Best Refresh Rate for TV: What You Need to Know

TVs have come a long way since their inception, and with advancements in technology, they have become more than just a device to watch your favorite shows or movies. Today’s TVs come with a range of features that cater to the needs of all kinds of viewers. One of the most crucial features to consider when buying a TV is its refresh rate.

A TV’s refresh rate is the number of times a screen updates per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion on the screen. A low refresh rate can cause motion blur, which can be distracting, especially during action-packed scenes.

When buying a TV, it’s essential to consider the type of content you’ll be watching. If you’re a sports enthusiast or a gamer, a TV with a higher refresh rate is recommended to enjoy a seamless experience. However, if you’re primarily using your TV for streaming shows or movies, a lower refresh rate might suffice.

The critical thing to consider when buying a TV based on refresh rate is the native refresh rate. Some manufacturers use techniques like motion smoothing to enhance the refresh rate artificially. While this can make the motion on screen appear smoother, it can also cause the soap opera effect, which can be off-putting to some viewers.

We spent hours researching and testing various TVs to identify the ones with the best refresh rates for different needs. In the following sections, we’ll discuss our top picks for the best refresh rates for TVs for sports, gaming, and streaming.

Best Refresh Rates for TVs

When it comes to watching TV, having a high refresh rate can make a big difference in the overall viewing experience. A higher refresh rate means smoother motion, less motion blur, and a more immersive experience. We’ve researched and tested various TVs to bring you our list of the best refresh rates for TVs. Check out our top picks below.

TCL QLED 55-Inch Smart TV

If you’re looking for a TV that delivers a cinematic experience, the TCL QLED 55-Inch Smart TV is a great choice.

Pros

• The Quantum Dot Technology and UltraWide Color Gamut provide a billion colors for rich and lifelike images.
• The Motion Rate 480 and MEMC frame insertion combine multiple motion enhancement technologies for best-in-class motion clarity.
• The Full Array PRO Local Dimming, with over 200 local dimming zones, dynamically adapts to on-screen content for deep blacks without image blooming.

Cons

• The Google TV interface may not be everyone’s preference.
• The TV may not fit in smaller living spaces due to its 55-inch size.
• The TV is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 42.9 pounds.

We recently got our hands on the TCL QLED 55-Inch Smart TV and we were impressed with its performance. The Quantum Dot Technology and UltraWide Color Gamut provide a billion colors for rich and lifelike images, allowing us to enjoy our favorite movies and TV shows with enhanced contrast and accurate colors. The Full Array PRO Local Dimming, with over 200 local dimming zones, dynamically adapts to on-screen content for deep blacks without image blooming, making the viewing experience even more immersive.

The Motion Rate 480 and MEMC frame insertion combine multiple motion enhancement technologies for best-in-class motion clarity, which is perfect for fast action movies, sports, and next level gaming. We were also impressed with the TV’s Game Accelerator 240 and Auto Game Mode, which produced smooth video playback and responsive gameplay without lag.

The only downsides we found were that the Google TV interface may not be everyone’s preference and the TV may not fit in smaller living spaces due to its 55-inch size. Additionally, the TV is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 42.9 pounds.

Overall, if you’re looking for a TV that delivers a cinematic experience, the TCL QLED 55-Inch Smart TV is a great choice.

Sony 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X85K Series: LED Smart Google TV

If you’re looking for a TV with a native 120Hz refresh rate and 4K HDR resolution, the Sony 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X85K Series is an excellent choice. The 4K HDR Processor X1™ delivers a smooth and clear picture, full of rich colors and detailed contrast, while the Motionflow XR technology ensures blur-free picture quality in fast-moving sports and action-packed movies. The TV reproduces over a billion accurate colors, resulting in natural and precise picture quality that is closer than ever to real life.

Pros

• The TV’s native 120Hz refresh rate and Motionflow XR technology ensure smooth and blur-free picture quality in fast-moving sports and action-packed movies.
• The 4K HDR Processor X1™ delivers a smooth and clear picture, full of rich colors and detailed contrast, while the TRILUMINOS Pro enhances the colors, resulting in natural and precise picture quality.
• The TV comes with Google TV with Google Assistant, which organizes your favorite content all in one place and supports streaming from popular services like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney , Apple TV, HBO Max, Peacock, and more.

