As the demand for online streaming is increasing, finding the right internet plan for your house has become more difficult because now people need to consider several crucial factors before they can finalize their decision. Since online streaming consistently requires high-speed connectivity, the speed of the connection is the most important thing that one needs to take into account when choosing an internet plan. Therefore, to help you select the right internet plan for your household, in this article, we will discuss the internet speed requirement for online streaming platforms. So, without further ado, let us get started!
How Much Internet Speed Do You Need for Online Streaming?
According to Netflix, you need at least 5 Mbps of internet speed to stream content in high-definition. However, if you are planning to watch a 4K movie, your internet should transmit a minimum speed of 25 Mbps. The aforementioned speed requirements are for a single user only. Therefore, if you are a household of multiple internet users, then you will need a faster internet connection that can easily broadcast 200 Mbps of internet speed. Gigabit plans might be the best option for you if tech-savvy individuals surround your network.
A Quick Overview of Required Internet Speeds by Streaming Platforms
| Streaming Platform | Optimal Download Speed |
| Netflix | 3 to 25 Mbps |
| Hulu | 3 to 16 Mbps |
| Hulu + Live TV | 8+ Mbps |
| Disney+ | 5 to 25 Mbps |
| YouTube TV | 3 to 13+ Mbps |
| Sling TV | 3 to 25 Mbps |
| FuboTV | 3 to 25 Mbps |
| HBO Max | 12+ Mbps |
| AT&T TV NOW | 12+ Mbps |
| Acorn TV | 1.6+ Mbps |
As you can see, different streaming platforms require different internet speeds. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube TV are the most used streaming services these days. Therefore, it is important to discuss the required internet speeds for these platforms in detail.
How Much Speed Do You Need to Stream on Netflix?
| Quality | Resolution | Netflix Recommends |
| SD | 480p | 3 Mbps |
| HD | 720p to 1080p | 5 Mbps |
| Ultra HD/4K | 2160p | 25 Mbps |
How Much Speed Do You Need to Stream on Hulu?
| Quality | Resolution | Hulu Recommends |
| Hulu streaming library | SD and HD (480p to 1080p) | 3 Mbps |
| Hulu + Live TV | SD and HD (480p to 1080p) | 8 Mbps |
| 4K | 2160p | 16 Mbps |
How Much Speed Do You Need to Stream on Disney+?
| Quality | Resolution | Disney+ Recommends |
| HD | 720p to 1080p | 5 Mbps |
| 4K | UHD (2160p) | 25 Mbps |
How Much Speed Do You Need to Stream on YouTube TV?
| Quality | Resolution | YouTube Recommends |
| SD | 480p | 3+ Mbps |
| HD | 1080p | 7 to 13+ Mbps |
How Much Speed Do I Need for Streaming Video Games Online?
The minimum speed requirement for live-streaming online games is lower than for streaming content online. You should be fine with 1 MBPS speed. If there are multiple devices connected to the service, then you need at least 6 MBPS speed.
If you’re streaming HD movies, having video conferences, and playing video games online. You need a speed of 15 MBPS or more per person. Each gaming platform is different, and each online game streaming service is different, so speed requirements may vary.
How Much Speed Do I Need for Facebook Live?
Facebook Live streaming has become a major part of our lives. To be able to stream HD Video, you’ll need at least 5 MBPS. But for the stream to run smoothly, there’s a minimum of 10 MBPS required.
If you’re doing a live stream on Facebook, then you can refer to speed recommendations provided by Facebook:
- Audio bit speed is 96 Kbps or 128 Kbps
- Maximum bit rate is 4000 kbps
- Maximum 60 frames per second for 1080p (1920×1080) resolution
How Much Speed Do I Need for 4K Live Stream?
To be able to stream 4K video, you need high-speed internet service. If you want to stream Netflix in 4K, you would need 25 MBPS minimum. To stream 4K HDR content, you would first need a 4K UHD TV with support for HDR and HEVC decoder.
Top Recommended Internet Providers for Online Streaming in 2023
The best internet service providers for online streaming are:
- Charter Spectrum
- Comcast Xfinity
- AT&T
- Cox Communications
- Frontier Communications
Charter Spectrum
Spectrum is one of the leading internet providers in the US with availability across 44 states including Texas, California, and New York. The company offers amazing internet plans that are perfect for streaming online movies and TV shows because when you sign up for Spectrum Internet, you get incredible speeds, unlimited data, and 24/7 customer support that ensures that your network remains intact at all times.
Comcast Xfinity
Comcast Xfinity is the largest residential cable service provider in the country with wide coverage across 40 states including Florida, Illinois, and California. Through its HFC Network Infrastructure, Xfinity delivers the fastest internet speeds in the nation going up to 2000 Mbps in select areas, making it one of the most desired internet providers for online streaming.
AT&T
AT&T is a well-known internet service provider in the country with accessibility in 21 states including Texas, Florida, and California. The company offers spectacular internet speeds with its fiber internet at highly affordable rates starting from USD 35 per month for up to 300 Mbps of internet speeds. That is why AT&T is one of the best internet options for streaming high-resolution movies on streaming platforms.
Cox Communications
Cox is the third-largest cable service provider in the United States offering its amazing internet plans to around 21 million customers in 18 different states. This internet provider offers some of the most economical internet plans in the country starting from USD 29.99 per month for up to 25 Mbps of internet speeds, which is ideal for streaming in HD on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. If you feel any problem with Cox Wifi connectivity. Cox offers WiFi troubleshooting with a proper guide.
Frontier Communications
Frontier is another reputable internet provider in the country serving millions of customers in 26 states including Connecticut, California, and Florida. The company primarily offers two types of internet services, which are DSL and fiber-optic internet connections. No matter what plan you choose, Frontier provides commendable internet speeds with every plan, allowing you to stream as many movies as you like without any interruption.
Final Words
Here we have mentioned the required internet speeds for online streaming as well as the best internet services that allow you to enjoy the perfect movie night with your family and friends. Make sure to check the provider’s availability on Local Cable Deals before you start comparing their plans. That is all for today, stay tuned for more insightful articles.