Best PS5 Settings for Better Performance

The right PlayStation 5 settings can make games feel smoother, reduce input delay, improve picture quality, and help compatible titles run at higher frame rates. The console works well with its default configuration, but several important options are hidden inside the Screen and Video, Saved Data and Game/App Settings, Network, and System menus.

This guide explains the best PS5 settings for performance and shows when to use Performance Mode, 120Hz, variable refresh rate, automatic low-latency mode, HDR, and other useful options. Some features require a compatible television or monitor, so your available settings may differ.

Best PS5 Performance Settings at a Glance

1. Make Performance Mode the Default

The most important change for smoother gameplay is choosing Performance Mode as the default preset. Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets > Performance Mode or Resolution Mode, then select Performance Mode.

Performance Mode asks supported games to prioritize frame rate. Depending on the title, that may mean targeting 60 frames per second instead of 30, or enabling a 120fps option. The game may reduce internal resolution, ray tracing quality, shadow detail, or other visual effects to maintain smoother motion.

Resolution Mode does the opposite. It favors higher image quality and may enable stronger ray tracing, but it can lower the frame rate. It is suitable for slower single-player games where detailed visuals matter more than fast response. Performance Mode is usually better for shooters, racing games, sports titles, fighting games, and competitive multiplayer.

The preset does not force every game to use the same mode. Some games ignore the system preference, while others let you choose within their own graphics menu. Always check the game's display settings after launching it.

2. Set the Resolution to Automatic

Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Resolution and select Automatic. This allows the PS5 to use the highest suitable resolution supported by your television, monitor, HDMI port, and cable.

Manually choosing 1080p can be useful for troubleshooting, but it does not automatically make every game run faster. Most PS5 games render at their own internal resolution and then output the image at the system resolution. Performance Mode inside the game is normally more important than lowering the console's video output.

If you use a 1440p monitor, select 1440p and run the built-in output test. PlayStation's test can check SDR, HDR, 60Hz, 120Hz, and VRR compatibility. If the screen loses signal, return to Automatic or verify that the correct HDMI input supports the required features.

3. Enable 120Hz Output

Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > 120 Hz Output and choose Automatic. This permits compatible games to use 120Hz modes when connected to a supported television or monitor.

A 120Hz display refreshes twice as often as a standard 60Hz screen. In a game that delivers up to 120fps, motion looks clearer and controller input feels more immediate. The improvement is particularly noticeable in competitive shooters, racing games, and fast action titles.

Setting this option to Automatic does not make every game run at 120fps. The game must include a compatible mode, and you may need to enable it from the game's graphics settings. Some titles lower resolution or visual detail to reach the higher frame rate.

For 4K at 120Hz, connect the PS5 directly to a compatible HDMI 2.1 port using a suitable cable. If you use a receiver, soundbar, or capture device between the console and television, every part of the connection must support the required bandwidth.

4. Turn On Variable Refresh Rate

Set VRR to Automatic under Video Output. Variable refresh rate dynamically matches the display refresh rate to the console's frame output. This can reduce screen tearing and make small frame-rate changes feel less distracting.

You can also try Apply to Unsupported Games. This may improve some games that do not officially support VRR, but Sony notes that results can vary. If a game begins to flicker or display unusual visual behavior, turn that secondary option off.

VRR requires a compatible display and connection. Check Information for the Connected HDMI Device in the Video Output menu to see which capabilities the PS5 detects. Your television may also require you to enable an enhanced HDMI format or gaming option for the relevant input.

5. Enable ALLM and Television Game Mode

Automatic Low Latency Mode can tell a compatible television to switch into its low-latency gaming configuration. Set ALLM to Automatic in the PS5 Video Output settings.

You should also check the television's picture menu and select Game Mode or its equivalent. Standard cinema and vivid modes often apply motion smoothing, noise reduction, sharpening, and other processing that can add input delay. Game Mode disables or reduces much of that processing.

If the picture looks less colorful after switching modes, adjust color temperature, brightness, and local dimming without re-enabling motion interpolation. Avoid settings commonly called MotionFlow, TruMotion, Auto Motion Plus, or motion smoothing while gaming.

6. Use HDR Only When Supported

Set HDR to On When Supported. This allows HDR games and apps to use high dynamic range while leaving SDR content in its original format. Choosing Always On converts SDR output into an HDR container, which can change brightness or colors on some displays.

After selecting the correct option, choose Adjust HDR and follow the on-screen calibration. Perform the adjustment while the television is already using Game Mode, because switching picture modes afterward can change its brightness and tone mapping.

