Refresh rate
Also called Hz · hertz · 144Hz
Refresh rate is how many times per second a monitor draws a new image, measured in hertz. A 144Hz monitor can show up to 144 distinct frames every second.
The refresh rate test measures the rate your browser is actually receiving, which catches a high refresh monitor left at 60Hz by a cable or a Windows setting.
In practice
A higher refresh rate makes motion look smoother and reduces blur when scrolling, moving windows or gaming. The jump from 60Hz to 120Hz or 144Hz is obvious to most people. Many high refresh screens ship set to 60Hz or drop to 60Hz on battery or over the wrong cable, so owners often aren’t getting what they paid for.
How to check
Run the refresh rate test. It measures the rate your browser is actually receiving rather than what the settings claim. If it reads 60Hz on a faster screen, check the refresh rate in display settings, the cable type and any battery saving modes. On a laptop, test plugged in and on battery.