VRR, G-Sync and FreeSync: what works with what
VRR goes by several names: HDMI VRR, VESA Adaptive-Sync, AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible. Whether it works depends on the source, the display and every cable, dock or adapter between them. Here is what each standards body and maker documents, with every claim sourced.
Updated: 2026-10-23
Last reviewed: 2026-10-23 by ELORUMTECH against the primary sources listed below · How we check compatibility
What VRR does
VRR lets a console or computer deliver frames as fast as it can, which is often slower than the display’s fixed refresh rate [HL1]. By waiting until the next frame is ready before sending it, VRR gives smoother gameplay, and HDMI Licensing Administrator says it reduces or eliminates lag, judder and frame tearing [HL1]. HDMI Forum lists VRR among the HDMI 2.1 gaming features [HF1], next to ALLM and QFT [HL2].
HDMI VRR, Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync and G-SYNC Compatible
- HDMI VRR is part of HDMI 2.1 [HF1]. Xbox Series X and PS5 were the first consoles to support the latest HDMI gaming features [HL2].
- VESA Adaptive-Sync is part of the DisplayPort standard [V2] and was first supported in DisplayPort 1.2a [V1]. To earn VESA’s AdaptiveSync certification, PC and laptop monitors must pass more than 50 test criteria [V2].
- AMD FreeSync uses DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync and HDMI VRR [AMD1], plus FreeSync over HDMI on displays without HDMI 2.1 [AMD1]. It has three tiers: FreeSync, FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro [AMD1]. AMD notes that VESA AdaptiveSync certification does not necessarily mean FreeSync certification [AMD1].
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible is a display NVIDIA has validated for a basic VRR experience without an NVIDIA processor in the monitor [NV1]. Displays not on the list can still be tried from the NVIDIA Control Panel [NV5].
Which ports, cables, docks and adapters carry VRR
| Connection path | Carries VRR? | What the primary sources say |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.1 → HDMI 2.1 (HDMI Forum VRR) | Yes, when both ends support HDMI VRR | VRR is an HDMI 2.1 gaming feature [HF1][HL2]. PS5 needs an HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TV or PC monitor [PS2]. Intel Arc is not in this row: its VRR over HDMI is VESA Adaptive Sync, shown in the next row [IN1]. |
| HDMI 2.1 input → VESA Adaptive Sync (Intel Arc) | Yes on Intel Arc A-Series / B-Series, when the display supports VESA Adaptive Sync | Intel: the display’s HDMI input must be HDMI 2.1 standard [IN1], and the display must also support VESA Adaptive Sync, the VRR that Intel Arc A-Series / B-Series GPUs support [IN1]. |
| FreeSync over HDMI (displays without HDMI 2.1) | Yes, with AMD graphics and a FreeSync-certified display | AMD: a FreeSync certified display that supports FreeSync over HDMI gives variable refresh rate even if the display does not support HDMI 2.1 [AMD1]. NVIDIA describes VRR over HDMI on displays that support it over HDMI 2.1 [NV3]. |
| DisplayPort → DisplayPort (VESA Adaptive-Sync) | Yes, DisplayPort 1.2a and later [V1] | Adaptive-Sync was first supported in DisplayPort 1.2a [V1]. NVIDIA: GeForce GTX 10 series and higher over DisplayPort 1.2a [NV3]. AMD FreeSync is based on VESA’s Adaptive-Sync standard [V1]. |
| USB-C / Thunderbolt carrying DisplayPort, direct | Yes on Mac; elsewhere check the laptop maker | Apple: connect an Adaptive Sync display to the Mac’s Thunderbolt port with a Thunderbolt, USB-C or other DisplayPort-enabled cable [AP1]. Not documented for other laptops by the sources below. |
| Thunderbolt / USB-C dock | Not documented in general | A dock can include a DisplayPort branch device for downstream displays [V1], but no standard here promises VRR through it. AMD lists FreeSync compatible docks for supported Ryzen AI 400 Series devices [AMD1]. Otherwise check the dock maker. |
| DisplayPort or USB-C → HDMI adapter | Not documented; avoid for VRR | Apple: do not use an HDMI cable or adapter for Adaptive Sync [AP1]; on the Mac models it lists for HDMI VRR, Apple says “To get the highest resolution and refresh rate, don’t use an adapter with the HDMI cable” [AP2]. NVIDIA’s requirements list a G-SYNC Compatible monitor connected natively via DisplayPort [NV4]. |
| MST hub or daisy-chain | Not documented | None of the sources below cover VRR over Multi-Stream Transport. Check the hub maker’s documentation. |
Consoles vs PCs
NVIDIA’s own pages differ on which GeForce cards support VRR over HDMI 2.1, so the table shows both. Check your exact card against NVIDIA’s current monitor list [NV2].
