What Internet Service is Best for Streaming?

Types of Internet Available

The main factor when choosing the best Internet for streaming is the type of Internet connection. There are many connection options when it comes to home Internet:

• Fiber
• Cable
• DSL
• 5G Fixed wireless
• Satellite

Broadband providers like cable and fiber Internet offer more than enough bandwidth for everyone in your home to use a different streaming service at the same time. 5G fixed wireless, satellite Internet, and DSL Internet however, offer speeds that typically max out around 140 megabits per second (Mbps). While that may sound like plenty, your streaming experience may be negatively affected if too many people are streaming high-definition video at once or if there are too many devices connected to the network simultaneously.

Of the fastest Internet options, cable has the most availability across the country. Though fiber is the fastest option, it’s not available everywhere. If you live in a rural area, cable, DSL, or satellite Internet may be your best options.

Download Speeds

When you begin researching Internet plans, you’ll likely notice two speeds mentioned — download speeds and upload speeds. Typically, the speed displayed most prominently is the download speed. This is put front and center because it is the speed that will most significantly impact your everyday Internet usage, whether you’re checking your email or streaming the latest TV shows.

The download speed tells you how many Mbps or gigabits per second (Gbps) can be retrieved from the server to display the requested content on your device. The higher the number, the more information you’ll be able to download instantly, resulting in the most seamless streaming experience without interruptions caused by buffering or a poor connection.

While some single-person households only require up to 25 Mbps, SmartMove recommends fast download speeds of at least 100 Mbps. This will ensure support on three or more devices at any given time, including high-bandwidth activities like gaming. Larger households may require up to 200 Mbps or more to keep connection hiccups at bay.

Not sure how much speed you need? Take our quick Internet speed quiz to find out in a matter of seconds.

Reliability

When it comes to reliability, you just want a strong connection that won’t glitch, pause or drop in quality. Fiber Internet is the best option when it comes to reliability because distance and electrical equipment aren’t factors. But, as mentioned earlier, fiber Internet isn’t yet available everywhere.

Another factor of reliability is how data affects streaming. To avoid lagging issues, having an Internet plan with high data caps or unlimited data is best. To find the most reliable option, research the Internet providers in your area and look at the reviews to see what other customers are saying.