What broadband do I need for streaming?

Video calling services

Skype and FaceTime are two of the most popular video-calling services; if you use either, you need to be aware of both your download and upload speeds. This is because your connection will be receiving and sending data at the same time. Below are the minimum download and upload speeds you’ll need:

Online gaming

Playing games online can put more of a strain on your broadband speed.  Multiplayer games also require a faster upload speed as well as the more widely used download speeds. 

While fibre optic broadband connections provide a fast and, importantly for gaming, stable internet connection, you might find it more of a struggle with copper wire-based broadband (ADSL), as this has more potential for so-called ‘latency’ or ‘lagging’, which can reduce speed.

If more people within your home are connected to your broadband, your speed will be shared across your household. It follows, then, that the more people and more devices that are connected, the slower the speed you’ll see.

What about data usage?

Unless you have an unlimited broadband package, it’s worth noting that streaming TV, particularly HD programmes, could very quickly use up your monthly data limit. For example, Netflix uses about 1GB of data every hour for a standard definition stream, which rises to 3GB for a HD stream. So, if your monthly usage consists of streaming 10 hours of HD films on Netflix, you would need more than 30GBs of data a month and a speed of at least 5 Mbps. See our data allowance page for more info.

Compare broadband packages

It always makes sense to compare TV and broadband packages before you commit to a deal. That way, you can make sure you’re getting good value for money. Use our broadband or broadband, TV and phone comparison services and we’ll list the deals available, leaving you to choose the one that suits you best.