What’s a good internet speed for streaming?

What nbn® speed do I need for streaming?

You’re probably subscribed to at least one of the few dozen streaming services currently available in Australia. And it’s likely there are multiple people watching TV or movies on different devices around your house at the same time.

But if you have an internet connection with a slow download speed, you may find your video is playing in a low-resolution format. Or worse, buffering and lagging while you watch (which really ruins the key moments in your favourite dramas). 

To maximise your streaming experience and reduce the effects of multiple users and network connection, we recommend a minimum internet speed of 50Mbps. 

Read on to find out what nbn® speed you need to get the best viewing experience for each streaming platform.

Internet speed required for streaming video

The four top streaming platforms in Australia are Netflix, Stan, Binge and Disney+. They all recommend a minimum internet speed of about 5 Mbps for streaming in 1080p high definition, and 15 Mbps for 4k ultra high definition.

Keep in mind that this is the absolute minimum speed needed. You may find that this speed doesn’t allow for other users on your network, congestion, different devices competing for bandwidth, peak load etc.

However, in order to stream your content in higher definition, the services all require a much faster internet connection.

If you want to be confident your show won’t buffer or lag, we recommend a faster internet speed, such as 50Mbps.

Internet speed for streaming…

Netflix

For the best result streaming Netflix in full high definition (1080p), you will need speeds of 5 Mbps at a minimum. To enjoy TV and movies in 4K/Ultra HD, you’ll have to have internet speeds of at least 15 Mbps.

Read our guide to internet speed for Netflix here.

Stan

To make the most of your Stan account, they recommend 4.5 Mbps for HD 720p, 7.5 Mbps for HD 1080p and 15 Mbps for UHD 4K. 

Binge

For a smooth Binge stream with good quality video you’ll need 4 Mbps (HD 720p) or 5 Mbps (HD 1080p).

Disney+

Disney+ recommends 5 Mbps for streaming high definition TV and movies and 25 Mbps for 4K UHD content.

Minimum internet speed for streaming 

Remember: these are just the minimum internet speeds these platforms recommend (the other 20-odd platforms call for similar internet speeds). If your internet plan offers speeds slower than these recommendations, you’ll find your TV and movies stop and start intermittently while you’re watching.

These speed recommendations don’t take into account how many other people and devices are using your connection or congestion on the network. 

To keep your shows playing smoothly, especially if you share a network with other users, we recommend a faster internet plan, such as 50Mbps.

These streaming services will automatically stream at the highest quality possible without buffering. If your internet speed tends to go up and down, your stream may go from high to low quality while you watch.

To avoid this, you can set a maximum streaming quality in your account, or upgrade your internet plan to a faster speed.

Internet speed for streaming Twitch

But what if you’re the one doing the streaming? If you’re using something like Twitch or Facebook Live, you’re probably more concerned with your upload speed (that’s the second of the two numbers in your internet plan – ie. 250/25 Mbps).

Facebook Live, YouTube and Twitch all offer a livestream resolution of 720p with similar speed recommendations:

• Facebook Live = between 3 and 6 Mbps.
• YouTube Live = 1.5 to 4 Mbps.
• Twitch = 3 Mbps.

Remember that upload speeds can fluctuate in the same way as download speeds. To ensure a smooth stream, you’ll want to give yourself a buffer of about 30% – or more for maximum confidence.

Best internet providers for streaming

For the ultimate streaming experience, get an nbn®plan with a fast, reliable internet connection. Look for a plan that lets everyone in your house stream their favourite TV and movies at the same time – and never take turns with the remote again.

Why Choose Swoop?

• Awesome value internet, 30 day money back and no lock-in contract!
• The best internet performance with one of Australia’s fastest growing, Fixed Wireless networks
• Reliability and peace of mind with high capacity, exclusive Swoop networks and locally-hosted content 
• Seamless nbn® performance with no data caps and no overcrowding