What internet speed do I need for streaming?

If you’re streaming media on a live stream or watching HD/4K video across multiple devices, each user in your household will need at least 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds for a smooth experience. However, we recommend a cable or fiber hardwired connection with a router to help prioritize your network’s traffic.

This article will review the different internet types and speeds available to help you determine what’s best for your streaming needs.

Different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide various types of internet connections. These connection types have an impact on your speeds and online experience.

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

Cable and fiber internet are hardwired connections offering fast, reliable and consistent speeds. Cable internet uses cable infrastructure to transmit data, while fiber uses fiber optic cables that transmit data as light pulses.
 
Fiber delivers the fastest internet speeds of any internet type, with high download and upload speeds.
 
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.

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

5G home internet  is a wireless internet technology connection that uses 5G cell towers to transmit high-frequency signals called millimeter waves. It offers higher internet speeds and lower latency than previous 4G and 3G technologies.

While 5G home internet delivers speeds for streaming, it can present inconsistent and unreliable performance. 5G’s home internet wireless signals are prone to interference through latency, which can disrupt the streaming experience. Latency delays data transmission, resulting in buffering and interruptions, especially while live-streaming on Twitch or YouTube.

Other factors that affect 5G home internet speeds include:

• Network congestion caused by an increase in users.
• Increased distance between streaming devices and 5G cell towers.
• Interference from physical barriers between devices and the cell towers.
• Data caps imposed on 5G home internet plans.
• Unfavorable weather conditions like storms.
• Limited device compatibility.

Furthermore, 5G’s coverage is limited to cities and urban areas, as it is a newer technology. Be aware of 5G’s limitations before you decide if it’s the right option for your streaming needs.

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 or you’re on the move.

Like 5G home internet, mobile hotspots transmit data wirelessly and are prone to latency.

Other disadvantages of mobile hotspots include the following:

• Slower speeds than traditional wired connections.
• Prone to network congestion when there’s a surge in users.
• 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 WiFi hotspots, have an extended battery life and can accommodate multiple devices simultaneously.
 
Learn more: How to make mobile data faster
 
While mobile hotspots are a convenient choice for streaming, keep in mind their data limitations, slow speeds and impact on your device’s battery life. Choose a data plan that meets your streaming demands and keep track of your data usage to avoid exceeding data caps.

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 or high speeds of wired connections. You can stream using satellite internet, but you should keep a few caveats in mind. 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 offers flexibility, convenience and is a cost saver too. Astound Broadband’s fiber-powered internet and cell phone plans give you reliable internet speeds that you need with nationwide 5G coverage at an affordable price.

Furthermore, you can customize your plan to cater to your streaming needs. You can also include TV services in your bundled plan and stream your favorite shows in one place.

Sufficient download and upload speeds 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. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). For many online activities, download speed is the most essential factor.

When streaming, download speeds determine video playback and ensure that the video content loads quickly at the highest quality with less buffering or interruptions. Streaming 1080p and 4K content requires higher download speeds 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.

If you create content and live stream it on YouTube or Twitch, the upload speeds of your internet connection matter most. Live streaming is a bandwidth-heavy activity that requires high upload speeds to offer better video quality and maintain an uninterrupted stream.

Sometimes, your ISP’s advertised upload bandwidth and the actual upload speeds you experience can vary. You should test your internet speeds to determine whether your current upload speeds are enough to stream on your devices comfortably.

Data refers to the amount of information transmitted over an internet connection in a particular period. It is measured in megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), or terabytes (TB).

Streaming can consume a large amount of data, especially when watching or live streaming videos in higher resolutions like 4K. You must be mindful of your data usage, especially when streaming using a 5G home internet or a mobile hotspot plan, as they usually have a data cap. Exceeding the data limits can throttle your internet speed and lead to additional charges on your plan.

You can choose a lower streaming quality (SD) to save on data if you have a limited data plan or a data cap. However, if you are a professional live streamer or prefer HD and 4K content, a wired connection is the best option for you. Fiber and cable connections offer fast internet speeds with unlimited or higher data allowances that facilitate a smooth streaming experience.

The internet speeds required for streaming depend on the quality of the content you stream, the platform you are streaming from and the number of users connected to the internet connection.

Let’s look at the different internet speed ranges available and determine which one can handle your streaming requirements.

Internet speeds that fall under this range are known as gigabit speeds. Gigabit speeds offer a large download and upload bandwidth for data-intensive tasks and support households with multiple internet users simultaneously.

