Screen Tearing Test — VSync & VRR Diagnostic

📅Published: February 22, 2026👤Author: FPS Tools Team

Visualize screen tearing and test the effectiveness of VSync, G-Sync, and FreeSync. Use our simulator to see how synchronization affects motion clarity.

A solid bar indicates perfect sync. Enable "Simulate Tearing" to see how frames break without VSync/VRR.

What is Screen Tearing?

Screen tearing occurs when your graphics card (GPU) sends a new frame to the monitor while the monitor is in the middle of a refresh cycle. This results in the display showing parts of two or more different frames simultaneously, creating a visible "tear" or horizontal line.

Understanding Synchronization

  • VSync (Vertical Sync): Forces the GPU to wait for the monitor to finish a refresh before sending a new frame. This eliminates tearing but can introduce input lag.
  • G-Sync / FreeSync (VRR): Variable Refresh Rate allows the monitor to change its refresh rate dynamically to match the GPU's output, providing smooth, tear-free motion with minimal lag.

How to Use This Test

  1. Normal Mode: Observe the moving white bar. If your system is perfectly synced (VSync on), it should look like a single solid line.
  2. Simulated Tearing: Enable this mode to see an exaggerated version of tearing. The bar will appear broken into segments, illustrating what happens when frames don't align with refresh cycles.
  3. Speed & FPS: Higher speeds and lower simulated frame rates make synchronization issues more apparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't I see tearing in my browser?
Modern browsers and operating system compositors (like Windows DWM) almost always enforce VSync, making it difficult to see real tearing in a browser window. Use our "Simulated Tearing" mode to visualize the effect.
Is screen tearing bad for my monitor?
No, screen tearing is a timing issue between your GPU and display; it does not cause any physical damage to your hardware. It is only a visual distraction.