G-Sync VS FreeSync
Quick Answer
Both G-Sync and FreeSync prevent screen tearing in games. G-Sync offers premium performance but costs more, while FreeSync is more affordable and widely available. Your choice should primarily depend on your GPU and budget.
Screen tearing is one of the most frustrating visual glitches in gaming, disrupting your experience with distracting, split images. This issue occurs when your GPU delivers a new frame before your monitor has finished displaying the previous one, causing two frames to overlap and create a “torn” effect on screen.
Traditional solutions like V-Sync helped by slowing down the GPU to let the monitor keep up, but this fix came at the cost of visual stuttering and increased input lag. Now, modern variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies, such as FreeSync and G-Sync, offer smoother solutions. While these technologies differ slightly in price, performance, and compatibility, both work similarly to reduce screen tearing, making it easier for gamers to choose the option best suited to their setup.
Choose G-Sync if you
Have an Nvidia GPU
Want better performance
Don't mind paying more
Play competitive games
Choose FreeSync if you
Have an AMD GPU
Want a budget-friendly option
Need wider monitor selection
Use PC for work and gaming
What is Variable Refresh Rate?
The number of frames your PC generates per second can vary significantly, depending on the time required for your GPU to render them. A standard monitor usually updates the display at its fixed refresh rate, regardless of the GPU's frame rate output.
In contrast, a monitor with a variable refresh rate (VRR) synchronises its refresh rate directly with the output speed of your GPU.
With VRR technology, the monitor's display speed can vary, adapting to the GPU's output and changing speed as needed, second by second. This dynamic synchronisation helps to eliminate visual artefacts and provide a smoother viewing experience.
VRR Technologies:
G-Sync, FreeSync, and Adaptive Sync
There are several proprietary versions of VRR technology on the market
G-Sync
Created by Nvidia
FreeSync
Developed by AMD
Due to the existence of these proprietary technologies and the wide range of speed variation that VRR is capable of, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) introduced a standard called Adaptive Sync in 2014.
While Adaptive Sync, G-Sync, and FreeSync are all versions of VRR, there are some differences in how each technology prevents visual glitches.
What is G-Sync?
G-Sync is the variable refresh rate technology created by Nvidia in 2013. G-Sync is different from Adaptive Sync and FreeSync as it is the only one of these VRR technologies that uses proprietary hardware.
Monitors with G-Sync have Nvidia modules installed on them to vary refresh rates dynamically using Ultra Low Motion Blur, or ULMB technology. ULMB causes a display’s backlight to strobe extremely fast, to help more seamlessly transition between frames. Find out how different panel types affect display quality in our IPS vs VA vs TN vs OLED guide.
G-Sync monitors are compatible with Nvidia GPUs, but some monitors can be certified G-Sync Compatible - this means that they have passed Nvidia’s certification process and will work with a Nvidia GPU, but don’t contain any G-Sync hardware.
Pros
Visual Quality - G-Sync prevents screen tearing and stuttering, while G-Sync Ultimate also includes HDR support and wider colour gamuts
High performance - Excellent image quality and smooth gameplay maintained without impacting input speeds
Cons
More expensive - Proprietary hardware means that G-Sync monitors are pricier than other VRR display technologies
Less compatibility - G-Sync monitors work with Nvidia GPUs, but aren't always compatible with other GPUs
What is FreeSync?
FreeSync is AMD’s VRR technology, released in 2015. Unlike Nvidia’s G-Sync, FreeSync monitors don't have any hardware components built in - instead, FreeSync works using newer DisplayPort or HDMI cables.
FreeSync uses the same technology as Adaptive Sync, VESA’s VRR standard, which is open source and easier for manufacturers to adopt. This means that far more monitors use FreeSync than G-Sync. This version of VRR, however, can have some minor performance issues, especially when compared to Nvidia’s proprietary solution.
AMD offers different tiers of FreeSync, including FreeSync Premium, which boasts better VRR performance at higher resolutions, and FreeSync Premium Pro, which also includes HDR support.
Pros
More affordable - FreeSync is open source and requires less expensive hardware, while still being effective at preventing screen tearing and stuttering
Wide compatibility - Thousands of compatible monitors that can sync with more GPUs than G-Sync - FreeSync monitors can even be certified G-Sync Compatible
Cons
Less consistent image quality - Can drop out if refresh rates dip lower than 50Hz, which is more noticeable when using PCs for non-gaming tasks
Key Differences Between G-Sync and FreeSync
The biggest difference between FreeSync and G-Sync comes down to hardware - Nvidia’s technology has a built-in hardware component, while AMD’s uses DisplayPort and HDMI. Here’s how this impacts different aspects of each VRR technology
-
Price
-
Compatibility
-
Hardware
-
Performance
-
Certifications
- Price : More expensive due to unique Nvidia module
- Compatibility : Works with Nvidia GPUs
- Hardware : Uses Nvidia proprietary module built into the display
- Performance : ULMB and backlight strobing make for slightly clearer pictures for some users
- Certifications : Tested and certified by Nvidia - including G-Sync Compatible testing
- Price : More affordable and available on a wider range of monitors
- Compatibility : Works with many compatible setups, no GPU manufacturer restrictions
- Hardware : Only requires DisplayPort (1.2 and newer) or HDMI (2.0b and newer)
- Performance : Consistent performance when using compatible GPUs
- Certifications : Tested and certified by AMD - but built using open source software
While it may seem that there are big differences between these VRR technologies, in reality they perform in a very similar way - both prevent screen tearing without stuttering or additional input lag. Both Nvidia and AMD also have different tiers of VVR, with G-Sync Ultimate and FreeSync Premium Pro offering HDR support, better colour production, and more. In the end, G-Sync and FreeSync are more similar than they are different - with hardware and compatibility being the most important differences to consider as a user.
Which One is Right for You?
When choosing between FreeSync and G-Sync, the most important thing to consider is compatibility, as you’ll need to choose a VRR technology that works with your GPU. For Nvidia users, a G-Sync monitor is the most compatible choice. If you don’t go for a G-Sync display but still want to enable VRR, make sure that whatever monitor you opt for is compatible with your GPU. Check out our complete guide on how to choose the best monitor for gaming.
AMD users have more options when it comes to finding a compatible display, as FreeSync is more widely available. Whatever GPU you have, it’s best to check AMD and Nvidia’s lists of compatible displays to ensure your next monitor purchase works with your setup.
Here are some other factors that are worth considering when choosing your next monitor.
Price
FreeSync is generally more affordable and available on a wider range of monitors
Performance
FreeSync and G-Sync are comparable in performance, though G-Sync may perform slightly better in some scenarios
Non-Gaming Tasks
VRRs can impact non-gaming tasks, so if you use your PC for work or other activities, FreeSync is a good general option
Competitive Gaming
G-Sync may have a slight performance edge and is used more commonly in e-sports
Conclusion
Variable refresh rate technology has been a game-changer in preventing frame rate issues like screen tearing, so it's definitely worth considering this technology when choosing your next gaming monitor. For a complete overview of all monitor features and specifications, see our monitor buying guide. While all these versions of variable refresh rate technology can be confusing, the most important factor to prioritise when finding your next gaming monitor is compatibility. Your GPU will determine which VRR technology to go for, as you don’t want to find yourself with a brand new monitor that isn’t compatible with your graphics card.
G-Sync is generally a great choice for Nvidia users who want to get the most out of their GPU, while FreeSync is the more affordable and commonly available option that works best for AMD users. However, it will ultimately come down to which VRR technology fits your setup and graphical needs best.
