Refresh Rate in VR: Why It Matters

Ever taken off a VR headset mid-game because your eyes felt strained or your stomach turned uneasy? You’re not alone — and chances are, it had something to do with the refresh rate.

While resolution and field of view often get the spotlight, the refresh rate in VR is what quietly shapes how smooth, natural, and comfortable your experience feels. It determines how often your headset’s display updates every second, and even a small difference — like 90Hz vs 120Hz VR — can have a big impact on visual clarity and motion response.

In this guide, we’ll break down what refresh rate actually means, why it matters so much in virtual environments, and how to choose the best one for your needs. Whether you’re exploring fantasy realms, fighting off enemies in real-time, or using VR for fitness or design, understanding high refresh rate VR will help you enjoy the smoothest, most immersive sessions possible.

What Is Refresh Rate in VR?

The Basics

Refresh rate refers to how many times per second a screen updates its image. It’s measured in hertz (Hz).

• 60Hz = 60 frames per second (FPS)
• 90Hz = 90 frames per second
• 120Hz or 144Hz = Higher responsiveness and smoother visuals

In VR, the refresh rate isn’t just about fluidity — it’s a core comfort metric. Unlike a flat-screen monitor, your eyes and brain are completely enveloped in the digital environment, making latency and visual lag more noticeable.

Why Refresh Rate Matters More in VR Than on Monitors

1. Motion Clarity

In VR, you’re constantly moving your head, even with small, natural adjustments.

A low refresh rate can’t keep up, causing:

• Blurring during movement
• Ghosting or image persistence
• A feeling that objects are “lagging behind”

With a higher refresh rate, images stay sharp and transitions feel lifelike, even during quick turns or complex interactions.

2. Reduced Motion Sickness

VR-induced nausea, often called simulator sickness, is usually caused by a mismatch between visual cues and your inner sense of movement. A low refresh rate increases that mismatch.

• 90Hz is considered the minimum threshold for most people to avoid discomfort.
• 120Hz or higher is often recommended for sensitive users or fast-action games.

3. Immersion and Realism

When your brain perceives lag or flicker, it pulls you out of the experience. Smooth VR is believable VR, and a high refresh rate helps trick your brain into accepting the digital world as real.

90Hz vs 120Hz VR: Is the Difference Noticeable?

Short answer: Yes — but it depends on your eyes, your movement, and your use case.

Visual Differences

• 90Hz: Offers generally smooth motion and is suitable for most users.
• 120Hz: Feels crisper, with fewer motion trails and better visual stability during fast actions.

For example, if you’re playing Beat Sabre, you’ll likely feel the difference in how clean the blocks appear while moving rapidly. In competitive FPS games or simulators, 120Hz delivers tighter precision and improved aiming accuracy.

Physical Comfort

Some users report:

• Less eye strain at higher refresh rates
• Fewer headaches during long sessions
• Better comfort when transitioning between virtual and physical spaces

However, these differences can be subtle and subjective, much like the jump from 60Hz to 75Hz on a traditional monitor. Still, in VR, even small enhancements contribute to a smoother, more comfortable experience.

High Refresh Rate VR and Performance Trade-Offs

GPU Demands

Higher refresh rates mean more frames per second need rendering.

That equates to:

• Increased GPU workload
• Higher thermal output
• More power consumption

For example, moving from 90Hz to 120Hz means rendering 33% more frames each second.

Unless your system can handle that, you might experience:

• Lower resolution
• Frame drops
• Visual artefacts

Battery Life in Standalone Headsets

If you’re using a standalone headset:

• Higher refresh rates drain the battery faster
• Devices may heat up more quickly
• Some apps may automatically cap the refresh rate to save power

Balancing refresh rate with battery and heat becomes a practical consideration, especially for fitness or on-the-go users.

To extend your session length, take a look at how to extend battery life on wireless VR headsets for actionable tips.

Who Needs High Refresh Rate VR?

Ideal For:

• Competitive gamers who rely on precision and reaction time
• Sim racers and flight sim enthusiasts using external tracking systems
• VR developers testing motion response and visual fidelity
• Sensitive users prone to motion sickness or headaches

Less Crucial For:

• Casual users browsing VR environments
• VR cinema fans or documentary viewers
• Turn-based or slow-paced gaming genres
• Short, infrequent VR sessions

Think of it like choosing a sports car — high refresh rates are thrilling and performance-boosting, but not every journey demands them.

Optimising Refresh Rate in Your Setup

If you want to get the best out of your refresh rate without compromising performance:

1. Update Firmware and Drivers: Headsets often receive firmware updates that improve refresh rate handling.
2. Enable Performance Modes: In PC VR, tools like SteamVR allow supersampling and refresh rate toggling.
3. Balance Resolution and Refresh: Sometimes, lowering resolution slightly allows higher refresh rates without lag.
4. Monitor Temperature: Especially in standalone headsets, high refresh can mean higher heat — take breaks as needed.
5. Use USB-C Link with PC: If you’re on Quest 2 or 3, a wired link boosts stability for 120Hz output.

Conclusion: Smoothness Isn’t a Luxury — It’s Part of Presence

When it comes to virtual reality, refresh rate isn’t just a technical spec. It’s the rhythm of your experience — the heartbeat that drives your immersion. Whether you’re dodging arrows, painting in 3D, or running a virtual marathon, a high refresh rate in VR can make your session feel seamless, intuitive, and easy on your senses.

While 90Hz is a solid starting point, stepping up to 120Hz (or even 144Hz on premium devices) offers notable benefits — especially in motion-rich environments. Just remember to balance your hardware capabilities with the refresh demands.

Want to maximise your headset’s potential? Explore its refresh rate settings and see what feels right for you. If you’re ready to upgrade, browse our VR headset comparison guide to find a device that delivers both clarity and speed.

Have thoughts, questions, or personal refresh rate preferences? Share your experience in the comments or pass this guide on to a fellow VR enthusiast.