Best internet speed for gaming and streaming

Gaming and streaming are two activities that can consume a lot of bandwidth. If you’re not getting the best internet speed for gaming and streaming, you could be experiencing buffering, lag, and other problems.

In this blog post, we will discuss the internet speeds you need for playing games and streaming video content, as well as how to choose the right one for your needs.

How many Mbps do I need for gaming and streaming

To be honest it is difficult to determine the exact speeds you need for live streaming and gaming because every gamer has different requirements.

here’s a complete guide on the best internet speed for live streaming the gameplay to your audience.

Below are data tables that provide the ideal minimum speeds you need for the most common games and content streaming platforms.

Minimum internet speed for gaming

Min speeds required for various streaming platforms

Best Mbps for gaming and streaming

The best internet speed for gaming and streaming we recommend is going with 50 Mbps for smooth gaming and streaming performance for two people living in one house using the same internet connection,

but what if you have more than two people using the same internet connection for various tasks like someone is downloading something while you are streaming 4k content and someone might be playing online games,

then just simply refer to the table below in order to get an idea about how much speed you need for other tasks along with gaming and streaming.

What is ping and how does it affect your gameplay

ping is a measure of the latency of a player’s connection to the game server and determines how fast your gameplay inputs are registered and responded to by the server.

A low ping means a more responsive connection, while a high ping can lead to lag and other issues. Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms), and the lower the number, the better.

For example, a ping of 10ms means that it takes 10 milliseconds for a packet of data to travel from your computer to the game server and back to your PC again.

Ping can be affected by several factors, including the quality of your internet connection, the distance between you and the server, and the number of players on the server.

while a high ping of more than 100 milliseconds is very annoying which makes your gameplay laggy and almost unplayable

What is packet loss in gaming

Packet loss is the most common problem that can occur when playing online games. It happens when packets of data don’t reach their destination, resulting in choppy gameplay or even disconnections.

What causes packet loss in games

Packet loss can be caused by a variety of things, from server issues to poor internet connections. It can be frustrating for gamers, especially if they’re in the middle of a competitive match.

packet loss can also be caused by congested servers, so it’s worth checking the server’s status before joining a game.

How do I fix packet loss in games?

There are ways to minimize packet loss, such as using a wired connection instead of WiFi or closing down any programs that might be causing interference. But sometimes packet loss is unavoidable.

If you’re experiencing packet loss, the best thing you can do is try to play on a server that’s closer to your location.

This will minimize the chances of packets getting lost in transit. Packet loss can be a real pain for gamers, but don’t worry there are ways to work around it

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 various factors like obstacles ( thick walls ) blocking the way between the WIFI signal and your gaming device.

If two or many devices are 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.

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

Below are some of the most common questions that you might have while on the hunt for choosing the best internet speed for your gaming and streaming needs

Is 50 Mbps Good for Gaming

Ans: If you are an online gamer looking to play competitive games at their peak potential, then 50 Mbps is more than enough.

Moreover, you can also stream your online games with your fans through platforms like twitch with this internet speed.

However, remember that packet loss and pings are two of the most critical factors when gaming.

So, make sure to have a connection that offers stable and low ping for your gaming needs.

Is 50 Mbps suitable for streaming?

Ans: The answer to this question depends on how many people are using the internet for streaming purposes.

A 50 Mbps Bandwidth is enough to handle the streaming needs for up to 2 people at 4k.

It also leaves room for some small internet activity here and thereafter simultaneously with the streaming.

Is 100 Mbps good for gaming and streaming?

Ans: Yes

Reference

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167624517301609