Gaming connection: how many Mbps to play online?
If you are passionate about online gaming, you might be looking for the best available gaming connection. How many Mbps do you need?
Ikonek, your ally in the world of service providers, explains in detail which speed is best adapted to your needs, and can find the most affordable residential internet plans for you! So, you can spend your time gaming instead of researching, and we will make sure you can access deals that are not even visible on the market, at no extra cost!
What internet speed for online gaming?
The best internet speed for online gaming largely depends on your needs, but there is still a basic capacity required to ensure a stable and smooth connection. You want to avoid any latency or interruption at the risk of losing your spot in the game!
Essential criteria for a good gaming connection
Let’s start by examining in more detail what is essential for a good gaming connection:
Download speed: refers to the rate at which game data, such as updates and graphics, is transmitted to your device (computer, tablet, phone, etc.). Typically, 3 to 5 Mbps are necessary for online gaming, but some high-definition games may require 15 Mbps or even more.
Upload speed: is crucial for games that are streamed live and for team-based gaming. A speed of 3 Mbps is recommended for this purpose.
Latency (ping): refers to the time required for data to make a round trip between your device and the game server. A latency of 30 ms or less guarantees a smooth experience, while a latency of over 100 ms might lead to lag and other issues.
Connection Stability: is essential to prevent the loss of data. In gaming, we refer to “jitter”, which is a specific measure of latency, and which indicates the number of packets lost, corrupted, or re-sent along the way. A high ping rate combined with a low jitter rate indicates a stable connection.
How many Mbps to play online?
When it comes to the question, “how many Mbps to play online?”, it is essential to consider your usage. Here are some examples:
Single-player vs. online multiplayer games
For single-player games like The Witcher 3, Elden Ring (with an optional online mode) or God of War, for instance, a 25 Mbps connection might suffice, but we recommend a 50 Mbps connection for a smooth experience.
For highly competitive games, high-resolution or online multiplayer games like Fortnite, Rocket League or Final Fantasy XIV, we recommend a 100 Mbps connection.
Remember that if multiple people are connected at the same time, if the Mbps are insufficient, there is a risk of congestion on your bandwidth.
FPS, MOBA, MMORPG: what specific needs?
For FPS (First Person Shooter) games, such as Call of Duty (COD), Valorant or Overwatch 2, a 240 Mbps connection or more is recommended.
For MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games, such as League of Legends or Dota 2, a connection speed of 50 to 100 Mbps is recommended to avoid latency.
For MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games), like WOW (World of Warcraft), Lost Ark, or The Elder Scrolls, a 50 Mbps connection might suffice, though generally 100 Mbps or more is recommended.
Fibre-optic, cable or DSL: which technology to choose?
Which type of gaming connection should you choose among the different available technologies?
Comparing different internet connections
- Fibre-optic: it is the ideal option for gaming given its superior speeds, especially in highly competitive team games that require 100 Mbps and above.
- Cable: a high-performing alternative with variable speeds. The advantage is that you won’t experience slowdowns or outages during storms, for example.
- DSL and satellite: the most affordable and accessible options for remote areas, which might be sufficient for solo gaming and even team play, though latency issues might occur.
Wi-Fi or wired connection?
An Ethernet cable connection generally offers faster speeds and a lower latency than Wi-Fi.
However, you can optimize your Wi-Fi to reduce latency by strategically positioning your router, choosing a dual or tri-band router, or one with a wide bandwidth. You can also use a repeater, signal amplifier, or a mesh system if you are not connected via cable.
Gaming and streaming simultaneously: which gaming connection to choose?
In the case of simultaneously gaming and streaming, the internet speed for online gaming must be sufficient, as previously mentioned. A streaming software is also required to broadcast your game live.
Required upload speed for live streaming
If you are wondering how many Mbps are needed to stream, it will depend on the resolution and the platform used. Here are some general figures:
|
High Definition (HD) 720 p |
3 to 5 Mbps |
|
High Definition (HD) 1 080 p |
5 to 7 Mbps |
|
4 K/Ultra HD |
15 to 35 Mbps |
The bitrate (the rate at which data is transmitted, processed, or encoded) also influences quality and flow. The higher the rate, the better the quality, as more data is transmitted per second.
Gaming + streaming: how to avoid slowdowns?
If you are streaming your game live, sufficient upload speed is essential to prevent slowdowns. You can also improve bandwidth management by closing unnecessary apps and devices.
Real-life scenarios and Mbps recommendations
Here are some Mbps recommendations for your gaming connection, depending on your usage:
Case 1: A solo gamer with a standard connection
A 25 Mbps plan might be enough.
Case 2: A gamer and a streamer under the same roof
We recommend 50 Mbps to avoid latency.
Case 3: A family with multiple online gamers and video streaming
In this case, a plan of 100 Mbps or more is recommended, since video streaming occupies significant bandwidth, especially if video calls (Zoom, Teams, etc.) are also in use.
Case 4: An online gamer using cloud gaming (GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, etc.)
For a solo player, a plan of 25 Mbps or more is recommended.
Test and optimize your gaming connection
For uninterrupted gaming, consider testing and optimizing your connection.
How to test the stability of your connection?
If you are wondering how many Mbps are needed for a good connection in general, you can start by using tools that measure ping, speed, and connection stability.
Several online tools are available for this purpose. Be sure to turn off any unnecessary devices and close all open tasks to ensure an accurate reading of your connection speed.
Solutions to improve your gaming network
You might consider optimizing your router by placing it in a location free from obstacles or interference, or opting for a wide-band, dual band, or tri-band router.
You can also enable QoS to prioritize gaming and improve speed. Remember, an Ethernet connection can help reduce latency. You might even consider investing in a VPN!