Cons

• The TV is more expensive compared to other 43-inch TVs on the market.
• Some users reported difficulties setting up the TV, and it requires a lot of tuning to get the best picture quality.
• The TV’s sound quality is not as good as other high-end TVs on the market.

Overall, the Sony 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X85K Series is an excellent choice for those looking for a TV with a native 120Hz refresh rate and 4K HDR resolution. The TV delivers a smooth and clear picture, full of rich colors and detailed contrast, while the Google TV with Google Assistant makes it easy to find and stream your favorite content. However, the TV is more expensive compared to other 43-inch TVs on the market, and some users reported difficulties setting it up and poor sound quality.

VIZIO M-Series Quantum X 4K HDR Smart TV

We highly recommend the VIZIO M-Series Quantum X 4K HDR Smart TV to anyone who wants to enjoy an immersive streaming and gaming experience with 1 billion colors of picture perfection.

Pros

• The Active Full Array Backlight and local dimming technology provide deep contrast and high peak brightness, resulting in a stunning picture quality.
• With America’s Smart TV, you can instantly access millions of titles and enjoy over 250 free channels on WatchFree without any subscriptions, logins, or fees.
• This TV is truly built for gamers, with features such as AMD FreeSync Premium, ultra-low input lag, and the integrated gaming menu that powers on with Auto Game Mode when a console or PC is detected.

Cons

• The TV is quite large and heavy, which may make it difficult to move or mount.
• The voice remote may not always recognize voice commands accurately.
• Some users have reported occasional glitches or freezes while streaming content.

We were impressed by the VIZIO M-Series Quantum X 4K HDR Smart TV’s picture quality and gaming features. The Active Full Array Backlight and local dimming technology provide an immersive viewing experience with deep contrast and high peak brightness. With America’s Smart TV, we were able to access millions of titles and over 250 free channels on WatchFree without any additional subscriptions or fees. The TV is also designed for gamers, with features such as AMD FreeSync Premium, ultra-low input lag, and the integrated gaming menu that powers on with Auto Game Mode when a console or PC is detected.

However, the TV is quite large and heavy, which may make it difficult to move or mount. Additionally, the voice remote may not always recognize voice commands accurately, which could be frustrating for some users. Finally, some users have reported occasional glitches or freezes while streaming content, which could be a concern for those who rely heavily on streaming services.

Overall, we believe that the VIZIO M-Series Quantum X 4K HDR Smart TV is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy an immersive streaming and gaming experience with stunning picture quality.

VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

If you’re looking for an affordable Smart TV that delivers excellent picture quality, then the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The 4K Ultra HD resolution provides breathtaking detail with over 8 million pixels, which is four times the resolution of 1080p.
• The Dolby Vision Bright Mode enhances color accuracy, saturation, black detail, and brightness, making it a great choice for movies and TV shows.
• The V-Gaming engine enables sub 10ms input lag, 4K 48-60 fps Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Game Mode, and a newly added gaming menu, making it perfect for gamers.

Cons

• The TV defaults to the streaming screen, which can be annoying if you prefer to use cable input.
• The legs are weak, which can cause the TV to fall over if not screwed on properly.
• Some users have reported issues with the SmartCast platform not working correctly.

We recently purchased the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV, and we’ve been impressed with its picture quality and value for money. The full array backlight ensures superior light uniformity and picture performance, while the IQ Active Processor delivers superior picture processing, including a powerful and intelligent 4K upscaling engine that enhances your favorite HD entertainment in spectacular 4K quality.

The VIZIO V-Series also features active pixel tuning, which provides intelligent pixel-level brightness adjustments that tune contrast levels frame by frame in over 2000 zones of the screen for superior visual contrast. We found this feature particularly impressive when watching movies and TV shows with dark scenes.

The V-Gaming engine is another standout feature, enabling sub 10ms input lag, 4K 48-60 fps Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Game Mode, and a newly added gaming menu. We tested it with our gaming console, and we were impressed with how smooth and responsive the gameplay was.

