What Is a Good Internet Speed for Gaming?

The internet has become a must-have in most homes nowadays. At the very least, people have phone data that they use to play online games. The world of online video games has been revolutionized thanks to faster internet connections and advancements in gaming technology. Many of the most popular games available today are web-based. However, any gamer would agree that the speed of the internet connection significantly impacts how well you can play online games. A high-speed internet connection is crucial whether you’re vying for a Victory Royale in Fortnite or guarding your goal in Rocket League. But what internet speed do you need for gaming?

For gaming, speeds of 3 to 8 Mbps are considered adequate. However, based on how many other people are using your connection and whether you’re calling or streaming while playing games, this may not be enough. Your connection is considered great if it reaches 50 to 200 Mbps. Faster internet is definitely desirable, but you don’t want to overpay for speeds you don’t actually need. So how do you determine what is truly recommended and what internet speed will make gaming more enjoyable? Since speed is so important in online gaming, it’s critical to understand how much bandwidth you really require.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about internet speeds for gaming, starting from what it is and how much speed you exactly need to have a smooth gaming experience.

Why You Need A Fast Internet Connection

Consider how faster, higher-bandwidth internet plans can dramatically improve your online experience. If you enjoy multiplayer gaming or video streaming and have multiple devices at home, a faster internet connection will make everything work more seamlessly. Everyone in your household will benefit from faster reaction times and be less likely to complain about choppy meetings or missed calls.

One strategy is to think about how you want to use the internet in the coming months or years. Choose a plan that gives you enough flexibility to meet your needs.

How Internet Speed Impacts Gaming

The simple formula is that faster is always better. However, to some people‘s surprise, online gaming isn’t the most bandwidth-intensive activity out there. You might wonder how much internet speed you actually need for gaming? Let’s first look at how it’s measured.

Megabits per second (Mbps) is a data rate metric that is meant to quantify the speed at which data is transferred. The number of megabits that can be sent from one point to another in one second is measured in Mbps. The higher the Mbps, the faster users can upload and download data, which is critical for bandwidth-intensive operations like streaming and online gaming.

Typically, gaming requires a download speed of 3 to 4 Mbps according to the Federal Communications Commission. While 3 to 4 Mbps may not seem like much internet speed, note that this is only for one user. It also doesn’t account for any other devices or activities that are concurrently using your bandwidth.

If you’re the sole user or have just one other user, we recommend getting a plan with 25 to 50 Mbps for gaming. This should meet your gaming needs as well as other internet activities.

Although every game and console has its own set of specifications, download speed, upload speed, and latency are the three factors that impact game lag the most. To have a great gaming experience, you need to know the speed of all three when determining how much bandwidth you’ll need. So let’s try to understand what these three terms mean, along with some other factors that affect your gaming experience.

Download Speed and Upload Speed

Most of the time when people talk about internet speed, they’re referring to download speed. Download speed measures how fast you can download data from an external source to your system.

Since most internet activities involve more downloading than uploading data, maximum download speeds are much higher than maximum upload speeds. Most game developers recommend a download speed of 3 to 6 Mbps. On the other hand, upload speed is the reverse of download speed and indicates how fast data can be sent from one system to an external source.

While uploading data is an important part of using the Internet, most individuals do not upload large volumes of data, so upload rates are often much slower than download rates. For online gaming, a minimum upload speed of 1 Mbps is considered adequate if you are the sole user on the network.

The Importance of Low Latency

Interestingly, latency has a greater influence on gaming performance and reaction time than upload and download speeds. Latency (sometimes known as “ping”), in simple terms, is the time between when something happens in the game and when it appears on your screen. For example, if your latency rate is 25 milliseconds, your character will shoot in-game 25 milliseconds after you click the left mouse button.

Ping rates that are too high can make cooperation in any online game nearly impossible. If your latency is higher than another player‘s, their moves may be registered first. You want as little latency as possible in fast-paced gaming, especially in fighting games or action games.

While a delay of less than 20 milliseconds is ideal, this may not always be achievable. Keep your latency under 150 milliseconds at the very least, otherwise you‘ll notice a lag in game time. There are several online tools available to test your internet‘s latency and get the most out of your connection.

Ethernet Over Wi-Fi

Wireless networking, or Wi-Fi, is a technology we all want access to. There‘s no longer a need to connect your system to an internet cable or router – everything is wireless now. Although most internet users today are tethered to their phones via Wi-Fi, ethernet is still a viable option.

