Call for the Best Cable, Phone and Internet Deals: 1-855-349-9328
Streaming shows and movies is how millions of entertainment lovers like to relax and enjoy their leisure time. According to 2021 Nielson data TV watchers in the U.S. spend about 26% of the TV time streaming content via a live or video-on-demand service. And quite obviously when it comes to streaming video Internet is the power that runs the show. And it is of extreme importance that your connection is able to support a seamless viewing experience, as otherwise it can be a mere source of frustration.
Our today’s article discusses not only the top deals which give you the best internet for streaming, but what you should be looking for in any internet connection for streaming video. Keep reading to find the right high-speed internet option for yourself!
A good internet connection for streaming must be high-speed, consistent, and get you a generous data allowance if not unlimited. So when you are out to shop for an internet service that supports your love for streaming video, keep the following aspects in mind:
The download speed is what you must pay attention to as a top priority. It is one of the first things anyone looking for a new connection takes into consideration anyways. But more often than not people think it is wiser to get the highest available speed tier, whereas that is not a great move and you can easily end up overspending.
So to start off, you must know what is the optimal speed needed for streaming video. Also, remember when you decide on a new service for your home, it should not only be able to support your video streaming but other usage.
Here are some broad-base statistics for recommended download speeds that are required for video streaming:
| Video Quality | Minimum Recommended Download Speed |
|---|---|
|
Standard Definition (SD) |
3 Mbps |
|
High-definition (HD) |
5 Mbps |
|
4K/UHD |
25 Mbps |
With that said, you can get a more precise idea of exactly how much download speed you may need to stream video, based on the statistics cited for popular video streaming services.
| Streaming Service | Minimum Recommended Download Speed |
|---|---|
|
Netflix |
SD - 1 Mbps |
|
HD (720p) - 3 Mbps |
|
|
HD (1080P) - 5 Mbps |
|
|
4K/UHD - 15 Mbps |
|
|
Hulu |
Hulu Streaming Library - 3 Mbps |
|
Live Stream - 8 Mbps |
|
|
4K Video - 16 Mbps |
|
|
YouTube TV |
SD - 3 Mbps |
|
HD - 7 Mbps |
|
|
4K - 25 Mbps |
|
|
Sling TV |
For portable devices such as tabs & smartphones - 3 Mbps |
|
Personal computers - 5 Mbps |
|
|
For households with multiple devices - 25 Mbps |
|
|
Disney+ |
HD - 5 Mbps |
|
4K/UHD - 25 Mbps |
|
|
HBO MAX |
HD - 5 Mbps |
|
4K - 50 Mbps |
|
|
fuboTV |
SD (480p) - 3 Mbps |
|
HD (720p) - 7 Mbps |
|
|
HD (1080P) - 10 Mbps |
|
|
4K - 25 Mbps |
|
|
Peacock |
2.5 Mbps |
|
DIRECTV via Internet |
8 Mbps |
|
Apple TV+ |
HD (1080p) - 5 Mbps |
|
4K - 25 Mbps |
|
|
Prime Video |
SD - 1 Mbps |
|
HD - 5 Mbps |
Important: The statistics cited here give you the minimum recommended download speed for one device only unless indicated otherwise. If you have more devices that connect to the same network, you should base your calculations on the total number of devices, users, and internet usage pattern in your household.
Reliability of an internet connection and speed consistency are 2 major factors that contribute to the quality of your video streaming experience. And this is one big reason why a wired internet service is always a preferred choice.
Compared to satellite or fixed wireless internet, high-speed DSL, Cable and Fiber are not nearly as susceptible to external factors such as extreme weather conditions. Satellite and fixed wireless ISPs are sure able to deliver the recommended download speed for video streaming. But reliability of the connection and consistency of speed is a whole different story. So, if streaming video is your primary objective, you must focus on the best wired internet options in your vicinity.
This is a decent option since use of advanced technologies in hybrid networks has helped boost DSL speeds up to 100 Mbps in recent times. Internet service providers like AT&T, CenturyLink and Windstream use such network models to deliver their high-speed internet service. EarthLink also delivers high-speed DSL with speeds up to 75 Mbps, albeit it uses the network infrastructure of its partners in the industry.
This is the next best bet you’ll find in the market. Like DSL based networks, cable broadband infrastructures have also been upgraded with new technologies. As a result, cable internet speeds now soar up to 1000 Mbps when delivered over a hybrid Fiber-Coaxial network. Fiber to the Loop means, you get more bandwidth, better reliability, and more consistent speeds. Internet providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox Communications, WOW!, Optimum, and Suddenlink are some big industry names that deliver this type of cable broadband.
This is undoubtedly the best option out there for streaming video. Data travels the fastest via fiber optic cables, there is plenty of bandwidth, and you get consistent speeds even at peak times. The maximum speed you can enjoy with Fiber is now up to 5 Gbps. AT&T, CenturyLink, and EarthLink are the major ISPs that deliver a pure Fiber connection for residential consumption.
