What Is A Good Download Speed for Gaming?

good download speed for gaming

Online games do not need high download speeds. A 5Mbps or faster connection works fine, even for new consoles. That is all.

But wait. A good connection is still vital for online gaming. The fastest internet plan will not fix lag if latency is too high.

Low latency is what matters. If latency is in the hundreds of milliseconds, no speed will prevent delays in gameplay.

Best Internet options for online gaming

  • Fiber internet from providers like AT&T, Google Fiber, and Verizon Home Internet is the best choice. It offers equal upload and download speeds, is ideal for streaming, and has low latency.

  • The next best option is cable internet from Spectrum, Xfinity, and similar companies. If fiber is not available, cable is the best alternative.

  • DSL internet is better than wireless if fiber or cable is unavailable. It runs on phone lines and has more latency, but still works better for gaming than most wireless connections.

  • 5G Home Internet is the best choice if no wired options are available. It is a fixed wireless service with lower latency than other wireless connections. Today’s fastest plan reaches 1,000Mbps, but speeds may increase as technology improves.

  • 5G mobile service is a backup if 5G Home Internet is unavailable. It can reach 1,000Mbps, but real-world speeds may average around 200Mbps.

  • 4G and 4G LTE connections (both mobile and fixed wireless) have more latency than wired connections. However, they can still meet the recommended latency of under 100ms for gaming.
Internet TypeHighest Download SpeedLatencyAvailable Providers
FiberUp to 10Gbps (10,000Mbps)11-14 msGoogle Fiber, Verizon, AT&T, Frontier, CenturyLink
CableUp to 2Gbps (2,000Mbps)15-35 msXfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Optimum
DSLUp to 140Mbps25-43 msCenturyLink, Verizon, AT&T, Windstream
5G (Mobile)Up to 1Gbps (1,000Mbps)Not listedVerizon, AT&T, T-Mobile Home Internet
4G LTE (Mobile)Up to 300MbpsNot listedVerizon, T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed WirelessUp to 1Gbps (1,000Mbps)Not listedRise, Verizon, AT&T
SatelliteUp to 200Mbps594-624 msHughesnet

Online Gaming Speed Recommendations

Many games and consoles do not list specific speed needs because they require very little data. Games like Halo Infinite and Fortnite exchange small amounts of information with their servers.

Modern games work with low-speed connections, while other media need more bandwidth. Your console or PC does most of the work.

Streaming a 4K movie on Netflix requires a constant flow of high-resolution images. Playing Overwatch, however, only involves sending small data packets between your device and Blizzard’s servers.

Your console processes inputs, physics, and visuals.

People share these details in a session.

  • Keyboard, mouse, and controller inputs

  • Player positions (yours and others)

  • Game world updates

  • Player chats

  • Server notifications (e.g., in-game messages)

Player location can slow things down, especially in MMO games. More real-time players on the screen can cause frame rate drops and lag, leading to players “teleporting.”

Since gaming is interactive, a stable upload speed is needed to stay connected. However, even a slow connection can often handle gaming, making upload speed less of a priority than other factors.

Most gaming platforms have basic speed needs.

PlatformMinimum Download (Mbps)Minimum Upload (Mbps)Maximum Latency (ms)
Nintendo Switch31N/A
Xbox30.5150
PlayStation22N/A
Steam11N/A

You need an internet connection that meets specific requirements to play games online. However, a better connection helps keep the experience smooth.

For a single online game, we suggest these speeds:

  • Download: At least 5 Mbps

  • Upload: At least 3 Mbps

  • Latency: 100 ms or less

What Is Latency in Gaming?

What Is Latency in Gaming

Latency makes gaming frustrating. Even skilled players struggle with high latency. Many gamers already understand its impact. New players should know why latency causes problems.

So, what does latency mean? Imagine hitting a racquetball against a wall—how long does it take to return?

The ping tool measures latency by sending data to a destination and recording the response time. A short response time improves gaming. An extended response time creates delays, making gameplay difficult.

For example, moving a mouse sends data to a remote server. The server processes the movement and responds with updated actions, including those of other players.

