The moment you have been waiting for is here. It’s the weekend and your favorite YouTube streamer is supposed to stream today. You have your snacks and are ready to unwind.
However, you see it all come crashing down when you see the streamer stuck on the screen, with the dreaded buffering sign on their face! How frustrating!
Frequent occurrences like this one force us to switch our internet connection to a better one. However, switching Internet Service Providers(ISPs) is not a piece of cake. It needs scouring through multiple ISP websites and comparing a gazillion internet plans. Seems overwhelming, right? But it doesn’t have to be.
Keep scrolling to read all about the best internet plans for YouTube streaming.
What Are the Ideal Speeds for Buffer-Free YouTube Streaming?
Before we get to the best internet plans, it is important to know how much speed you will need for a stress-free YouTube streaming experience.
Internet speed has two main components, download and upload speeds.
Upload speed is the time it takes for the data to be sent to the Internet. Whereas, download speed is the time it takes for data to travel from the internet to your device.
Streaming videos on YouTube utilizes download speed because you receive data from the internet. So, you need to look for internet plans with good download speeds.
Let us see how much minimum download speed different streaming qualities need.
Video Quality | Resolution | Minimum Download Speeds |
---|---|---|
Standard Definition | 360p | 0.7 Mbps |
Standard Definition | 480p | 1.1 Mbps |
High Definition | 720p | 2.5 Mbps |
High Definition | 1080p | 5 Mbps |
Ultra High Definition (4K) | 2160p | 20 Mbps |
However, keep in mind that these are minimum internet speed requirements, considering only one device is using the internet. There are often other factors at play, like other devices in the household using up internet bandwidth. So, it is a good idea to choose a plan with more download speeds than the requirement. It never hurts to be safe, right?
Speed is not all that affects YouTube streaming. It is also important to have low internet latency for buffer-free streaming.
What Are the Ideal Internet Connection Types for YouTube Streaming?
Internet speed and latency depend on the type of internet connection. Some internet connection types like Satellite internet are notorious for slow speeds and high latency, which are terrible for streaming YouTube.
Listed below are the best internet connection types ideal for streaming YouTube. This section is here to help you choose a fast internet for YouTube.
Fiber Internet
- Ultra-Fast Internet Speeds
- No Outages
- Low Latency
- No Data Throttling
- High Reliability
Cable Internet
- Good Internet Speeds
- Affordable Pricing
- Low Latency
- Reliable Connection
Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Internet
- Fast Internet Speeds
- Minimum Outages
- Affordable Pricing
- Low Latency
- No Peak Times
DSL
- Suitable Speeds for Streaming
- Extremely Affordable
- Easy Installation
- No Peak Times
Which Internet Plans Offer No Data Caps For Continuous Streaming?
Imagine streaming YouTube to your heart’s content, without worrying about data overage charges. Seems like a dream, right?
You can do that if you get an internet plan with no data caps.
No data caps mean you can stream as much as you want, without your ISP limiting you. Getting an internet plan with no data cap is smart when there are multiple internet users in your home.
Here are the best internet plans for YouTube streaming, that do not have any data caps.
Astound Broadband Powered by Grande 300 Mbps
- No Contracts
- Unlimited Data
- Perfect for Unlimited Streaming
- 1-Year Price Lock
Astound Broadband Powered by Grande is a cable internet connection. You will get impeccable promo prices without any contracts binding you. Another reason why Astound made it to this list is that it has no early termination fees, which gives you the freedom to opt out whenever you want.
SPECTRUM INTERNET® PREMIER
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps
- No Data Caps
- Free Modem and Antivirus
- Great for Unlimited Streaming
Spectrum is a hybrid fiber-coaxial network that enriches its cable network with Fiber Optics in some areas. This means it can provide Gig speeds to its subscribers at a fraction of the price. Its no-contract policy, wide-spread availability (41 states), and zero termination fees are the reasons Spectrum made it to this list.
Optimum 300 Mbps Internet
- Speeds up to 300 Mbps
- No Data Caps
- No Annual Contracts
- Comes with Smart WiFi 6E Gateway
Optimum offers both cable internet and fiber internet plans. This means you can get high-speed and affordable prices with Optimum. It also does not bind you in contracts. The best part? It gives you 60-days money back gurantee and has a 99.9% reliability rate.
What are the Best Internet Plans for HD and 4K YouTube Streaming?
HD and 4K are the highest streaming qualities on YouTube. Therefore, they naturally require more bandwidth than other lower streaming qualities.
Let us look at some of the best high-speed internet plans for HD and 4K streaming on YouTube.
COX Go Even Faster
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps
- Best for high-quality streaming
- No data throttling
- Great Value for Money
Even though you might find Cox to be on the pricey side, but its great service makes it all worthwhile. It also has both Cable internet and Fiber internet plans. Another reason why Cox is so great is their impeccable customer service. Got a problem? Call their customer representative and get your problem solved right away.
Xtream Powered by Mediacom Internet 500
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps
- Best in-home WiFi
- Good data allowance
- Affordable pricing
Xtream powered by Mediacom is great when it comes to good internet speeds. The cable internet also allows you to save up if you get bundle deals. Plus , its complimentary internet securitsecurity through Total Defense™ Suitey and unlimited data areis great when you spend most of your time online.a great way to do yourensures safe online activities securely.
Xfinity Fast
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps
- Includes Wifi equipment
- High data allowance
- Suitable for large homes
With the most impressive speeds at affordable prices, Xfinity Internet is a great option for streaming YouTube videos in high quality like HD and 4K. It has data caps, but the limit is high (1.2 Terabytes). Plus, with its widespread availability and range of internet speeds available, it is a great option for your stress-free YouTube streaming.
What Aare the Best Internet Plans for YouTube Streaming (Overall)?
Getting high-speed internet for streaming is not an easy feat. And getting flooded with a gazillion options doesn’t help either. If you couldn’t can’t find a suitable internet plan in the above-mentioned options, fret not!
We have saved the best one for last.We have one final suggestion for you. This internet plan gives you great speeds for YouTube streaming. You can enjoy 4K videos without hogging all the bandwidth from your family. In fact, you and your family can enjoy bandwidth-heavy feats like HD streaming and online files simultaneously.
AT&T Internet takes the cake when it comes to having the best internet plans for YouTube streaming. It has no contracts at all, even when you get a low-priced Internet plan.
AT&T Fiber Internet 500
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps
- Symmetrical speeds
- No Data Caps
- Best for YouTube Streaming
FAQs
On This Page
- What Are the Ideal Speeds for Buffer-Free YouTube Streaming?
- What are the Ideal Internet Connection Types for YouTube Streaming?
- Which Internet Plans Offer No Data Caps For Continuous Streaming?
- What are the Best Internet Plans for HD and 4K YouTube Streaming?
- What are the Best Internet Plans for YouTube Streaming (Overall)?
- FAQs
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Robert is a dedicated and knowledgeable author, an SEO expert with a passion for all things tech. He has a keen eye for detail, allowing him to write interesting blogs that are informative and engaging for readers. He has extensive knowledge of internet, TV, and phone pricing and plans, and has created numerous how-to guides to help users make informed decisions. As a tech geek and TV buff, he is always up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry, making his content always fresh and relevant.
Robert