What is the best refresh rate for an LCD gaming monitor?

Oct 28, 2025|

Hey there, fellow gamers! If you're in the market for a new LCD gaming monitor, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the refresh rate. But what exactly is the best refresh rate for an LCD gaming monitor? As an LCD supplier, I've got some insights to share with you.

First off, let's quickly go over what refresh rate means. In simple terms, the refresh rate of a monitor refers to how many times per second the screen updates with new images. It's measured in Hertz (Hz). So, a monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate updates the screen 60 times every second, while a 144Hz monitor does it 144 times per second.

The Basics: 60Hz Monitors

Let's start with the most common refresh rate you'll find in many standard monitors: 60Hz. These monitors have been around for ages and are still widely used, especially in budget-friendly options.

A 60Hz monitor is perfectly fine for casual gaming. If you're into games like The Sims, Animal Crossing, or other laid - back titles that don't require lightning - fast reactions, a 60Hz monitor will do the job just fine. It can also handle most office work, web browsing, and streaming content without any issues.

However, when it comes to fast - paced games like first - person shooters (FPS) or racing games, a 60Hz monitor might show its limitations. You may notice some motion blur during intense action sequences. Enemies can seem to blend together as they move quickly across the screen, making it harder to aim accurately. In racing games, the cars can appear a bit "smeared" as they speed around the track.

1Graphic Monochrome LCD Display

Stepping Up: 120Hz Monitors

Moving up the ladder, we have 120Hz monitors. These offer a significant improvement over 60Hz. The increased refresh rate means that the screen updates more frequently, resulting in smoother motion.

In FPS games, you'll find that aiming is more precise. Enemies are easier to track as they move, and the overall gameplay feels more responsive. Racing games also benefit greatly, with cars looking more defined as they zip around the circuit.

120Hz monitors are also great for those who like to watch high - frame - rate content, such as 120fps movies or YouTube videos. The smoothness of the visuals is really noticeable, and it can enhance your overall viewing experience.

The High - End: 144Hz and Beyond

Now, let's talk about the cream of the crop: 144Hz and higher refresh rate monitors. These are the go - to for serious gamers, especially esports professionals.

A 144Hz monitor provides an incredibly smooth gaming experience. The difference between a 120Hz and a 144Hz monitor might seem small on paper, but in practice, it's quite noticeable. The increased refresh rate reduces motion blur to a minimum, allowing you to react faster in games.

In esports, where every millisecond counts, a 144Hz monitor can give you a real edge. Whether it's a competitive CS:GO match or a high - stakes League of Legends game, the smooth visuals can help you spot enemies quicker and make more accurate moves.

Some monitors even go beyond 144Hz, with options like 240Hz or 360Hz available. These ultra - high refresh rate monitors are designed for the most hardcore gamers. They offer an almost instantaneous response to your actions, making the gaming experience feel as close to real - life as possible. However, it's worth noting that to fully take advantage of these high refresh rates, your PC or gaming console needs to be able to output a high frame rate consistently.

Other Factors to Consider

While refresh rate is a crucial factor, it's not the only thing you should look at when choosing an LCD gaming monitor. Response time is also important. This refers to how quickly a pixel on the screen can change from one color to another. A lower response time, measured in milliseconds (ms), means less motion blur.

Panel type is another consideration. There are different types of LCD panels, such as TN, IPS, and VA. TN panels typically have the fastest response times but may have limited viewing angles and color accuracy. IPS panels offer better color reproduction and wider viewing angles but may have slightly slower response times. VA panels strike a balance between the two, with decent color and viewing angles, as well as relatively good response times.

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So, What's the Best Refresh Rate?

The answer to the question "What is the best refresh rate for an LCD gaming monitor?" really depends on your gaming needs and budget.

If you're on a tight budget and mainly play casual games, a 60Hz monitor will be sufficient. It'll still give you a decent gaming experience without breaking the bank.

For those who play a mix of casual and fast - paced games and want a good balance between performance and cost, a 120Hz monitor is a great choice. It offers a noticeable improvement over 60Hz without being too expensive.

If you're a serious gamer, especially if you're into esports, a 144Hz or higher refresh rate monitor is the way to go. The smoothness and responsiveness it provides can really enhance your gameplay and give you an edge over your opponents.

Let's Connect

If you're thinking about purchasing an LCD gaming monitor or have any questions about our products, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you find the perfect monitor for your gaming setup. Whether you need advice on refresh rates, panel types, or any other aspect of LCD monitors, we've got the expertise to guide you. Let's start a conversation and get you the best LCD solution for your needs.

References

  • "Monitor Refresh Rates: What You Need to Know" - Tom's Hardware
  • "The Ultimate Guide to Gaming Monitors" - PC Gamer
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