Does vsync cause input lag?

Yes, V-Sync (Vertical Sync) can cause input lag — especially in fast-paced games.

Here’s a breakdown:

🎮 What is V-Sync?

V-Sync is a graphics technology that syncs your game’s frame rate with your monitor’s refresh rate to prevent screen tearing — a visual glitch where two frames overlap on screen.

🐢 How V-Sync Causes Input Lag

When V-Sync is enabled, your graphics card waits for the monitor to be ready before displaying the next frame. This introduces a delay between your input (like a keypress or button tap) and the action on screen.

Result:

  • ✔️ No screen tearing

  • ❌ More noticeable input delay (especially in games that require fast reaction time)

⚡ When You’ll Notice Input Lag from V-Sync

  • FPS games like Call of Duty, Valorant, CS:GO

  • Fighting games like Street Fighter or Tekken

  • Racing games where every millisecond matters

🧠 Should You Turn Off V-Sync?

Use Case Recommendation
Competitive gaming ❌ Turn off V-Sync for faster response
Casual/single-player games ✅ V-Sync is fine to avoid tearing
You have G-Sync/FreeSync ❌ Don’t use V-Sync — use those instead
You experience screen tearing ✅ V-Sync can help, but test latency impact

🔄 Better Alternatives to V-Sync

  • ✅ NVIDIA Reflex (low-latency tech in supported games)

  • ✅ AMD Anti-Lag

  • ✅ G-Sync / FreeSync monitors

  • ✅ Fast Sync (NVIDIA) or Enhanced Sync (AMD) – less lag than V-Sync

🧪 Tip: Test It Yourself

If you’re not sure, try toggling V-Sync in a game’s settings. Move your mouse quickly or perform an in-game action — see if it feels slower or more responsive.