Close Menu
VIVIDBAYVIVIDBAY
    Discover

    Unraveling the Enigma of Gyutaro: Exploring the Sinister Brilliance of Demon Slayer’s Formidable Antagonist

    May 31, 2023

    How to add multiple users on a Galaxy Tab: An underrated feature missing on the iPad

    November 29, 2022

    Free Wallpaper App for Mac and Windows: Change Your Desktop Image Every Day on Autopilot!

    February 26, 2023
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • About
    VIVIDBAYVIVIDBAY
    Pinterest YouTube
    • Home
    • Discover
    • Tech
      1. All Tech
      2. Phones
      3. Laptops
      4. Earphones
      5. Drones
      6. Gaming
      7. Cars
      8. Electric Vehicles
      9. Tesla
      10. View All

      Google Gemma vs. Gemini: What’s the Difference, Really?

      May 22, 2025

      The Perfect Device Doesn’t Exist

      May 18, 2025

      Why LocalSend is a Game-Changer for File Sharing

      May 14, 2025

      The Problem with Vibe Coding: Why You Still Need to Learn How to Code

      May 14, 2025

      Quick and Affordable Solution to Fix Pixel 7 Shattered Camera Glass

      April 9, 2024

      Is the Galaxy Note 8 Worth It in 2024? Absolutely Not

      April 7, 2024

      Why I Recommend the iPhone to Non-Tech Savvy Friends and Family

      March 28, 2024

      What is Caffeine Mode on Android? Understanding its Functions and Implications

      March 16, 2024

      The 2025 Zephyrus G14 Might Just Be My Favorite Gaming Laptop Form Factor

      May 13, 2025

      Why the M1 MacBook Air Might Be the Best Laptop Deal on the Used Market Right Now

      May 13, 2025

      Is the 15-inch 2016 MacBook Pro Still a Worthy Investment in 2024?

      September 19, 2023

      Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook Tablet in 2024: Is It Worth Buying?

      July 14, 2023

      How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Earbuds: Practical Tips and Tricks

      September 26, 2024

      The Best Tech Gadgets Under $50 for 2024

      March 28, 2023

      Huawei Watch Buds: A Smartwatch with a Twist

      March 26, 2023
      8

      Are the Airpods Pro 1st Gen worth it in 2024?

      January 9, 2023
      7.5

      Is the DJI Tello Still Worth it in 2024?

      July 25, 2023

      DJI Mini 2 VS Mavic Air 1st Gen

      February 23, 2022

      DJI Spark VS DJI Mini

      February 23, 2022

      Why a True PSP Vita Successor Could Capture Today’s Handheld Gaming Renaissance

      February 19, 2024

      Transform Your MacBook Display into a Console Monitor for Your PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch

      December 31, 2023

      What If Games Were Priced on a Per Hour Model?

      December 13, 2023

      In the Footsteps of Niko: Playing GTA 4 on Repeat While Waiting for GTA 6

      December 7, 2023

      Interview with a Local Mechanic and Car Audio Installer: Can You Connect a Passive Subwoofer Directly to a Car Stereo?

      March 9, 2025

      How to Upgrade and Modernize Your Car’s Interior: A Step-by-Step Guide

      July 22, 2024

      How to Add Wi-Fi to Your Car

      January 31, 2024

      Tesla Cybertruck Leads the Charge: Embracing 48V Architecture for Electric Vehicle Innovation

      December 7, 2023

      Tesla Cybertruck Leads the Charge: Embracing 48V Architecture for Electric Vehicle Innovation

      December 7, 2023

      Tesla’s redesigned Model S looks great but the steering wheel has me scratching my head.

      February 2, 2021

      Tesla’s redesigned Model S looks great but the steering wheel has me scratching my head.

      February 2, 2021

      Google Gemma vs. Gemini: What’s the Difference, Really?

