Lag is the most annoying aspect of gaming. But how can you know if your internet connection is up to the task? It is critical to choose the correct provider, plan, and connection type. Let’s find out with MedCPU, “What is the best internet for gaming?” to make an informed decision.
What exactly is fiber-optic internet?
The fastest type of commercially available internet is the fiber-optic internet (or simply “fiber”). To transmit internet data, it uses fiber-optic cables composed of electricity-resistant glass. This distinguishes it from the DSL internet (which uses copper telephone wires) and the cable internet (which uses television coaxial cables).
The majority of fiber internet services now available have speeds ranging from 200 to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps). Another advantage of fiber internet is that it is less susceptible to outages caused by adverse weather or power failures. Low latency is another significant advantage of fiber internet for gaming.
Why is internet speed important in online gaming?
The speed of the internet is determined by two factors: download speed and upload speed. The download speed is the time it takes to get information from the game server. Upload speed refers to how long it takes for data to be transferred from your device to the server.
For example, if you press a button to fire a rifle or throw a punch, you want that action to be registered in the game as soon as possible. However, if your internet connection is often slow, it may not make a difference because you are battling to load enough data to make the remainder of the game watchable in the first place.
>>> Read also: What Is Dps In Gaming? Things to Know 2022
How to choose the best internet for gaming?
And here are the four things gamers should look for in an internet plan.
- Fast download speeds
- Fast upload speeds
- Low latency or ping
- Internet equipment
1. Fast download speeds
Download speed is essential in gaming for updates and full digital game installs via Steam, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, and so on. The more bits you can get in a second, the faster you can enter the game. Download rates of at least 75 Mbps are required.
2. Fast upload speeds
Check that your upload speed is fast enough to run online games without generating latency. Your gaming data, such as your input, position, and viewpoint, must be transported quickly to the gaming server or network. As a result, we recommend a plan with an upload speed of 6 Mbps or higher, so that everyone in the house has enough bandwidth without interfering with the resident gamers.
3. Low latency or ping
Latency (also known as lag, ms, or ping) is the amount of time it takes your computer to send and receive data from your gaming server. Because it takes time for data to move across the internet, every connection will have some latency. However, if your provider’s network has excessive latency, your contact with the server will take longer than usual. Technically, latency less than 100 ms is acceptable.
>>> Read also: Best Gaming Laptop Under 800
4. Internet equipment
Even the fastest home Internet plan won’t suffice if your Internet equipment is not optimized for online gaming. Here are a few pointers for maximizing your Internet connection for online gaming:
- Update your equipment’s software and, if necessary, upgrade it.
- When possible, use an Ethernet cable instead of WiFi.
- Optimize your WiFi settings to prioritize your game console’s Internet speed.
- Maintain a clear channel between your WiFi router and gaming console.
>>> Read more: How Much Ram For Gaming? A Complete Guide (2022)
What is the best internet for gaming
Here is a brief glance at our top selections for the best internet providers for gaming
1. Verizon – Best for fiber internet
Verizon is not only a leader in fiber optic technology, but it also has some of the greatest customer services in the industry. When you package your plan with a TV, you can also modify it. Verizon’s hidden weapon is its Fios Gigabit Connection, which provides fast, fiber-optic internet with little lag and buffering.
Verizon Fios internet plans range in price from $39.99 to $79.99 per month and offer download speeds of up to 940 Mbps and upload rates of up to 880 Mbps. Verizon has a latency of only 12 milliseconds (ms). It provides access to 5G and 4G LTE networks and is available even in areas where Fios is not available.
2. Frontier – Best for cheap internet
Frontier has a low ping rate, which is ideal for fast-paced gameplay. It is ranked first due to the fast upload speeds available with its FiberOptic Gig plan and its low latency of 9 milliseconds (ms). It also offers download and upload rates of up to 940 and 880 megabits per second (Mbps), respectively. Frontier’s plans do not feature data caps or contracts. In addition, the company provides two hybrid-fiber options and one DSL service. Prices for all plans range from $24.99 to $74.99 per month.
>>> Read more: What Is A Good Internet Speed For Gaming?
3. Xfinity – Best for speeds
Xfinity is one of the leading internet service providers, offering cable and fiber internet subscriptions with speeds ranging from 25Mbps to 2000Mbps (2GB). Its plans start at $45 and go up to $299 for its most expensive package. Download speeds of up to 800 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps are available with cable services. The data caps on the plans are 1.2 terabytes (TB).
4. Spectrum – Best for cable internet
Spectrum is well-known for its internet, cable TV, and phone services, which make it simple to bundle for lower bills. The fastest plan, Spectrum Internet Gig, offers download speeds of up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps. Spectrum does not demand a contract and does not charge a fee for its modem. It also allows you to combine your phone and TV subscription.
The great thing about Spectrum’s internet services is that they are suitable for both recreational and professional gamers. The provider’s internet services offers rates of up to 200Mbps, which can be enhanced to 400Mbps if you select the Internet Ultra package. Prices starting at $49.99 per month.
FAQ
1. How many Mbps do I require for online gaming?
The appropriate level of speed for your connection will be determined by the type of gamer you are. We recommend 3 Mbps per second as a minimal minimum, but more is often better.
>>> Read more: https://www.xfinity.com/hub/internet/internet-speed-for-gaming
2. Is internet speed a factor in ping?
The lower the ping (or latency) of your gaming, the faster your internet connection. While you want a quicker internet connection, you also want a smaller ping because it implies data is reaching your game console faster.
3. How can I know whether my internet connection is fast enough?
You can perform a speed test to see if your internet is as fast as it should be. If your internet is working properly but you’re not receiving the gaming performance you require, consider upgrading to a higher-capacity internet package.
4. Why are the required download speeds larger than uploads?
Because data supplied by remote servers contains more information than what you submit, the suggested download speeds are greater than the upload speeds. Other player activities, player coordinates, the world state, in-game messages, and notifications are all part of this data.
5. What is the bare minimum of internet speed required to play?
It all depends on the game you’re playing and the system you’re using. These are some general instructions issued by several internet service providers (ISPs) and tech specialists. Minimum internet speed required for gaming:
- Download speed: 3 Mbit/s
- Upload speed: 0.5-1 Mbit/s
- Ping rate: Below 150 ms.
Conclusion
We hope the knowledge we acquire today will assist you in selecting the internet plan that best meets your needs. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that Internet speed, latency, and ping rate can all affect your gaming performance and are essential when it comes to having the best internet for gaming.
Eyal Ephrat serves as the co-founder and CEO of medCPU.com, where technology is making significant strides in the field of medicine. Through his experience in purchasing PC and laptop equipment and various other tech products, Eyal Ephrat contributes valuable insights to medCPU’s mission.
