Streaming guide

What internet speed do you need for streaming?

Count the screens that will stream at the same time, not every device you own. The resolution and streaming service can change the answer.

Two quick questions

Check your internet speed for streaming result

Your result updates immediately. Nothing is sent to a provider.

How many people may actively use the internet at the busiest time?

Count people actually online at once, not everyone who lives there.

What activities may happen at the same time?

Choose what is likely to happen at the same time.

Browsing and social media

Web, messaging, feeds, and everyday app traffic

Include

Added

HD streaming

Shows and movies at roughly 1080p

At once

Added

4K streaming

Ultra-high-definition video streams

At once

Video calls and working from home

High-quality meetings and calls

At once

Online gaming

Gameplay traffic, excluding downloads and updates

At once

Cloud gaming

A streamed game session, starting at 1080p

At once

Livestreaming

Broadcasting video from your connection

At once

Security cameras

Cameras uploading at the same time

At once

Large uploads

Backups, media, or work files with an optional deadline

Include

Large downloads

Games or files with an optional deadline

Include

Improve my resultAdd optional details about services, files, your plan, or speed tests

The answer above is ready to use. Add only what you know. Blank fields will not change the result.

Streaming resolution and service

HD streaming service4K streaming service

Compare my current plan

Copy the Typical Download and Typical Upload values—not only the advertised headline—from your Broadband Facts label.

Typical download (Mbps)Typical upload (Mbps)

Check speed-test results

Run at least three tests in each location, including one during a busy evening. Pause your VPN and large transfers, then enter the middle result.

Near-router test methodNear-router median downloadNear-router median uploadProblem-room median downloadProblem-room median upload

I entered the middle result from at least three tests in each location.

Your initial answer

Recommended speed

MEDIUM confidence

49Mbpsdownload

2Mbpsupload

A basic connection should handle these activities.

Speed to look for

50 Mbps down / 5 Mbps up

Compare these with the Typical Download and Typical Upload on a provider’s Broadband Facts label. A plan with this exact combination may not be available.

You probably do not need gigabit service for these activities.

Why this speed?

Generic 4K stream1 session at once: 25 Mbps down / 0 Mbps up before extra room is added.
Generic 1080p stream2 sessions at once: 10 Mbps down / 0 Mbps up before extra room is added.
Everyday background use6 Mbps down / 1.5 Mbps up for 3 active people before extra room is added.

Confidence

MEDIUM confidence

This quick result uses fewer details than the optional section below.

See the calculation and assumptions

Activities before extra room: 41.0 down / 1.5 up
Connection used: 85%
Activities with extra room: 48.2 down / 1.8 up

We add 2 Mbps down and 0.5 Mbps up for normal background use by each active person.
We plan to use no more than 85% of the connection for normal activity, leaving some room for short bursts.
This result is an estimate, not a guarantee that every app will work perfectly.
Ping, packet loss, Wi-Fi coverage, router problems, server distance, and data limits can still affect your experience.

Count streams playing at the same time

Two TVs playing 4K video at the same time count as two streams. A TV that is off or a phone sitting on Wi-Fi does not need the same amount of speed.

The default 4K choice leaves room for different services. If you know every 4K stream is on Netflix, choose Netflix in the optional details for a closer result.

Live viewing can differ from on-demand video

Live sports and other fast-moving video may use more speed than a movie. Choose the optional live 1080p60 setting when that better matches what you watch.

Use the HD and 4K counters for screens playing at the same time.
Choose Netflix, Disney+ live, or fast-moving live video when you know the service.
Do not confuse watching a livestream with broadcasting one from home.