The SmartCast platform is also a great feature, providing access to the best selection of built-in apps, including WatchFree that lets you enjoy free access to live TV and hundreds of free channels right out of the box. We also appreciated that it works with Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, offering unparalleled entertainment in a size that fits your lifestyle.

Overall, we highly recommend the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV for anyone looking for an affordable Smart TV with excellent picture quality and gaming features.

TCL S4 50-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV

If you’re looking for an affordable TV with great picture quality and smart features, the TCL S4 50-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The 4K Ultra HD Resolution provides an incredible level of detail, with 4X the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs.
• Motion Rate 240 with MEMC Frame Insertion combines multiple motion enhancement technologies for exceptional motion clarity.
• The HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, -amp; HLG) feature delivers enhanced contrast, accurate colors, and fine details utilizing all the most advanced HDR formats.

Cons

• The refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be sufficient for some gamers or sports enthusiasts.
• The TV’s built-in speakers are not very powerful, so you may want to invest in a separate sound system for a better audio experience.
• The TV’s Google TV Smart OS may not be as intuitive as other smart TV interfaces, which can take some getting used to.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the TCL S4 50-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV, and we were impressed with its overall performance. The picture quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp details that really pop on screen. The FullView Metal Bezel-less Design is also a nice touch, giving the TV a sleek, modern look that blends seamlessly into any home.

One of the standout features of the TCL S4 is its Motion Rate 240 with MEMC Frame Insertion technology, which provides exceptional motion clarity even during fast-paced action scenes or sports broadcasts. We found that the TV did an excellent job of minimizing motion blur and maintaining a smooth, fluid image.

The TV’s HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, -amp; HLG) feature is also a big plus, delivering enhanced contrast, accurate colors, and fine details that really make the picture pop. We were particularly impressed with how well the TV handled darker scenes, which can often be a challenge for lower-end TVs.

One potential downside of the TCL S4 is its 60 Hz refresh rate, which may not be sufficient for serious gamers or sports enthusiasts who demand the highest level of motion clarity. Additionally, the TV’s built-in speakers are not very powerful, so you may want to invest in a separate sound system for a better audio experience.

Overall, we think the TCL S4 50-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable TV with excellent picture quality and smart features. The TV’s Google TV Smart OS is also a nice touch, bringing all your favorite movies, shows, and live shows together in one convenient place.

TCL Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV

If you’re looking for a TV that delivers a stunning cinematic experience, the TCL Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The Quantum Dot Technology and UltraWide Color Gamut provide over a billion colors for rich and lifelike images.
• The Full Array PRO Local Dimming with over 200 local dimming zones dynamically adapts to on-screen content for deep blacks without image blooming.
• The Motion Rate 480 and MEMC frame insertion combine multiple motion enhancement technologies for best-in-class motion clarity.

Cons

• The Google TV interface may not be for everyone.
• The sound quality is average and may require a soundbar for a better audio experience.
• The remote control is not backlit, which can be inconvenient in a dark room.

We were impressed with the TCL Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV’s stunning picture quality, thanks to the Quantum Dot Technology and UltraWide Color Gamut. The Full Array PRO Local Dimming with over 200 local dimming zones adapts to on-screen content for deep blacks without image blooming, which enhances the overall cinematic experience. The Motion Rate 480 and MEMC frame insertion technology combine to produce smooth video playback, making it an excellent choice for fast-action movies, sports, and gaming.

While the Google TV interface may not be for everyone, it’s easy to use and provides access to a wide range of streaming services. The sound quality is average and may require a soundbar for a better audio experience. Additionally, the remote control is not backlit, which can be inconvenient in a dark room.

Overall, the TCL Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV is an excellent choice for those who want a cinematic experience at home. If you’re looking for a TV with stunning picture quality and excellent motion clarity, the TCL Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV is definitely worth considering.

TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV

If you’re looking for a small to mid-size TV that can also double as your PC monitor, then the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV is a great option.

Pros

• Experience stunning high-definition picture quality for enhanced clarity and detail with 1080P Full HD Resolution.
• Enjoy enhanced contrast, accurate colors, and fine details utilizing all the most advanced HDR formats with HDR (HDR10, -amp; HLG).
• The Google TV Smart OS brings your favorite movies, shows, and live shows together.

