90Hz or 120Hz: Which VR Refresh Rate Is Smoother?

What refresh rate means in VR

Refresh rate is the number of times per second a VR headset's display redraws the image. It is measured in hertz (Hz). A 90Hz display updates 90 times each second; a 120Hz display updates 120 times. In VR, the refresh rate directly ties to how often the headset can show a new frame from the game or app.

A higher refresh rate can reduce the gap between frames, which may make motion appear smoother and reduce perceived flicker. This is especially noticeable in fast-paced games or when moving your head quickly. However, the actual smoothness you experience also depends on the content's frame rate and the headset's ability to keep up.

90Hz refresh rate

90Hz is a common refresh rate found in many standalone VR headsets and some PC VR headsets. It offers a good balance between visual smoothness and hardware demands. For example, the VIVE Focus Vision, a hybrid standalone and PC VR headset, lists a 90 Hz refresh rate in its specifications.

A 90Hz display can provide smooth motion for most VR experiences, including games, media, and productivity apps. It is a well-established standard that works with a wide range of content and does not require as much graphics processing power as higher refresh rates.

120Hz refresh rate

120Hz is a higher refresh rate that some PC VR headsets support. It updates the display 120 times per second, which can further reduce motion blur and make fast movements appear even more fluid. This can be beneficial for competitive gaming, flight simulators, and racing sims where every frame matters.

Running a headset at 120Hz requires a PC that can consistently deliver 120 frames per second in the VR application. If the PC cannot maintain that frame rate, the headset may use techniques like reprojection to fill in missing frames, which can introduce artifacts. Not all VR content is optimized for 120Hz, so the benefit depends on the app.

90Hz vs 120Hz: what to consider

When choosing between a 90Hz and a 120Hz headset, consider your PC's performance and the types of apps you plan to use. A 90Hz headset is a solid choice for standalone use or for PC VR with a mid-range graphics card. A 120Hz headset may be worth it if you have a powerful gaming PC and play fast-paced or simulation games.

Refresh rate is just one part of the visual experience. Resolution, field of view, and lens quality also affect perceived clarity and immersion. For a broader look at how refresh rate relates to other display factors, see the guide on VR resolution vs refresh rate.

If you are building a PC for VR, check the PC VR minimum requirements to understand what your system needs to drive a 120Hz headset. Also consider whether you want a standalone or PC VR headset, as that influences which refresh rates are available.

How to check a headset's refresh rate

The refresh rate is usually listed in the headset's technical specifications on the maker's official page. Look for a line that says "refresh rate" or "display refresh rate" followed by a number in Hz. Some headsets may support multiple refresh rates, allowing you to choose between 90Hz and 120Hz in the settings.

If the maker's page does not state the refresh rate, you can contact the manufacturer or check the product manual. On this site, the refresh rate is one of the stated details we compare across headsets in our buying guides.

What to pick for your situation

The table below matches common situations to the type of headset that suits them. Use it as a starting point, then explore the linked guides for detailed comparisons based on stated details.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Is 120Hz always better than 90Hz?

Not necessarily. 120Hz can provide smoother motion if your PC can consistently deliver 120 frames per second. If your system cannot maintain that frame rate, you may experience stutter or reprojection artifacts. For many users, 90Hz offers a very good experience with lower hardware demands.

Can I use a 120Hz headset with a low-end PC?

You can, but you may need to set the headset to a lower refresh rate (if supported) or accept that the PC may not deliver full 120 fps. Check the headset's specifications and the PC VR minimum requirements to see if your system is compatible.

Do all VR headsets have a refresh rate option?

Many headsets have a fixed refresh rate, while some allow you to choose between multiple rates (e.g., 90Hz or 120Hz) in the settings. The available options are listed in the headset's technical specifications.

What is the refresh rate of the VIVE Focus Vision?

The VIVE Focus Vision has a 90 Hz refresh rate, as stated on the VIVE product page.

Does refresh rate affect motion sickness?

Refresh rate is one factor that can influence the perception of motion. Higher refresh rates may reduce flicker and motion blur, which some users find more comfortable. However, individual experiences vary. Always follow the headset maker's health and safety guidance.

How do I know if my PC can handle 120Hz VR?

Check the PC requirements listed by the headset maker. Generally, you need a powerful graphics card and a fast CPU to maintain 120 fps in VR. You can also use performance tools like SteamVR's frame timing graph to monitor your system's capability.

What about 144Hz or higher refresh rates?

Some PC VR headsets support refresh rates above 120Hz, such as 144Hz. The same principles apply: higher refresh rates can offer smoother motion but require even more graphics processing power. Check the headset's specifications for supported rates.

Can I change the refresh rate on a headset?

If the headset supports multiple refresh rates, you can usually change it in the headset's settings or through the companion software on your PC. Refer to the headset's user guide for instructions.