Is 60Hz vs 120Hz noticeable?

When considering a new monitor or TV, one of the most important specifications to pay attention to is the refresh rate. The two common options you'll often encounter are 60Hz and 120Hz. While both offer smooth experiences, the difference between them can be quite noticeable depending on what you’re using the screen for. Let’s dive into how these two refresh rates compare, where you’ll feel the difference the most, and whether upgrading is worth it.

What Does 60Hz vs. 120Hz Actually Mean?

• 60Hz means that your screen refreshes 60 times per second, displaying 60 frames per second (FPS). This is the standard refresh rate for most budget and mid-range monitors, and it’s perfectly suitable for tasks like web browsing, watching movies, and casual gaming.

• 120Hz, on the other hand, means that your screen refreshes 120 times per second, showing 120 frames per second (FPS). This higher refresh rate is found in higher-end monitors and TVs, particularly those used for fast-paced gaming or high-quality video content.

While both rates provide a smooth visual experience, 120Hz offers a level of fluidity that can make a significant difference in certain situations. So, when will you actually notice this difference?

When Will You Notice the Difference?

1. Gaming: The Biggest Impact

Fast-Paced Games: If you're into competitive gaming, the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is extremely noticeable. Games that involve rapid movements, such as first-person shooters (e.g., Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Counter-Strike) or racing games, benefit the most from a 120Hz display. The smoothness and responsiveness make a huge difference, helping you react faster and feel more in control. The higher refresh rate also reduces motion blur and screen tearing, making the experience more immersive.

• 60Hz: In these types of games, movement feels a bit more sluggish, and quick turns or fast action may look less fluid.
• 120Hz: Quick movements look far smoother, and the response time from input to action is much quicker. Competitive players often prefer this refresh rate for the advantage it gives in terms of reaction time and precision.

Casual and Slower-Paced Games: For less intense games, such as RPGs (e.g., The Witcher 3, Elden Ring) or story-driven games, you might not need 120Hz to have a great time. While the visuals may still appear smoother, the difference is less impactful unless you’re also aiming for a higher FPS that the monitor can match.

2. Watching Videos and Movies

Movies and TV Shows: Most movies and TV shows are filmed at 24 FPS, meaning a 120Hz monitor won’t significantly improve how these types of content look. That said, action scenes or sports broadcasts—which have faster movement—can benefit from a higher refresh rate, making the motion feel a bit smoother with less judder or stutter.

Content Creation: If you work in video production or watch fast-paced content (like sports or live events), a 120Hz screen will offer better fluidity in fast-moving visuals compared to a 60Hz screen. However, for content that’s typically shot at lower frame rates, such as 24 FPS movies, you won’t notice much of a difference.

3. General Productivity and Day-to-Day Use

Office Work & Browsing: For everyday tasks such as word processing, browsing the web, or watching typical videos, you probably won’t feel the need for a 120Hz display. The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is less noticeable for non-graphic-intensive activities.

Scrolling: If you spend a lot of time scrolling through social media or websites, the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz becomes more apparent. On a 120Hz monitor, scrolling feels much smoother and more fluid—content seems to glide rather than stutter. While this difference is subtle, it is still noticeable, especially if you’re transitioning from a 60Hz display.

How Much of a Difference Will You Actually Feel?

If you’re coming from a 60Hz monitor and upgrading to a 120Hz one, the difference will be apparent, especially in gaming and high-motion content. The smoother motion, improved fluidity, and better responsiveness in fast-paced games will all be big pluses.

For everyday tasks, like office work or browsing, the difference might not be quite as significant. 120Hz does feel better, but it’s more of a nice-to-have than a must-have unless you care about every small detail in your experience.

In gaming, particularly for competitive players or those who love fast action, upgrading from 60Hz to 120Hz is a noticeable improvement. It enhances fluidity, reduces motion blur, and provides a more responsive feel, leading to a more immersive experience.

When Would You Not Notice the Difference?

1. Lower Frame Rates:

If your computer or gaming console isn’t capable of consistently outputting 120 FPS or higher, the benefit of a 120Hz screen is limited. If your FPS is locked at 60 or lower, the 120Hz monitor will simply show those 60 frames more smoothly, but you won’t benefit from the added fluidity of higher frames.

2. Casual or Slow-Paced Games:

If you mostly play turn-based strategy games or slow-paced RPGs, the visual difference between 60Hz and 120Hz will be less noticeable. These games don’t demand the quick action and responsiveness that high refresh rates excel at.

Should You Upgrade to 120Hz?

For Gaming: If you’re a competitive gamer or someone who enjoys fast-paced action games, a 120Hz monitor is definitely worth the investment. It will make your gaming experience smoother, more fluid, and more enjoyable, especially if your hardware can push high frame rates.

For Casual Use: If you mostly use your screen for web browsing, media consumption, or office work, the upgrade to 120Hz may not provide as much of a noticeable difference. While scrolling and watching action content may feel smoother, you may not feel the need to upgrade unless you’re aiming for the best experience across the board.

Conclusion

Yes, 120Hz is noticeably better than 60Hz, especially for gaming and fast-moving content. If you’re a gamer or love watching sports and action-packed videos, you’ll appreciate the smoother experience and better responsiveness. For general use, though, the improvement is subtler, and if your tasks don’t require high refresh rates, 60Hz will still serve you well.

Ultimately, the choice between 60Hz and 120Hz comes down to what you’re using your screen for. If you’re serious about gaming or just want a smoother experience overall, 120Hz is the way to go. But for more casual tasks, 60Hz will still provide a perfectly satisfying experience.