Does PS5 support FreeSync?


A white and black PS5 next to the DualSense gamepad, both featuring blue lighting.
Credit: Sony

So, does PS5 support FreeSync? If you're the kind of person who wants to invest in a good monitor specifically for the console, then you'll want to know.

In essence, FreeSync is a tech that helps reduce visual errors like ghosting and glitching. It's something that's available with a lot of the top gaming monitors and gaming TVs, so you might already have it without realising.

With the PlayStation 5 being closer to a PC than any console before it, it'd be nice if it supported more PC features. Because of that, it's only natural that you'd want to know if the PS5 supports FreeSync. So let's jump into things and see...

Does PS5 support FreeSync?

The simple answer is no, the PS5 does not currently support FreeSync, nor does it support NVIDIA G-Sync. However, following an update last year, the PS5 does support VRR on top HDMI 2.1 monitors and TVs.

Deathloop gameplay with FreeSync turned off.
click to enlarge
Credit: AMD

What is FreeSync?

FreeSync, or AMD FreeSync, is a form of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology designed to minimise screen tearing and latency. It accomplishes this by synchronising the refresh rate of a monitor or TV with the frame rate output from a PC or console, like the PS5.

As games on the PS5 can vary in demand, the frame rate signal sent out by the console fluctuates based on the complexity of the tasks. This variance can potentially lead to lag if the PS5 struggles to match the TV or monitor's refresh rate. FreeSync acts as a solution, ensuring smoother gameplay by preventing these disparities between frame rates and refresh rates, ultimately enhancing the gaming experience by maintaining synchronisation.

Will PS5 support FreeSync in the future?

Currently, there is no official word on whether or not Sony will support FreeSync, but there is a chance it could happen in a future update or perhaps with the release of the PS5 Pro.

In the Ultimate PS5 FAQ, Sony stated, "PS5 hardware supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) through HDMI 2.1. After a future system software update, PS5 owners will be able to use the VRR feature of compatible TVs when playing games that support VRR."

This suggests that the update was for VRR support for HDMI 2.1 monitors and TVs but there is no specific reference here to AMD FreeSync.

Why does PS5 not support FreeSync?

There are a few reasons why Sony's PS5 does not support AMD FreeSync, firstly, it is a specific technology that is not found in all monitors and TVs. Plus, with HDMI 2.1 VRR now available on the PS5, FreeSync is not a necessary technology.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Deals, Tech, and Affiliates pages.