Fast internet is essential for every modern gamer! If you’re trying to invest more time and effort in gaming, you’ll need an internet connection to match. The answer to “What is a good internet speed for gaming?” isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—but you’ll probably want between 25 and 50 Mbps for a more than decent gaming experience. Here’s a helpful, more detailed guide to help you find the best internet provider for gaming at your home.
Internet Gaming Terms You Should Know
If you know anything about gamers, you know that they have a language of their own. But if you’re just getting into the gaming scene, you may not know all these terms yet. It’s important to know these terms because some of them are relevant to figuring out the best internet speed for gaming and streaming.
- Lag—a delay between a player and the game server
- Latency—the speed at which data goes from a game’s server to the gaming device and back again; the lower the latency, the faster your response time is
- Ping—a measure of latency in milliseconds; a low ping represents a quick response time
- Rubber Banding—jerky movements in a game due to latency; in multiplayer games, objects might suddenly jump from one place to another, disrupting the gaming experience
- Packet Loss—a percentage showing the amount of data lost before it reaches a server; unlike lag, this is data that disappears altogether
Minimum Speed Recommendations for Each Platform
The speed that you need for gaming will in part depend on what platform you’re using. You should take both upload and download speed into consideration when choosing your internet. Internet speed is measured in terms of megabits per second or Mbps. Here are some basics to keep in mind based on your preferred gaming platform.
- Xbox One—minimum upload speed of 0.5 Mbps and a minimum download speed of 3 to 4 Mbps
- PlayStation 4—minimum upload speed of 0.5 to 1 Mbps and a minimum download speed of 3 to 4 Mbps
- Nintendo Switch—minimum upload speed of 1 Mbps and a minimum download speed of 3 Mbps
- PC/Mac—minimum upload speed of 0.75 to 1 Mbps and a minimum download speed of 3 to 6 Mbps
These are just minimum download and upload speeds. You are going to want internet that is much faster for an optimal gaming experience, especially if you have several devices in your household. Usually, 25 Mbps will be sufficient for the average household’s needs. A person who likes downloading large media files and spends a large amount of time every day playing internet games may actually want 10 times that! Unless you’re on a tight budget, you’re likely better off with erring on the side of speed.
Gaming with a poor connection is extremely frustrating. But there are also instances when it could completely ruin your ability to game. For example, if you have a high ping and latency rate from a slow connection, you could actually get booted out of a game.
Minimum Speed Recommendations for Each Game Type
Even the type of game you’re playing will change your internet needs. Here’s a general guide for what is a good internet speed for gaming based on the type of game.
- First-person shooter games (FPS)—minimum download speed of 30 Mbps and a minimum upload speed of 1 Mbps
- Real-time strategy games—minimum download speed of 3 Mbps, a minimum upload speed of 0.5 Mbps, and a ping rate of 150 milliseconds or less
- Role-playing games (RPG)— minimum download speed of 1.5 Mbps and a minimum upload speed of 1 Mbps; internet communication with other players can also take a toll on your internet
- Massively multiplayer online (MMO) games—minimum download speed of 3 Mbps and a minimum upload speed of 0.5 Mbps; this is the type of game where you’ll have to worry about ping rate. With some MMOs, if you have a ping rate of 130 milliseconds or more, you’ll get kicked out of the game.
Other Things to Consider for a Smooth Gaming Experience
Ping vs. Latency
Although ping and latency can both negatively impact your gaming experience, they are not quite the same thing. A variety of factors can impact your ping rate, not just the strength of your connection. For example, the number of devices that are using your network, the quality of your router or modem, and other internet users in your area sharing your connection. Even how far away your router or modem is can impact your ping rate.
The type of connection you have will play the biggest role in latency. Network congestion also plays a role. Fiber-optic internet will give the best latency and ping rate. Ideally, you should have no more than 75 or 100 milliseconds of latency and a ping rate of no higher than 20 milliseconds for the best gaming experience.
Upload Speed vs. Download Speed
You don’t need as much speed to upload as you do to download. While your download speed is how fast data can be pulled from a server to your gaming system, upload speed is how fast your system can send data to a server. With a fast download speed, not only can you download games faster but you will also experience enhanced in-game play. Fast upload speed improves in-game communication, allows for fast streaming, and helps you send large video files and graphics.
Why Nomad Internet is the Best Internet Provider For Gaming
The bottom line is if you’re serious about your gaming, you need seriously good internet. Nomad can supply you with strong, reliable internet for all your gaming needs, even if you’re in a rural location. We have fixed wireless internet and DSL that gamers love! No matter what you choose, you can expect fast internet with low ping rates and latency. You can even start out with a monthly subscription and see if it’s a good fit.
To get more information about our plans and what suits your gaming style and your other internet use, get in touch with the best internet provider for gaming today!
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