Best Internet for Gaming In 2025

best internet for gaming

Avoid lag and enjoy seamless gaming with these internet plans. Below are the leading broadband providers for gaming.

ProviderTypeSpeedsPrice
Spectrum InternetBest cable internet500–1,000 Mbps$50–$80 per month
Verizon FiosBest overall internet300–2,000 Mbps$50–$120 per month
Frontier FiberBest low-cost internet500–5,000 Mbps$50–$155 per month
Astound BroadbandBest router deal100–1,500 Mbps$20–$80 per month
StarlinkBest rural internet20–250 Mbps$90–$120 per month

What is the Best Internet for Gaming?

Online gaming doesn’t need extremely high speeds, but low latency is critical to avoid lag. Verizon Fios stands out as the best internet provider for gaming.

According to the latest Ookla speed tests (from Ziff Davis, who also owns CNET), Verizon Fios offers the lowest latency among major providers.

Cable and fiber internet providers also offer excellent options for gamers. Here are the top choices:

  • Verizon Fios: Best overall internet for gaming

  • Frontier Fiber: Best budget option for gaming

  • Astound: Best for gaming router deals

  • Spectrum: Best cable internet for gaming

  • Starlink: Best for rural gaming
What is the Best Internet for Gaming

Top Gaming Internet Providers

Verizon Fios

Best Overall for Gaming

Verizon Fios is an excellent choice for gamers who need low latency. It offers speed options of 300Mbps, 500Mbps, 1Gbps, and up to 2Gbps in certain areas.

These speeds are ideal for smooth online gaming. Additionally, Verizon Fios provides reliable low-latency performance.

  • Connection Type: Fiber
  • Speed Range: 300–2,000 Mbps
  • Price Range: $50–$120 per month

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Verizon Fios offers plans with 100% fiber.
  • Download and upload speeds are the same.
  • All plans come with unlimited data.
  • No contracts are required.

Disadvantages

  • Fiber coverage is limited nationwide.
  • LTE and DSL plans are expensive, though Fios and 5G are budget-friendly.

Ping, also called latency, shows when your device and the server need to exchange data online. Higher latency means a longer delay. This delay can cause lag and affect timing, leading to losses or reducing gaming fun. To enjoy gaming, aim for the lowest latency possible.

Ookla’s speed tests show Verizon has the lowest latency among big ISPs, at 15 milliseconds. A latency under 40ms allows smooth gaming without noticeable lag, making Verizon Fios a strong choice for home internet gaming.

Key Info

  • Unlimited data
  • No contracts
  • Free equipment with gig service

Frontier Fiber

Affordable Gaming Internet Option

Frontier provides a 200Mbps plan for only $30 per month. It includes an Eero 6+ router at no extra cost. The speed is excellent for gaming, and the high-quality router ensures a reliable connection.

  • Connection Type: Fiber
  • Speed Range: 500 to 5,000 Mbps
  • Price Range: $50 to $155 per month

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • The price includes a Wi-Fi router rental.
  • Data usage has no limits.
  • High-speed fiber internet is available.

Disadvantages

  • DSL speeds can be inconsistent.
  • Customer satisfaction is low but gradually improving.
  • You must agree to a term contract to get signup benefits.

Frontier excels in low latency. Ookla’s speed test results show Frontier averages 17 milliseconds, ranking second among national ISPs after Verizon. AT&T, another fiber provider, recorded an average latency of 22 milliseconds.

Key Info

  • Unlimited data included
  • No binding contracts
  • No equipment charges

Astound Broadband

Gaming Router Option

Gaming routers can be expensive, ranging from $200 to $500. Astound Broadband offers an affordable option by allowing customers to rent a gaming router for $13 per month.

They provide the Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming router, which delivers high speeds, low latency, and Wi-Fi 6 support.

  • Connection Type: Cable
  • Speed Range: 100 – 1,500 Mbps
  • Price Range: $20 – $80 per month

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Affordable pricing in the first year
  • Unlimited data usage
  • No long-term agreements

Disadvantages

  • Service is only available in urban areas
  • Prices rise significantly after the initial offer
  • Equipment fees are unclear

That $13 monthly fee seems reasonable for an ISP. Most ISPs charge $10 to $15 monthly to rent essential equipment.

Some now provide advanced options like mesh routers and Wi-Fi 6 routers, but it’s uncommon to see an ISP offer a dedicated gaming router.

The XR1000, for example, costs $185 when purchased on sale. Renting it from Astound for over 15 months would still save you money.

Its gaming features include DumaOS software, which prioritizes live streaming and cloud gaming traffic. It also includes tools to connect you to the best-performing servers during online gameplay.

Key Info

  • Unlimited Data: No restrictions on usage.
  • Low Promo Prices: Affordable initial rates are available.
  • No Contracts: No long-term commitments are required.

Spectrum

Best Cable Internet for Gaming

Spectrum stands out as the top choice for cable internet, not just because of its overall performance. The key reason it’s ideal for gaming is the unlimited data included with every plan.

Spectrum offers unlimited data across all markets, unlike other providers, such as Xfinity, Cox, and Mediacom, which impose data caps and charge up to $50 or $100 for overages.