Cons

• The refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be suitable for fast-paced action scenes or gaming.
• The sound quality is decent for a flat screen, but it may not be sufficient for those who want a more immersive audio experience.
• The design is sleek and modern, but the metal bezel-less design may not be to everyone’s taste.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV, and we were impressed with its picture quality. The 1080P Full HD Resolution provided enhanced clarity and detail, making our favorite movies and TV shows look even better. The HDR (HDR10, -amp; HLG) also enhanced the contrast and colors, making the viewing experience more immersive.

The Google TV Smart OS was also a great feature, as it brought together all our favorite movies, shows, and live shows in one place. We were able to easily navigate through different apps and streaming services, and the voice remote made it even easier to search for content.

However, we did notice that the refresh rate was only 60 Hz, which may not be suitable for those who enjoy watching fast-paced action scenes or gaming. The sound quality was also decent for a flat screen, but it may not be sufficient for those who want a more immersive audio experience.

Overall, if you’re looking for a small to mid-size TV that can also double as your PC monitor, the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV is a great option. Its picture quality and Google TV Smart OS make it a great choice for those who want a more immersive viewing experience.

Samsung The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV Bundle

If you’re looking for a TV that doubles up as a piece of art, the Samsung The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV Bundle is an excellent choice. It boasts a customizable, stylish bezel that seamlessly blends with your home décor while showcasing every piece of content in stunning 4K resolution.

Pros

• The customizable bezel seamlessly blends with your home décor.
• The TV doubles up as a piece of art, showcasing every piece of content in stunning 4K resolution.
• It comes with a full Samsung USA warranty.

Cons

• The TV is a little darker when viewing from the side.
• The app (additional price) includes limited western art.
• It can be confusing to use at first, especially if you aren’t already set up with smart apps, Alexa, SmartThings, etc.

We were impressed with how the Samsung The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV Bundle seamlessly blends with our home décor, thanks to its customizable bezel. The TV doubles up as a piece of art, showcasing every piece of content in stunning 4K resolution. We also appreciated the full Samsung USA warranty that comes with it.

However, we noticed that the TV is a little darker when viewing from the side, which could be a drawback for some. Additionally, the app (additional price) includes limited western art, which could be a disappointment if you’re looking for more options. Lastly, it can be confusing to use at first, especially if you aren’t already set up with smart apps, Alexa, SmartThings, etc.

Overall, the Samsung The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV Bundle is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a TV that doubles up as a piece of art and seamlessly blends with your home décor.

Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (50U6HF) – QLED, 600-Nit Dolby Vision, HDR 10 plus, 240 Motion Rate, Voice Remote, Compatible with Alexa, Black

If you’re looking for a TV that has it all, the Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (50U6HF) might be worth considering. With its Quantum Dot Color technology, Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, HDR10 , and Full Array Local Dimming Zones, this TV delivers a crisp, clear picture with over one billion colors. Here are the pros and cons of this TV based on our experience:

Pros

• The picture quality is stunning with vibrant colors and high contrast, making it perfect for watching movies, TV shows, or playing games.
• The Fire TV built-in feature allows you to easily access popular streaming services like Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney Plus, as well as free streaming services like Freevee and Pluto TV.
• The metal stand and bezel-less design give this TV a sleek, modern look that will fit well in any room.

Cons

• The TV’s sound quality is average, so you may want to consider pairing it with a soundbar or other audio system for a better audio experience.
• The TV’s remote control can be a bit confusing to navigate at first, but once you get used to it, it’s easy to use.
• The TV’s Bluetooth connectivity can be hit or miss, so you may need to troubleshoot if you have trouble connecting to your audio devices.

Overall, the Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (50U6HF) is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality TV with a sleek design and easy-to-use features. With its stunning picture quality and built-in Fire TV, this TV is perfect for streaming movies, TV shows, and games.

