When buying a gaming monitor, it’s important to compare G-Sync to FreeSync. Both technologies improve gaming by matching the performance of the screen with that of the graphics card, or graphics processor (GPU). And there are clear advantages to each. G-Sync offers consistent performance at a higher price, while FreeSync has a free version, but performance varies by monitor more so than with G-Sync.
So, G-Sync or FreeSync? With the help of our guide, you’ll be able to decide. And you can always learn more about ViewSonic’s range of gaming monitors.
In the past, monitor manufacturers relied on the generic V-Sync software standard to help consumers and business professionals use their displays with almost no screen tearing issues. But as screens and graphics processors became faster, new standards were developed, with the two main ones being G-Sync and FreeSync. Both offer compatibility with Adaptive Sync from VESA.
What is V-Sync and Why Does it Matter?
V-Sync, short for vertical synchronization, is a software-based display technology that was originally designed to help prevent screen tearing. This occurs when the monitor’s refresh rate can’t keep pace with the data being sent from the graphics card, or vice versa. The distortion is easy to spot as it causes a cut or misalignment to appear in the image.
V-Sync comes in handy when gaming. Console titles run at 30Hz, 60Hz, and 120Hz. On PC the situation is much more fluid, but 60Hz acts as a baseline. Monitors must at least match these input rates, which is why 144Hz is a starting point in contemporary displays for gaming.
V-Sync reduces tearing issues by imposing a strict cap on the frames per second (FPS) reached by an application. In essence, graphics cards recognize the refresh rates of the monitor used by an input device and adjust image processing speeds based on that information.
Although V-Sync is still commonly used in modern video games, its long history means it works great with legacy titles. V-Sync can slow down frame rate output from graphics cards to match the lower speeds of older games, which often run at just 30Hz.
Despite its effectiveness at reducing screen tearing, V-Sync often causes issues such as screen stutter and input lag. The former is a scenario where the time between frames (or frame time) varies noticeably, leading to choppiness in image appearance.
Although the technology works well with low-end devices, V-Sync bottlenecks the performance of high-end graphics cards. As display manufacturers began releasing gaming monitors with refresh rates of 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, and higher, NVIDIA and AMD (formerly ATI) began work on their own screen tearing solutions in the late 2000s.
V-Sync worked well with monitors until that point, but later on it began to cause issues with frame rates higher than 60Hz. V-Sync often locks graphics output to half that of the host monitor. If you’re on a 240Hz screen, V-Sync will usually limit games to 120Hz to provide a large buffer against tearing. Other technologies such as G-Sync and FreeSync have emerged to handle faster performance, plus enhance image elements such as screen resolution, image colors, and brightness levels. V-Sync doesn’t do any of that.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at G-Sync and FreeSync so you can choose the monitor that is right for you.
What Is G-Sync?
Released to the public in late 2013, G-Sync is a technology developed by NVIDIA that synchronizes a user’s display to graphics card output, leading to smoother gaming performance. It uses proprietary hardware on monitors and requires a licensing fee. Despite slightly higher prices, G-Sync gained popularity because it’s very consistent across all certified monitors.
G-Sync ensures that when GPU speed is out of sync with monitor refresh rates, the graphics card adjusts its output rate. For example, if a graphics card is pushing 50 frames per second, the display then switches its refresh rate to 50Hz. If the frame count decreases to 40Hz, then the display auto adjusts to 40Hz. The typical effective range of G-Sync technology is 30Hz up to the maximum refresh rate of the display, even if it’s 520Hz.
The most notable benefit of G-Sync is the elimination of screen tearing and other common display issues on current hardware compared to V-Sync. G-Sync does this by manipulating the monitor’s vertical blanking interval (VBI). VBI represents the interval between the time a monitor finishes drawing a current frame and moves onto the next one. When G-Sync is enabled, the graphics card recognizes the time gap, and holds off on sending more information, therefore preventing frame issues.
To keep pace with changes in technology, NVIDIA developed a newer version of G-Sync, called G-Sync Ultimate. The core features that set it apart from base G-Sync are the added custom R3 controller, high dynamic range (HDR) with 1000 nit support, very low latency, and the ability to display 4K at 144Hz and faster.
Although G-Sync delivers highly consistent performance, to take full advantage of G-Sync features, users should ideally purchase a G-Sync-certified monitor and an NVIDIA graphics card. G-Sync works best with DisplayPort 1.2a or later. HDMI 2.1 and later are also compatible through VESA Adaptive Sync, but do not provide the full G-Sync feature set.
What is FreeSync?