  • Connection Type: Cable
  • Speed Range: 500–1,000 Mbps
  • Price Range: $50–$80 per month

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Simple pricing structure
  • Unlimited data with all plans
  • Internet plans do not require contracts.
  • Free use of Spectrum’s nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots

Disadvantages

  • Cable rates are reasonable but costlier than many fiber options
  • Customer satisfaction on the internet is a bit lower than the industry average

Spectrum offers t00Mbps for $50 and 1,000Mbps for $70 per month. Both deliver enough speed for online gaming. The gig plan includes Wi-Fi equipment, saving $10 monthly. You can use these savings for games or add-ons.

Key Info

  • Unlimited data
  • Transparent pricing
  • No contracts
  • Modem provided
  • Free nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots

Starlink

Best Rural Internet for Gaming

Satellite internet usually comes with high latency, making online gaming difficult. However, Starlink’s low-orbit satellites address this issue, providing latency in the range of 25 to 60 milliseconds.

  • Connection Type: Satellite
  • Speed Range: 20–250 Mbps
  • Price Range: $90–$120 per month

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Good speeds for rural areas
  • Low delay
  • No data limits
  • Mobile internet option

Disadvantages

  • Expensive setup fees
  • Slower than fiber or cable
  • Affected by bad weather

Fixed wireless or DSL internet in rural areas often offers low latency, but their speeds may not match Starlink.

Most fixed wireless and DSL providers offer speeds of 100Mbps or less, while Starlink claims speeds up to 220Mbps. Starlink also aims to reduce latency nationwide to a steady 20 milliseconds.

Key Info

  • No contract required
  • 1TB data cap
  • Low latency

Best Gaming Internet Providers Compared

The plans listed below reflect the most affordable options from each provider. The maximum speeds mentioned are the highest advertised for those plans; however, availability depends on your location.

Your ideal choice might be a different plan offering higher speeds at a higher cost but providing better overall value.

For a detailed understanding of this value-based approach, refer to CNET’s guide on calculating the price per Mbps.

PlanMonthly Price Starts AtMaximum SpeedPrice Per MbpsEquipment Charges
Astound Broadband 300$20300 Mbps7 centsNo fees; optional gaming router for $13
Frontier Fiber 200$30200 Mbps15 centsNo equipment fees
Spectrum Internet$50500 Mbps10 centsFree modem; optional router for $10
Starlink Standard$120100 Mbps120 centsOne-time fee of $349
Verizon Fios 300$50300 Mbps17 centsNo equipment fees

Additional Internet Providers for Gaming

The mentioned providers offer features tailored for gamers but are not the only options. Here are other providers worth considering for online gaming:

  • AT&T Fiber: A fiber connection is the best choice for any online activity, including gaming. AT&T is the most extensive fiber provider in the U.S., and its lowest plan (300Mbps at $55 per month) provides sufficient speed for gaming. Ookla named AT&T Fiber the fastest ISP in the U.S., with a median download speed of 348.86Mbps, surpassing providers like Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity.

  • Optimum: Optimum offers reasonable speeds, competitive prices, and no data caps. While it mainly provides cable internet, its fiber network is expanding. However, its history of low customer satisfaction is something to consider before subscribing.

  • Xfinity: Xfinity delivers fast and reliable speeds. According to Ookla, it had the fourth-fastest median speed of 237Mbps and ranked second for consistent speeds above 25Mbps at 92.2%.

Choosing the Right Internet for Gaming

Choosing the Right Internet for Gaming

Online gaming demands a stable internet connection. These factors can help you choose the exemplary service:

  • Check Availability: The best gaming ISP is irrelevant if unavailable in your area. Start by checking local providers, especially those offering fiber services.

  • Latency Matters: Latency is key for gaming. While most ISPs don’t advertise latency, FCC Broadband Labels or Ookla speed tests can provide insights. Aim for latency under 40ms for smooth gaming.

  • Connection Type: Fiber ISPs generally provide the lowest latency, better reliability, and faster speeds. Fiber is better than cable or fixed wireless, even if it costs more.

  • Speed Requirements: Broadband requires at least 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload, which supports gaming. Higher speeds can handle multiple devices and improve performance. Remember, Wi-Fi and connected devices can reduce available speeds.

How We Picked the Top Gaming Internet Providers?

Choosing the top internet providers for gaming involves analyzing several factors, with latency being a priority.

We focused on ISPs with the lowest latency to identify the best options based on recent Ookla speed test results. Advertised latency ranges and FCC Broadband Labels helped us compare providers further.

We also considered availability to at least 1% of households in the US. Including a small regional provider with low latency would not benefit most users if it serves only a limited area.

Speed and reliability were also key factors. The providers listed above deliver speeds suitable for most gaming needs and reliable connections to keep gamers online without interruptions.

Ideal Internet Types for Gaming

Ideal Internet Types for Gaming

Fiber internet offers the best gaming experience. It provides the fastest download and upload speeds and remains reliable, even during high-usage periods.

If fiber is unavailable, consider cable, fixed wireless, DSL (depending on speed), or satellite internet from Starlink, in that order.

Cable internet is a strong option for speed and reliability, often offering gigabit speeds. Fixed wireless performance depends on the provider and your location relative to signal towers.

A wired connection is ideal for gaming. DSL may not deliver the necessary speed or stability, but fixed wireless could perform better.

If no other option works, Starlink satellite internet may support gaming. However, avoid Hughesnet or Viasat as they may not meet the requirements.

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