Fastest internet download speed for PC gaming, Xbox, PS4 / PS5, and Nintendo Switch, respectively. Promote your internet speed through these eight methods.
What is a Decent Internet Speed for Gaming?
The ideal internet connection for playing games online should be 10-25 Mbps per download and 5-10 Mbps per upload. Various factors determine the level of internet speed necessary for playing games, like the type of game, the play platform selected, and the total group size.
However, you need high speeds for serious gaming or streaming for the ultimate gaming experience. Watch out; these look like avatars from gamers.
The minimum recommended internet connection speed for gaming is:
- Upload speed – 0.5-1 Mbps
- Download speed – 3 Mbps
- Ping rate – below 150 milliseconds.
The optimal internet connection speed for gaming is:
- Upload speed – 5 Mbps
- Download speed – 15-25 Mbps
- The ping rate should be less than 50 ms
Explanations of Download Speed, Upload Speed, and Ping Rate
The amount of data you can download or upload over some time is known as bandwidth, which defines the smoothness of your online gaming. In simple terms, bandwidth refers to the amount of data your internet connection can handle.
Mbps (megabits per second) measures bandwidth. Mbps speaks for itself; it denotes how many megabits can be downloaded or uploaded per second.
Latency measures the number of ms (milliseconds) required to complete the ping rate. It displays the time a data packet travels from the source (say, your console) to the destination (such as a game server) and back to your console.
In clear terms, the ping rate denotes the speed at which your actions appear on a particular screen. For a ping rate of 27 milliseconds, when you press the left mouse button, your character will not start shooting immediately but take 27 milliseconds. Run a ping check on your ping to a specific IP or domain.
Low pings then come into play for important matches in League of Legends. Similarly, ensuring a smooth battle royale in Fortnite or PUBG Lite is essential for its desirable outcome.
Therefore, bandwidth refers to the amount of data sent per second, while ping rate is the information’s travel time.
Most online games will move ahead of yours when your ping is high. In short, you will need more time to respond and get a headshot at first.
When it comes to ping rate, the rule of thumb is:
- A rate of less than 50 ms is very good.
- Average of less than 100 ms.
- Lag problems begin at a threshold of 150 ms.
- A definitive lag is any time above 150 ms.
How Fast is a Good Connection for Various Gaming Platforms?
Your device’s speed should meet the minimum system requirements for playing. For example, one may use a good internet connection for their PS4/PS5 game. However, it may not be enough for their PC. Some popular consoles have the following minimum download speed recommendations in Mbps:
- PlayStation 5: 5 Mbps
- Xbox One: 3 Mbps
- Nintendo Switch: 3 Mbps
- Broadband Speeds for PC Gaming: 3-6 Mbps
Other Variables Impacting Your Online Gaming Experience
Other factors may determine your gaming, apart from how fast your internet connection is. Here are some:
- Network congestion: A congestion network occurs when network nodes and links suffer from overwhelming traffic volume. It slows down your internet connection and causes a lag, causing a lump in your smooth gameplay.
- Device performance: The type of outdated, faulty, outdated, or poor-quality computer or gaming console hardware could spoil your game.
- Server location: The position of your server often influences interactive gaming. The lower the ping during gaming, the closer is the server.
- Wi-Fi interference: Use an ethernet cable directly connected to a router to minimize connectivity and signal drops associated with Wi-Fi signals due to interference.
- Game type: The game you play determines the quality of your gaming experience. Unlike fast-action games with high-speed movement mechanics, strategic and puzzle titles do not pose such demands.
- Cybercrime: The reason that gamers make juicy victims is that most fail to use basic cybersecurity tactics. Hackers hijack gamer’s account(s), eavesdrop/spy on chats, recycle or borrow log-ins for breaking into another account/sale or sell personal details on the dark web.
Regarding gaming, ExtremeVPN is the nearest low-ping solution that will not lag and keep your ping reliable.
The Ideal Internet Connection for Online Gaming
These three ingredients provide smooth playing at high speeds, low latency, and quality connections. The following are some of the best types of internet connections for gaming:
- Fiber optic: On the other hand, fiber optics provide a speed of up to 1 Gbps, which makes them the fastest type of broadband. Smooth gameplay requires low latency and uninterrupted connectivity.
- Cable: From a play perspective, many players prefer cable Internet, which, although less reliable in speed, proves relatively convenient when gaming. Nevertheless, it might experience traffic congestion and delay compared to fiber-based technology.
- DSL connection: It is fast and has good coverage; hence, it is a good bargain gamer. However, its internet speeds might surpass those of cable and fiber. In such cases, latency may also be high.
- Satellite Internet: Satellite internet can be useful if you live in a remote area where other types of the internet may not be possible. However, it comes with low speeds, which might hinder your gaming experience.
- Fixed wireless: Radio, weather, and interference affect the high speed and low latency you can get with a fixed wireless connection.
Apart from selecting the best type of internet connection for your gaming requirements, ensure you have an excellent internet service provider. For a superior gaming experience, seek out ISPs renowned for their reliability, low latency, and high-speed connectivity.
How Much Speed Do You Require for Different Game Types?
At a minimum, you should have 3 Mbps of download speed and 1 Mbps of upload speed for online multiplayer games. If two or more players try to access the same port, then the speed should be increased for the gaming session. For instance, strategy games may require fewer resources than first-on shooters. Checking the game’s system requirements will ensure the best interactive gameplay experience.
Ways to Enhance Your Online Gaming Connection
- Use a wired connection: An ethernet cable is normally considered the most efficient and dependable method. It describes the configuration of a wired home network.
- Relocate your console closer to the router unit: You can install Wi-Fi extenders that improve your signal.
- Secure your Wi-Fi: Hackers can use the open network to get onto your home network, thus slowing it.
- Free up your bandwidth: It could be because some apps use all the bandwidth on the internet. Close them when you’re gaming.
- Reset your router: We will reset it at regular intervals to maintain peak functionality.
- Adjust the game settings: It’s because pretty visuals consume more bandwidth. If the game is lagging, please reduce the graphics. That should not apply to Roblox, Minecraft, or any graphically less intensive titles because they are not so demanding.
- Upgrade your internet connection: You can take a variety of paths: moving to a faster Internet plan, getting a new router, or opting for fiber optics. Consider upgrading your internet if your service relies on staying connected online all the time.
- Use a VPN: However, it’s important to highlight that a premium VPN for gaming may slightly reduce your internet speed. On the other hand, your internet service provider can throttle your connection depending on how you’re using it, even when playing games. It is called bandwidth throttling. Since a VPN can make your activity invisible to your ISP, there is a great chance they won’t be able to throttle your connection intentionally. Connecting a VPN to your router and ensuring that all the traffic on your home gadgets is encrypted is also possible. Additionally, you can use ExtremeVPN for online gaming.