What is a good internet speed for gaming?

Enhanced internet speeds and improvements in gaming technology have opened up the world of online video games. Today, some of the best games are web-based. Big names like Fortnite and League of Legends boast millions of players all around the world. Multiplayer games allow individuals from different countries and continents to play together.

If you want to join their ranks, you’ll need to ensure your internet is up to the task. Online games can be demanding in terms of internet bandwidth needs. High-quality internet with a sufficient connection speed will help you stay focused while you play and ensure a smooth gaming experience. Read on to learn what internet speeds are recommended for gamers and for additional tips on how to help ensure uninterrupted gameplay.

Minimum internet speed for online gaming

As any gamer well knows, all gaming consoles aren’t created equal. Console manufacturers vary in terms of recommended download speed for internet-based games. It’s important to do your research regarding your system’s precise requirements. In general, the majority of consoles require 3 megabits per second (Mbps) to run.

However, this is just the bare minimum requirement in most cases. It might be enough to get a game up and running, but it won’t necessarily be free of interruptions or downloading issues. If you’re looking for uninterrupted gaming, you will likely have to invest in fast internet.

Further, it’s important to do your research and check the precise specifications of your console. The next section lays out the minimum internet speeds for some of the more popular gaming consoles on the market.

Recommended minimum internet speeds by console

Gamers can get pretty passionate about their consoles, and the internet is home to many digital debates about the pros and cons of various technologies. You likely have a model of choice yourself. Whatever your preference might be, take a moment to check the specifications and see what the recommended minimum internet speed for your console is.

Download speed: how fast your device pulls data from the server.

Here are some of the minimum Mbps download speed recommendations for popular consoles, including:

• Xbox One: 3 Mbps
• PlayStation 5: 5 Mbps
• Nintendo Switch: 3 Mbps
• PC Gaming: 3 to 6 Mbps

Upload speed: how fast your device can transmit data.

When it comes to upload speed, any of these gaming devices can function online with 0.5 to 3 Mbps.

Download and upload speed recommendations may change if product features change.

Recommended internet speed for types of games

As mentioned, the types of games you like to play can also influence internet speed requirements. For example, in a first-person shooter game, a mere second can make the difference in terms of who wins. If your internet lags for even half-a-second, the other player may get you before you have a chance to get them.

For competitive games like these, it’s advisable to upgrade beyond the bare minimum internet plan requirements. Whatever console you may use, the recommended internet speed for gaming will feature a download speed of at least 25 Mbps.

Dealing with the frustrations of lost connectivity or lag times can ruin your gaming experience. If you play online games, opt for a high-speed internet with downloads of 25 Mbps minimum. The added investment will be well worth it when you can enjoy your gaming with less interruptions.

Frontier offers plans for gamers meeting these requirements. Our Fiber Internet plans offer lightning-fast speeds at affordable prices. You can also check availability in your area via our website.

How does latency/ping affect online gaming?

You should also think about latency and ping rate.

Ping rate describes how quickly your device gets a response from your internet connection after sending a request. Ping rate impacts gaming performance significantly.

Latency refers to the delay that takes place between an action the gamer takes and what actually happens on the video game screen. It’s measured in milliseconds.

A low ping rate means low latency and faster play. A high ping rate makes multiplayer games nearly impossible (or impossible to win, in any case). If your ping rate is higher than the other player’s, all of their moves will register on the screen before yours.

So how to get a low ping rate and low latency? Subscribing to faster internet will improve the ping rate and minimize latency, enhancing your gaming experience and possibly your odds of winning.

Tips to improve your online gaming experience

Investing in faster internet speeds can improve your online gaming. However, there are additional steps you can take to enhance your experience.

Connect your console with an ethernet cable

Wi-Fi isn’t ideal for gaming. Wireless connections create added delay. Plug ethernet cable into your router directly and you will enjoy a faster, more responsive connection with less lag time. If this isn’t an option for you, set up your Wi-Fi so that you’re located as close to the router as possible when playing.

If you’re still struggling with lag time despite a wired connection, try troubleshooting by resetting your modem and router. Restarting your devices can make a noticeable difference in latency.

Turn off other devices or downloads on your network

You can also help improve gaming by minimizing interference from other devices. Stop any current downloads and turn off devices that might compete with your console for bandwidth. Also, check for in-game downloads that might be running in the game’s background, which can use up data and slow your gaming experience.

Use online game servers closest to you

The game server, also referred to as the host, coordinates all of the action in multiplayer games. It transmits the data between your and others’ actions.

The physical distance between the player and gaming server is another factor that impacts the gaming experience. If you’re further away from the server, latency will likely increase. Most online games have regional servers to cater to players’ needs in different areas. If possible, opt to use a server nearby.

Upgrade to Fiber Internet connections if it is available to you

Online gaming is a fun way to spend your free time when you’re trying to escape reality and unwind from the everyday stress of work or school. Upgrading your internet speed can also enhance other entertainment experiences. If you use streaming services like Netflix, for example, you can minimize streaming video disruptions. Simple online activities like downloading large files from websites and uploading webpages will also run more efficiently. If you’re ready to upgrade your internet connection to take advantage of fast, stress-free gaming, Frontier has you covered. Use our available in your area checker and find out more about our internet service provider (ISP) products online.