FreeSync matches your monitor's refresh rate to your graphics card in real time

FreeSync is a technology that syncs your monitor's refresh rate to the frame rate your graphics card is producing, moment by moment. Without it, your monitor refreshes at a fixed rate (usually 60 times per second) while your graphics card sends frames at whatever speed it can manage — sometimes faster, sometimes slower. When those two speeds don't match, you see tearing: a horizontal line across the screen where the top half shows one frame and the bottom half shows the previous one.

FreeSync eliminates tearing by letting the monitor wait for the next frame instead of refreshing on a fixed schedule. If your graphics card produces 87 frames per second, your monitor refreshes 87 times. If it drops to 62 frames, the monitor drops with it. The result is smoother motion without the visual glitch, especially noticeable in fast-moving games or when panning across a scene.

FreeSync is made by AMD and works with AMD graphics cards (Radeon) and some Intel and Nvidia cards, depending on the monitor model. It is not the same as Nvidia's G-Sync, which does the same job but only works with Nvidia cards and costs more because Nvidia charges monitor makers a licensing fee.

Key Takeaways

  • FreeSync eliminates screen tearing by matching your monitor's refresh rate to your graphics card's output, frame by frame.
  • You only benefit from FreeSync if your graphics card supports it — AMD cards always do, some Intel and Nvidia cards do depending on the monitor.
  • FreeSync monitors cost less than G-Sync monitors because there is no licensing fee, making it the cheaper option if you have compatible hardware.
  • FreeSync only matters if you play games or do graphics work where frame rate changes are visible; it does not affect everyday web browsing or document work.

How FreeSync actually works during gameplay

When you play a game, your graphics card renders frames as fast as it can. In a demanding scene with lots of objects on screen, it might produce 45 frames per second. In a simpler scene, it might jump to 120. Without FreeSync, your monitor is still refreshing 60 times per second no matter what, so sometimes it shows a frame twice and sometimes it shows a frame that is only half-rendered — that is the tearing you see.

FreeSync works by giving the monitor a range of refresh rates it can handle, typically 48 Hz to 144 Hz depending on the model. When your graphics card sends a frame, the monitor displays it when ready and waits for the next one instead of refreshing on a timer. If the next frame arrives in 16 milliseconds, the monitor refreshes in 16 milliseconds. If it arrives in 20 milliseconds, the monitor waits 20 milliseconds. The motion stays smooth because the monitor and card are always in step.

This only works within the monitor's range. If your graphics card produces fewer than 48 frames per second, FreeSync cannot help — the monitor will start repeating frames and tearing returns. Most gaming monitors have a range wide enough that this is not a problem in real games, but it is a limit to know about.

Which graphics cards and monitors support FreeSync

FreeSync works with all AMD Radeon graphics cards made in the last several years. It also works with some Intel Arc cards and some Nvidia cards, but support varies by monitor model — not all monitors support Nvidia or Intel, so you have to check the specifications before buying.

When you look at a monitor's specs, it will say "FreeSync" or "FreeSync Premium" or sometimes "Adaptive Sync" (the generic term). If it lists FreeSync without mentioning Nvidia or Intel support, it works with AMD cards. If it says "FreeSync with G-Sync Compatible" or lists Nvidia support, it works with Nvidia cards too. The monitor's product page or manual will have the full list.

If you have an older graphics card or a very budget card, check its model number against your monitor's supported list before assuming it will work. Older Nvidia cards in particular may not support FreeSync even if the monitor does.

FreeSync versus G-Sync and when each matters

G-Sync is Nvidia's version of the same technology. It does the same job — eliminating tearing by syncing refresh rate to frame rate — but only works with Nvidia graphics cards. G-Sync monitors cost $100 to $300 more than equivalent FreeSync monitors because Nvidia charges a licensing fee to monitor makers.

If you have an AMD card, FreeSync is your only option and it is worth having. If you have an Nvidia card, you can use FreeSync on some monitors or G-Sync on others. G-Sync is slightly more refined and has been around longer, but FreeSync works well and costs less. Many people with Nvidia cards choose FreeSync monitors and are happy with them.

If you do not play games or work with graphics, neither technology matters. Web browsing, email, spreadsheets, and video playback do not produce the frame rate changes that cause tearing, so you will not see any difference.

How to turn FreeSync on in your monitor settings

FreeSync is usually on by default, but you can check and adjust it in your monitor's on-screen menu. Press the menu button on the back or bottom of your monitor (usually a small joystick or button). Look for a section called "Display", "Advanced", or "Gaming". Inside, you should see an option for "FreeSync" or "Adaptive Sync". Make sure it is set to "On".

Some monitors have a separate option for the range — "Full Range" or "Standard Range". Full Range uses the entire refresh rate range the monitor supports (for example, 48 Hz to 144 Hz). Standard Range uses a narrower range that some older graphics cards work better with. Unless you have an old card, leave it on Full Range.

You also need to make sure FreeSync is enabled in your graphics card settings. On AMD cards, open Radeon Settings (right-click on your desktop and select it, or search for it in Windows). Go to Display and look for "FreeSync". On Nvidia cards, open Nvidia Control Panel, go to Display, and look for "G-Sync" or "Adaptive Sync" depending on your monitor. Turn it on if it is off.

What to expect after you enable FreeSync

In games, you should notice smoother motion and no horizontal tearing lines, especially in fast-panning scenes. The difference is most obvious in games where your frame rate bounces around — racing games, action games, or games where you are moving the camera quickly. In games that hold a steady 60 frames per second or higher, the improvement is smaller because tearing was less noticeable to begin with.

You might also notice that your frame rate counter (if you have one on screen) no longer stays at a fixed number. Instead of always showing 60 fps, it might show 67, then 54, then 71. That is normal and expected — FreeSync is working. The monitor is refreshing at whatever rate the card is producing, so the number changes.

If you do not see a difference, make sure FreeSync is actually on in both your monitor menu and your graphics card settings. It is also possible your monitor's range does not cover the frame rates your card is producing — if your card is producing 30 fps and your monitor's minimum is 48 Hz, FreeSync cannot help in that situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does FreeSync work with my Nvidia graphics card?

Some Nvidia cards work with some FreeSync monitors, but not all. You have to check your specific monitor's product page to see if it lists Nvidia support. If it does not, you can still use the monitor, but you will not get FreeSync — you would need a G-Sync monitor for that. Many people with Nvidia cards use FreeSync monitors anyway because the cost savings are worth it.

Will FreeSync make my games run faster?

No. FreeSync does not increase frame rate — your graphics card produces the same number of frames it always did. FreeSync only makes the motion look smoother by eliminating tearing. If your game runs at 50 fps, it will still run at 50 fps with FreeSync on; it will just look cleaner.

What if my monitor has FreeSync but my graphics card does not support it?

Your monitor will work normally, but FreeSync will not set up. You will see tearing in games the same way you would without a FreeSync monitor. The monitor is still a good display for other tasks; you just do not get the anti-tearing benefit.

Is FreeSync worth paying extra for?

If you have an AMD graphics card and play games, yes — FreeSync monitors cost about the same as non-FreeSync monitors, so there is no reason not to get it. If you have an Nvidia card, FreeSync is cheaper than G-Sync, so it is worth considering. If you do not play games, it does not matter.

Can I use FreeSync and V-Sync at the same time?

You can, but you should not. V-Sync caps your frame rate to match the monitor's refresh rate, which defeats the purpose of FreeSync. Turn V-Sync off in your game settings when FreeSync is on. If you want to cap your frame rate for other reasons, use your graphics card's frame rate limiter instead.