1. What Is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)?
2. What Are the Different VRR Systems?
3. Does PS5 Support VRR?
4. What Type of VRR Support Does PS5 Offer?
5. How Do I Activate VRR on the PS5?
6. Is VRR Active on My PS5 Right Now?
7. Do I Need HDMI 2.1 for VRR on PS5?
8. Does BenQ Gaming Monitor Support VRR?

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a technology designed to improve your computer monitor's visual experience by eliminating "screen tearing."

Screen tearing happens when your monitor and your computer's graphics card (GPU) are out of sync. Imagine your monitor trying to show images at one speed while your computer is creating those images at a different speed. This mismatch can cause a noticeable, jagged line to appear across the screen, distracting and ruining the enjoyment of games.

VRR solves this problem by ensuring that your monitor and graphics card work together at the same speed. This synchronization eliminates the tearing effect, making your gaming experience smoother and more immersive.

In practice, VRR is implemented through technologies like FreeSync from AMD and G-Sync from Nvidia. FreeSync and G-Sync are designed to work specifically with their respective GPUs, providing a seamless VRR experience. FreeSync is typically more cost-effective and widely supported across various monitors, while G-Sync offers a premium experience with additional features such as variable overdrive, but often at a higher price point. Both options aim to enhance your gaming visuals by preventing screen tearing and maintaining consistent frame rates.

As you might imagine, different display and device manufacturers each have their own proprietary VRR systems. Gamers will likely recognize the Freesync by AMD or G-Sync, by their competitor NVIDIA. VESA meanwhile has their own option called Adaptive Sync. These systems are all quite similar, and each serves the same essential purpose. 

Does PS5 Support VRR?

Yes the PS5 now supports Variable Refresh Rates. Sony began VRR support for its PS5 product in April of 2022.  This means if you have a TV or gaming monitor that offers VRR such as FreeSync or G-Sync, your PS5 can deliver variable refresh rates when connected to them.

Games that have unstable frame rates get an assist from the PS5 and display to smooth performance, and screen tearing is reduced if not outright eliminated. The improved frame pacing is the star of the show, especially for people interested in competitive multiplayer. Frame pacing means consistency, and consistency help a player tune their performance. VRR helps maintain that consistency. 

Just like Xbox consoles, PS5 likely uses Adaptive Sync as originally designated by VESA. We don’t know the frame rate range for certain yet, but it is likely between 40Hz and 120Hz. The VRR used on PS5 should therefore be the same as the one brought in by Xbox One X back in November 2017, which is still used now on Xbox Series consoles. This version of VRR is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync due to their shared Adaptive Sync heritage.

It’s also the same VRR that was introduced for HDMI 2.1 alongside auto low latency mode and eARC. 

How Do I Activate VRR on the PS5?

While Sony has added VRR support for PS5, it was not deployed as a traditional system update. For us the feature simply appeared as a new option on the screen around late April. However, if it doesn’t show up for you, you may need to simply shut down your PS5 and restart.

VERY IMPORTANT:

Your display must be in “game mode” for the PS5 to detect and activate VRR. Without setting your monitor or projector to “game mode”, the feature will likely not appear as an option. This mode is a common feature to many gaming monitors, projectors, and displays.  

To check on your PS5’s VRR, go to Settings, then Screen and Video. You will see VRR in the middle. The toggle only offers two options, off and automatic. 

Go ahead and toggle the setting to “automatic”. This means VRR will work whenever possible, and most likely all the time, as is the case with VRR on Xbox consoles.

On this same screen, be sure to also enable “Apply to Unsupported Games”. What does this mean? In addition to now-standard VRR functionality, Sony occasionally builds VRR patches specific to popular games, intending to maximize their performance and playability. That said, VRR still functions to some degree on all PS5 games, including the “unsupported” ones.

If VRR is active and you are still experiencing screen tearing, please consult our screen tearing troubleshooters guide. 

Yes, as the official release from Sony states, VRR and HDMI 2.1 are required together.

Gaming monitors like the EX2710U or EX3210U already feature dual HDMI 2.1 full bandwidth 48Gbps ports, and the PS5 was designed with HDMI 2.1 in mind. We therefore recommend using HDMI 2.1 for VRR on the PS5. 

BenQ gaming monitors support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, allowing for a smoother gaming experience by preventing screen tearing. Many of their monitors, such as the models with AMD FreeSync and G-Sync, are compatible with VRR. Specifically, BenQ monitors like the EX321UX, EX271U are noted for their support of the necessary HDMI 2.1 standard, which is essential for utilizing VRR effectively on compatible devices like the PS5.

These gaming monitors are equipped with features such as HDMI 2.1 full bandwidth ports providing a seamless VRR experience when connected to devices that support this feature. With VRR, BenQ monitors enhance frame pacing and performance, especially beneficial for competitive multiplayer gaming where consistency is key. By reducing screen tearing and stabilizing the refresh rate, these monitors contribute to a more immersive gameplay experience.

Sony finally delivered VRR to PS5 and we’re happy. Check out our guide to choosing the right monitor for your PS5 setup!