| Device | Connection | VRR type | How to turn it on, and limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 / PS5 Pro | HDMI 2.1 port on the TV [PS1] | HDMI 2.1 VRR [PS2] | Automatic for supported games on an HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TV or monitor [PS2]; Apply to Unsupported Games is optional [PS1]. VRR is disabled during 8K output [PS1]. |
| Xbox Series X | 1x HDMI 2.1 port [XB1] | HDMI Variable Refresh Rate and AMD FreeSync [XB1] | VRR can be set to Always On, Gaming Only or Off [XB4]. |
| Xbox Series S | 1x HDMI 2.1 port [XB2] | HDMI Variable Refresh Rate and AMD FreeSync [XB2] | Same VRR options as Series X [XB4]. |
| NVIDIA GeForce (G-SYNC Compatible) | DisplayPort: GeForce 10 series and higher [NV2][NV3]. HDMI 2.1: GeForce 30 series and higher per NVIDIA’s monitor list [NV2]; GeForce GTX 16 series/RTX 20 series and higher per a 2021 NVIDIA support article [NV3] | VESA Adaptive-Sync on DisplayPort, HDMI VRR on HDMI 2.1 [NV3] | On a G-SYNC Compatible monitor, VRR is enabled automatically [NV3]; displays not validated can be set up in the NVIDIA Control Panel [NV5] and may work, work partly or not work at all [NV3]. |
| AMD Radeon (FreeSync) | DisplayPort and HDMI [AMD1] | FreeSync, FreeSync Premium, FreeSync Premium Pro tiers [AMD1] | AMD Software enables FreeSync automatically on certified displays [AMD2]. Premium and Premium Pro displays are certified for mandatory LFC [AMD1]. |
| Intel Arc A-Series / B-Series | HDMI input must be HDMI 2.1 standard [IN1] | VESA Adaptive Sync, also over HDMI; not HDMI Forum VRR [IN1] | If Arc Control shows VRR as not supported, check the display supports the standard, then contact the display manufacturer [IN1]. |
| Intel 11th-generation integrated graphics | DisplayPort cable only; Intel’s 11th-generation developer article says HDMI is not supported [IN2] | VESA Adaptive Sync [IN2] | Turn on Adaptive Sync in the Intel Graphics Control Panel [IN2]. |
| Mac | Adaptive Sync: Thunderbolt, USB-C or DisplayPort cable, not an HDMI cable or adapter [AP1]. HDMI: the Mac models Apple lists (MacBook Pro with M2 Pro, M3 Pro, M2 Max or M3 Max introduced in 2023 or later; Mac mini (2023 with M2 Pro); Mac Studio and Mac Pro introduced in 2023) get VRR on a compatible external display from the Mac’s own HDMI port with an Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps HDMI cable, connected directly without an adapter [AP2] | Adaptive Sync; needs macOS Monterey 12 or later and any Mac with Apple silicon or a listed Intel model [AP1]. VRR over the built-in HDMI port on the listed models [AP2] | Choose Variable or Adaptive in the Refresh Rate menu [AP1]. |
VRR not working? Common fixes
- Turn VRR on in the display itself. AMD asks you to enable FreeSync in the display’s settings [AMD1]; NVIDIA notes some Adaptive Sync monitors ship with VRR disabled [NV4]; some TVs call it “game mode” [AP2].
