FreeSync Premium vs Premium Pro: Compare

What are FreeSync Premium and Premium Pro?

FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro are certification tiers for monitors that support AMD's adaptive sync technology. They build on the base FreeSync standard by adding requirements for refresh rate, low framerate compensation, and HDR support. These tiers help you identify monitors that deliver a smoother experience in fast-paced games and better visual quality in HDR content.

The key differences are in the minimum refresh rate, the inclusion of low framerate compensation, and HDR support. FreeSync Premium requires a refresh rate of at least 120Hz at 1080p or higher, and it must include low framerate compensation. FreeSync Premium Pro adds HDR support and requires a refresh rate of at least 120Hz at 4K resolution. This makes Premium Pro a better fit for high-resolution HDR gaming.

Refresh Rate Requirements

The refresh rate is the number of times the monitor updates the image per second, measured in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate can make motion look smoother, which is especially important in competitive games where quick reactions matter. FreeSync Premium and Premium Pro both require a minimum refresh rate of 120Hz, but they differ in the resolution at which this must be achieved.

FreeSync Premium requires a refresh rate of at least 120Hz at 1080p or higher. This means a 1440p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate qualifies for Premium, as does a 1080p monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate. For a selection of monitors that meet these requirements, see the best 1440p gaming monitors and best 240Hz gaming monitors guides. FreeSync Premium Pro requires a refresh rate of at least 120Hz at 4K resolution. This is a stricter requirement, as driving 4K at 120Hz demands more from the monitor's hardware.

For competitive play at high refresh rates, a monitor with FreeSync Premium is often sufficient. If you play at 4K and want the benefits of adaptive sync at high refresh rates, look for a monitor with FreeSync Premium Pro. The higher refresh rate requirement for Premium Pro ensures that the monitor can handle the demands of 4K gaming without tearing or stuttering.

HDR Support Differences

High Dynamic Range (HDR) expands the range of colors and brightness a monitor can display, making highlights brighter and shadows deeper. FreeSync Premium Pro includes HDR support as a requirement, while FreeSync Premium does not. This means a monitor with Premium Pro certification is designed to deliver a better HDR experience, with higher peak brightness and wider color gamut. Learn more about HDR in gaming.

HDR support is not just about the monitor's capability; it also depends on the graphics card and the content. A monitor with FreeSync Premium Pro is certified to meet certain HDR standards, which can help ensure that HDR content looks as intended. If you play games that support HDR or watch HDR videos, a Premium Pro monitor is a better choice.

For gamers who do not prioritize HDR, FreeSync Premium is a solid option. It provides the core benefits of adaptive sync, such as reduced screen tearing and smoother gameplay, without the additional HDR requirements. If you are building a gaming PC for HDR gaming, consider a monitor with FreeSync Premium Pro and pair it with a graphics card that supports HDR output.

Low Framerate Compensation

Low framerate compensation (LFC) is a feature that helps maintain smooth motion when the frame rate drops below the monitor's minimum refresh rate. It works by multiplying the frame rate to keep it within the adaptive sync range. For example, if the monitor's range is 40Hz to 144Hz and the game runs at 30 frames per second, LFC will display each frame twice, effectively running at 60Hz.

Both FreeSync Premium and Premium Pro include low framerate compensation as a requirement. This is a significant upgrade over the base FreeSync standard, which does not mandate LFC. With LFC, you can experience smoother gameplay even when performance dips, which is common in demanding single-player games or during intense moments in multiplayer titles. For more on variable refresh rate technology, see the VRR guide.

LFC is particularly useful for gamers who play at high refresh rates but may not always achieve high frame rates. It ensures that the monitor continues to provide a tear-free experience even when the frame rate fluctuates. This makes both Premium and Premium Pro good choices for a wide range of gaming scenarios.

Which Tier Should You Choose?

The choice between FreeSync Premium and Premium Pro depends on your gaming setup and priorities. If you play at 1080p or 1440p and do not use HDR, FreeSync Premium is a cost-effective choice that delivers the core benefits of adaptive sync. It is well-suited for competitive games where high refresh rates matter, such as esports titles. Check the best esports gaming PCs guide for compatible systems.

