90Hz vs 120Hz: Refresh Rate for Editors

What Refresh Rate Means on a Laptop Listing

The refresh rate of a laptop screen is the number of times the display updates its image each second, measured in hertz (Hz). A 60Hz screen updates 60 times per second, a 90Hz screen updates 90 times, and a 120Hz screen updates 120 times. On a laptop listing, you will see this number written as part of the display description, for example "120Hz" or "90Hz."

For an editor, the refresh rate affects how the interface feels when you move the cursor, scroll through a timeline, or drag a clip. A higher refresh rate can make these actions appear smoother. It does not change the resolution, color, or brightness of the screen, and it does not affect the quality of the video you are editing. The refresh rate is separate from the frame rate of your footage, which is the number of frames recorded per second in your video.

• Refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz).
• 60Hz is the common baseline; 90Hz and 120Hz are higher.
• A higher refresh rate can make motion on screen feel smoother.
• Refresh rate does not change color or resolution.

90Hz vs 120Hz for Editing Work

Both 90Hz and 120Hz are above the standard 60Hz, and for editing, the difference between them is subtle. The main benefit of a higher refresh rate is that the interface can feel more responsive. When you are scrubbing through a timeline or moving a playhead, a 120Hz screen may appear slightly smoother than a 90Hz screen, but both are an improvement over 60Hz.

The refresh rate does not affect how your final video looks to viewers. Your audience will watch on their own screens, which may have different refresh rates. What matters for your editing work is that the screen shows your footage accurately in terms of color and resolution. The refresh rate is about the feel of the interface, not the quality of the output. For a deeper look at how screens affect editing, see the display color gamut guide.

Battery Impact: What the Listing Tells You

A higher refresh rate can use more battery power because the screen updates more often. Laptop listings often state the battery capacity in watt-hours (Wh), but they rarely state how long the battery lasts at a specific refresh rate. Some laptops offer adaptive refresh rates that adjust based on what you are doing, which can help conserve battery when you are not moving content on screen.

When you compare listings, look for the battery capacity in Wh and the refresh rate in Hz. A laptop with a 120Hz screen and a larger battery may offer similar runtime to a 90Hz laptop with a smaller battery, but the listing will not give you exact hours. For editing, you will likely be plugged in most of the time, so the refresh rate's impact on battery may matter less than other factors like RAM and graphics. To understand how battery capacity is stated, read the battery capacity guide.

How to Read Refresh Rate on a Listing

On a laptop listing, the refresh rate appears in the display section, often alongside the resolution and panel type. For example, a listing might say "16-inch 3.2K OLED 120Hz" or "14-inch QHD 90Hz." The number before "Hz" is the refresh rate. Some listings may not state a refresh rate at all, which usually means the screen is 60Hz.

If you are comparing two laptops, one with 90Hz and one with 120Hz, the difference in editing feel is small. Consider your priorities: if you want the smoothest possible cursor movement and you are willing to accept potentially shorter battery life, 120Hz is the higher figure. If you prefer to conserve battery and the difference in smoothness is not critical, 90Hz is a solid choice. Both are above the standard 60Hz, so either will be an upgrade for editing. For a broader view of screen specs, see the screen resolution guide.

What Else Matters for an Editing Screen

The refresh rate is only one part of a display. For video editing, the resolution, color gamut, and brightness are also important. A 4K screen with a wide color gamut like DCI-P3 will show your footage more accurately than a 1080p screen with a narrow gamut, regardless of refresh rate. The guides on this site compare laptops on stated details, including screen resolution and color gamut words.

If you are deciding between 90Hz and 120Hz, remember that the refresh rate does not affect color accuracy. A 90Hz screen can have excellent color, and a 120Hz screen can have poor color. Read the full display description, not just the refresh rate. For more on color, see the guide on display color gamut.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Does a 120Hz screen make your video edits look better?

A 120Hz refresh rate can make the editing interface feel smoother, but it does not change the quality of your footage. The color, resolution, and brightness of the screen are what affect how your video looks.

Will a 90Hz screen use less battery than a 120Hz screen?

Generally, a higher refresh rate can use more battery because the screen updates more often. However, the actual battery life depends on many factors, including the battery capacity in watt-hours and how you use the laptop. Listings rarely state exact battery hours at different refresh rates.

Is 90Hz enough for video editing?

Yes, 90Hz is above the standard 60Hz and provides a smooth experience for editing. The difference between 90Hz and 120Hz is subtle, so 90Hz is a good choice if you want a balance between smoothness and battery life.

How do you find the refresh rate on a laptop listing?

Look in the display section of the listing. The refresh rate is stated in hertz (Hz), for example "120Hz" or "90Hz." If the listing does not mention a refresh rate, the screen is likely 60Hz.

Does the refresh rate affect color accuracy?

No, the refresh rate is about how often the screen updates, not the color. Color accuracy is determined by the panel type and color gamut, such as DCI-P3 or sRGB.