What internet speed do I need for streaming?

If you’re wondering what internet speed is good for streaming, each household member needs at least 25 Mbps download speed and 5 Mbps upload for smooth HD playback and casual live streaming across multiple devices. According to Ookla’s June 2025 Speedtest Global Index Report, the average fixed broadband speed in the U.S. is 287.59 Mbps download and 51.83 Mbps upload, which is more than enough for HD, 4K/8K streaming.

For the most reliable internet access, use a wired cable or fiber broadband connection with a quality wireless router, or connect devices directly via Ethernet to reduce latency, lag and buffering.

This article will review the different speeds available and help you determine the best speed for your streaming needs.

Different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide various types of internet connections. Each has a direct impact on your speeds, bandwidth, latency and overall streaming experience. The best option depends on your household’s streaming habits, number of devices and demand for other online activities.

Let’s explore the different internet connections available and determine which is best for streaming.

Cable and fiber are wired broadband connections offering fast, reliable and consistent speeds. Cable internet uses cable infrastructure to transmit internet traffic, while fiber uses fiber optic cables that transmit data as light pulses.

Fiber delivers the fastest internet speeds of any internet type, delivering high download and upload speeds up to 5 Gigabit+.

Fiber optic technology ensures data is transmitted with lower latency (ping) and less data disruption, as light signals are less vulnerable to network interference. Fiber’s low latency and fast download and upload speeds make it the best choice for streaming HD, 4K, 8K and even live streaming in virtual reality.

Cable internet offers speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. When paired with a modern DOCSIS 3.1 modem, which supports higher bandwidth and speeds up to 10 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload, it can deliver excellent streaming performance for most households.

Furthermore, cable and fiber are generally accessible, as wired internet infrastructure is present in most suburban and metropolitan areas.

5G home internet is a fixed wireless broadband technology that uses cell towers to transmit high-frequency signals called millimeter waves (mmWaves) to a wireless router in your home. It offers fast internet speeds and lower latency than previous 4G and 4G LTE networks, making it capable of supporting HD and 4K streaming.

However, its performance can be inconsistent and unreliable due to network congestion, physical obstructions, or weather conditions, as the wireless signals are prone to interference. The interference causes latency, which delays data transmission and leads to buffering and interruptions that disrupt the streaming experience.

Other factors that affect 5G home internet speeds include:

• Increased distance between streaming devices and 5G cell towers
• Data caps imposed on 5G home internet
• Limited device compatibility

In addition, 5G’s coverage is limited to cities and urban areas, as it is a newer technology. If you choose 5G home internet for streaming, ensure you have a strong signal and a generous data cap to maintain a stable connection during peak usage hours.

A mobile hotspot is a feature on most smartphones that allows other devices to connect to the internet over a wireless network using cellular data. It is a backup option when your WiFi is down, when you’re travelling, or when you move to a new location.

Like 5G home internet, mobile hotspots transmit data wirelessly and are prone to latency, network congestion and signal interference, which can impact streaming quality during live streaming or video on demand playback.

Other disadvantages of mobile hotspots include the following:

• • Slower speeds than traditional wired connections
  • Less reliability, as mobile signal strength depends on your location
  • Battery drain on your phone, especially when multiple devices are connected
  • Limitations on the number of simultaneously connected devices
  • Data caps imposed on mobile data plans

You can also use portable hotspot devices as a hotspot rather than your mobile phone. These devices offer dedicated hardware for broadband reception, have an extended battery life and can accommodate multiple devices simultaneously.

While mobile hotspots are a convenient choice for streaming, keep in mind their data allowances, slow speeds and impact on your device’s battery life. Choose a plan with enough monthly data for streaming and keep track of your data usage to avoid exceeding data limits and receiving overcharges or throttling.

Satellite internet is an alternative option for streaming if you live in rural areas or are camping in an RV where other hardwired connections are unavailable.

While satellite internet speeds are improving, they still can’t match the reliability, speeds or low latency of wired connections. The longer data travel distances of satellites can cause higher ping times, which can affect bitrate, frame rate and real-time applications like web conferencing or virtual reality.

If you choose satellite internet, keep a few caveats in mind. Its limitations include:

• Higher latency than other internet connections
• Slower speeds than cable and fiber connections
• Low data caps on satellite internet plans
• Frequent interruptions due to adverse weather conditions

While satellite internet is a good alternative for streaming in remote or rural places, you should manage your expectations regarding consistency and speed.

You can get the best of both worlds by bundling internet and mobile services into one plan. This plan gives you the flexibility of high speed internet for streaming and reliable mobile network coverage when you’re on the go, plus the convenience of a single bill and the benefit of cost savings.

For example, bundling Astound’s fiber-powered internet and cell phone plans gives you the reliable internet speeds and nationwide 5G coverage at an affordable price for streaming, remote work, online learning and web surfing from anywhere.

These bundles help you save money, simplify billing and allow you to build a plan to match your household’s streaming habits. With Astound, you can also add TV services to your bundled plan, giving you one place to enjoy your favorite shows, live sports and news

Sufficient download and upload speeds and enough bandwidth to handle multiple devices are critical for a smooth experience while streaming content or uploading videos to platforms like YouTube or Twitch. While both speeds are essential for streaming, they serve different purposes. Let’s explore why they matter to streaming.

Download speed is the rate at which data transfers from the internet to your device, measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). For many online activities, a good download speed is the most essential factor.

When streaming, download speeds determine how quickly video files load and what video quality they play in. Higher download speeds minimize buffering, provide consistent playback and enable adaptive bitrate streaming, which adjusts to your connection in real time. For instance, streaming on YouTube requires:

• 5 to 10 Mbps for 1080p streaming
• 15 to 25 Mbps for 4K resolution streaming

Virtual reality or 8K content requires faster speeds and lower latency, as they are more bandwidth-intensive, especially when running on multiple devices simultaneously.

