What is a Good Internet Speed for Gaming?

Published on December 04, 2020

Anywhere betwixt 3 and 8 Mbps is considered okay for gaming. But depending on who else is using your net and whether you're calling or video streaming at the same time, this won't be enough. Once you get into the 50 to 200 Mbps range, your speed is considered fantabulous.

Of form, faster net is nice, but y'all don't want to overpay for speeds you don't need. So how practice yous know what'south truly recommended and what internet speed will really make gaming easier? We'll share real communication from the Federal Communications Commission.

If y'all want to know more about why you may demand a faster cyberspace speed for gaming, along with how to bank check your internet speed, keep reading.

How fast should my internet be for gaming?

The Federal Communications Commission recommends a download speed of 3 to 4 Mbps for gaming.i More than specifically, 3 Mbps for a regular gaming console and four Mbps for multiplayer games.one

While iii to iv Mbps isn't that much internet speed, keep in mind that this recommendation is for only 1 person. Information technology also doesn't account for other devices and activities that may be using your bandwidth at the same time. You'll too want improve speeds for downloading new games or updates.

If it's just yous or 1 other person using your cyberspace, or if you don't have a lot of devices sharing your bandwidth, we recommend getting a programme with 25 to fifty Mbps for gaming. This should cover your gaming needs and your other online activities.

Overall, most internet service providers (ISPs) provide the speed needed for a skillful gaming feel.

Light Bulb

If you have a bigger family unit or multiple smart devices and maybe a dwelling house security arrangement, y'all'll want to make sure your bandwidth tin handle it. In our Mbps guide, nosotros help you calculate the speed y'all demand for all your family members and online activities.

Want the latest internet reviews, top picks, and deals?

Why is faster internet better for gaming?

And so why is it important to have fast plenty net speed for gaming? Many games require you lot download game patches, frequent updates, or new files on your PC in order to keep playing. And of course, you lot'll desire fast speeds and low latency then you don't lag when playing online.

If you lot're playing games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Diablo Four, or Doom Eternal, you lot'll want to pay attention to the file size. There are ISPs out at that place known to be great for gaming that y'all tin easily cheque out.

Cyberpunk 2077 has a file size of 70 GB, while Doom Eternal is roughly xl GB. Your internet speed plays a big part in how fast your computer will download these files.

Hither's a small chart to assist you see how this works for Cyberpunk 2077:

Internet speed and file download time comparison2

Cyberspace speed

File size

Download time

3 Mbps

seventy GB

ii 1/2 days

4 Mbps

70 GB

i day and 16 hours

100 Mbps

70 GB

one hour and forty minutes

When yous're downloading a file on your PC, the net speed you lot're using makes a huge departure. According to this chart, the file size at 70 GB is the same. But depending on your internet speed, you could be waiting for either 2 and a one-half days or just under 2 hours for the same file to download.

Even if you're using a gaming console like the PS5 Digital Edition, you'll still demand to download files. This video game console doesn't have a deejay drive. This means games will need to be downloaded.

Does my data cap touch on my gaming?

Information technology'southward very common for internet plans to accept data caps. In one case you become over the limit of your information cap, you often accept to pay more than for your internet or deal with throttled speeds.

It's of import to keep in mind that downloading games and updating games takes upwards a significant amount of data. Updates on the PS5 can exist as big equally 500 MB. Both downloading games, updating games, and multiplayer games will impact your data employ.

Whenever you reach your information cap, your Internet service provider should be informing you via text message or electronic mail so you don't go over your limit without knowing about it. If you keep reaching your data cap each calendar month, it might be time to upgrade to a improve data plan or new ISP.

How exercise I speed up my internet?

If lag is constantly causing you lot to miss your opponents in your online games, you're probably pretty frustrated. Just there are some things you lot can do about it. First, bank check your net speed, and make sure you take enough Mbps.

If you lot're looking for an in-depth look at how to speed up your net, check out our guide. In the meantime, here are some gamer-specific tips to try:

  • Connect your PC or console direct to your router with an Ethernet string.
  • If you stream, tape playthroughs offline and upload later. If y'all livestream, you'll likely demand more Mbps.
  • Disconnect other devices and so they don't pig your bandwidth.
  • Ask your housemates to avoid streaming music or video while you play.
  • Download new games and large updates at night and then you don't have to await on them.
  • Reset your router and gaming devices.

If your internet programme just isn't up to the challenge, you'll need to upgrade your plan or switch providers. If y'all drop your aught below, we'll show you the plans that are available in your area.

Await for faster internet plans in your area.

Now that you know more about the all-time ISPs in the U.s., bank check these out side by side.

Pair up with ane of the best ISPs for gaming.

Or give ane of the fastest cyberspace providers a go.

Chyelle Dvorak

Written by

Chyelle Dvorak

Chyelle works equally a freelance writer for The Daily Beast and edited articles for Forbes, Inc.com, Play a trick on News and other review sites. Chyelle tests, writes, and researches products and services related to internet consumption. She found her passion for public speaking and writing in her babyhood when she won the Voice of Republic speech and essay competition. Chyelle has a degree in International Relations from Crown Higher, Minnesota. Outside of piece of work, Chyelle loves to spend time reading, kayaking, and running.

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