of such variation, the user experience also alters significantly. Do you wish to learn more about it? Simply follow along.

What is 60Hz?

In general, Hz refers to the unit of frequency. The frequency here represents a total of 60 occurrences per second. When we talk about monitors and displays, the frequency transforms into a number signifying the refresh rate. In other words, any monitor or display that refreshes its content around 60 times every second is generally termed as a 60Hz display.

What is 120Hz?

With a 120Hz display, you’re looking at a monitor/display that has its content refreshed 120 times per second. In a 120Hz monitor, images are generated at every 8th ms, thus providing a more fluid and seamless viewing experience when compared to its 60Hz counterpart.

What is 144Hz?

Having talked a number of times about Hz being the unit of frequency, you’re now well aware of the fact that 144Hz represents something that occurs 144 times per second. Shifting our attention towards monitors and displays, 144Hz is one that is capable of producing 144 images with every passing second. The number of images generated acts for the number of content refreshed to provide users with a viewing experience like never before.

Differences Between 60Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz

Meaning

60Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz are all different frequencies. They generally represent the number of occurrences per second.

Number of Refreshes Per Second

When we talk about a 60Hz monitor, we’re generally looking at a screen that refreshes 60 times per second. In comparison, the same for 120Hz and 144Hz displays are 120 and 144, respectively.

Refresh rate per second
Refresh rate per second

Image Production Period

For a 60Hz monitor, a new image is generated every 16th ms. On the other hand, image generation for 120Hz and 144Hz monitors take place at 8th ms and 7th ms, respectively.

Fluidity

A direct comparison between the three will conclude that 60Hz display is the least, while 144Hz is the most fluid of the three. The experience in 120Hz is way better as compared to any 60Hz display; however, it is merely less than what you can expect from a device that is refreshing 144 times a second.

Irregularity

Due to the least amount of refreshes per second, 60Hz feels more irregular. 120Hz is way more regular but again less than the experiences in a 144Hz display. It is essential to note that the irregularity can only be felt when you’re used to operating devices that offer higher refresh rates. 

Media Consuming Experience

It is pretty evident from the fact that media consumption on a 144Hz display will be a more appealing experience. Although the scene is nothing bad about 60Hz users, once you get yourself into 120Hz or 144Hz displays, you’ll feel the difference that a number of refreshes per second can bring to the table. 

However, it is essential to keep in mind that the viewing experience is not only about refresh rates; there are many factors that superimpose to provide users with something next level, still the impact of higher refresh rate displays can never be ignored.

Gaming Experience

Refresh rates have nothing to deal with the overall texture or image quality of any game. It basically deals with the number of images produced on the monitor per second. To put it in simple words, a display bearing high refresh rate can never enhance the graphics; it can improve the gaming experience, following the trend 60Hz<120Hz<144Hz and so on.

Cost

Cost is one factor that varies significantly. In general, the displays with higher refresh rates cost more. Comparing 60Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz monitors, it is pretty usual to find a 60Hz monitor for the lowest price, while a 144Hz monitor will cost you more.

Comparison Chart: 60Hz Vs 120 Hz Vs 144 Hz

Parameters60Hz120Hz144Hz
Number of Refreshes (per second)60120144
Image Production Period16th ms8th ms7th ms
FluidityComparatively less fluidMore fluid than any 60Hz displayMost Fluid
IrregularityMost Irregular out of the threeRegular as compared to any 60Hz displayOffers least irregularity 
Media ConsumptionAverageGoodBest
Gaming ExperienceAverageGoodBest
CostUsually cheap when compared to 120Hz, and 144Hz displaysCosts more than 60Hz monitors but less than the 144Hz ones Costs the most, out of the three options

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 60Hz and 120Hz make a difference?

The main difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is their capability to produce and refresh images per second. While the number for the former is around 60, the latter offers double the value. With that being said, there exists a noticeable visual difference when you start operating both devices simultaneously.

Is 144Hz, 120Hz better than 60Hz for eyes?

Monitors with more refresh rates are the ones with smoother viewing quality. For that reason, the overall experience will be more effortless on the eyes, alongside being pleasing.

Conclusion

And with that, we’re done talking about the distinguishing factors that set 60Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz monitors apart. The article will walk you across fluidity, media consumption, gaming experience, and a whole lot of other elements where the visual difference can actually be felt. We hope everything is seamless enough for you to get hold of.

Sources

Feel free to comment and discuss about the article in the comment space below if you have any information or remarks to add. If you think we made a mistake, you can also report it there.
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About the Author: Nicolas Seignette

Nicolas Seignette, who holds a scientific baccalaureate, began his studies in mathematics and computer science applied to human and social sciences (MIASHS). He then continued his university studies with a DEUST WMI (Webmaster and Internet professions) at the University of Limoges before finishing his course with a professional license specialized in the IT professions. On 10Differences, he is in charge of the research and the writing of the articles concerning technology, sciences and mathematics.
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