- Use the TV’s HDMI 2.1 port. Sony asks whether the PS5 is on an HDMI 2.1 port [PS1], and Microsoft notes that on some TVs only specific HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 [XB3].
- Update the TV or monitor firmware. Many TV makers added these features through firmware updates [XB3].
- Turn it on at the source. PS5: Screen and Video settings [PS1]. Xbox: the VRR menu with Always On, Gaming Only or Off [XB4]. NVIDIA: the NVIDIA Control Panel [NV5]. Mac: Variable or Adaptive refresh rate [AP1].
- Remove adapters, docks and hubs while testing. For Adaptive Sync, Apple says not to use an HDMI cable or adapter [AP1]; on the Mac models Apple lists for HDMI VRR, connect the HDMI cable directly from the Mac’s HDMI port with no adapter [AP2]. NVIDIA lists a native DisplayPort connection [NV4]. On NVIDIA, set the monitor to DisplayPort 1.2a or higher in its menu [NV4].
- Check the output mode. On PS5, VRR is disabled during 8K output [PS1].
- Tearing above the refresh rate? If your frame rate regularly exceeds the display’s refresh rate, AMD suggests V-Sync or a frame-rate cap [AMD1].
- Flicker? Adaptive Sync may flicker outside games or on displays that are not validated [AP3]; turn variable refresh rate off [AP1], or set VRR to Gaming Only or Off on Xbox [XB4].
Before you buy anything
- Check the display’s spec page for HDMI 2.1 VRR, Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible, per input.
- Connect the VRR display directly to the console or graphics card and confirm VRR works there.
- Only then add a dock or adapter the maker lists for VRR.
- Still stuck? See monitor stuck at 60 Hz or external monitor not detected.
Sources
Every claim above links to one of these primary sources (HDMI Forum, HDMI LA, VESA and device makers). Claims we could not verify in a primary source were left out or marked “Not documented”.
- HDMI LA — Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) — HDMI Licensing Administrator, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- HDMI LA — HDMI gaming features (VRR, ALLM, QFT) — HDMI Licensing Administrator, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- HDMI Forum — HDMI Forum releases Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification — HDMI Forum, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- VESA DisplayPort — FAQ (Adaptive-Sync, docks, adapters) — VESA, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- VESA — AdaptiveSync Display and MediaSync Display certification — VESA, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- NVIDIA — G-SYNC monitors (G-SYNC, G-SYNC ULTIMATE, G-SYNC Compatible) — NVIDIA, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- NVIDIA — G-SYNC monitor list and specs (footnote 2) — NVIDIA, checked 2026-10-23 10:43 CEST
- NVIDIA Support — Do G-SYNC Compatible displays work on both DisplayPort and HDMI with GeForce GPUs? (updated 09/29/2021) — NVIDIA, checked 2026-10-23 10:42 CEST
- NVIDIA Support — What are the system requirements for G-SYNC Compatible display technology? (updated 09/29/2021) — NVIDIA, checked 2026-10-23 10:42 CEST
- NVIDIA Control Panel Help — To use variable refresh rates — NVIDIA, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- AMD — AMD FreeSync technology (tiers, FAQ, compatible docks) — AMD, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- AMD Support — How to enable and configure AMD FreeSync (DH3-013) — AMD, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- Intel Support — VRR over HDMI shows Not supported in Intel Arc Control (000098241) — Intel, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- Intel Developer — Enabling Intel Adaptive Sync with 11th-generation Intel Processor Graphics — Intel, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- PlayStation Support — How to change PS5 console resolution (VRR, 120 Hz, ALLM settings) — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- PlayStation Blog — Variable Refresh Rate support for PS5 is rolling out this week — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- Xbox — Xbox Series X tech specs — Microsoft, checked 2026-10-23 10:43 CEST
- Xbox — Xbox Series S tech specs — Microsoft, checked 2026-10-23 10:43 CEST
- Xbox Wire — You’re ready to power your dreams: is your TV? — Microsoft, checked 2026-10-23 10:43 CEST
- Xbox Wire — The Xbox September Update (VRR options) — Microsoft, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- Apple Support — Use an Adaptive Sync external display with your Mac — Apple, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
- Apple Support — Use an 8K display with your Mac (HDMI VRR) — Apple, checked 2026-10-23 22:48 CEST
- Apple Mac User Guide — Use Adaptive Sync with your Mac — Apple, checked 2026-10-23 10:41 CEST
Check your exact devices
Not sure your setup can pass VRR? Pick your console or PC and display in the solver to get the connection path, cable and settings to check.
