diff --git a/src/backend/sdl2.zig b/src/backend/sdl2.zig
index d46ce39..e75d772 100644
--- a/src/backend/sdl2.zig
+++ b/src/backend/sdl2.zig
@@ -47,8 +47,17 @@ pub const Sdl2Backend = struct {
         ) orelse return error.WindowCreationFailed;
         errdefer c.SDL_DestroyWindow(window);
 
-        // Create renderer (using software renderer for consistency)
+        // Create renderer with hardware acceleration and VSync
+        // VSync syncs with monitor refresh rate (typically 60Hz) which:
+        // - Eliminates screen tearing
+        // - Reduces CPU usage (no busy-wait needed)
+        // - Provides consistent frame timing
+        // Falls back to software renderer if GPU not available
         const renderer = c.SDL_CreateRenderer(
+            window,
+            -1,
+            c.SDL_RENDERER_ACCELERATED | c.SDL_RENDERER_PRESENTVSYNC,
+        ) orelse c.SDL_CreateRenderer(
             window,
             -1,
             c.SDL_RENDERER_SOFTWARE,