In a household with six people using the internet simultaneously, a gigabit speed connection can facilitate tasks such as:

• Users A and B are streaming 4K videos on separate devices: 50 Mbps per hour
• User C is streaming 4K online gameplay content: 125 Mbps per hour.
• User D is hosting a live-stream video conference with a large audience: 100 Mbps per hour
• Five devices streaming music at 25 Mbps each: 125 Mbps

Other internet activities might be taking place in the background, such as:

• User E is working from home: 100 Mbps per hour
• User F is on VR gaming with an Oculus Quest 2: 400 Mbps per hour
• Smart devices accessing the internet: 100 Mbps

In this scenario, the total internet speed needed to handle these tasks is 1 Gbps. However, consider higher download speeds like 1.2 Gbps to adequately accommodate unexpected guests, increased streaming demands, or other additional online activities.

A wired connection like fiber internet will provide fast, reliable and consistent gigabit internet speeds with a large bandwidth to facilitate these tasks.

Speeds of 300 Mbps to 600 Mbps are enough to handle moderately intensive online tasks for a household of three to five users. For instance, in a family of five users, this range can support tasks like:

• Users A and B are streaming 4K videos on separate devices at 50 Mbps per hour.
• User C is streaming 4K online gameplay content at 125 Mbps per hour.
• User D is hosting a live-stream video conference with a large audience at 100 Mbps per hour.

Other online activities might be running in the background, such as:

• User E is working from home using 100 Mbps per hour.
• Smart home devices accessing the internet at 100 Mbps per hour.

Such tasks running simultaneously require 475 Mbps to be handled sufficiently. If you are concerned about unexpected users and increased devices or tasks connecting to your WiFi, check out higher speed tiers to accommodate them.

A 100 Mbps internet speed connection is enough to handle streaming needs for one or two users in a household.

Some of the activities you can achieve with 100 Mbps include:

• Streaming HD and 4K content on various devices.
• Live-streaming content to audiences on YouTube or Twitch.
• Video conferences when working at home.

Check out higher speed tiers if you are a professional live streamer to provide a better streaming experience to your audiences. Higher speed plans will offer more bandwidth to support other internet activities running simultaneously while you stream or watch high-quality content.

You must consider different factors before deciding which internet speed you need, based on whether you live in an apartment or a house. Let’s look at the factors that impact your speed selection based on your home.

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

• Number of users and devices: Apartments are typically smaller and house one to four people. If you are alone with a few devices, consider 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps for your streaming needs. Check out higher speed tiers if you have two or more users with multiple devices connected and gaming or working from home.
• Provider options: Most apartments are found in cities and urban areas, presenting a wider pool of ISPs and internet types. Consider fiber and cable internet, as they are primarily found in urban areas and provide the best speeds for streaming.
• Distance from the router: Place your WiFi setup in the center of your room to ensure an even distance from your streaming devices. If you are concerned about your internet speeds, connect your streaming device directly to the router with an Ethernet cable to provide a faster internet connection.
• Network congestion: Apartments have a higher population density, with neighbors sharing the same internet infrastructure. Shared infrastructure can lead to network congestion and slower speeds during peak usage. Consider upgrading your internet speed to provide a steady and consistent connection and bandwidth, particularly during peak usage times.

 
Learn more: How to set up your internet and WiFi in a new apartment

Keep the following factors in mind if you live in a standalone house.

• Number of users and devices connected — Houses hold multiple people and devices simultaneously. If your household contains multiple internet users simultaneously, a high-speed gigabit internet plan is required to handle all those tasks sufficiently.
• Home size and layout — Large houses require higher speeds to cover some areas of the house with poor internet coverage. Consider introducing mesh WiFi routers to expand your WiFi coverage and optimize internet performance. If your streaming devices are far from the primary router, place the mesh routers across the house to extend WiFi coverage.
• Provider options — You may have access to various ISPs and internet types depending on where you live. Fiber, cable and 5G home internet are widely available in cities and urban regions, while satellite internet is a viable choice in suburban or rural areas.

 
Learn more: How to set up your internet and WiFi in a new house.

Securing your home internet provides a safe streaming experience for your household and protects your personal information from cybercrime threats. Astound Broadband’s eero Plus Whole WiFi security has features that enhance your home network security and protect all your devices.

The eero Plus security features include:

• • Safe and secure VPN protection for safe browsing.
  • Malware and virus scanning to prevent malicious software and viruses from infiltrating your device.
  • Password manager to securely store passwords and streaming account login credentials.
  • Blocking intrusive ads for distraction-free streaming.
  • Family-safe browsing through content filters to restrict inappropriate streaming content.

Always maintain your WiFi security to avoid any potential internet security challenges.