      May 22, 2025

      The Perfect Device Doesn’t Exist

      May 18, 2025

      Why LocalSend is a Game-Changer for File Sharing

      May 14, 2025

      The Problem with Vibe Coding: Why You Still Need to Learn How to Code

      May 14, 2025
    • How To

      How to Activate and Use Circle to Search on Android: My Favorite Android Feature Yet

      April 18, 2025

      How to Download All Wallpapers on Mac OS Sequoia at Once

      January 18, 2025

      How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Earbuds: Practical Tips and Tricks

      September 26, 2024

      You Need to Activate These Two Essential iPad Pro Features: A User’s Guide

      April 10, 2024

      How to Search for Text on Safari: Easy Steps for iPad and iPhone Users

      April 8, 2024
    • Gadgets
      8.5

      Mimo Style Electric Spin Scrubber Review- A Powerful Cleaning Companion

      February 2, 2024
      8.4

      Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light Review: A Must-Have Reading Companion

      January 14, 2024

      The Best Selling Countertop Dishwasher: COMFEE’ Portable Mini with Built-In Reservoir

      November 10, 2023

      The INSMY Portable Speaker (C17MAX): Compact and Powerful

      October 24, 2023

      Affordable Home Cinema: Transform Your Room for Under $130 with a Mini Projector and Bluetooth Speaker

      September 20, 2023
    • Software

      Why LocalSend is a Game-Changer for File Sharing

      May 14, 2025

      The Problem with Vibe Coding: Why You Still Need to Learn How to Code

      May 14, 2025

      Why AlDente is a Must-Have App for Every MacBook Owner Who Cares About Battery Health

      May 13, 2025

      Seamlessly Transfer Files Across iOS, Windows, Mac, and Android with Xender

      June 7, 2024

      Gadgetbridge: The Ultimate Open-Source Solution for Managing Your Gadgets

      June 7, 2024
    • News
      1. Entertainment
      2. View All

      What If Games Were Priced on a Per Hour Model?

      December 13, 2023

      In the Footsteps of Niko: Playing GTA 4 on Repeat While Waiting for GTA 6

      December 7, 2023

      How to Transfer Netflix Profile to a New Account

      October 30, 2023

      I Finally Watched Mr. Robot: A Profound Exploration of the Show and its Characters

      August 26, 2023

      Samsung’s Pledge: 7 Years of Software Updates Signals a New Era for Android

      January 21, 2024

      Hey Google, You’ve Got Our Attention! 7 Years of Pixel 8 Software Updates

      October 24, 2023

      iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max: New Features and Updates

      September 12, 2023

      iOS 17: Improving Communication and Personalization

      June 18, 2023
    • Science

      Real Talk — Is Time Travel Possible?

      December 17, 2018
    VIVIDBAYVIVIDBAY
    Home»Tech»Frame Rate (fps) vs Refresh Rate (Hz): What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Gaming and Video Quality
    Tech

    Frame Rate (fps) vs Refresh Rate (Hz): What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Gaming and Video Quality

    Kenyon NdeziBy Kenyon NdeziMarch 1, 2023No Comments6 Mins Read
    Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    When it comes to displays, two common terms that often cause confusion are frame rate (fps) and refresh rate (Hz). While they may sound similar, they actually refer to different aspects of a display’s performance. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between frame rate and refresh rate, and why they matter.

    Frame Rate (fps)

    Frame rate refers to the number of frames or images that can be rendered per second. It’s commonly measured in frames per second (fps), and the higher the frame rate, the smoother the motion appears on the screen. This is particularly important in applications that involve fast action or animation, such as video games and sports broadcasts.

    For example, a video game with a low frame rate may appear choppy or stuttered, while a game with a high frame rate will appear much smoother and more fluid. 

    Refresh Rate

    Refresh rate, on the other hand, refers to the number of times per second that a display can update the image on the screen. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz), and the higher the refresh rate, the more frequently the image is updated. This can result in a smoother, more responsive experience, particularly in fast-paced applications.

    In practical terms, a higher refresh rate means that there is less time between when an input is received and when it is displayed on the screen. This can be especially important in applications such as gaming or virtual reality, where even a small delay can result in a noticeable lag between the player’s input and the display’s response.

    Difference between Frame Rate and Refresh Rate

    Frame rate determines how many images are displayed per second, while refresh rate determines how often the screen updates those images.

    In general, a higher frame rate will result in smoother motion on the screen, while a higher refresh rate will result in a more responsive experience. However, it’s worth noting that the benefits of a high frame rate can be limited by other factors, such as the power of your GPU (graphics card) and how optimized the game is by the developers. 

    What is the relationship between frame rate (fps) and refresh rate (Hz)

    Frame rate is the rate at which the graphics card outputs frames, while refresh rate is the rate at which the monitor can display those frames.

