Best internet speeds for streaming without buffering

The best internet speed for streaming depends on a variety of factors, like the type of service you're streaming and how many household devices are connected to the internet. For example, if you live in a home with 20-plus connected devices, you're going to need a higher internet speed than someone with three or fewer wireless devices.

It also depends on whether you want to stream in standard, high, 4K or ultra definition. You'll want an internet speed that can stream all your devices with a clear picture. 

Here are some internet speed considerations to take into account so that you can binge-watch your favorite shows with minimal lags or delays. 

What’s the minimum internet speed needed for streaming?

Technically, the minimum speed can be as low as 1 Mbps. In reality, you'll likely need a faster connection for streaming since other devices in your home can slow down your internet speed. For a connection with little buffering, we recommend the following speeds. Remember these figures are based on just one connected device: 

• Standard Definition (SD): at least 3 Mbps.
• High Definition (HD): at least 5 Mbps. 
• 4K or Ultra HD (UHD): 15 Mbps or more.

What else affects the minimum speed for streaming?

• Streaming platform: The minimum internet speed needed for streaming depends on the streaming platform you use. If you frequently use a subscription service, like Netflix or Max, the required speed is lower than the speed needed for streaming live TV.  
• Number of simultaneous streams: The minimum speeds listed above are per stream. If you are streaming on multiple devices at once, make sure to add the minimum speed for each streaming platform you are using. For example, streaming Netflix in HD on one device is 5 Mbps, but streaming on three devices simultaneously would require at least 15 Mbps.  
• Internet technology type: Some internet types produce better speed and picture quality. Fiber, cable, 5G or satellite internet are just a few types of internet connections available that can support streaming.  
• Number of connected devices: Other devices connected to your home Wi-Fi can impact streaming and clog up your connection. Even if they are not streaming, devices like wireless security systems, cell phones, laptops or tablets will affect the available bandwidth for streaming. Take all your online activities and devices into account when deciding on a good internet speed for your home.  

What’s the best internet speed for streaming? 

Multiple internet providers work great for streaming. Fiber and cable internet work the best.  5G internet, fixed wireless and DSL internet are also good for streaming. Satellite internet can support streaming, but you may have more issues with lag due to the way the connection operates. You also need to be aware of any data limits or overage fees you might incur with a satellite connection.  Here are the minimum speeds for SD, HD and 4K for different streaming platforms.

Amazon Prime Video

• SD minimum speed: 1 Mbps
• HD minimum speed: 5 Mbps
• 4k minimum speed: 15 Mbps

Disney+

• SD minimum speed: N/A
• HD minimum speed: 5 Mbps
• 4k minimum speed: 25 Mbps

fuboTV

• SD minimum speed: 3 Mbps
• HD minimum speed: 10 Mbps
• 4k minimum speed: 25 Mbps

Hulu

• SD minimum speed: 1.5 Mbps
• HD minimum speed: 6 Mbps
• 4K minimum speed: 16 Mbps

Hulu Live

• SD minimum speed: N/A
• HD minimum speed: 8 Mbps
• 4K minimum speed: 16 Mbps

Max (formerly HBO Max)

• SD minimum speed: N/A
• HD minimum speed: 5 Mbps
• 4K minimum speed: 50 Mbps

Netflix

• SD minimum speed: 3 Mbps
• HD minimum speed: 5 Mbps
• 4K minimum speed: 15 Mbps

Philo

• SD minimum speed: 3 Mbps
• HD minimum speed: 7 Mbps
• 4K minimum speed: 13 Mbps

Sling TV

• SD minimum speed: 3 Mbps
• HD minimum speed: 5 Mbps
• 4K minimum speed: 25 Mbps

YouTubeTV

• SD minimum speed: 3 Mbps
• HD minimum speed: 7 Mbps
• 4K minimum speed: 25 Mbps

How to choose the right internet speed for streaming  

Cutting the cord and leaving cable TV behind may mean upgrading your internet speed. But that doesn't necessarily mean you need 1 Gbps or more. Think about the following circumstances when choosing the best internet speed for your household.

• Providers available to you. The providers available to you will depend on where you live. City and suburban areas often have three or more internet service provider options, while rural internet might be limited to just one or two providers.  
• Streaming platforms you use. Use the list above to estimate the minimum speed you need to stream on one device at the picture quality that you want.
• Number of people streaming. If you have multiple devices streaming at once, it's a good idea to get the extra bandwidth needed to support streaming on several devices.  
• Other Wi-Fi devices in the home. Other wireless devices, like gaming consoles, tablets, video doorbells and more, will need their share of internet speed. Take that into consideration when choosing an internet speed.

Does the type of internet connection affect streaming? 

Your internet connection does matter when streaming, but speed requirements focus only on the download speed of your internet connection. Fiber internet is one of the best internet connections for gaming and streaming because it is a dedicated line. That means the internet is coming straight to your home without being shared with any surrounding neighbors.  

DSL is a dedicated line as well, but it's not as great as fiber for streaming since the technology is outdated at this point, and the maximum speeds rarely top 100 Mbps.  

Shared connections like cable or 5G can occasionally fluctuate when more people are online in your area. This inconsistency in speed causes buffering or lag when streaming, so while it works, it's not as ideal as fiber. 

When it comes to streaming, avoid satellite. The connection is typically slower since the signal has to travel from the satellite and back. How many users are on at a given time will also result in a lagging picture.

Frequently asked questions

Is 100 Mbps fast enough for streaming? 

Yes, 100 Mbps is fast enough for streaming. With 100 Mbps, you can stream any platform, whether it be in SD, HD or 4K.

Do I need a certain internet speed for streaming 4K? 

Yes, you typically need at least 25 Mbps to stream in 4K. Anything less than 25 Mbps may result in lagging, buffering or a lower-resolution picture.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe and Hannah Whatley, Allconnect