For everyday desktop use and typical video, 60Hz is a sensible baseline. Choose 120Hz if smoother motion and more responsive gaming matter to you—or if your TV uses it to show 24-frames-per-second films with even frame repetition. A 48Hz setting is usually a specific film-playback mode or the lower end of a display’s variable refresh rate (VRR), not a general-purpose tier. The best choice depends on what your display, input, resolution and source can actually support.
What is refresh rate?
Refresh rate is how many times a display updates its image each second. A 60Hz display refreshes 60 times per second; a 120Hz display refreshes 120 times per second. These figures describe the display’s refreshes, not necessarily how many new frames your game or video supplies. Microsoft’s gaming guidance explains the distinction in practical terms.
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A higher refresh rate can make motion look smoother and gaming feel more responsive, but it is useful only when the source can deliver more frames and the display accepts the selected mode. A 120Hz label alone does not guarantee 120Hz at every resolution or through every input.
48Hz vs. 60Hz vs. 120Hz at a glance
| Refresh rate | Everyday use and video | Gaming | 24fps film playback | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48Hz | Not usually a general-purpose target; may be available as a particular mode. | May be the minimum of a specific display’s VRR range. It is not a universal gaming rate. | On a supported set, the display can repeat each 24fps frame twice. | Check whether it is a supported fixed mode or VRR floor, and check low-frame-rate compensation. |
| 60Hz | A practical baseline for common desktop use and video. | Suitable for play around 60fps when the source and display support the chosen mode. | Some displays use 3:2 pulldown, which can create judder in panning scenes; some 60Hz VRR TVs can instead run at 48Hz for 24p. | Confirm the selected resolution and input support 60Hz. |
| 120Hz | Smoother motion than 60Hz, though it is not necessary for every task. | Can support higher-frame-rate play and feel smoother and more responsive when the source sustains the frame rate. | Can repeat each 24p frame evenly, commonly four or five times depending on the operating mode. | Check refresh rate at your target resolution and input, plus source output and VRR support. |
These are common patterns, not guarantees for every model. RTINGS’ refresh-rate overview covers television motion, film cadence, gaming and VRR; its TV VRR test methodology and monitor refresh-rate test methodology document why capabilities vary by model and signal.
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Which refresh rate suits your use?
Choose 60Hz for a practical everyday baseline
For routine desktop work and typical video, 60Hz is generally sufficient. It is also a reasonable target for gaming when you do not need higher frame rates. Check that the display supports 60Hz at the resolution and input you plan to use; a device’s maximum refresh rate can depend on those choices.
Choose 120Hz when smoother gaming motion matters
A 120Hz display can show more frequent updates than a 60Hz display, which can make supported games look smoother and feel more responsive. That benefit depends on the game and source producing the additional frames, and on the whole connection path supporting 120Hz at your chosen resolution. If your system cannot sustain a higher frame rate, a 120Hz ceiling does not by itself create more game frames.
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- Incredible Images: The Acer KB272 G0bi 27" monitor with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio presents stunning, high-quality images with excellent detail.
- Adaptive-Sync Support: Get fast refresh rates thanks to the Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) product that matches the refresh rate of your monitor with your graphics card. The result is a smooth, tear-free experience in gaming and video playback applications.
- Responsive!!: Fast response time of 1ms enhances the experience. No matter the fast-moving action or any dramatic transitions will be all rendered smoothly without the annoying effects of smearing or ghosting. A 120Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver smooth 2D motion scenes in gaming and video.
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- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz | Response Time: 1ms VRB | Brightness: 250 nits | Pixel Pitch: 0.311mm
VRR can help when frame delivery varies. It adjusts the display’s refresh rate to follow the source’s frame rate, helping reduce tearing or stuttering. Sony’s VRR explainer defines the feature; the available range and behavior depend on the particular display.
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Treat 48Hz as a mode or VRR boundary, not a buying category
48Hz has specific uses. A display can repeat 24fps film frames twice at 48Hz, and on some displays 48Hz may be the bottom of the VRR range. For gaming, that lower boundary matters if frame rates fall: check whether the display uses low-frame-rate compensation (LFC) below its VRR floor and how it handles those rates. Do not assume a display supports 48Hz or LFC just because its headline refresh rate is 60Hz or 120Hz.
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Why 24fps films can look different at 60Hz and 120Hz
Film commonly runs at 24 frames per second. At 120Hz, each film frame can be repeated evenly—often four or five times depending on the operating mode. At 60Hz, some displays use 3:2 pulldown, repeating frames in an uneven pattern that can appear as judder during a slow pan. Some 60Hz VRR TVs can instead operate at 48Hz for 24p playback.
These behaviors are model- and mode-dependent. If film cadence is important, check the specific TV’s handling of 24p rather than relying only on its maximum refresh-rate figure.
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- Incredible Images: The Acer KB242Y G0bi 23.8" monitor with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio presents stunning, high-quality images with excellent detail. The zero-frame design provides maximum visibility of the screen from edge-to-edge.
- Adaptive-Sync Support: Get fast refresh rates thanks to the Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) product that matches the refresh rate of your monitor with your graphics card. The result is a smooth, tear-free experience in gaming and video playback applications.
- Responsive!!: Fast response time of 1ms enhances the experience. No matter the fast-moving action or any dramatic transitions will be all rendered smoothly without the annoying effects of smearing or ghosting. With up to 120Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver smooth 2D motion scenes.
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- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz | Response Time: 1ms VRB | Brightness: 250 nits | Pixel Pitch: 0.275mm
Check compatibility before choosing a display
- Find the native refresh rate. Look for the display’s actual refresh rate, not just motion-processing features or marketing labels. RTINGS’ TV motion test methodology distinguishes signal and model behavior.
- Check the rate at your intended resolution and input. A TV may have different limits at 4K and 1080p, and the connection must carry the selected mode. RTINGS’ monitor test methodology likewise frames refresh rate by supported signal.
- Inspect VRR range and low-frame-rate behavior. Confirm both the minimum and maximum VRR rates, and whether LFC is available if your source may fall below the minimum.
- Confirm the source can output the mode. Check your PC, console or other device’s output capability, connection and display settings. NVIDIA notes that a VRR-capable display may automatically use its highest refresh rate when VRR is enabled; see NVIDIA Control Panel Help.
Windows modes and battery life
Windows display design guidance includes 24Hz and 48Hz modes for 24fps film and says that running below 60Hz can improve video-playback battery life on applicable systems. This is platform-specific guidance, not a promise that lowering refresh rate will save power on every display or in every workflow. See Microsoft Learn’s Display documentation for the Windows context.
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