When it comes to internet speed, gamers have different needs than anyone else. Some people only need enough speed to download small updates or games, while others need enough speed to stream HD videos or play large online games. No matter what your specific needs are, here are some recommendations for the best internet speed for gaming and streaming
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How internet speed can affect gaming and streaming
No doubt Internet speed is one of the most essential factors for gaming and streaming. Obviously, if your internet is slow then you might experience poor gameplay, this is because the game will have to wait for the slower internet speed to load the action you have performed like shooting especially in the game. Additionally, streaming will also be slower. This is because streaming requires a lot of data to be sent back and forth. In general (Federal Communications Commission) FCC recommends 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds for a better user experience and in fact, it is enough to satisfy both gaming and streaming needs.
What internet speed do I need for streaming and gaming
To be honest it is difficult to determine the exact speeds you need for streaming and gaming because every house has a different use case. Below are data tables that provide the ideal minimum speeds you need for the most common games and streaming platforms.
Minimum internet speed for gaming and streaming
Gaming:
Recommended speeds for various types of popular online games
| Game Type | Min Download Speed | Min Upload Speed | Ping |
| Shooter (FPS and TPS) | 30 Mbps | 2 Mbps | 16 milliseconds |
| Battle Royale Games | 4 Mbps | 2 Mbps | 100-140 milliseconds |
| Role-Playing Game (RPG) | 2 Mbps | 1.5 Mbps | 150 milliseconds |
| Multiplayer online battle arena | 4 Mbps | 1 Mbps | 100-140 milliseconds |
Streaming:
Recommended internet speeds for streaming
| Service | Standard | 720P | 1080P | 4K |
| Netflix | 2 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps |
| Hulu | 3 Mbps | 4 Mbps | 8 Mbps | 16 Mbps |
| HBO Max | - | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | - |
| Disney+ | - | 5 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Youtube | 1 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| Youtube TV | 3 Mbps | - | 13 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Sling TV | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 5 Mbps | - |
Best Mbps for gaming and streaming
| Usage scenarios | Internet Speed |
| Gaming & casual HD streaming | 25 Mbps |
| Multiplayer gaming and 4K streaming | 50 Mbps – 100 Mbps |
| Downloading files (<2 Gb), gaming, and 4K streaming | 100 Mbps – 200 Mbps |
| Downloading Large files and 4K streaming | 200 Mbps – 300 Mbps |
| All the above | 500 Mbps |
How to improve internet speed for gaming and streaming
Here are some tips on how you can get better speeds for gaming and streaming
Use a wired internet connection for gaming (Avoid gaming on WIFI)
for a better gaming experience try to use a proper wired connection and avoid gaming on WIFI because signals from the WIFI router will fluctuate often because of the various factors like obstacles ( thick walls ) blocking the way between the WIFI signal and your gaming device or if two or many devices connected at once to a single WIFI router will create a delay between the signal and your device. So it is a good idea to use an ethernet cable to connect from your router to your gaming PC or laptop. If you still want to continue gaming on WIFI then at least switch to the 5 GHz band instead of the 2.4 GHz band. Also, try to place the router nearby your gaming device to avoid any kind of interruption between your wifi signal and the gaming device.
Check out the below video for mind blowing results of wired ethernet connection gaming VS WIFI
Avoid Downloading anything online while gaming or streaming
Downloading files from the internet consumes a lot of bandwidth which can slow down your internet speeds, so avoid downloading anything while gaming or streaming
Use Fiber Internet
if you are using DSL or cable internet service then it’s time to switch to a fiber-optic cable service provider because fiber optic cable has the ability to transfer data faster than a normal copper wire which results in faster loading times and better internet speed for gaming and streaming. A fiber internet connection is much faster than traditional internet connections and is perfect for users who are looking for a fast and reliable connection. Fiber optic cables are also more reliable than other types of cables, which is why fiber internet is becoming more and more popular.
FAQ
Is 50 Mbps good for gaming and streaming
Ans: the short and simple answer for this is yes, but it also depends on what type of internet connection you are using like DSL, cable or fiber
Is 100 Mbps good for gaming and streaming?
Ans: Yes
Hi! I am Fiyan, founder and voice behind FMIPV6.ORG. I am a networking expert with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Here at FMIPV6.ORG, my main goal is to provide quick and easy guides to fix WIFI routers issues, WIFI extenders issues, slow Internet issues, and as well as unbiased product reviews to help you make the right purchase.