What Internet Speed Do I Need for Streaming?

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

Lower speeds like 3–xviii Mbps work for lower-quality video formats like SD (standard definition) or HD (high definition), while 25 Mbps is the bare minimum recommended download speed for 4K or ultra-high definition (UHD). If you accept more than than i user or device, though, y'all'll want more than than 25 Mbps—probably closer to 50 Mbps or more than.

So let's dig in and figure out just how much cyberspace speed you demand to stream your favorite shows.

Find faster internet for streaming in your surface area.

The best internet speeds for streaming

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

  • SD (480p): 3+ Mbps
  • HD (720–1080p): 5–13+ Mbps
  • 4K (UHD, 2160p): 16–25 Mbps

Speed is measured in megabits per 2d, or Mbps. It'southward how fast your reckoner downloads or uploads data.

With Mbps, it'south important to know that fifty-fifty if your ISP lists download speeds that are fast, you may still run into buffering issues if you don't have enough bandwidth for everyone's devices to be on the Wi-Fi network.

To become the all-time high-speed cyberspace for streaming, y'all'll need to account for multiple devices and users. You'll as well want to consider the types of media you need to play. 4K Boob tube shows and online gaming require more Mbps than browsing the web or checking email.

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

So if you work from domicile or have friends over to watch movies often, you may want to upgrade your download speed program to make sure your Wi-Fi point is strong plenty for everyone and every device.

Recommended minimum speed by streaming activityane,two

Activity

Recommended speed

Streaming SD video (480p)

3 Mbps

Streaming HD video (1080p)

five Mbps

Streaming 4K video (2160p)

25 Mbps

Streaming music

1–10 Mbps

How to improve your Tv set streaming experience

If your streaming session got cut short cheers to that annoying little buffering icon, we recommend starting with our tips for speeding up your net.

Sometimes, a simple little fob similar repositioning or restarting your router can do wonders for your internet connection.

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

Upgrade your equipment

If you've purchased a high-speed internet plan but all the same get buffering bug, you lot may need to upgrade your modem or router. If you accept an older model from your net service provider, see if they'll swap you out. If not, consider it an investment in your net life.

And if your internet speed seems slow only when yous stream movies, you should look into getting a Roku or another defended streaming device. That way, high-definition video streams won't have to buffer because of other apps.

Upgrade your internet plan

The average cyberspace speed across the nation is around 100 Mbps, merely some fiber internet providers have built networks that can reach up to 1 gigabit per second (ane,000 Mbps) or more than. They even offering symmetrical internet speeds where your upload speed matches your download speed.

All the same, 100 Mbps download speeds are enough for HD streaming for multiple devices and users.

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

You can cheque your current net speeds using a speed test. If your speed test results don't look as fast every bit what you need, see if y'all can get a deal on upgrading your download speed. Or bank check out our recommendations for the all-time cyberspace service providers.

The all-time net service providers for streaming

Data effective 11/eleven/21. Offers and availability vary past location and are discipline to change.

* For the first 12 months. Some packages require a one- or 2-year contract.

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

w/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges.

^ Cost afterward $five/mo Autopay & Paperless bill disbelieve (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not exist available in your expanse.

° Plus taxes, fees, and other charges.

Now that you know how much internet speed you demand for streaming, check these out side by side.

Enter your naught code to detect fast net providers in your expanse.

Or check out our picks for the best net providers for streaming.

Trevor Wheelwright

Written past

Trevor Wheelwright

Trevor's written virtually YMYL (your money, your life) topics for over six years across editorial publications and retail/eCommerce sites. His work's been featured on Forbes, RealSimple, USA Today, MSN, BusinessInsider, Entrepreneur, PCMag, and CNN. When he'south not researching and writing, you lot can find him around Salt Lake City, Utah, snapping photos of mountains and architecture or seeking out some good tunes and friendly faces.

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