If you're on the lookout for the best gaming monitor or gaming TV, you've likely come across the terms VRR and FreeSync. With the debate of FreeSync vs VRR lingering, it's natural to wonder about the difference between these two technologies.
Gaming monitors and even modern TVs offered by the best TV brands come with dynamic technologies like VRR, FreeSync, and G-Sync have become the norm. However, before diving into a purchase, it's crucial to grasp the distinctions among these features.
In this FreeSync vs VRR comparison guide, we'll explain VRR and FreeSync in simple terms, so you can pick the perfect display that makes your gaming experience awesome.
FreeSync vs VRR - what's the difference?
There is no fundamental difference between VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and FreeSync.
VRR is a broad term for any technology that synchronizes a display's refresh rate with the graphics card's output, reducing screen tearing. It encompasses various implementations, including FreeSync and G-Sync.
FreeSync is a form of VRR. It is AMD's version of VRR, tailored for Radeon graphics cards, which synchronizes a display's refresh rate with the graphics card's output, reducing screen tearing.
Similarly, G-Sync is NVIDIA's specific implementation of VRR developed for their graphics cards, providing the same functionality of synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with the frame rate outputted by the GPU.
Is FreeSync the same as VRR?
Yes, essentially, FreeSync and VRR are the same in terms of their purpose and functionality.
Both FreeSync and VRR have the same goal: to synchronize a monitor's refresh rate with the frame rate outputted by the graphics card.
FreeSync vs G-Sync - what's the difference?
FreeSync vs G-Sync is an age-old debate in the gaming community.
FreeSync is AMD's implementation of VRR, whereas G-Sync is Nvidia's implementation of VRR technology. Both FreeSync and G-Sync achieve the same goal of delivering smoother gaming experiences through variable refresh rates.
The main differences between FreeSync and G-Sync lie in compatibility and hardware requirement.
FreeSync is implemented using the Adaptive-Sync standard, which is part of the DisplayPort 1.2a specification and later incorporated into the HDMI 2.1 standard. On the other hand, G-Sync is implemented using a dedicated hardware module inside the monitor, known as the G-Sync module.
G-Sync monitors are specifically designed to be compatible only with NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards. On the other hand, FreeSync monitors are primarily designed for AMD Radeon graphics cards. However, FreeSync monitors with "G-Sync Compatible" certification will work with NVIDIA GPUs as well.
And that concludes our FreeSync vs VRR guide. If you're in search of the best gaming TV featuring FreeSync, take note that both the Samsung QN95C and Samsung S95C models come equipped with FreeSync Premium Pro.