FreeSync vs G-Sync: AMD & Nvidia Screen Tearing Fixes

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

FreeSync and G-Sync are two competing variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies that eliminate screen tearing during gaming. FreeSync works with AMD GPUs and many monitors, while G-Sync works with Nvidia GPUs and certified monitors. Both synchronize your monitor’s refresh rate to your graphics card’s frame output, but they differ in cost, compatibility, and implementation.

Background: Why Screen Tearing Happens

Your monitor refreshes its image at a fixed rate (typically 60Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz), while your GPU renders frames at a variable rate. When these two rates don’t match, the monitor may display parts of two different frames at once, creating a horizontal split known as screen tearing. This is most noticeable during fast camera movements in games.

Traditionally, VSync (vertical sync) solved this by locking the GPU’s frame rate to the monitor’s refresh rate, but this introduced input lag and stuttering when frame rates dropped below the refresh rate. VRR technologies like FreeSync and G-Sync instead adjust the monitor’s refresh rate in real time to match the GPU’s output, eliminating tearing without the downsides of VSync.

How FreeSync Works

FreeSync is based on the VESA Adaptive-Sync standard, which is built into DisplayPort and HDMI specifications. AMD implemented this as an open standard, meaning monitor manufacturers can add FreeSync support without paying licensing fees to AMD. The monitor’s scaler hardware adjusts its refresh rate dynamically within a specified range (e.g., 48–144Hz) based on the frame rate signal from the GPU.

FreeSync is compatible with AMD Radeon GPUs and also works with some Nvidia GPUs (via HDMI or DisplayPort) since Nvidia added Adaptive-Sync support to its drivers in 2019. However, Nvidia only officially supports G-Sync Compatible monitors; other FreeSync monitors may work but are not guaranteed.

How G-Sync Works

G-Sync is Nvidia’s proprietary VRR technology. It requires a dedicated module (a chip) inside the monitor that replaces the standard scaler. This module communicates with the GPU over the DisplayPort connection and precisely controls the monitor’s refresh rate. Because the module is proprietary and must be certified by Nvidia, G-Sync monitors are generally more expensive than FreeSync models.

There are three tiers of G-Sync monitors:

G-Sync Ultimate: The highest tier, with HDR support and the full G-Sync module.
G-Sync: Standard G-Sync with the module, but without HDR.
G-Sync Compatible: Monitors that use Adaptive-Sync (like FreeSync) but have been tested and certified by Nvidia to work with G-Sync on Nvidia GPUs.

Key Differences: Cost, Compatibility, and Performance

The most significant difference is cost. FreeSync adds little to no premium to a monitor’s price because it uses standard hardware. G-Sync modules add $100–$200 to the monitor’s cost. In terms of compatibility, FreeSync works with a wider range of hardware, including AMD GPUs, Nvidia GPUs (with caveats), and even some consoles (Xbox Series X/S support FreeSync over HDMI). G-Sync is exclusive to Nvidia GPUs and requires a certified monitor.

Performance-wise, both technologies eliminate tearing, but G-Sync is often praised for having a wider variable refresh range and more consistent frame pacing, especially at low frame rates. FreeSync’s range depends on the monitor; some models have a narrow range (e.g., 48–75Hz) which can cause flickering if the frame rate drops below the minimum. However, modern FreeSync monitors with LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) can handle low frame rates by multiplying the refresh rate (e.g., 30fps → 60Hz), which improves the experience.

How to Choose Between FreeSync and G-Sync

Your choice depends primarily on your GPU. If you have an AMD GPU, FreeSync is the obvious choice—it’s cheaper and fully supported. If you have an Nvidia GPU, you have two options:

Buy a G-Sync monitor for the best experience and guaranteed compatibility.
Buy a FreeSync monitor and enable G-Sync Compatible mode (if the monitor is certified or you enable it manually in the Nvidia Control Panel).

For Nvidia users, a G-Sync Compatible monitor offers most of the benefits at a lower cost, but you may encounter issues like flickering or a limited refresh range on non-certified models. If you’re on a budget, a FreeSync monitor with a wide range (e.g., 48–144Hz) is a solid choice for both AMD and Nvidia users.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that FreeSync and G-Sync only work over DisplayPort. While that’s true for G-Sync, FreeSync works over both DisplayPort and HDMI (since HDMI 2.1). However, older FreeSync monitors may only support it over DisplayPort.

Another issue is that VRR can cause flicker on some monitors, especially when frame rates fluctuate rapidly. This is more common with FreeSync monitors that have a narrow VRR range. Enabling LFC can help, but it requires the monitor to support it and the minimum refresh rate to be at least 2.5 times lower than the maximum.

Also, VRR does not work in all games—some games with fixed frame rates or exclusive fullscreen modes may not trigger it. Borderless windowed mode can also cause issues; enabling VRR in windowed mode is a separate setting in both AMD and Nvidia drivers.

Cost and Value

FreeSync monitors are generally $50–$150 cheaper than equivalent G-Sync models. For example, a 27-inch 144Hz 1440p monitor might cost $300 with FreeSync and $450 with G-Sync. The price difference is due to the G-Sync module. For most gamers, the performance difference is minimal, so FreeSync offers better value. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who wants the lowest input lag and the most stable refresh rate, G-Sync might be worth the premium.

Alternatives to FreeSync and G-Sync

If you don’t want to use either technology, you can rely on traditional VSync, which eliminates tearing but adds input lag. Another alternative is to cap your frame rate to match your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., 144fps on a 144Hz monitor) using in-game settings or tools like RTSS. This reduces tearing without VRR, but it’s not perfect. Some newer monitors also support HDMI 2.1 VRR, which is an open standard similar to FreeSync and works with both AMD and Nvidia GPUs (on HDMI 2.1 ports).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FreeSync with an Nvidia GPU? Yes, many FreeSync monitors are G-Sync Compatible, and Nvidia drivers allow you to enable Adaptive-Sync on them. You need to connect via DisplayPort and enable it in the Nvidia Control Panel.

Does G-Sync work with AMD GPUs? No, G-Sync is proprietary to Nvidia. AMD GPUs do not support G-Sync; they use FreeSync instead.

Is FreeSync or G-Sync better for competitive gaming? Both reduce input lag compared to VSync. G-Sync may have a slight edge in frame pacing consistency, but the difference is negligible for most players. The monitor’s refresh rate and response time matter more.

Does VRR affect FPS? No, VRR doesn’t change the frame rate your GPU produces; it adjusts the monitor’s refresh rate to match. However, if your frame rate drops below the VRR range, you may experience stuttering unless LFC is active.

Can I use FreeSync on a TV? Many modern TVs support HDMI VRR, which is essentially FreeSync. If your TV supports VRR and your GPU supports it over HDMI, you can enable it.

Do I need a special cable for FreeSync or G-Sync? For G-Sync, you need a DisplayPort cable. For FreeSync, you can use DisplayPort or HDMI (depending on the monitor’s implementation). A high-quality cable is recommended to avoid signal issues.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.