120Hz Vs. 144Hz Refresh Rate: Which Is Better in Monitors?

By: Editorial Team

The 120Hz vs. 144Hz comparison has been a contentious issue ever since both monitors hit the market.

Luckily, this article will settle this debate and present the winner of the 144Hz vs. 120Hz comparison. Stick around as we find out which gaming monitor is better between the two.

Is 120Hz Enough For Gaming?

Yes, 120Hz is good enough to play most games. Monitors with a 120Hz refresh rate can display a new frame up to 120 times a second.

This means you can play FPS games such as Fortnite, Warzone, Call Of Duty, and Rainbow Six Siege.

120Hz is enough to render your games smoothly and with less blur. As a result, it will be easier to hit your shots on a moving target.

Why is 144Hz more popular than 120Hz?

gaming monitor
High refresh rate monitor

144Hz is the go-to monitor for most gamers. But why are 120Hz monitors not sought after? 120Hz was a common standard some years ago, but it has now been phased out by 144Hz.

The higher refresh rate is what makes 144Hz monitors popular. Gamers get more sweet spots for fps when using a 144Hz screen.

Besides, 144 is an integer multiple of 24 and 48 – the standard frame rate for cinematic content.

Is 120Hz A Good Refresh Rate?

120Hz is a reasonable refresh rate for gaming. You’ll enjoy playing various FPS and fast action games on a 120Hz monitor.

120Hz is also suitable for watching native 24 FPS content. However, you don’t need 120Hz to watch movies or stream content. 60Hz will be enough.

120Hz vs. 144Hz

Avid gamers require decent hertz gaming monitors to compete. So, which one is ideal between a 120Hz and 144Hz monitor?

While there is no major difference between both monitors, here is how they compare.

120Hz Monitor

120Hz monitors can display 120 images per second, and they are a good upgrade to 60Hz monitors. So, if you’ve been gaming on a 60Hz monitor and upgraded to 120Hz, you’ll notice a significant change in output.

Games such as Fortnite, Overwatch, and PUBG will render well with 120Hz monitors. Images will be pretty smooth, thus making it easier for you to notice minute details, especially in fast-paced scenes.

Game responsiveness is also decent in 120Hz monitors. This is due to the high refresh rate and reduced input lag.

If you are looking for a cheap but efficient setup, go for a 120Hz monitor. Its visuals are not blurry, and It has no ghosting or stutter.

144Hz Monitors

A 144Hz panel can display up to 144 images per second. This refresh rate is higher than what the 120Hz monitor offers. However, the difference between both monitors is less noticeable.

Today, the 144Hz monitor is the go-to monitor for most competitive gamers. While there are better monitors in the market, the 144Hz monitor seems to tick all the boxes.

144Hz is technically better than a 120Hz monitor because it has less screen tearing. It also allows for smoother visuals and a more streamlined gaming experience.

gaming monitor
144Hz Monitor Gaming Set-up

Which One Should You Buy? 120Hz or 144Hz?

144Hz monitors are the perfect choice for those investing in the future. Although 144Hz monitors are a bit pricey, they will serve you for an extended period.

With a 144Hz monitor, you can enjoy playing FPS games. Besides, it will allow you to compete professionally.

If you want to upgrade from a 60Hz monitor, choose a 144Hz monitor to future-proof yourself.

Final Thoughts

The 144Hz beats the 120Hz monitor hands down as the better gaming monitor of the two. With a 144Hz monitor, you can enjoy excellent gaming performance, amazing reaction time, and a smoother visual output.