The game displays the response. High latency delays movement, creating a disadvantage.

Ping rate is another term for latency. A low ping rate keeps gameplay smooth. A high ping rate causes lag.

What Affects Latency?

Several factors influence latency. Here are the key ones:

Distance to the Server

Online multiplayer games rely on regional servers to reduce latency. Even a server a few states away can increase delays.

Location matters because gaming data travels through multiple network points, known as hops, before reaching the server.

More hops increase travel time, raising latency. Heavy network traffic also slows data transfer, delaying player actions.

Type of Connection

Different internet connections create varying latency levels.

Satellite internet produces the highest latency because signals travel to space and back. Insulated cable connections perform better than traditional phone lines. Fiber optic cables offer the lowest latency.

The data transfer speed between the game and the server differs from the download speed. A 5Mbps DSL connection downloads a movie slower than a 50Mbps satellite connection.

However, DSL provides better gaming performance than satellite. Satellite connections introduce lag due to long signal travel distances. High latency on satellite internet makes fast-paced online games nearly unplayable.

Reduce Latency

If high latency makes online games lag, you can take steps to lower it and keep gameplay smooth.

Use Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is easy to use but unreliable. It adds an extra step between your gaming device and the internet, which increases delay.

Many things can weaken Wi-Fi, including signal interference, speed changes, crowded networks, and distance from the router. These problems can make Wi-Fi frustrating for gaming.

An Ethernet cable connects the gaming device to the router, preventing Wi-Fi delays and speed drops. The connection stays stable.

For the Nintendo Switch, dock it and use a USB-based Ethernet adapter to connect to the network. The Nintendo-approved Dual USB Playstand works with both the Switch and Switch Lite.

You can use a similar adapter for desktops or laptops without an Ethernet port.

If You Must Use Wi-Fi

Connect to the 5 GHz band. Use the higher channels (149–161) if possible since lower channels (36–48) are often crowded.

Choose an 80 MHz channel width for better performance, and avoid 160 MHz unless you are far from radar signals.

If your device supports 6 GHz, use it for a more stable connection.

Stay within 30 feet of the router, no matter which band you use. Keep a clear line of sight with minimal obstacles to improve signal strength.

Restart Network Devices

Restarting your router and modem can help them work better. Even a slight delay can affect your gaming, so it helps to restart your devices.

To restart, press the power button or unplug the modem or router. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If you have a separate router, restart it after the modem is back online.

Update Firmware and Drivers

Manufacturers release updates to improve device performance. These updates fix security issues, optimize code, and improve stability. Keeping firmware and drivers up to date prevents internet problems.

Do the following:

  • Update your computer’s drivers and operating system, especially graphics drivers.

  • Update your gaming console’s software.

  • Update firmware for controllers and accessories.

  • Update your router’s firmware.

Turn Off Unnecessary Devices and Apps

Suppose your internet is slow while gaming; reduce other network activity. Avoid streaming 4K videos when playing online.

Pause system and software updates. Disable smart devices to save bandwidth. Enable them again after finishing.

Connect to the Nearest Server

The distance to a server affects latency. Even with a fast connection, data takes time to travel.

Games usually connect to the closest server, but check if you’re on the right one. If you experience lag, ensure you’re not on a distant server. Switch servers if the current one has issues.

Some gaming routers can block high-latency servers. For example, NETGEAR’s Nighthawk XR1000 and XR500 routers have a Geo-Filter tool to filter servers based on location and ping.

Set Up Port Forwarding

Xbox Live and PlayStation Network suggest using a static IP address. A static IP helps the router send game traffic through specific ports.

Routers usually assign dynamic IP addresses that change over time. A static IP stays the same, making port forwarding possible. Ports act as “docks” for data traveling in and out.

To set up a static IP and open ports, change the settings in your router. Port forwarding works for all devices, not just gaming consoles.

Use QoS for Better Gaming Performance

Some routers include QoS settings that prioritize gaming traffic. Gaming data gets more importance than streaming and other tasks.