In some cases, the physical connection provided by an ethernet cable offers superior communication. Wi-Fi can be affected by signal interference, which may make your connection unreliable in some situations. Ethernet maintains a steady speed across the board.

The LAN has a more consistent and durable connection thanks to the hardwired nature of ethernet. However, we are inevitably moving toward a more wireless world.

Not a Dial-Up Connection

Dial-up connections are much slower than modern internet connections (like broadband), and their latency rates are far higher than what‘s recommended for online gaming. Very few modern games can be enjoyed on a dial-up connection since they require faster internet connections.

Hardware

You may have a solid internet connection with high download and upload speeds, but if your router isn’t up to par, you may experience some glitches. Your internet is not a continuous flow of data; rather, data is transmitted and retrieved in packets.

When your router receives these data packets, they aren’t processed right away. Instead, they are placed in a queue. The amount of time a packet of data waits in the queue before being processed by the router is called queuing delay.

If your router isn’t powerful enough to clear that queue quickly, it will build up, and the router will start discarding incoming packets when it‘s full. As a result, your router will have to request the packet repeatedly, increasing latency and causing in-game delays.

Types of Connections

Your gaming experience is influenced by your broadband connection type. Digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, and fiber optic are the 3 most common types.

DSL

DSL uses your phone line to deliver high-speed internet, but unlike dial-up, it uses separate frequencies for phone and internet so you can use both at once.

DSL is often the weakest of the three types of broadband connections. Download speeds range from 1 Mbps to 6 Mbps, allowing you to do things like browsing the web, sending emails, listening to music, and watching movies. You can game with DSL, but your gaming will be hampered if other networked devices are using your connection.

Cable

Cable internet uses cable lines rather than phone lines like DSL to provide high-speed internet access. Cable is typically faster than DSL, with download speeds ranging from 100 to 300 Mbps. But even with multiple devices connected, this is usually much faster than most households need, so lower speed tiers (starting at 15-25 Mbps) are sufficient.

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic cable is the way of the future. Light and glass fibers are used to transfer data much more quickly and efficiently than standard copper connections.

Fiber optic connections are the fastest of the bunch, but they‘re also the least common form of connection nationwide. However, if you live in an area where Verizon FiOS or Google Fiber is available, check out your fiber options.

Connection Stability

For online gaming, the stability of your connection is often more important than the actual speed. While few people address the stability of their connection, it is necessary to have a steady connection in order to have a good gaming experience. Most players prefer wired broadband connections over mobile data or traditional satellite internet since the former is more reliable and less expensive.

Impact of Data Caps on Gaming

Data caps are a common feature of internet plans. A data cap is a limit on how much data you can send over a network in a given period of time. Some users, for example, may have a high-speed internet plan of 50 Mbps but a monthly data cap of 150 GB.

If they exceed this cap, their internet service provider (ISP) may terminate their service or throttle their connection. When you go over your data limits, you may be forced to pay extra for your connection or struggle with slowed speeds.

It‘s important to remember that downloading and updating games consumes a significant amount of data. PS5 updates can be up to 500 MB in size. Both downloading and updating games will impact your data usage, as will multiplayer gaming.

Your provider should notify you via email or text when you hit your data cap so that you don‘t exceed your limit unknowingly. If you‘re frequently going over your monthly data cap, it may be time to upgrade to a higher data plan or switch providers.

Speed Based on Console

Gamers can be quite fanatical about their consoles, and there are many online debates about the pros and cons of different consoles. You most certainly have a favorite console yourself. Take a minute to look at the specs and see what the recommended minimum internet speed is for your console, whichever it may be.

• Xbox One: 3 Mbps
• PlayStation 5: 5 Mbps
• Nintendo Switch: 3 Mbps
• PC Gaming: 3 to 6 Mbps

Speed Based on Game Type

The types of games you enjoy playing can also impact your internet speed needs. In a first-person shooter game, for instance, a fraction of a second can determine who wins. If your connection slows for even a split second, the other player may be able to shoot you before you can get them.

It‘s a good idea to go above the basic minimum internet plan required for fast-paced games like these. Whatever console you choose, a download speed of at least 25 Mbps is needed for smooth gameplay.

Poor connectivity or lag spikes can ruin your gaming experience. If you plan on playing online games, get a high-speed internet connection with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps.