HDR does not increase frame rate, but correct calibration prevents crushed shadows, clipped highlights, and a washed-out image. If HDR looks worse than SDR, verify the TV's HDMI enhanced format, black-level setting, and game-mode configuration before disabling it.

7. Check RGB Range and 4K Video Transfer Rate

Leave RGB Range on Automatic unless you are solving a specific black-level problem. A mismatch between the PS5 and display can make blacks appear gray or hide detail in dark scenes.

Keep 4K Video Transfer Rate on Automatic as well. If you see flickering, white sparkles, or intermittent black screens at 4K, try -1 and then -2. These options reduce the chroma data rate and may stabilize a problematic cable or HDMI device, although they are troubleshooting settings rather than performance boosts.

8. Improve the Network Connection

Video settings cannot fix online lag caused by an unstable internet connection. For competitive games, connect the PS5 directly to the router with an Ethernet cable whenever possible. A wired connection usually offers more consistent latency and is less affected by walls, interference, and busy wireless channels.

If Ethernet is unavailable, use a 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi band when the console is near the router. The 2.4GHz band travels farther but is often more congested. Place the router in an open location, avoid hiding it behind a television, and pause large downloads on other devices during online matches.

Connection speed is not the only factor. Stable latency and low packet loss matter more than an extremely high download result. Restart the router and console if performance suddenly becomes worse, and check the PlayStation Network status before changing advanced settings.

9. Keep System Software and Games Updated

Install PS5 system updates and game patches regularly. Developers often improve performance, repair frame-rate problems, add VRR support, or introduce new graphics modes after release.

Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings and enable automatic update downloads. For games, highlight a title on the home screen, press the Options button, and choose Check for Update.

Rest Mode can download updates while the console is not actively being used. Under the Rest Mode features, allow the PS5 to stay connected to the internet if you want patches to download automatically.

10. Protect Storage and Prevent Overheating

Nearly full storage does not always lower in-game frame rates, but it can stop updates from installing and make game management inconvenient. Remove titles you no longer play or move compatible PS4 games to an external USB drive. PS5 games can be stored on USB but must be copied back to internal or compatible M.2 storage before playing.

Give the console enough ventilation. Do not place it inside a tightly closed cabinet or block its air vents. Dust buildup and excessive room temperature can increase fan noise and may affect stability during long gaming sessions.

Do not use unverified cooling accessories that interfere with airflow. A clean, open position and normal room ventilation are usually more useful than attaching extra fans.

Performance Mode vs Resolution Mode

Why Is 120Hz or VRR Not Showing?

If an option is unavailable, first open Information for the Connected HDMI Device. Confirm that the PS5 detects the expected resolution, refresh rate, HDR, and VRR capabilities. Then check that you are using the correct HDMI port, because some televisions offer full gaming features on only one or two inputs.

Enable the TV's enhanced HDMI setting, which may use a name such as Enhanced Format, Input Signal Plus, or HDMI Deep Color. Connect the console directly to the television to rule out an incompatible receiver or soundbar. Finally, confirm that the game actually supports the desired feature.

Final Recommendation

For most players, the best PS5 configuration is Performance Mode combined with Automatic resolution, 120Hz Output, VRR, and ALLM. Use HDR only when supported, enable Game Mode on the display, and prefer Ethernet for online gaming.

These settings cannot make an unsupported game run at 120fps, but they ensure that the console and display use the best available performance features. Test individual game modes because the ideal balance between frame rate and image quality depends on the title and your preferences.

For more gaming help, see our guides on how to fix PS5 controller drift and how to fix low FPS in PC games. You can also explore the best PS5 games in 2027 and the best free PS5 games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use Performance Mode on PS5?

Yes, if you prefer smoother gameplay and faster response. Use Resolution Mode when you value higher visual quality more than frame rate.

Does lowering PS5 resolution increase FPS?

Usually not by itself. The game's Performance Mode controls its rendering target, while the PS5 resolution setting mainly controls the signal sent to the display.

Can every PS5 game run at 120fps?

No. The game must include a 120fps mode, and you need a compatible 120Hz television or monitor.

Should VRR be turned on?

Yes, on a compatible display. VRR can reduce tearing and make frame-rate changes appear smoother. Turn off Apply to Unsupported Games if it creates visual problems.

What is the best PS5 setting for competitive gaming?

Use Performance Mode, 120Hz Output, VRR, ALLM, television Game Mode, and a wired Ethernet connection whenever the game and display support them.