Released in 2015, FreeSync is a standard developed by AMD that just like G-Sync offers adaptive synchronization technology. It’s intended to reduce screen tearing and stuttering triggered by the monitor not being in sync with the content (or source) frame rate.
Since this technology uses VESA Adaptive Sync standards built into DisplayPort 1.2a and later, any monitor equipped with this input is compatible with FreeSync. With that in mind, FreeSync is not compatible with legacy connections such as VGA and DVI. By 2017, FreeSync appeared on consoles, namely the Xbox One X (likely HDMI 2.0b). In late 2020, Xbox Series and PS5 launched with FreeSync support via the official addition of HDMI 2.1, prompting the technology’s popularity on 4K TVs.
The “free” in FreeSync comes from the standard being open, meaning other manufacturers can incorporate it into their hardware without paying AMD a licensing fee. That means more monitors to choose from, and somewhat lower prices compared to G-Sync models. As FreeSync is a standard developed by AMD, all their post-2015 GPUs support the technology. FreeSync is very popular and in fact compatible with G-Sync through their shared VESA Adaptive Sync lineage. However, performance is neither guaranteed nor optimized outside of NVIDIA-approved hardware.
New Generations of FreeSync
In 2017 AMD released an enhanced version of FreeSync known as FreeSync 2 HDR, later renamed FreeSync Premium. Monitors that meet this standard are required to have HDR support, low framerate compensation capabilities (LFC), and the ability to toggle between standard definition range (SDR) and high dynamic range (HDR).
A key difference between FreeSync and FreeSync Premium is that with the latter if the frame rate falls below the supported range of the monitor, low framerate compensation (LFC) is automatically enabled to prevent stuttering and tearing. As FreeSync is an open standard, people shopping for FreeSync monitors have a wider selection available to choose from than with G-Sync displays.
Final Thoughts
If visual performance and image quality are your top priority when choosing a monitor, then G-Sync and FreeSync come in a variety of offerings to fit virtually any need and budget.
The two standards are largely identical now, but G-Sync offers more consistent performance. The primary differentiators are a slight cost premium for G-Sync and a bit more input latency due to its more complex processing.
For the average individual or business professional, G-Sync and FreeSync both deliver exceptional quality. If cost isn’t a concern and you absolutely need top of the line graphics consistency, then G-Sync is the overall winner. Choosing a gaming monitor can be challenging, so we encourage you to read more in our monitor cheat sheet guide. For peak graphics performance, check out ViewSonic gaming monitors, which feature G-Sync and FreeSync on various models.
FAQ
1. What is G-Sync and FreeSync? Both G-Sync (by NVIDIA) and FreeSync (by AMD) are adaptive sync technologies designed to eliminate screen tearing, reduce stuttering, and improve gaming smoothness. They dynamically match a monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame output for a smoother, tear-free experience.
2. What is the main difference between G-Sync and FreeSync? G-Sync uses a proprietary hardware module built into the monitor.
FreeSync uses the open Adaptive-Sync standard built into DisplayPort/HDMI, so it relies on firmware and does not require extra hardware.
This leads to differences in cost, compatibility, and features.
3. Which is more expensive? G-Sync monitors are typically more expensive due to the dedicated NVIDIA module.
FreeSync monitors are usually more budget-friendly since they don’t require proprietary hardware.
4. Which one offers better performance? G-Sync often delivers more consistent performance with better handling of low framerate compensation (LFC) and variable overdrive, reducing ghosting and input lag.
FreeSync performance can vary by monitor model because implementation depends on the manufacturer. Premium models can rival G-Sync quality.
5. Are they compatible with all graphics cards? G-Sync: Works best with NVIDIA GPUs. Some newer monitors can also work with AMD GPUs, but that’s not guaranteed.
FreeSync: Works natively with AMD GPUs and, since 2019, many FreeSync monitors are also compatible with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series and newer cards.
6. What about HDR support? Both support HDR, but G-Sync Ultimate adds advanced HDR capabilities with high brightness, wide color gamut, and lower latency. FreeSync Premium Pro also supports HDR, though implementations vary more widely.
7. Which is better for competitive gaming? For esports and ultra-competitive players, G-Sync often offers slightly better latency control and consistent performance. However, high-end FreeSync Premium Pro monitors are excellent for most gamers.
8. Which should I choose? Choose G-Sync if you use an NVIDIA GPU and want the most consistent, premium experience (and don’t mind paying a little more).
Choose FreeSync if you want better value, have an AMD GPU, or want flexibility across GPU brands.