If you play at 4K or want the best HDR experience, FreeSync Premium Pro is the better option. The higher refresh rate requirement at 4K ensures that the monitor can handle the demands of high-resolution gaming, and the HDR support provides better visual quality for HDR content. This tier is ideal for gamers who want a premium experience.

When choosing a monitor, consider the resolution and refresh rate of your gaming PC. A monitor with FreeSync Premium is a good match for a 1080p or 1440p gaming PC, while a Premium Pro monitor pairs well with a 4K gaming PC. Check the specifications of the monitor to ensure it meets the requirements for the tier you prefer.

Compatibility with Graphics Cards

FreeSync Premium and Premium Pro are designed to work with AMD graphics cards, but they can also work with NVIDIA graphics cards that support adaptive sync. NVIDIA's G-SYNC Compatible program recognizes monitors that support adaptive sync, and many FreeSync monitors are certified as G-SYNC Compatible. This means you can use a FreeSync Premium monitor with an NVIDIA graphics card, though the experience may vary. For a deeper comparison, read the G-SYNC vs FreeSync vs VRR article.

For the best experience, use a FreeSync Premium or Premium Pro monitor with an AMD graphics card. AMD's Radeon software provides options to enable FreeSync and configure settings for optimal performance. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, check if the monitor is listed as G-SYNC Compatible to ensure it works properly.

When building a gaming PC, consider the graphics card you plan to use. If you are choosing between AMD and NVIDIA, the monitor's adaptive sync compatibility is a factor to consider. A FreeSync Premium monitor is a good choice for an AMD-based gaming PC, while a G-SYNC Compatible monitor may be better for an NVIDIA-based system.

What to Pick for Your Play

The right tier depends on your gaming habits and the resolution of your monitor. For competitive gamers who play at 1080p or 1440p with high refresh rates, FreeSync Premium is a solid choice. It provides the smooth, tear-free experience needed for fast-paced games without the extra cost of HDR support.

For gamers who play at 4K or want to enjoy HDR content, FreeSync Premium Pro is the better option. The higher refresh rate requirement at 4K ensures that the monitor can handle the demands of high-resolution gaming, and the HDR support provides better visual quality. This tier is ideal for gamers who want a premium experience.

Consider the monitor's resolution and refresh rate when making your choice. A 1080p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate is a good match for FreeSync Premium, while a 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate is a good match for Premium Pro. Check the monitor's specifications to ensure it meets the requirements for the tier you prefer.

What to pick for your play

Questions

What is the difference between FreeSync Premium and Premium Pro?

FreeSync Premium requires a refresh rate of at least 120Hz at 1080p or higher and includes low framerate compensation. FreeSync Premium Pro adds HDR support and requires a refresh rate of at least 120Hz at 4K.

Does FreeSync Premium Pro support HDR?

Yes, FreeSync Premium Pro includes HDR support as a requirement. This means monitors with this certification are designed to deliver a better HDR experience with higher peak brightness and wider color gamut.

Is low framerate compensation included in both tiers?

Yes, both FreeSync Premium and Premium Pro include low framerate compensation as a requirement. This feature helps maintain smooth motion when the frame rate drops below the monitor's minimum refresh rate.

Can I use a FreeSync Premium monitor with an NVIDIA graphics card?

Yes, many FreeSync monitors are certified as G-SYNC Compatible, so they can work with NVIDIA graphics cards. However, the experience may vary, and it is best to check if the monitor is listed as G-SYNC Compatible. For more details, see the G-SYNC vs FreeSync for NVIDIA GPUs guide.

Which tier is better for 4K gaming?

FreeSync Premium Pro is better for 4K gaming because it requires a refresh rate of at least 120Hz at 4K and includes HDR support. This ensures a smoother and more visually impressive experience at high resolutions. Pair it with a best 4K gaming PC for optimal results.