120Hz TVs are becoming the entry-level standard as mid-range OLEDs and Mini-LEDs increasingly adopt them. Yet manufacturers continue to push refresh rates higher. LG, Samsung and others now offer 144Hz models; Samsung has even released a 165Hz option. The marketing is relentless: newer must mean better. But before you spend extra money chasing ever-higher numbers, the reality of refresh rate technology deserves a closer look.
Understanding what refresh rate actually does is the first step to making a sensible choice. A TV's refresh rate is simply the number of times the screen refreshes every second, measured in Hertz. A 60Hz TV redraws the image 60 times per second; a 120Hz TV does so 120 times. The practical question is not whether a higher number exists, but whether you will notice the difference, and whether the content you watch can even take advantage of it.
For everyday viewers, the answer is straightforward. For everyday viewing of news, streaming shows and films, a 60Hz TV is usually sufficient because most content never exceeds 60 frames per second. Netflix, broadcast television, and standard streaming services deliver content at frame rates that a 60Hz display handles without issue. If your primary use is passive viewing, a 60Hz TV will not leave you wanting.
The case for 120Hz becomes stronger when gaming or sport enters the picture. Only the Xbox and PlayStation support 4K gaming at 120Hz, and both current-generation consoles are capped at that specification. A 120Hz TV is the sweet spot if you play PS5 or Xbox, watch lots of sports, or want a TV that will stay relevant for five or more years. The practical difference is immediately visible: faster-paced games and live sports retain sharper motion on a 120Hz screen.
However, movie enthusiasts sometimes benefit in a specific way. Because 120 can be divided evenly by 24, content shot at 24fps folds neatly into a 120Hz display's capabilities. With a 60Hz TV, the math gets messy, as 60 can't be divided evenly by 24, resulting in an awkward-looking motion effect called judder. That said, some 60Hz TVs can remove this 24p judder by changing their refresh rate to 48Hz or 72Hz when 24fps content is detected, so the practical gap has narrowed.
Beyond 120Hz, the conversation changes fundamentally. None of the major gaming consoles can take full advantage of a 144Hz refresh rate; only the Xbox and PlayStation support 4K gaming at 120Hz. The only folks who stand to benefit from a 144Hz upgrade immediately are those who intend to use their TV as a monitor, and even then only if they have a high-end GPU that can take advantage of the higher frame rates and resolution.
The manufacturer marketing here warrants scrutiny. Beware a distinction that catches many buyers off guard: native refresh rate versus effective or motion-based refresh rate. Native refresh rate is the rate the TV can produce on its own, and it is either 60Hz or 120Hz. Effective refresh rate is what the TV can produce using the brand's motion handling technology, and you will see a TV's effective rate listed as 240Hz up to 480Hz. Those inflated numbers reflect frame interpolation, not actual display capability. All modern TVs are 60Hz or 120Hz; anything higher than this is down to image processing features. Any quote you see higher than this is marketing hype designed to make you buy a better TV.
Another pitfall: the so-called "soap opera effect." Some TVs use motion interpolation to make content look extra smooth, but this can create the soap opera effect, which makes films look too slick, almost like daytime TV drama, which takes away the classic cinematic vibe. Some people love it, others can't stand it. You can switch it off in your settings if it's not your thing.
The practical advice is clear. For casual streaming and movies, 60Hz is sufficient; 120Hz is the sweet spot for gaming and sports; 144Hz and higher is for competitive PC gamers who need every advantage. The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is noticeable and worth the modest price difference if gaming or sports matter to you. The jump from 120Hz to 144Hz, by contrast, carries far steeper cost without corresponding benefit for console gamers.
When shopping, focus on specifications that actually affect your experience: input lag, panel type (OLED versus Mini-LED), and whether your TV supports HDMI 2.1 for full bandwidth at higher frame rates. Today's gamers prioritise 120Hz or 144Hz panels, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, low input lag, and excellent HDR performance, alongside features like VRR and ALLM. These matter far more than chasing another 24Hz on the spec sheet.
The refresh rate wars will continue. Manufacturers will keep pushing higher numbers because they sound impressive on a product box. But buying decisions should rest on honest assessment of how you actually watch television. Most households will find 120Hz more than sufficient. Spending extra on 144Hz or 165Hz for passive viewing is fiscal waste. Matching your purchase to your genuine needs, not marketing momentum, is the smarter path.