Lag and poor responsiveness can really ruin an online gaming session. Make sure you've got a broadband package that's fast enough for the job with our one-stop guide.
For gamers using internet-connected devices like consoles, tablets, and phones, a stable and speedy internet connection is as crucial as their gaming skills, especially during online multiplayer gaming.
A lagging connection can mean the difference between victory and defeat, as every second counts in the heat of digital battle.
So, what broadband speed do you actually need for gaming, and how can you ensure your internet is up to the task?
If you've ever found yourself asking these questions, you're not alone. In this guide, we'll dive into the essentials of gaming-friendly broadband, helping you make informed decisions to optimize your online gaming experience.
What internet speed is good for gaming?
While you can play games online using basic ADSL broadband with internet speeds of as low as 11Mbps, for a good gaming experience on the best consoles with 4K, it’s advisable to have speeds above 25Mbps.
This level of speed helps to ensure that your games run smoothly, with minimal lag and buffering.
That means you’ll require a fibre broadband connection, either one that comes into the home via your street cabinet or a top-end, full-fibre offering.
Fibre broadband is designed to support higher speeds and more reliable connections, which is essential for today's online gaming.
For an even more enhanced gaming experience, you might want to consider speeds of 50Mbps or higher.
These speeds are readily available on standard fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) plans, and you can achieve even faster speeds with fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) if it's available in your area.
However, it's important to consider the other internet uses in your home. Streaming, downloading, and browsing by other members of your household can all impact the speed you need for uninterrupted gaming.
When choosing your internet package, consider the size of your household and the concurrent usage of connected devices for various activities.
What kind of broadband should I get for gaming?
For gaming, fibre broadband is the way to go. It's built to handle the demands of high-end consoles and avoid the lag and slowness that can plague gamers.
Standard fibre offers speeds that typically range from 30Mbps to 67Mbps, which should suffice for most gaming needs.
However, for the ultimate gaming experience, full fibre offers speeds up to 900Mbps, though it's only available in areas where FTTP broadband infrastructure is installed.
It's worth using a postcode checker to see what types of broadband are available to you.
Does internet speed affect gameplay or graphics?
While internet speed is crucial for a seamless gaming experience, it's not the only factor to consider.
Lag, also known as ping rate, is a key component that can affect gameplay. A slower ping rate means there's a delay from the moment you press a button on your controller to when you see the action happen on screen, which can be detrimental in fast-paced games.
Opting for a 100Mbps full-fibre package can provide not only faster speeds but also lower lag, contributing to a smoother gaming experience.
Plus, with faster internet, other people in your home can use the internet for their needs without negatively impacting your gameplay.
What could be causing connectivity issues aside from internet speed?
If you're experiencing connectivity issues, it's not always down to internet speed. For a more stable connection, especially during gaming, a wired connection is often recommended over Wi-Fi. But there are other factors to consider as well.
Router issues can also cause problems. Sometimes, simply restarting your router or repositioning it can significantly improve your connection.
Additionally, if your router is outdated, it might not be able to support the latest technology in your gaming console.
If this is the case, ask your provider for a new one or look into changing to a new provider all together.
A new provider might offer a router that's better suited to your gaming needs, along with a more reliable and faster internet service.
