For gaming, the upload speed is not that important, as this is how fast you can upload files to the internet. Focus instead on the download speed. If your download speed is below 10 Mbps then you're going to get lag in the games you're playing. What is the best internet speed for gaming? Update Cancel. Is usually pretty good but the lower that number is the better the connection something round 15ms is exceptional for gaming. On the low end of the download speed I would say to play comfortably you would want at least 5mb/s, combined with a good ping. Around 5+ Mbps of upload.
Your Internet connection speed can mean the difference between life and death — at least when it comes to online games. Whether you’re gunning for a Victory Royale in “Fortnite” or defending your goal in “Rocket League,” a fast Internet connection makes a big difference. What Internet speed do I need for gaming, you ask? Most video game console manufacturers recommend at least 3 Mbps (or “megabits per second,” the measurement of how much data can be moved in a second) of download speed and 0.5 Mbps to 1 Mbps of upload speed. The good news is that all Xfinity Internet speed tiers are suitable for online gaming. However, there are a variety of factors that can impact your performance.
Short take: how to choose the best connection speed for online gaming
- Wired Internet is better than wireless
- Fiber optics are the best medium
- Avoid using multiple services (phone, TV, and Internet) on one line
- Consider both upload and download speed
Download speed versus ping
For most gaming sessions, you'll want a download speed of 3 Mbps, although requirements differ between platforms. The download speed is how fast data is pulled from the server and upload speed is how fast you send data to others. Download speed is typically much faster, because most of what you do online (loading Web pages, streaming videos, etc.) consists of downloads. Additionally, the term “ping” or “ping rate” refers to how fast you get a response from your Internet connection after you send out a request. Find the recommended Internet speed for gaming with your console below:
| Video Game System | Minimum Download Speed | Minimum Upload Speed | Maximum Ping Rate (in milliseconds) |
| Microsoft Xbox One | 3 Mbps | 0.5 Mbps | Less than 150 ms |
| Nintendo Switch | 3 Mbps | 1 Mbps | Less than 150 ms* |
| Sony Playstation 4 | Estimated 3 Mbps* | Estimated 1 Mbps* | Less than 150 ms* |
| PC / Mac | Estimated 3-6 Mbps* | Estimated 0.75-1 Mbps* | Less than 100-150 ms* |
* No manufacturer-specific information available, however HighSpeeInternet.com recommends these ranges
When it comes to moving data, download speeds matter. If your Internet speed is lower than what we recommend here, in-game textures might load slowly, and the game may not perform as well as it should.
Surprisingly, latency has a bigger impact on game performance and response time than your download speed. Latency (gamers call it “ping”) is a delay between the action in the game and its display on your screen. High ping can make multiplayer almost impossible. If your ping is higher than another player’s, his shots might register first. In fast-paced gameplay, especially with fighting games like “Street Fighter V” or “Mortal Kombat X,” you want as little ping as possible.
How to improve connection speed
Take these steps to give yourself a competitive advantage and increase your Internet speed:
- Use a hard-wired connection. Use an Ethernet cord to connect your console or computer directly to the router. WiFi is convenient, but it almost always runs at lower speeds than a hard-line connection. (Note, the Nintendo Switch only connects over WiFi.)
- Shut down any programs that eat up bandwidth. Some programs use more bandwidth than others. If a certain application demands more of your Internet than necessary, shut it down during gaming sessions. For example, close all programs that regularly connect to the Internet, such as messaging apps and email programs.
- Maintain a direct connection. If you have other devices connected to your main hub or router, you may be introducing additional latency to your gaming sessions. Multiple devices can chew up bandwidth, especially if they are all playing games or streaming videos. Connect your console or computer directly to the Internet, and you may see faster connections and lower ping.
What about streaming?
We can’t talk about gaming in the modern age without touching on streaming. Twitch and other mediums let dedicated gamers stream live gameplay for their fans to watch, but you need the speed to support it. Streaming requires higher Internet speeds than a standard gameplay session would.
For streaming, hard-wired connections are essential. Your minimum upload speed should also be around 4 Mbps for a 720p stream.
Your download speed doesn’t have a huge effect on stream quality. Download speeds almost always exceed upload speeds, so a connection that provides a consistent upload speed of 5 Mbps will likely have a download speed of around 50 Mbps.
Internet speed, latency, and ping rate can all affect your gaming performance and are essential for taking your gaming to the next level. If you want to improve your online experience and perform better in your favorite game, the first place you should look is your Internet service. Xfinity can help you find the ideal Internet speed for gaming and reduce your latency to help take your gaming to the next level. Test your internet speed with the Xfinity Internet Speed Test today.
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Two computer repair and service experts explain which download speed you need in your home.
When it comes to the Internet, wires are like tan lines: Some people prefer not to have them.
Gone are the days of holding the phone line hostage in order to connect to the World Wide Web. With the increasing popularity of in-home computer Wi-Fi, items like phones, gaming systems, laptops and even televisions have become viable tools to surf the Web.
Angie’s List connected with Keith Hinton, owner of highly rated Brentwood PC in Brentwood, Tennessee, and Brian Hancock, owner of highly rated Computer Service House Calls in Rome, Georgia, to learn more about Wi-Fi speeds.
1. What do the different megabits per second mean, whether it’s 3 Mbps or 45 Mbps?
Hinton: That’s the package size that includes download and upload speeds. It’s basically how fast it downloads information. You can buy higher packages and pay higher rates.
Hancock: It’s the amount of bandwidth provided. Three Mbps is the starting point of DSL Internet, and it goes on up from there to high-speed Internet.
2. What speed do I need for general browsing, compared to streaming video or gaming?
Hinton: If you’re just sending emails and reading news pages, you can get by with a download speed of 10 to 12 Mbps. For gaming and streaming, the faster the download speed, the better the performance. Normally, if you’re at 20 Mbps or above, you can avoid that annoying lag.
Hancock: To just get by browsing the Internet, I would recommend a speed between 6 and 12 Mbps. For online gaming or video streaming, choose a speed over 12 Mbps.
3. Does the number of devices connected to a wireless source impact the Internet speed?
Hinton: If you have three or four things going on at the same household, like two people gaming on separate systems and one streaming a movie, you will get some lags. These problems will pretty much go away with Wi-Fi speed above 50 Mbps.
Hancock: Yes, it will impact the speed. The higher your bandwidth is, the more devices you’re able to connect to the system.
What Should Download And Upload Speeds Be
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4. Besides going through a cable provider, do any Wi-Fi options exist?
Hinton: About 98 percent of the people I work with have Internet from a cable provider. There are independent companies that offer Wi-Fi. I know one independent company that offers fast downloading and several others that are ridiculously slow. Wi-Fi hotspot creation is an option if you have a phone with 4G connectivity.
RELATED: Is is Safe to Use Hotel Wi-Fi?
Hancock: Other options include phone companies, satellite companies and creating your own hotspot. It just depends on your location and what you have access to.
5. If my Wi-Fi is slow and unreliable, what is the most likely problem?
Hinton: Thunderstorms, heavy rain or power surges all have an effect on digital connections. If connectivity is not reliable for an extended period, check the router because they can become defective over time.
Hancock: From what I see, it’s usually either a virus or malware. If you’re on the Internet, it’s a matter of time before you get a virus. One wrong click is all it takes. Just pay attention to what you’re clicking on.
If you still can’t decide which Wi-Fi option to select, contact a highly rated computer services expert to get you on the right program.
FOR MORE: Angie's List Guide to Internet Service
Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article that was originally published on June 27, 2014
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