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What internet speed do I need for streaming?
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Whether you're binge-watching your favorite series on Netflix or livestreaming on Twitch, a solid internet connection makes all the difference when you’re streaming. Here's what you need to know about internet speeds for smooth, stress-free streaming
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 23 June 2025
Understanding the different types of streaming
Before we get into internet speeds for streaming, it’s important to understand that not all types of streaming are the same. The type of content you’re streaming and how you’re streaming it all affects how much internet speed you need.
Video Streaming – This is the most common type, including platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. The quality of the video – like HD, 4K, or standard definition – makes a big difference. For example, streaming in 4K needs a much faster connection than streaming in standard definition.
Live Streaming – This includes watching or broadcasting live events, like Twitch streams, live sports, or online concerts. Live streaming needs a stable, fast internet connection, especially if you're the one broadcasting.
Music Streaming – Platforms like Spotify or Apple Music don’t use as much data as video, so they don’t need super-fast speeds. But if you’re streaming in high quality or downloading songs while listening, a faster connection helps.
Game Streaming (cloud gaming) – Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, or PlayStation Plus let you play games over the internet, which is known as cloud gaming. Gaming on the cloud need a strong, consistent connection because any lag can ruin your experience.
No matter the type, smoother streaming starts with understanding what you're doing online and how much speed it requires.
What’s the minimum speed I need for streaming?
For HD streaming on the likes of Netlix or YouTube, you’ll need at least 5-10 Mbps (megabits per second) to keep everything running smoothly. Things go up a notch for 4K or Ultra HD streaming, and you’ll want at least 15 to 25 Mbps and a fast, stable connection to watch without buffering.
Music streaming usually needs much less, with around 1 to 2 Mbps usually being enough to stream without issues. But for cloud gaming or live streaming, you’ll usually need 15 to 30 Mbps or more, since games are interactive and rely on low lag or ping.
Remember that these speeds are per device. If others in your home are streaming, gaming, or downloading at the same time, you’ll need even more speed to keep everything running smoothly.
What’s considered a good speed for speed for streaming?
While minimum speeds can get the job done, a "good" speed gives you a better, more reliable streaming experience – even if multiple people are online at once.For
For HD video streaming, a good speed is around 10 to 15 Mbps, which gives you more than enough speed to avoid issues if your connection slows down for a moment or if there’s other people using the internet at home. If you’re into 4K or Ultra HD streaming, a good speed is about 25 to 50 Mbps. This helps make sure your video looks crisp and plays without interruptions, even during busy internet hours.
For game streaming or live streaming, a good speed to aim for is 30 Mbps or more, especially if you're uploading video at the same time as you're watching or playing. Speaking of uploads, don’t forget about your upload speed – you’ll need at least 5 to 10 Mbps if you want to livestream without any hiccups.
How can I test my internet speed?
That’s easy! You can test your internet speed using our helpful broadband speed test, which measures the download and upload speeds on your device, along with your broadband’s jitter and latency.
For streaming, you’ll mostly want to look at your download speed, since that’s what affects how quickly your device can receive data, like videos or music.
A higher download speed usually means smoother streaming with less buffering, but if you download speed is lower than expected, it could explain why your streams are buffering or look blurry.
Ready to test your speed? Click the button below to check your internet speed and find out if it's fast enough for your home.
How to improve your internet speed for streaming
If your stream is constantly buffering, looking blurry, or lagging, there’s plenty you can do to improve your internet speed and improve your stream quality. Here are some easy ways to improve your internet speed and enjoy smoother streaming:
Your router's location plays a big role in how strong and stable your WiFi signal is wjhen you’re streaming. If it’s hidden away in a cupboard, behind furniture, or placed low to the ground, the signal can be blocked or weakened, leading to buffering or other stream quality issues.
Ideally, place your router in a central, open location – high up on a shelf and away from thick walls, metal appliances, or electronic devices that might interfere with the signal. Avoid placing it near windows, corners, or on the floor, as these areas can cause the signal to bounce or lose strength before reaching your devices.
Every device connected to your network uses a portion of your broadband, whether it’s actively being used or not. Smartphones syncing cloud data, tablets downloading updates, and smart home devices all share the bandwidth of your WiFi, which can be a problem if there’s a few of you streaming, video calling or gaming at the same time.
To keep your streaming smooth, disconnect any devices you’re not using and ask others in your household to limit high-traffic activities while you're watching. You can also set your router to priorities streaming devices using Quality of Service (QoS) settings, if available with your broadband package.
While WiFi is handy and simple, a wired Ethernet connection offers the most stable and reliable internet experience, especially for streaming in ultra-HD or 4K. If your TV, streaming stick, or gaming console is near your router, it may be worth connecting it directly with an Ethernet cable to see if that fixes your connection issues.
This avoids interference, reduces lag, and ensures your device always gets consistent bandwidth. If running a long cable isn’t practical, powerline adapters – which send the internet signal through your home’s electrical wiring – can be a useful alternative for hard-to-reach areas.
Many apps and devices run processes in the background without you noticing. Phones back up photos, laptops may download updates, and cloud storage apps can sync files at any time – all of which eat up bandwidth and slow down your streaming if you don’t have enough.
Before you start watching, close any unnecessary apps, pause large downloads, and disable auto-updates on your devicesif possible. You can also check your device settings to see which apps are using the most data and limit their activity while you're streaming.
If you notice your streams struggle in certain parts of your home – like bedrooms, lofts, or garden rooms – you might be dealing with weak WiFi coverage. A WiFi booster can extend the existing signal to reach further, while a mesh WiFi system uses multiple nodes placed around your home to create a seamless, stronger network.
These are especially useful in larger homes or places with thick walls that block signals. With better coverage, your streaming device won’t have to fight for signal strength, which means fewer interruptions and smoother playback.
Is it time for a streaming experience boost?
If you’ve tried everything to improve your stream quality and nothing seems to be working, it may be time to upgrade your broadband. At Virgin Media, we’ve got a range of ultrafast broadband options starting at 134Mbps with M125 all the way to 1130Mbps and beyond with our gigabit broadband.
Not sure what speed you can get? Be sure to check out all of our broadband deals and enter your postcode to see all the options available in your area.
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