How to Reduce Lag

If you’re frequently missing your opponents in online games due to lag, you’re undoubtedly frustrated. But there are a few things you can do to help. Check your internet speed first to make sure you have adequate Mbps.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Connect your PC or console to your network with an Ethernet cable: Wi-Fi does not provide the best connection for gaming. Wireless connections add to the amount of time it takes to complete a task. If you plug an ethernet cable directly into your router, you’ll have a faster, more dynamic connection with less latency. If this isn’t possible, make sure your gaming system is as close to your router as possible, and that the router is positioned away from any walls or objects that may interfere with your signal.

• Use a WiFi extender: If a wired connection isn’t feasible, or you’re gaming on a Wi-Fi device like a smartphone or tablet, you’ll need easy access to those valuable Wi-Fi signals. Wi-Fi extenders can increase signal range, allowing you to game in more locations throughout the house.

• Record playthroughs offline: If you’re going to stream, make a backup of your play sessions and post them later. If you’re going to live stream, you’ll almost certainly need more Mbps.

• Disconnect other devices to avoid hogging your bandwidth: You can also improve your game performance by reducing interruptions from other devices. Halt any ongoing downloads and switch off any devices that may be competing for bandwidth with your console. Also, watch out for in-game downloads running in the background, using data and slowing your gaming performance.

• Download new games and large updates at night to avoid having to wait: The amount of traffic in your area can cause cable internet speeds to slow during peak hours. This means download speeds may be much lower than usual during peak hours, thus increasing latency. It‘s best to download games at night when traffic is lowest.

• Reset your router and game consoles: It can sometimes help to reset your router and modem to improve performance. If your router or modem is more than five years old, consider replacing it. There are also “gaming routers,” routers specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience, so if you’re dealing with a lot of latency, an upgrade may be worthwhile.

• Change the game‘s settings: Beautiful graphics use more data. If the game isn’t running smoothly, dial back the visuals. Less graphically demanding games like Minecraft and Roblox should be unaffected.

• Switch your Broadband Package: The best and easiest way to decrease gaming latency and boost internet speed is to upgrade your broadband. Try upgrading your broadband plan to one that offers better gaming conditions. Your specific area may have inconsistent WiFi signals, in which case you should look for a different broadband provider that can provide a better, more stable internet connection.

• Use a VPN: A VPN service will slow your internet speed slightly. But your ISP may throttle your connection based on your internet habits, including gaming sessions. This is called bandwidth throttling. A VPN can avoid bandwidth throttling by concealing your internet activities from your Provider, preventing them from intentionally slowing you down.

Other Factors to Consider

It’s not straightforward to calculate precisely how many megabits per second you’ll need for online gaming. It depends on your household’s total internet usage.

If three members of your family are avid gamers who often play at the same time, your needs will be multiplied by three. Your latency will skyrocket if your family members stream movies or download large files while you’re playing an online game.

Downloads can also put a strain on your internet connection. Online gaming will push the limits of your internet connection more than any other internet activity. However, it’s not the only way games can tax your connection. On your PC or console, many modern games take up a lot of storage space. As a result, downloading games from an online retailer like Steam or the Microsoft Store can be time consuming. It can also quickly deplete monthly data allowances.

If you broadcast your gaming on YouTube, your internet needs get a bit more complicated. Streaming incorporates all the criteria for a low-latency network for online gaming, plus the added upload speed needed to maintain consistent bandwidth on your stream.

Gaming can be hampered by many factors, not the least of which is insufficient bandwidth. Since players rarely implement basic cybersecurity precautions, they are attractive targets for scammers. Hackers take over player accounts, listen in on private conversations, and copy login info to hack into other accounts or sell player data on the dark web.

Conclusion

Imagine you’re in the middle of an intense game. Maybe you’re in a battle firing or swinging your weapon. Or it‘s a sporting event, and you‘re just a few points away from winning. You make the game-winning shot, but your game pauses for a few seconds, delaying your shot by a few precious seconds. Then you find out your opponent made the first shot, and you‘ve ended up losing because your game slowed down. No one wants that.

As we’ve already discussed, connection speed and latency rate are key factors in having a smooth, uninterrupted online gaming experience. If you’re a frequent gamer who deals with a lot of latency or sluggish loading times, it may be time to upgrade your internet plan or boost your internet speed. When choosing an internet package, opt for the one with the lowest ping if online gaming is your priority.

Keep in mind that other online activities like downloading games or streaming live (not to mention things like watching videos, working online, or doing homework) have their own set of requirements to consider as well.

With the fastest internet speed for gaming, adequate bandwidth, and the right internet provider, you can experience lag-free gaming every time. Now that you know what to do, go out and get the best internet plan for smooth gaming! Game on!