What Internet Speed Exercise I Need for Streaming?

You lot need anywhere from iii–25 Mbps of internet download speeds to watch video streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, and others.

Lower speeds similar 3–18 Mbps work for lower-quality video formats like SD (standard definition) or Hd (high definition), while 25 Mbps is the blank minimum recommended download speed for 4K or ultra-high definition (UHD). If you accept more than than one user or device, though, you'll want more than 25 Mbps—probably closer to l Mbps or more.

And so permit'south dig in and effigy out simply how much internet speed yous demand to stream your favorite shows.

Observe faster cyberspace for streaming in your surface area.

The best internet speeds for streaming

Your streaming device needs anywhere from 3–25 Mbps of dedicated internet speed, depending on which video quality you want.

  • SD (480p): three+ Mbps
  • Hd (720–1080p): 5–13+ Mbps
  • 4K (UHD, 2160p): 16–25 Mbps

Speed is measured in megabits per 2nd, or Mbps. It's how fast your calculator downloads or uploads information.

With Mbps, it'south important to know that even if your Isp lists download speeds that are fast, yous may still run into buffering bug if you don't have enough bandwidth for everyone'due south devices to exist on the Wi-Fi network.

To become the best high-speed internet for streaming, y'all'll demand to account for multiple devices and users. You'll also desire to consider the types of media y'all demand to play. 4K TV shows and online gaming crave more Mbps than browsing the web or checking email.

We tend to go higher than the recommended streaming speed minimum requirements listed by websites, mostly considering you'll need more speed to support multiple devices and people.

Then if you work from home or have friends over to watch movies oft, you may want to upgrade your download speed plan to make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for everyone and every device.

Recommended minimum speed by streaming activity1,2

Action

Recommended speed

Streaming SD video (480p)

three Mbps

Streaming Hard disk video (1080p)

five Mbps

Streaming 4K video (2160p)

25 Mbps

Streaming music

1–10 Mbps

How to meliorate your TV streaming experience

If your streaming session got cut short thanks to that annoying little buffering icon, we recommend starting with our tips for speeding upwardly your internet.

Sometimes, a unproblematic little trick similar repositioning or restarting your router can practise wonders for your internet connexion.

But if y'all've tried all the tips in our guide and still have to surrender couch space for that buffering bully, in that location are two more things you lot tin can try.

Upgrade your equipment

If yous've purchased a loftier-speed internet plan only still get buffering issues, you may need to upgrade your modem or router. If yous have an older model from your internet access provider, run into if they'll swap yous out. If not, consider it an investment in your internet life.

And if your internet speed seems irksome only when you stream movies, you lot should look into getting a Roku or another dedicated streaming device. That style, loftier-definition video streams won't have to buffer because of other apps.

Upgrade your internet program

The boilerplate internet speed across the nation is around 100 Mbps, but some fiber internet providers have built networks that can reach up to one gigabit per 2d (one,000 Mbps) or more. They fifty-fifty offer symmetrical internet speeds where your upload speed matches your download speed.

Even so, 100 Mbps download speeds are enough for Hard disk drive streaming for multiple devices and users.

And upload speed isn't as crucial for streaming unless y'all're livestreaming from Twitch, playing online games, or uploading Hard disk videos to YouTube or Facebook. Upload speeds likewise help if you download and upload large files or hi-def video through file-sharing programs.

You tin check your current cyberspace speeds using a speed test. If your speed test results don't expect as fast equally what you need, see if y'all can go a deal on upgrading your download speed. Or cheque out our recommendations for the best internet service providers.

The best internet service providers for streaming

Information effective eleven/eleven/21. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

* For the outset 12 months. Some packages crave a 1- or two-twelvemonth contract.

New customers only. Rate requires paperless billing and excludes taxes. Additional fees apply.

w/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges.

^ Toll afterward $5/mo Autopay & Paperless neb discount (due west/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be bachelor in your area.

° Plus taxes, fees, and other charges.

Now that you know how much cyberspace speed you demand for streaming, bank check these out next.

Enter your nil code to notice fast internet providers in your area.

Or cheque out our picks for the best internet providers for streaming.

Trevor Wheelwright

Written by

Trevor Wheelwright

Trevor'due south written most YMYL (your money, your life) topics for over 6 years across editorial publications and retail/eCommerce sites. His work'due south been featured on Forbes, RealSimple, USA Today, MSN, BusinessInsider, Entrepreneur, PCMag, and CNN. When he's not researching and writing, you tin find him effectually Common salt Lake City, Utah, snapping photos of mountains and compages or seeking out some practiced tunes and friendly faces.

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