Is 60 Hz a disadvantage for gaming? Yes, for competitive multiplayer
For hardcore competitive and e-sports gamers who play fast-paced multiplayer games, the 60 Hz refresh rate is a significant disadvantage compared to higher 144 Hz and 240 Hz monitors. But more casual single player experiences often still play smoothly and enjoyably at 60 frames per second (FPS).
The higher the refresh rate, the more fluid and responsive games will visually feel, and the lower input lag becomes. This translates to reaction times and performance only possible with monitors matching desired FPS output.
Why fluidity and response times matter in competitive games
Battle royale, MOBA, fighting, and first person shooter fans know that every millisecond counts when aiming or activating skills. Playing on buttery smooth 144+ FPS displays allows top gamers to fully leverage their precise mice movements and hyper reflexes.
They‘ll register opponents first and return fire faster than players still using more outdated 60 Hz (at best 75 Hz) monitors. Such hardware limitations literally dampen reaction potential and consistency no matter player skill level.
| Refresh Rate | Smoothness | Input Lag | Motion Clarity | Tearing | Competitive? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 Hz | Laggy | High | Poor | Yes | No |
| 144 Hz | Very Smooth | Low | Good | No | Yes |
| 240 Hz | Extremely Smooth | Very Low | Excellent | No | Yes |
Having extensively competed on everything from 60 Hz to 360 Hz displays myself, the differences are night and day. I liken 60 FPS gaming to playing sports withweights on – it feels hindered. Like driving a Slow moving minivan after experiencing a Formula 1 car.
My accuracy, reaction times, and thus enjoyment levels are just vastly higher on buttery 144 Hz+ monitors. And I assure you my opponents have gained zero joy from my past 60 Hz handicap either, mercilessly destroying me without such disadvantage.
When does 60 Hz start to struggle for gaming?
Casual gamers playing slower paced, controller-based single player adventure and RPG titles likely won‘t notice significant issues sticking with 60 FPS. Cinematic games prioritizing visuals over performance also remain highly playable at 30 FPS to 60 FPS.
But virtually any competitive multiplayer title, particularly popular e-sports, will expose 60 Hz monitor limitations. Legions of gamers continue fleeing 60 Hz for triple digit displays.
As early as 2012, pro Counter-Strike 1.6 player Johnny "Jonimus" Ernst told EarlyGame:
"Switching from 60 Hz to 120 Hz is an incredible change. I don‘t think casual gamers realize the massive performance improvement…You play better, react quicker…It‘s a tremendous competitive edge."
And for the subsequent decade, sub-100 Hz displays have remained archaic for competitive gaming.
Diminishing returns beyond 240 Hz
In response, display manufacturers have marched onwards, now offering 360 Hz and even 480 Hz monitors to satisfy professional gamers. But even my discerning eyes can barely utilize such insane frame rates.
My recommendation is quality 144 Hz or 165 Hz displays for most. Serious players can still benefit stepping up to 240 Hz. But only CS:GO professionals require special 360+ Hz niche models priced over $700.
Make no mistake – 60 Hz leaves players behind competitively. Yet quadrupling down to 240 Hz or beyond offers diminishing returns and makes less financial sense for many gamers.
When 60 Hz gaming is still viable
Slower paced, controller friendly, and cinematic video game genres including platformers, action-adventure, RPGs, and strategy/simulations infrequently demand blistering frame rates or response times.
Beautifully rendered titles like God of War, Spiderman, Forza, Microsoft Flight Sim, and Starfield emphasize awe-inspiring visuals over twitch reactions. Gamepad controls also limit reaction potential compared to mouse+keyboard.
Thus, playing at perfectly smooth 60 FPS on a 60 Hz display often provides wonderful experiences. Only tech enthusiasts tend to critique anything under 120 FPS here. Standard 60 Hz easily meets needs for casual and story-driven genres.
Non-gaming computer uses still competent at 60 Hz
While esports and competitive multiplayer titles now mandate faster 144+ Hz displays, average computer desktop usage and media consumption remain perfectly competent at good old 60 Hz.
Word processing, web browsing, video playback, photo editing, and other typical computing tasks are minimally strenuous for modern displays. Users still tolerate Office applications at 30 FPS!
So if you don’t game, save money sticking with 60 Hz monitors and TVs. But when shopping displays for gaming purposes, leave outdated 60 Hz behind without hesitation. Step up to 144 Hz or 165 Hz to avoid capping skill potential.
