Last Updated: May 2026
If you’re buying a gaming monitor in 2026, refresh rate is one of the most important specs to understand. The jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is one of the most impactful upgrades a PC gamer can make — more noticeable than many GPU upgrades in terms of how smooth gameplay feels. But is it worth it? And what about 240Hz?
This guide explains exactly what refresh rate means, how it affects your gaming experience, and which refresh rate is right for you.
What is Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate measures how many times per second your monitor updates the image on screen, expressed in Hertz (Hz). A 60Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second. A 144Hz monitor refreshes 144 times per second. A 240Hz monitor refreshes 240 times per second.


