What Is a 160Hz Monitor and Who Should Use One?
If you’ve been shopping for a new monitor lately, you may have come across something a little unexpected: the 160Hz monitor. It's not quite as common as 144Hz or 240Hz, but it's starting to show up more often — especially in gaming setups and newer desktops.
So what exactly is a 160Hz monitor? And more importantly, is it something you should consider? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Does 160Hz Mean?
A monitor’s refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to how many times the screen updates per second. A 160Hz monitor refreshes 160 times every second, making motion look smoother compared to the standard 60Hz or even 120Hz displays.
This smoother motion helps reduce motion blur, screen tearing, and input lag — all of which are especially noticeable in fast-paced tasks like gaming, video editing, or just navigating quickly between windows.
What’s the Difference Between 144Hz and 160Hz?
At first glance, 144Hz and 160Hz might sound pretty similar — and to most casual users, the difference is subtle. But for certain users, even a slight bump in refresh rate can offer a more fluid experience, especially when paired with a system capable of outputting 160 FPS or higher.
If you’re upgrading from 60Hz, either will feel like a big jump. But if you're already used to 120Hz or 144Hz, a 160Hz gaming monitor might give you just a bit more edge — especially in competitive games where milliseconds count.
Do You Need 160 FPS to Use a 160Hz Monitor?
Not necessarily — but it helps. A 160 FPS monitor is best utilized when your graphics card can push frame rates close to or beyond 160 frames per second. This way, you take full advantage of the monitor’s capabilities.
That said, even if your system only outputs 100–140 FPS in certain games, a 160Hz display can still reduce input lag and feel smoother than a 60Hz or 75Hz monitor.
Who Should Consider a 160Hz Monitor?
Here are the types of users who’ll benefit the most:
Gamers
Especially those who play first-person shooters, racing games, or competitive multiplayer titles. A 160Hz gaming monitor gives you faster visuals and improved reaction time.
Power Users
If you’re someone who juggles multiple apps, edits video, or does creative work that involves motion and precision, the extra refresh rate can make your workflow feel snappier.
Anyone Sensitive to Motion
Even non-gamers who experience eye strain or notice stuttered motion on slower monitors may enjoy the smoothness a 160Hz display offers.
Should You Upgrade to 160Hz?
If you’re coming from 60Hz or 75Hz — the answer is yes. Even just moving your mouse or scrolling through websites feels better.
If you already have a 120Hz or 144Hz monitor, upgrading to 160Hz might not be a game-changer, but it can be a nice refinement — especially if your GPU is strong enough to push 160 FPS or more.
Final Thoughts
The 160Hz monitor sits in an interesting spot: it's faster than 144Hz, often more affordable than 240Hz, and provides a real upgrade over the standard displays most people are used to. Whether you’re gaming, working, or just want a smoother desktop experience, it’s a solid middle ground.
So if you’re looking for something faster without going overboard, a 160Hz gaming monitor might just be the sweet spot your setup needs.
More Thought:
Who Should Buy a 1080p 144Hz Monitor? – Viewedge
Why a 144Hz Desktop Monitor Is the Sweet Spot for Most Users | Viewedge
Do You Need a 180Hz Gaming Monitor? Here's What to Consider | Viewedge