    The refresh rate of a display is typically fixed, while the frame rate of a game can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the graphics or the capabilities of the hardware. If the frame rate of the game matches the refresh rate of the display, the two are said to be synchronized, which can result in a smoother and more consistent image.

    How do frame rate (fps) and refresh rate (Hz) affect gaming 

    When a game is played at a low frame rate, the action can appear choppy or stuttered, which can make it difficult to control the game and respond to fast-paced action. On the other hand, when a game is played at a high frame rate, the action appears much smoother and more fluid, which can make it easier to control the game and respond to what’s happening on the screen.

    Similarly, a higher refresh rate can improve the gaming experience by reducing input lag and providing a more responsive experience.

    Ultimately, your system must have the capability to generate the required frame rates to fully utilize the refresh rates of the display.

    Why do movies shoot in 24fps?

    Movies are traditionally shot in 24 frames per second (fps) due to technical and historical reasons.

    Firstly, 24 fps was established as a standard frame rate for movies during the early days of cinema. The introduction of sound in movies in the late 1920s required a consistent frame rate to synchronize sound with visuals. The 24 fps rate was chosen as it was deemed the lowest frame rate that could still produce smooth motion without flicker.

    Secondly, shooting at a higher frame rate, such as 30 or 60 fps, would require more film stock or digital storage, which would increase production costs. Shooting at 24 fps allowed filmmakers to achieve the desired motion while using the minimum amount of film.

    Thirdly, 24 fps gives movies a distinct cinematic look and feel, which has become associated with the art form. The slight motion blur created by the slower frame rate can make images appear smoother and more natural, as well as give the film a more immersive quality.

    While there have been attempts to shoot movies at higher frame rates in recent years, such as 48 or 60 fps, the 24 fps standard remains widely used and accepted in the film industry.

    Adobe has a fantastic article talking about the history and importance of frame rate in filmmaking. Click here to read more.

    What happens when a game runs on a higher frame rate (fps) than a display’s refresh rate?

    When a game is running on a higher frame rate than the refresh rate of the display, it can lead to a phenomenon known as “screen tearing”. This occurs when the display is trying to render two or more frames at the same time, resulting in a visible horizontal line where the frames don’t align correctly.

    Screen tearing can be distracting and can make it difficult to play games, as it can cause the image to appear split or distorted. To avoid screen tearing, it’s important to ensure that the frame rate of the game matches the refresh rate of the display. This can be achieved by using technologies like V-Sync, which synchronizes the frame rate of the game with the refresh rate of the display, or by using a display with a high refresh rate that can handle a wide range of frame rates.

    However, it’s worth noting that while screen tearing can be distracting, it’s not always a major issue for all gamers. Some gamers may prefer to prioritize higher frame rates over a perfectly synchronized image, as a higher frame rate can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

    Ultimately, whether or not screen tearing is an issue will depend on the individual gamer and their preferences. Some gamers may find it distracting and want to avoid it at all costs, while others may not mind it and prioritize a higher frame rate instead.

    What happens when a game runs on a lower frame rate (fps) than a display’s refresh rate?

    Nothing happens! If your monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz, but your GPU is only capable of providing 30 frames per second, the high refresh rate of your monitor will not be utilized.

    To ensure that your monitor can display an image with a high refresh rate, it’s essential to have a CPU and GPU that can complete the processing quickly. If the number of frames supplied by the CPU and GPU is insufficient, the monitor won’t be able to produce a high refresh rate image, regardless of its specifications.

    Click the link to check out our article on the best high-refresh-rate laptops.


    Disclosure: Vividbay is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. 

    Now retrieving an image set.

    Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest Alexa speaker, Fits in any room, Charcoal
    4.7 out of 5 stars(47589587)
    $21.99 (as of July 11, 2025 05:39 GMT -02:30 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

    Now retrieving an image set.

    Blink Video Doorbell (newest model) – Head-to-toe HD view, two-year battery life, and simp...
    4.2 out of 5 stars(425743)
    $29.99 (as of July 11, 2025 05:39 GMT -02:30 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

    Now retrieving an image set.

    Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream ove...
    4.7 out of 5 stars(47573125)
    $24.99 (as of July 11, 2025 05:39 GMT -02:30 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

    Now retrieving an image set.

