A good online game and a smooth streaming experience require a reliable internet connection. If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you’re probably aware that the foremost factor to consider while choosing an internet provider is “latency”. High speeds and generous data caps are a no-brainer, but connection stability is just as important.
You need decent download and upload speed if you’re a pro gamer and live streamer. While most standard internet plans can provide fair download speeds, many of them fall short when it comes to upload speed. Therefore, when you have to upload or transfer heavy files online, the waiting time is long and excruciating.
You do not need the highest speeds or unlimited data allowance for seamless gaming and streaming. However, an internet provider that delivers what is promised is ideal. The recommended minimum download speed for gaming and streaming is 25Mbps and the ideal upload speed would be 10Mbps or more. A latency of 40ms or lower is optimum for gaming, but anything below 100ms is also adequate.
If you’re unhappy with your current supplier, it is high time to look into better options. We present our top five picks for the best gaming and streaming experience in 2024:
Best Gaming and Streaming Internet Service Providers
- Comcast Xfinity
- Verizon Fios
- Google Fiber
- AT&T Fiber
- Spectrum
Conclusion
- Comcast Xfinity
Download Speeds: 150Mbps – 1200Mbps
Upload Speeds: 10Mbps – 35Mbps
Latency: 20-25ms
Data Cap: 1.2 TB
Price Range: $19.99 – $80
Xfinity offers plentiful speed and data allowance across all tiers. We have listed it as our number one choice because it is widely available across the United States. The internet service provider is operating in 41 states at the moment, and you can reach out to Xfinity Customer Service to inquire about your exact location.
Xfinity is strictly a cable internet provider; their cables are fiber-backed, but purely fiber optic connections are available in some areas. Starting at just $19.99, it is the most affordable option on the list. The data cap of 1.2TB is nearly impossible to exhaust even if you play online games and stream high-quality content 24/7.
- Verizon Fios
Download Speeds: 300Mbps – 2000Mbps
Upload Speeds: 100Mbps – 2000Mbps
Latency: 6-12ms
Data Cap: none
Price Range: $24.99 – $84.99
Verizon is a champ when it comes to speed. Fiber optic connections can provide download and upload speeds that match, so this is the one if you want super-fast internet. This internet service provider has the lowest recorded latency or ping rates, so it’s a favorite among hardcore gamers.
While the starting price for an internet connection is generally low, the cost can fluctuate by location and other specifications. Verizon fiber internet is only available in nine East Coast states at the moment, thus coverage is limited. The starting price is attractive and new users can avail amazing discounts.
- Google Fiber
Download Speeds: 1Gbps – 8Gbps
Upload Speeds: 1Gbps – 8Gbps
Latency: 15-20ms
Data Cap: none
Price Range: $70 – $150
Google Fiber is all about ultra-fast internet and only serves in the gigabyte range. Internet plans start at $70 which may seem to be on the pricier side, but let’s not forget that you get giga speed; at the end of the day, you receive great value for your money.
The higher tier plans are only available in select areas, but the 1Gb and 2Gb plans are easily obtainable in major metro zones across 17 states in the US. The upload speeds are more or less the same as download speeds for all tiers, and latency rates are impressively low.
- AT&T Fiber
Download Speeds: 300Mbps – 5000Mbps
Upload Speeds: 100Mbps – 5000Mbps
Latency: 20-28ms
Data Cap: none
Price Range: $55 – $225
AT&T is another popular name among competitive gamers and professional streamers. AT&T provides both DSL and Fiber connections, but we are discussing the latter in relation to gaming and streaming. DSL connections have slower speeds and higher latency, so they are not the most suitable option.
AT&T is providing internet services in 21 states at present, but fiber internet is not accessible in all areas. It is an excellent option if you live in any urban area of California, Texas, or Florida. The company vows to provide symmetrical download and upload speeds, which is certainly a plus.
- Spectrum
Download Speeds: 300Mbps – 1000Mbps
Upload Speeds: 10Mbps – 35Mbps
Latency: 25-35ms
Data Cap: none
Price Range: $49.99 – $79.99
Spectrum cable internet is easily accessible across 41 states; fiber internet is attainable in fewer areas. You can indulge in online gaming and HD streaming without a glitch even if you opt for the cheapest option among cable internet plans. The ping rate is decent across all tiers, and upload speeds are satisfactory.
Spectrum does not impose any data limits, so you can download all the movies you want in high resolution. You won’t encounter slow speed during rush hours and downtimes are minimum. The best features of Spectrum are the transparent pricing and widespread availability.
Conclusion
If you’re facing issues such as lags during gaming and incessant video buffering while streaming, converting to any of the above-mentioned internet providers will eliminate them. Your final choice may come down to availability in your neighborhood, as well as your budget.
