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Not all products, pricing, and services are available in all areas. Pricing and actual speeds may vary. Internet speeds based on wired connection. Restrictions apply.
Streaming is a large part of how we enjoy entertainment every day. When bingeing your new favorite show or watching movies with friends, you want your Internet to keep up with you. With Spectrum, the most reliable Internet provider, you can stream without worry. So, what is a good Internet speed for streaming? That depends on your streaming habits.
Internet speed is measured in megabits or gigabits per second (Mbps or Gbps) and describes how fast data is transferred to your device. When you are streaming content, you are downloading video data, so consistent speeds are important. Upload speed doesn't play as significant a role in streaming, but it is still essential for many platforms.
A delay in data transfer, or latency, can cause buffering during your favorite scenes. The higher the connection’s latency is, the greater the delay. Spectrum Internet plans deliver ultra-low latency connections to ensure content streams smoothly.
The higher the download speed, the better your video quality. Each streaming platform has its own requirements, but generally, download speeds of 3 Mbps or higher are recommended for standard definition streaming per device. For high definition, you need download speeds of at least 5 Mbps. For 4K streaming, 25+ Mbps.
Keep in mind that these are the recommended speeds per streaming device at one time, and that every device connected to your network uses bandwidth. If you live in a household where you have multiple devices streaming at once, you’ll want to choose an Internet plan that will allow you to enjoy the entertainment you want without interruptions.
All Spectrum Internet plans can support streaming – simply pick the right plan based on your number of devices, household size and other factors.
Even with a high-speed Internet plan, outside factors can affect your connection’s speed. In many households, there are more devices connected than you think, and when everyone in your house is watching a movie, playing a video game or on video calls at once, the total bandwidth is split between everyone online. This can result in buffering or the streaming service loading slowly.
The location of your router can also affect your Internet speed. Moving your router to a centrally located area in your home, preferably in an elevated position clear of obstructions, will help ensure smooth coverage for all devices and reduce any dead zones.
To find out how fast or slow your Internet speed is at any time, you can run Spectrum's Internet Speed Test. This tool shows you your download and upload speeds in just seconds.
If your speed is at or above the streaming platform’s recommended levels, you should be able to stream content smoothly. If your speeds are consistently below those levels, restarting your router or switching to a wired connection can help. If you are a Spectrum Internet customer, you have access to our 24/7 voice support to help you troubleshoot your connection.
Have a household full of people all wanting to stream movies and shows on different devices?
With ample bandwidth for HD and 4K video plus speeds up to 2 Gbps in select markets, Spectrum offers the reliable, consistent Internet plans you need for streaming. Spectrum TV® sweetens the deal with access to many of your favorite streaming platforms and live TV, all at no additional cost. So grab the remote, hit play, and stream your favorite movies and shows without worry.
Choose a TV Select or Platinum plan and enjoy your favorite streaming apps included at no extra cost.