If you have ever felt that your favorite video game looked “blurry” during fast movements, or if you noticed a strange “trail” behind your cursor on a new laptop, you have likely encountered display motion blur. In the world of competitive gaming and professional video editing, these minor visual artifacts are more than just an annoyance—they are a performance barrier.
This is where the UFO Test comes in. Developed by the team at Blur Busters, the UFO Test has become the industry-standard tool for measuring monitor performance. But what exactly is it testing, and how can you use it to optimize your setup? In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we break down everything you need to know about display fluidity.
1. What is the UFO Test? (TestUFO Explained)
The UFO Test (officially known as TestUFO) is a web-based tool that uses moving images—specifically small, colorful UFOs—to measure how a screen handles motion. Unlike a static image, the UFOs move horizontally across the screen at various speeds (measured in pixels per second).
Why a UFO?
The choice of a UFO is intentional. It has distinct edges, vibrant colors, and fine details (like the alien inside the cockpit). These features make it incredibly easy for the human eye to spot:
- Ghosting: Faint trails behind the object.
- Coronas: Bright glow around the edges (overshoot).
- Motion Blur: Lack of sharpness during movement.
2. Decoding the Terminology: Hz vs. FPS vs. GtG
To rank for 0KD keywords, we must understand the technical pillars that the UFO Test measures. Many users confuse these terms, but they are distinct factors in display quality.
A. Refresh Rate (Hz)
The refresh rate is how many times per second your monitor updates the image. A 144Hz monitor updates 144 times every second. The UFO Test allows you to see the literal difference between 60Hz, 120Hz, and the modern 360Hz or 540Hz displays.
B. Frame Rate (FPS)
Frames Per Second is the speed at which your computer’s GPU sends images to the monitor. Ideally, your FPS should match your Hz. The UFO Test has a specific “Frame Rate vs. Refresh Rate” module to show you exactly what happens when these numbers don’t align (causing “stutter”).
C. Gray-to-Gray (GtG) Response Time
This is the speed at which a pixel can change from one color to another. If the GtG is slow, the pixels can’t keep up with the moving UFO, resulting in Ghosting.
3. How to Run a UFO Test Like a Pro
Running the test is easy, but getting accurate results requires a specific environment.
- Close Background Tabs: The UFO Test is browser-based. If you have 50 tabs open or a YouTube video playing, your CPU might stutter, causing “stutter” in the test that isn’t the monitor’s fault.
- Disable Hardware Acceleration Issues: Ensure your browser’s hardware acceleration is turned on in settings.
- Check Your Sync: The test will tell you if your browser is “Synced” to your monitor’s refresh rate. If the bar at the bottom is green and says “READY,” your data is accurate.
- Observe at Different Speeds: Change the speed to 960 pixels per second. This is the standard speed for detecting motion blur.
4. Identifying Monitor “Illnesses” Through the UFO Test
The UFO Test is like an X-ray for your monitor. Here is what to look for:
The Ghosting Effect
If you see a faint, dark shadow following the UFO, your monitor has Ghosting. This is common in VA (Vertical Alignment) panels. While VA panels have great contrast, their slow pixel response times often fail the UFO test.
Inverse Ghosting (Overshoot)
If you see a bright, glowing trail (white or translucent) in front of or behind the UFO, this is Overshoot. This happens when you turn your monitor’s “Overdrive” or “Response Time” setting too high. The UFO Test helps you find the “Sweet Spot” setting for your specific screen.
Strobe Cross-Talk
Many modern monitors have a “Motion Blur Reduction” (MBR) or “ELMB” setting. This strobes the backlight to clear up blur. If you see a “double image” of the UFO, you are experiencing Strobe Cross-Talk.
5. Panel Types: Who Wins the UFO Test?
In 2025, the type of panel you use determines your “UFO Score.”
- OLED (The King): OLED pixels turn on and off almost instantaneously (0.03ms GtG). On a UFO Test, an OLED screen looks incredibly sharp, even at high speeds.
- Fast IPS: The modern standard for gaming. Very low ghosting, though it can suffer from slight overshoot if the overdrive is pushed too hard.
- VA Panels: Usually the losers of the motion test. They struggle with “dark smearing,” where the UFO leaves a long black trail across the screen.
6. Optimization: How to “Fix” a Failing UFO Test
If your monitor looks blurry during the test, don’t throw it away yet. Try these steps:
- Adjust Overdrive: Go into your monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display) menu. Look for “Response Time” or “Overdrive.” Set it to “Normal” or “Fast.” Avoid “Extreme” or “Ultra Fast” as this usually causes the bright “Overshoot” glows.
- Enable G-Sync or FreeSync: This ensures your FPS and Hz stay in lock-step, removing “tearing” artifacts.
- Check Your Cable: Ensure you are using a DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 cable. Older cables may limit your refresh rate, making the UFO test look worse than the monitor is capable of.
7. SEO Strategy: Why This Article Ranks (0KD Focus)
For guest posting success, we have targeted these specific, low-competition keywords:
- “UFO Test ghosting vs overshoot”
- “How to read TestUFO motion blur results”
- “Best monitor settings for Blur Busters UFO test”
- “Monitor motion blur reduction benchmarks 2025”
By providing a technical yet accessible breakdown, this article establishes the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) that Google requires for tech-related rankings.
Conclusion: Why Every Gamer Needs the UFO Test
In an era where we spend thousands of dollars on GPUs and high-end monitors, the UFO Test is the only way to verify you are getting what you paid for. It is the ultimate truth-teller. Whether you are a pro-level esports athlete or a casual movie lover, understanding display motion is the key to a better visual experience.
The next time you buy a monitor, don’t just look at the box. Open your browser, head to the UFO Test, and see the truth for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the UFO Test work on mobile phones? Yes! You can run the test on iPhone and Android browsers. It is a great way to see if your phone’s “90Hz” or “120Hz” screen is actually delivering smooth motion.
2. Why does the test say “Browser Zoom Not 100%”? The UFO Test requires pixel-perfect accuracy. If your browser is zoomed in or out, the pixels of the UFO don’t align with the pixels of your screen, making the test results invalid.
3. Is “Motion Blur” always bad? In gaming, yes. It reduces clarity. However, in movies, a small amount of motion blur is actually desirable as it makes the 24fps film look more “cinematic” and natural to the human eye.
4. Can a software update fix ghosting? Usually, no. Ghosting is a physical limitation of the liquid crystals in your panel. However, firmware updates can sometimes improve the “Overdrive” algorithms to minimize the appearance of ghosting.
