Nobody wants the ‘buffering’ icon appearing on their screen as they stream their favorite show on Netflix.
We stream when we are looking to wind down from a tiring day at work or college. For most people, it is a part of their bedtime routine. This is why everyone dreads the loading icon popping up amidst a crucial moment in a movie or a TV show.
However, the question of what causes this has a bucket full of answers. Some of these answers are terrible internet, network congestion, backend issues of Netflix, and high internet latency.
However, if you face this problem a lot while using Netflix, then your internet is the bad guy here and you need to change it ASAP.
Speed Requirements for Streaming in Different Qualities
Before you choose a replacement for your internet connection, knowing how much internet speed streaming requires is important.
Streaming is available in different qualities. Mainly, these are Standard Definition (SD) or 480p, High Definition (HD) or 720p, and 4k (Ultra HD) or 2160p.
These streaming qualities provide different viewing experiences. A higher streaming quality means better resolution, whereas a lower streaming quality means lower resolution. Videos with high resolution have more depth and clarity, while low-resolution videos often appear pixelated.
Every streaming quality requires a specific internet speed to function seamlessly.
| Streaming Quality | Internet Speed |
| SD | 3Mbps |
| HD | 5Mbps |
| UHD | 50Mbps |
Factors That Can Slow Down Streaming for You
Apart from straight-up bad internet, there are other factors that can negatively impact your streaming quality. So, developing an understanding of all factors that can worsen the streaming experience is essential. Netflix can be slowed down in the following scenarios:
- Too many people are using one internet connection. This can cause the network to become congested, which makes Netflix slower than usual.
- Too many people are streaming Netflix at the same time. This increased load also slows down the platform.
- Streaming in a higher quality like 4k when the internet speed is barely enough for HD streaming. This can cause repetitive buffering on Netflix.
- The WiFi router is outdated and unable to handle the internet’s speeds. This inefficient performance can also slow down Netflix.
It is a good idea to consider these factors before you go and replace your internet connection.
Netflix Streaming Speed Requirements
Netflix has issued its internet speed recommendations for seamless streaming. Just a heads-up, these speeds are different from the average internet speeds mentioned above.
- For HD streaming, it is recommended to have a minimum speed of 3Mbps.
- For Full HD streaming, it is recommended to have a minimum speed of 5Mbps.
- For Ultra HD streaming, it is recommended to have a minimum speed of 15Mbps.
3Mbps might sound ideal, but this is on the condition that no other devices are using the internet or Netflix. Which, to be frank, is difficult when you share a place with others.
You can take a speed test and consider the number of users hogging the bandwidth to pin down the problem.
What Kind of an Internet is Best for Streaming?
Streaming is a bandwidth-heavy activity, especially if you prefer 4k. An internet connection with consistently high speeds is ideal for streaming.
Let us explore the types of internet connections that deliver speeds suitable for streaming.
Fiber Optic
Also called fiber internet, this uses fiber-optic cable to provide internet to the user. Fiber cables are a pretty sturdy medium to deliver consistently fast speeds. These high speeds can easily go up to gigabits. On top of that, fiber cables are least susceptible to bad weather, which makes fiber internet very dependable. However, fiber internet has a major downside. It is heavy on the pocket, and its availability is limited to metropolitan areas.
Fiber internet’s high speeds make it pretty ideal for streaming Netflix in 4k. Its high download and upload speeds enable users to stream in high quality with more people using the internet. If you have the budget for it and want to stream in 4k, then you should opt for a fiber internet provider.
Cable Internet
This type of internet uses the same cable used for cable TV. This means the internet reaches the user through copper coaxial cables. It provides the second-fastest internet speeds after fiber connections. These can range between 50Mbps and 1000Mbps, which are excellent for streaming. It is easily available and does not drain your pockets every month.
Cable internet is your best bet if you want to stream Netflix in high quality but with an affordable internet connection. While it is not as fast as fiber internet, its speeds are good enough for Netflix streaming. However, cable internet has a tendency for outages during peak hours.
DSL
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line and uses copper phone lines to transmit internet to the user. The internet reaches the modem through the phone cable and is distributed through a WiFi router. It is the most used internet for households. DSL provides speeds up to 100Mbps and is not as fast as cable internet.
However, a slow speed does not mean you cannot stream Netflix with it. While it may not be as amazing as cable or fiber internet, it is still workable. If you are the only internet user in your home, you will barely incur buffering while streaming Netflix.
Hybrid Internet: The Best of Both Worlds
Some internet service providers combine two broadband technologies into one that forms a hybrid internet connection. This is a pretty good strategy to provide the speed of one connection type with the affordability of another.
The best kind of hybrid internet for streaming Netflix is fiber-coaxial. While there are other hybrid internet connections as well, the fiber-coaxial is perfect for streaming. This is because fiber-coaxial provides fiber-fast speeds at the price of cable internet. This way, users can get high-speed internet (faster than plain cable internet) without the downsides of fiber internet.
Our Recommendation for the Best Internet for Streaming Netflix
Value for money is important in today’s age where the cost of living keeps rising. In terms of the best internet for streaming Netflix, value-for-money means faster speeds at lower costs. Getting an internet connection that allows you to stream in 4k, without emptying your pockets every month is the best decision you can make.
Therefore, the best type of internet connection for streaming Netflix is a hybrid one. Xfinity Internet is a fiber-coaxial internet connection, which provides speeds as high as 1.2Gbps in some areas. Xfinity has multiple internet plans, with various speeds and prices. The best part is that it is available in 41 states. This means the chances of Xfinity not being available in your area are pretty low.
Some of Xfinity’s plans are no-contract, so you can save yourself from being tied to an ISP for months. Also, it has many bundling options, which is a great way to save on costs. The best part, however, is the 22 million WiFi hotspots available to its internet subscribers, which let users stream Netflix on the go as well.
Bonus Tips for Optimizing Netflix Streaming
Apart from having the right internet connection, there are other tips that can improve your Netflix streaming experience further.
- Using the Ethernet Cable: Nothing beats the magic of an Ethernet cable for faster speeds. If you want the highest possible speed from your connection, then attaching the Ethernet cable to your device can do wonders.
- WiFi Router Placement: WiFi routers need to be placed at a central position for best performance. You can change your router’s position for better internet speed all around your home.
- Disabling Idle Devices: Some devices do not need internet 24/7 to function. By disabling their WiFi access, you can significantly improve the internet speed for a seamless Netflix streaming experience.
Learn More:
1. How to Protect Your Child Online: A Guide for Parents
2. Top 21 Free Software for Professionals: You Can’t Believe It’s Actually Available for Free