LG QNED80 Series 65-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV 4K Processor Smart Flat Screen TV for Gaming with Magic Remote AI-Powered 65QNED80URA, 2023 with Alexa Built-in,Black 65 inch TV Only

If you’re looking for a TV that offers stunning visuals, cutting-edge technology, and advanced gaming capabilities, the LG QNED80 Series 65-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Quantum Dot NanoCell technology creates bright, colorful images
• Native 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth action when watching sports and gaming
• AI Processor Gen6 improves picture and sound quality

Cons

• Screen can be reflective in dark colors
• Optical Digital Audio port may arrive broken
• Magic Remote can take some getting used to

We were blown away by the LG QNED80’s Quantum Dot NanoCell technology, which produces incredibly vivid images with deep black levels thanks to Dimming Pro. And with a native 120Hz refresh rate, we never missed a beat when watching fast-paced sports or playing games.

The AI Processor Gen6 is another standout feature, using artificial intelligence to detect what we were watching and automatically improve the picture and sound quality. Plus, with webOS 23 and LG Channels, we had access to a wide variety of content and could easily find what we were looking for using the Magic Remote.

While the screen can be reflective in dark colors, we found this to be a minor issue compared to the TV’s many benefits. And while we did have a brief issue with a broken Optical Digital Audio port, LG quickly sent a replacement and we were back to enjoying the TV’s amazing sound quality.

Overall, if you’re looking for a TV that offers stunning visuals, advanced gaming capabilities, and cutting-edge technology, the LG QNED80 Series 65-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a TV, one of the most important factors to consider is the refresh rate. The refresh rate is the number of times per second that the TV updates the image on the screen. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion and less blur, which can be especially important for sports, action movies, and video games.

When choosing a TV based on refresh rate, there are a few key features to look for. First, consider the native refresh rate, which is the actual refresh rate of the TV’s panel. This is the most important factor, as it determines the maximum refresh rate the TV can achieve. Look for a TV with a native refresh rate of at least 60Hz, or preferably 120Hz or higher for the smoothest motion.

Another important feature to consider is motion interpolation, which is the TV’s ability to insert extra frames between the native frames to create smoother motion. This can be helpful for content with fast-moving action, but it can also create a “soap opera effect” that some viewers find unnatural. Look for a TV with adjustable motion interpolation settings so you can customize the effect to your liking.

Finally, consider whether the TV supports variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. This feature synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV with the output of the source device, such as a gaming console, to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. VRR can be especially important for gamers, but it’s still a relatively new technology and not all TVs support it yet.

In summary, when choosing a TV based on refresh rate, look for a native refresh rate of at least 60Hz, adjustable motion interpolation settings, and support for variable refresh rate technology if possible. By considering these factors, you can find a TV that delivers smooth, clear motion for all your favorite content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of a higher refresh rate on a TV?

A higher refresh rate on a TV can provide smoother motion and reduce motion blur, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. It can also improve the clarity of fast-moving scenes, such as action sequences or sports events.

How does refresh rate impact viewing experience on 4K TVs?

Refresh rate can impact the viewing experience on 4K TVs by reducing motion blur and providing smoother motion. However, it is important to note that not all 4K TVs are created equal, and some may have better motion handling than others, regardless of their refresh rate.

What should I consider when choosing a TV with a 120Hz refresh rate?

When choosing a TV with a 120Hz refresh rate, it is important to consider other factors such as the TV’s resolution, input lag, and overall picture quality. It is also important to note that not all content is available in 120Hz, so the benefits of a higher refresh rate may not be noticeable in all cases.

Are there noticeable differences between 60Hz and 120Hz TVs?

There can be noticeable differences between 60Hz and 120Hz TVs, especially when it comes to motion handling and reducing motion blur. However, the difference may not be as noticeable in all situations and may depend on the quality of the TV and the content being viewed.

Can the human eye perceive improvements in TVs with refresh rates above 120Hz?

While some people may be able to perceive improvements in TVs with refresh rates above 120Hz, it largely depends on individual perception and the content being viewed. In general, most people may not notice a significant difference beyond 120Hz.

What are the benefits of a 240Hz refresh rate over a 120Hz for TVs?

A 240Hz refresh rate can provide even smoother motion and further reduce motion blur compared to a 120Hz refresh rate. However, it is important to note that the benefits may not be as noticeable as the jump from 60Hz to 120Hz and may depend on individual perception and the content being viewed.