No one likes data caps. Especially people who routinely engage in bandwidth-extensive online activities. But unfortunately, not all ISPs in the U.S. offer plans free of data caps. And this is why it becomes necessary that you make sure the data allowance offered with a service plan will cover your streaming needs as well as other household usage.
On average an American home utilizes 400-450 GB data every month. But if streaming is how your family watches TV, you’ll need more. Luckily most ISPs give you 1 TB data allowance with their service plans, which means in spite of a cap you’re unlikely to commit a breach. But if you still think an unlimited data plan is what you must go for, there are quite a few options out there.
| Provider-Plan | Max. Download Speed | Data Allowance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AT&T Internet 100 |
100 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$55/mo. |
|
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet |
100 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$50/mo. |
|
EarthLink Internet 75 |
75 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$69.95/mo. |
|
Windstream Kinetic Internet 100 |
100 Mbps |
Unlimited |
| Provider-Plan | Max. Download Speed | Data Allowance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Xfinity Internet Fast* |
300 Mbps |
1.2 TB |
$50/mo. |
|
Xfinity Performance Pro* |
300 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$39.99/mo. |
|
Xfinity Internet Fast* |
300 Mbps |
1.2 TB |
$49.99/mo. |
|
Spectrum |
200 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$49.99/mo. |
|
Cox Communications |
250 Mbps |
1.25 TB |
$59.99/mo. |
|
Optimum by Altice |
300 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$39.99/mo. |
|
Suddenlink by Altice |
300 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$39.99/mo. |
|
WOW! |
200 Mbps |
Unlimited or 1.5 TB |
$39.99/mo. |
*Xfinity service plan offers vary with the service region.
| Provider-Plan | Max. Download Speed | Data Allowance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AT&T Internet 300 |
300 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$55/mo. |
|
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit |
940 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$65/mo. |
|
EarthLink Internet 200 |
200 Mbps |
Unlimited |
$89.95/mo. |
This is one of the cheapest starting plans for pure Fiber in the market. And undoubtedly ticks off all the check boxes for the vast majority of consumers who love to stream video.
And here is the best part - you can stream HD videos on 10 devices at the same time*
*Number of devices depends on the screen size and resolution
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit beats the competition when it comes to value for money. At $65/mo. it gives you symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps, which means you only pay about 7 cents per Mbps. And the best part is there is no price hike to surprise you after 12 months!
One of the most ubiquitous service plans offered by Spectrum - the Internet 300 starter plan is priced affordably, and gives you one an economical speed to cost ratio at 17 cents per Mbps. Plus you can enjoy quite a few perks with the service.
The Cox Internet Preferred plan delivers 250 Mbps downloads, and is perfect for small to mid-sized families that are passionate about streaming. Nielson data has ranked Cox Internet as one of the top services for video streaming. Here is what you can expect to enjoy with the Cox Internet service:
Xfinity from Comcast delivers one of the most reliable and fast services over the largest Gig speed network in the U.S. The Xfinity Internet plan (Fast or Performance Pro) is an affordable option for small to mid-sized households. Plus the Xfinity Internet service is one of most value-packed, with many perks to enjoy.
We hope this mini-guide to finding the best internet for streaming comes in handy when you are out to shop. As we always say, when shopping for home internet, it is necessary to know what you are looking for, and what you would not want to deal with.
Once the preliminary leg work is done, speak to the experts at 1-855-349-9328, and determine which service plans are offered in your vicinity. Only then you can compare, and choose the one that is the closest fit for your streaming needs!
AT&T and CenturyLink Fiber services are among the best for live streaming. You can also rely on Xfinity and Spectrum for Fiber-backed cable internet with downloads up to 1 Gig. To check which of the best internet streaming options are available at your address, call us at 1-855-349-9328.
In general, you’ll need 3 Mbps for streaming SD video on one device, 5 Mbps for HD video, and 25 Mbps for 4K/UHD. Keep in mind these estimates are for a single stream, and are liable to change depending on the screen size. Plus the various popular streaming services do vary in terms of download speeds required for streaming on their platform.
Largely speaking, 50 Mbps download speed is enough for video streaming on 2-3 devices. But a number of factors can alter this, for example the choice of streaming platform, screen size, video quality, etc.
Xfinity from Comcast delivers one of the most reliable and fast services over the largest Gig speed network in the U.S. Speeds up to 1,200 Mbps are widely available in locations across its 36 service states. Xfinity Gigabit Pro offers up to 3,000 Mbps, but its availability is select.
Yes. If you don’t want to view in 4K or UHD, 10 Mbps download speed is adequate for one person to stream video. Albeit, if you are used to keeping other devices connected at the same time, you may need to subscribe to a higher speed tier.
Copyright © 2023. All Rights Reserved.
View our Privacy Policy.
1-855-349-9328