Upload speed is the rate at which data is transmitted from your device to the internet. Similarly, it is measured in Megabits per second.

A good upload speed is essential for live streaming, web conferencing and media uploads. Live streaming in 1080p may require around 10 to 15 Mbps, while 4K streaming may need more than 25 Mbps. These bandwidth-heavy activities require fast upload speeds to ensure high video quality and maintain an uninterrupted viewing experience.

Sometimes, your ISP’s advertised upload bandwidth and the actual upload speeds you experience can vary due to network congestion, throttling speeds or equipment issues. You should run speed tests frequently to confirm whether your current upload speeds are sufficient for your streaming setup.

Data refers to the total amount of information transmitted over an internet connection in a particular period. It is measured in Megabytes (MB), Gigabytes (GB) or Terabytes (TB).

Streaming is data-intensive, especially when watching or live-streaming videos in 4K resolution, VR or in high frame rate formats.

Be mindful of your data usage, especially when streaming using 5G home internet, satellite internet or a mobile hotspot plan, as they usually have a data cap. Exceeding the threshold can throttle your internet speed and lead to overage charges on your plan. To stay within your allowance:

• Track your data usage in your phone’s settings, the carrier’s app or their web portal.
• Use a lower streaming quality like SD.
• Consider an unlimited data plan for HD or 4K content.

For the best performance, especially if you are a professional live streamer or prefer HD and 4K content, a wired connection is the best option for you. It delivers fast internet speeds with unlimited or higher data allowances that facilitate a smooth streaming experience.

The table below details the minimum download and upload speeds for various streaming activities. Actual requirements may vary based on the platform, content quality and number of connected devices.

The chart below compares a range of internet speed tiers, the recommended number of users for each and the activities they can handle. Use this to match your household’s usage needs with the right internet plan.

The best internet speeds you need depend not only on the quality of streaming you prefer but also on your home environment. Here’s how living in apartments versus houses impacts your speed requirements.

If you live in an apartment, keep the following considerations in mind.

• Number of users and devices: For a single person with a few devices, download speeds between 25 and 100 Mbps are sufficient for streaming HD or 4K resolution content. Apartments with two to four members engaging in remote work, online gaming or video conferencing simultaneously should consider higher speed tiers for consistent connections.
• Provider options: Most apartments are found in cities and urban areas, presenting a wider pool of ISPs and broadband types than in rural or remote areas. Consider cable or fiber internet if you are in an urban area, as they deliver faster and stable connections for streaming.
• Distance from the router: Place your wireless internet setup centrally in your apartment to help maintain even coverage. If you want faster speeds and lower latency, connect your devices directly to the router via Ethernet.
• Network congestion: In apartments with cable internet, the shared infrastructure can lead to slower average internet speeds during peak hours due to network congestion. Upgrading to a higher speed tier or to a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connection can help maintain fast and consistent connections for multiple users and devices.

If you are moving, here’s how you can set up your internet and WiFi in a new apartment.

Houses often have more occupants, larger floor plans and more connected devices than apartments. Keep the following factors in mind if you live in a single-family home.

• • Number of devices and users: Large homes require high speed Gigabit internet plans because they provide enough bandwidth to support multiple users and devices connected simultaneously.
  • Home size and layout: Large homes with large floor plans and multiple levels often have WiFi dead zones with poor or no internet coverage. Consider a mesh WiFi system to provide whole-home WiFi coverage in all rooms. Position the mesh routers strategically across the house to maintain a seamless roaming connection throughout.
  • Provider options: If your home is in an urban or suburban area, you may have access to fiber, cable or fixed wireless internet, while if your home is rural you may rely more on satellite internet. Always review the provider options in your area before subscribing to a provider.

If you are moving to a new house, here’s how to set up your internet and WiFi.

The chart below compares the internet recommendations for apartments versus houses to help you choose the best internet speeds for your home.

Protecting your wireless internet not only provides a safe streaming experience for your household but also protects your personal information from cybercrime threats. A strong network security helps maintain the quality of service, prevents unauthorized access and protects connected devices.

When you subscribe to Astound’s Gig plans, you receive Whole Home WiFi security with 1 Gig plans and higher, at no additional charge. Whole Home WiFi includes eero Secure for free which features security features that that enhance your home network security and protect all your devices. These features include ad blocking for distraction-free streaming and family-safe browsing through content filters to restrict inappropriate streaming content.

eero Plus is available for an additional charge and offers the same features as eero Plus, and adds even more robust security features, including:

• Safe and secure VPN protection for safe browsing
• Malware and virus scanning to prevent malicious software and viruses from infiltrating your device
• A password manager to securely store passwords and streaming account login credentials

To ensure your internet access is safe, regularly update your firmware for security fixes, use antivirus software and review your network settings to avoid vulnerabilities. Always maintain your WiFi security to avoid any potential internet security challenges.

Choosing the right internet speed for streaming involves more than just choosing the fastest plan available. Your setup should meet your household’s streaming needs, number of devices, preferred streaming quality and other online activities.

Different internet connection types offer varying levels of speed, bandwidth, latency and quality of service. Fiber and cable deliver fast and stable connections, while 5G home internet, satellite and mobile hotspots are more vulnerable to performance fluctuations, higher latency and data caps.

To get the most out of your connection, select a plan that supports HD and 4K resolution, optimize your WiFi with the latest internet technologies and mesh systems, and protect your network for a safe and reliable experience.

If you want faster speeds, consistent performance and built-in protection, consider Astound’s high speed plans paired with eero Whole Home WiFi to deliver extensive coverage and consistent internet access throughout your home.