    Roku Streaming Stick HD 2025 — HD Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote, Free & L...
    4.5 out of 5 stars(455420)
    $19.99 (as of July 11, 2025 05:39 GMT -02:30 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

    Now retrieving an image set.

    Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (newest model) | Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, motion detection & aler...
    4.6 out of 5 stars(46511843)
    $79.99 (as of July 11, 2025 05:39 GMT -02:30 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleThe best high refresh rate gaming laptops (120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz)
    Next Article Exploring the Potential of the OpenAI Chatbot API: Use Cases and Monetization Opportunities
    Kenyon Ndezi
    • Website

    Kenyon Ndezi is a tech enthusiast, active developer, and the founder of NeonBuild.com, a platform that enables users to create apps without any coding knowledge. Residing in Newfoundland, Canada, Kenyon delves into the latest in gadgets, science, and technology on VividBay.com, offering in-depth tech reviews and analyses. His minor in computer science, paired with a degree in economics, provides a well-rounded perspective to his content. With expertise in mobile app development, web development, server management, and WordPress, Kenyon ensures VividBay.com is a hub for tech-savvy readers seeking reliable information and innovative insights. Kenyon also runs Kenyonndez.com, where he shares personal experiences, travel adventures, and lifestyle tips. His extensive experience in creating websites for various organizations and educational institutions further enriches his content, blending practical knowledge with forward-thinking technology trends.

    Related Posts

    AI

    Google Gemma vs. Gemini: What’s the Difference, Really?

    May 22, 2025
    Tech

    The Perfect Device Doesn’t Exist

    May 18, 2025
    Software

    Why LocalSend is a Game-Changer for File Sharing

    May 14, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Latest

    Google Gemma vs. Gemini: What’s the Difference, Really?

    May 22, 2025

    The Perfect Device Doesn’t Exist

    May 18, 2025

    Why LocalSend is a Game-Changer for File Sharing

    May 14, 2025

    The Problem with Vibe Coding: Why You Still Need to Learn How to Code

    May 14, 2025

    The 2025 Zephyrus G14 Might Just Be My Favorite Gaming Laptop Form Factor

    May 13, 2025
    Discover

    Can You Develop iOS, Android, and Windows Apps on an iPad? Here’s the Truth

    April 20, 2025

    You Need to Activate These Two Essential iPad Pro Features: A User’s Guide

    April 10, 2024

    Beyond Aesthetics: The Practical Benefits of a Thinner iPad Pro

    May 24, 2024
    7

    Dell Precision 7730 Review: Is it worth it?

    January 20, 2023

    Pixel 6 Pro vs Pixel 7: Why Choosing the Pixel 6 Pro Makes Sense

    August 29, 2023
    Latest Reviews
    7.5
    Phones

    Is the Galaxy Tab A7 (2020) Still Worth It in 2024?

    Kenyon NdeziFebruary 17, 2024
    8.5
    Gadgets

    Mimo Style Electric Spin Scrubber Review- A Powerful Cleaning Companion

    Kenyon NdeziFebruary 2, 2024
    8.4
    Gadgets

    Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light Review: A Must-Have Reading Companion

    Kenyon NdeziJanuary 14, 2024

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Subscribe and be the first to know when we post new articles and when offer deals on products.

    Most Popular

    How to Improve In-Display Fingerprint Performance and Responsiveness on Pixel 6 and 7: Practical Solutions

    August 29, 2023

    APPLE’S NEW M1 CHIP IS MAGIC

    April 23, 2021

    The Best PS5 Local Co-op & Split-screen Games to Play with Your Partner

    March 6, 2023
    Gadgets

    Is the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Worth it in 2024

    August 26, 2023

    Coolest Gadgets for Home Automation

    April 30, 2023

    Music Keeps Pausing on the Nest Home Hub: The Fix

    April 26, 2023
    Our Picks

    Smartphone Pioneers – Credit Where its Due

    September 18, 2019

    Best Smart Helmets for Cyclists and Motorcyclists

    August 20, 2023

    How to Activate and Use Circle to Search on Android: My Favorite Android Feature Yet

    April 18, 2025
    Affiliate Disclosure

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link on our website and make a purchase through Amazon, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Pinterest YouTube
    • Homepage
    • Posts
    • Contact
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    © 2019 VIVIDBAY

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.