Open the Display & Connection Solver →FAQ
What is VRR?
VRR (variable refresh rate) lets a console or computer send each frame as soon as it is ready, and the display refreshes to match instead of at a fixed rate. HDMI Licensing Administrator says this reduces or eliminates lag, judder and frame tearing. On HDMI it is the HDMI 2.1 VRR feature; on DisplayPort it is VESA Adaptive-Sync, which AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible build on.
Is G-SYNC Compatible the same as FreeSync?
Both run on standard VRR, but they are different labels. G-SYNC Compatible means NVIDIA has validated a monitor for a basic VRR experience on GeForce cards. FreeSync is AMD’s certification with three tiers: FreeSync, FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro. AMD says GeForce 10 series and newer cards that support DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync are expected to work with FreeSync displays, while NVIDIA warns that a display it has not validated may work, work partly or not work at all.
Does the PS5 support VRR?
Yes, over HDMI 2.1. Sony says VRR is enabled automatically for supported games when the PS5 is connected to an HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TV or PC monitor, and you can also apply it to unsupported games. Use the TV’s HDMI 2.1 port. VRR is disabled during 8K output.
Does the Xbox Series X|S support FreeSync?
Yes. Microsoft’s spec pages for both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S list HDMI Variable Refresh Rate and AMD FreeSync, over a single HDMI 2.1 port. In the console’s video settings you can set VRR to Always On, Gaming Only or Off.
Does VRR work through a dock, adapter or MST hub?
Only if the maker says so. None of the standards bodies or GPU makers we checked promise VRR through docks in general, through a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter or through an MST hub. The one exception we found is maker-specific: AMD keeps a list of FreeSync compatible docks for supported Ryzen AI 400 Series devices. Apple says to use a Thunderbolt, USB-C or DisplayPort cable for Adaptive Sync and not an HDMI cable or adapter; on the Mac models Apple lists for HDMI VRR, connect the HDMI cable directly from the Mac’s HDMI port, and to get the highest resolution and refresh rate don’t use an adapter with it. NVIDIA’s requirements list a G-SYNC Compatible monitor connected natively via DisplayPort. For any other dock, adapter or hub, check its maker’s documentation.
Can I use VRR over HDMI with an NVIDIA graphics card?
Yes, with an HDMI 2.1 display, but NVIDIA’s two pages differ on which cards. The footnote on NVIDIA’s G-SYNC monitor list says GeForce 30 series and higher on HDMI 2.1. An older NVIDIA support article, last updated in 2021, says GeForce GTX 16 series/RTX 20 series and higher on HDMI 2.1 displays. Over DisplayPort, both say GeForce 10 series and higher.
Why does my screen flicker with VRR on?
Apple says that if you are not gaming, or the display is not validated, Adaptive Sync may cause the screen to flicker. Turn variable refresh rate off for desktop work, or use a setting such as Gaming Only on Xbox. Apple also says to make sure the display is using the latest firmware from the manufacturer.