7 Best Programs for Monitoring FPS in Games

FPS (frames per second) is the number of frames per second. The larger this value, the smoother the picture on the screen looks. The comfort of the gameplay depends on the stability and FPS value.

High graphics settings use more computer resources and thus reduce the frame rate. The low quality of the effects in the game, on the contrary, can significantly increase the FPS.

In order to choose balanced settings and not sacrifice image characteristics, FPS monitoring tools come in handy. They display a counter directly on top of the image in the game and allow you to evaluate performance on the go with the selected graphics settings.

In many modern games, a similar function is already provided. It is usually hidden in the video settings section and is called FPS or "Performance Statistics". If your game does not have such an option or you are not satisfied, for example, with the information format, you can use one of the programs listed below.

1. MSI Afterburner

• Available platform: Windows.
• Price: is free.

One of the most popular tools for gamers. Despite the fact that the main function of Afterburner is to overclock the video adapter, the program also provides a lot of additional options, including displaying FPS.

Afterburner shows the frame counter, memory frequencies, CPU and GPU load, sensor temperature and a lot of other information. In addition, it allows you to control the voltage of the video card, adjust the speed of the fans, as well as contains a built-in stress test, video capture tool and supporting mobile applications for quick management.

Download MSI Afterburner →

2. GeForce Experience

• Available platform: Windows.
• Price: is free.

A useful companion app for owners graphics cards from NVIDIA. GeForce Experience
can display an overlay with the output of various information, including the frame rate, the number of stream viewers, comments and much more.

In addition, the program also allows you to easily update drivers, optimize game settings, record gameplay videos and broadcast.

Download GeForce Experience →

3. NZXT CAM

• Available platform: Windows.
• Price: is free.

Very simple and convenient software from the manufacturer of cooling systems, lights and other accessories for PC. Able to manage the settings of branded components, as well as view various system information in overlay mode.

The frame rate counter is displayed in a small window along with the frequency of the processor and video chip, the amount of RAM used, and other parameters. You can customize the transparency and appearance, add hotkeys and activate automatic activation when the game starts.

Download NZXT CAM →

4. FPS Monitor

• Available platform: Windows.
• Price: 350 rubles.

A functional utility for monitoring hardware and system components that shows all the information on top of the game. At your disposal is not only the frame counter, but also the load of the processor and video card, the amount of available memory, temperature accessories.

The appearance of all indicators, their number and location on the screen are flexibly configured - up to the creation of several overlays. There is support for hotkeys and the ability to collect statistics.

The free version has no feature restrictions, but contains a watermark that can be removed by purchasing a license.

Download FPS Monitor →

5. Fraps

• Available platform: Windows.
• Price: is free.

One of the oldest and most famous FPS monitoring apps. It has not been updated for a long time, but still works properly even on new versions of the OS, including Windows 11.

Fraps can show the frame counter, allows you to customize its appearance and change the position on the screen. In addition, it supports capturing video and screenshots by pressing hotkeys.

Download Fraps →

6. MangoHUD

• Available platform: linux.
• Price: is free.

An open source utility that supports the Vulkan and OpenGL APIs. Like other analogues, the possibilities of MangoHUD are not limited to displaying FPS. In addition, the program can show the load of the processor, video card and memory, the temperature of the equipment used, as well as the frame rendering time.

MangoHUD can log all collected data during the game and then display the statistics in the form of visual graphs.

Download MangoHUD →

7. Steam

• Available platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
• Price: is free.

Steam allows you to do without additional software. The program has a built-in frame counter, which you just need to turn on.

To do this, go to the menu "Settings" → "In-game" → "Frame rate display" and select the position of the counter. The number of frames will appear during the game in the specified corner.

Artyom Kozoriz