Many routers have a gaming mode that assigns priority to specific devices. Some routers only allow you to allocate a fixed amount of bandwidth without prioritizing gaming traffic.

Avoid Peak Internet Hours

Internet speeds may slow down when multiple people in your home use the network. Routers can only handle a certain number of devices before lag occurs.

Peak hours mainly affect cable internet, but providers like Spectrum and Xfinity now use fiber to reduce congestion. In rural areas with complete cable networks, slowdowns may still happen.

Playing at night or upgrading to a router with four or more streams can help manage network load.

Check Your Connections

Faulty Ethernet cables can cause lag. Make sure the cable connecting your modem and router is working correctly. If your internet speed is over 100 Mbps, don’t use a CAT 5 cable.

Also, check if your modem’s internet connection is stable. Loose cables can cause connection issues and increase lag.

Things to Consider for Online Gaming

Things to Consider for Online Gaming

Online gaming uses more of your internet connection than most activities. However, gaming also affects your connection in other ways. You should also consider downloads and live streaming.

Downloads

Modern games require a lot of storage space on your PC or console. Downloading games from platforms like Steam or the Microsoft Store can take a long time and quickly consume monthly data limits.

Game updates also use significant data. For example, the Fallout 76 Atlantic City—Boardwalk Paradise update is 28.3GB on Xbox and 36.8GB on Steam. While smaller than The Pitt update, it is still a large file.

When choosing an internet plan, low latency should be your top priority. However, having unlimited data can prevent unnecessary issues.

Fast download speeds also help with large game downloads. Waiting hours to play a new game on release day is never ideal.

Livestreaming

If you stream games on Twitch or YouTube, your internet requirements change. You still need a low-latency connection for gaming, but you also require sufficient upload speed to maintain a stable stream.

For more details on internet speed requirements for streaming, check out our internet speed guide. You can also refer to our Twitch streaming setup guide for step-by-step instructions.

Cloud Game Streaming

Game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming use remote servers to run games and stream them to your device. These games are installed and played on powerful servers, eliminating hardware limitations.

You don’t need an expensive PC or the latest console to play high-end games. Instead, you only need a compatible app or browser and a stable Wi-Fi connection.

But, cloud gaming has a significant downside. The game streams in HD or 4K through the internet, causing input lag. Gaming needs fast response times, unlike watching videos on Netflix or Hulu.

You need a strong and stable internet connection to use cloud gaming services smoothly. Here are the speed requirements for the top game streaming platforms:

Service720p (Minimum)1080p2160p
Xbox Cloud Gaming10MbpsNot mentionedNot mentioned
GeForce Now15Mbps25MbpsNot mentioned
PlayStation Plus5MbpsNot mentionedNot mentioned

From a nearby device

Stream games from a gaming PC or console to a supported app or web browser. You can do this on the same network or from another location.

The internet speed needed to stay almost the same. However, using a wired connection for your gaming PC or console helps improve performance while playing remotely.

Service720p (Minimum Speed)1080p (Minimum Speed)2160p (Minimum Speed)
Xbox Remote PlayAt least 10MbpsNot mentionedNot mentioned
Steam Remote PlayAt least 10MbpsNot mentionedNot mentioned
PlayStation Remote Play15Mbps25MbpsNot mentioned

Steam Remote Play Together

Steam Remote Play Together lets a Steam user play a multiplayer game on a PC and invite up to four friends to join remotely.

These friends do not need to be on the same network. The feature streams gameplay to four players in 1080p at 60 FPS. Valve recommends a connection speed of at least 10–30Mbps for smooth performance.

Difference Between Online Games and Playing Games Online

Difference Between Online Games and Playing Games Online

Some games allow online play but focus mainly on single-player. These include Doom Eternal, Pokémon Sapphire and Violet, Far Cry 6, and Halo Infinite.

Playing in co-op or multiplayer may lag, especially with several players on screen.

On the other hand, online games rely entirely on multiplayer. Titles like The Elder Scrolls Online, World of Warcraft, and Destiny 2 must manage many players simultaneously.

Both the game server and your system must track every action. Even with a strong connection, this can cause frame rate drops and slow input response.

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