What is a good download speed for Wifi? Best ISP for Netflix streaming

What is a good download speed for Wifi? For Netflix binging or normal Netflix watchers, download speed or internet speed is an essential factor to get a good experience. So, what is good download speed for wifi? Which ISP should you choose to get better streaming? If you want to know, keep reading the article.

Good wifi download speed to watch Netflix movies

How to check download speed on PC?

To make sure whether you have a good download speed for streaming Netflix or not, you need to know your current speed. The easiest way to do that is using a download speed test. Not only measure download speed but the tool also checks ping and upload speeds. Thanks to that, you get a whole complete picture of your network connection. 

There are various options such as MySpeed, FAST, Speedtest Ookla, testmy.net, etc.  Among those, MySpeed is preferable due to its simplicity and convenience. 

Everyone can use it even those who do not know the Internet very well thanks to its simple interface. Just one manipulation and then get the results. 

To measure download speeds with MySpeed, follow these steps below:

Step 1: Visit MySpeed’s website

You can visit through https://gospeedcheck.com/ or search MySpeed on the Google searching bar to go to the website.

Step 2: Start the test

On its homepage, you will see the “Go” button, click it to start the test.

MySpeed measures download speed online

Step 3: Get the results

The tool will run 3 small tests: ping, download, and uploads. Those 3 tests are conducted in order. However, it just takes some seconds to complete all tests. The ping result is measured in milliseconds (ms) while the download and upload speeds are in megabits per second (Mbps).

Download speed is in megabits per second (Mbps)

Good internet speed for Netflix

Whats a good download speed for Wifi to watch Netflix? Keep in mind that different based-internet activities require different amounts of bandwidth. Also, the resolution you select to watch Netflix movies consumes different data levels. 

For example, streaming Enola Holmes in 4K will take up more download speed than watching it in a standard resolution. This is similar to that playing online gaming will consume more speed than simply checking an email.

What's a good download speed for wifi? It is recommended that you will need anywhere from 1.6 Mbps to 25 Mbps download speeds to watch the latest Netflix original smoothly without interruption. Of course, if you want to dip into 4K glory, much more than 25 Mbps is necessary.

Moreover, the number of multiple devices connecting to the same network also impacts your internet experience. If you wish to watch HD or 4K movies on many devices, you'll need more Mbps. We recommend a minimum of 25 Mbps. And if you have more than one individual streaming in your house, we recommend a minimum of 50 Mbps.

Here is the table of the best internet speed for streaming video on several streaming apps, which you can take as a recommendation. 

Streaming app	Optimal download speed
Netflix	3–25 Mbps
Hulu 2	3–16 Mbps
Hulu + Live TV	8+ Mbps
Disney+	5–25 Mbps
YouTube TV	3–13+ Mbps
Sling TV	3–25 Mbps
FuboTV	3–25 Mbps
HBO Max	12+ Mbps
AT&T TV NOW	12+ Mbps
Acorn TV	1.6+ Mbps

Data from https://www.reviews.org/

Types of internet connection for streaming Netflix

Generally, there are five basic types including dial-up, DSL, cable, fiber, and satellite. Theoretically, you can stream Netflix with any type because with 3 Mbps you are able to watch Netflix movies. However, some external factors can influence internet speeds.

Firstly, you should catch some main points of each type of internet connection.

• Fiber: This is the fastest widely connected technology. Because it uses fiber-optic cables to transmit signals, its speed is very fast. However, constructing its network infrastructure is costly so that this connection is available in limited areas.

•  Cable: Using the same technology as transmitting cable TV services, this connection can reach high speeds. Also, it is usually available based on current and former cable TV providers. 

Cable connection is faster than DSL

• DSL or Digital Subscriber Line: Service is given at the same time as landline telephone service using an existing 2-wire copper telephone line linked to one's house. Customers can still make phone calls while surfing the web. This connection is faster than dial-up but much slower than cable. 

• Satellite: A satellite Internet connection may be provided in locations where a broadband link is not yet available. Satellite access, like wireless access, needs a modem to operate. Satellite internet provides the comparable capacity to DSL and cable, although it can frequently seem slower because of latency.

• Dial-up: To access the Internet through dial-up, users must connect their phone line to a computer. Thus, Dial-up is the slowest connection technique due to its inability to handle broadband and so has restricted bandwidth.

A dial-up connection is slow and has restricted bandwidth

Although fiber internet is the fastest internet connection type, it isn't generally available yet—only around 33% of the country presently has access to a fiber internet connection. Cable internet also offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 1Gbps (with certain providers) and is an excellent alternative for Netflix and other online activities.

Although DSL internet providers usually provide slower speeds than cable and fiber, most DSL plans should be enough for streaming. Satellite internet is the least dependable choice for watching Netflix. Long latency intervals associated with this sort of connection might impact loading speeds and cause irritating delays.

Best ISP for streaming Netflix

Knowing “what is a good upload and download speed for wifi?”, which type of connection is good, maybe you want to switch your internet plan or even shift to a fast internet service provider (ISP). If you don’t want to ask “why is my download speed so slow?” yourself, Let’s take a look at the table below and have a suitable choice.

Internet provider (Cable connection)	Feature	Maximum Speed
Optimum	1 Gbps speed Cable connection $49.99/ month Deal: free installation, HBO Max for 6 months, and $300 Visa prepaid card	1 Gbps
Mediacom	1 Gbps speed Cable connection $79.99/ month Deal: Promotional Price for the first-year - save up to $30	1 Gbps speed
Suddenlink	1 Gbps Speed Cable Connection $100/month Deal: Get a $300 Visa prepaid Card and HBO Max for 6 months on select bundles.	1 Gbps speed
Cox	1 Gbps Speed Cable Connection $129.99/mo	1 Gbps speed
Spectrum	940 Mbps Speed Cable Connection $109.99/mo Deal: Free Internet Modem	940 Mbps Speed
Xfinity	400 Mbps Speed Cable Connection $79.99/mo	400 Mbps Speed

The results are arranged by the quickest speed first, followed by the lowest price

As you can see in the table above, the cable connection of Optimum is on the top which offers 1 Gbps speed for just $49.99. Moreover, you can get another good deal of HBO Max for 6 months and free installation. Also tied for first are Mediacom, Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity. 

However, this top list can be changed a little when it comes to a fiber connection. If you are using fiber, take a look at the table below:

Internet provider (Fiber connection)	Feature	Maximum Speed
Xfinity	2 Gbps Speed Fiber Connection $299.95/month	2 Gbps Speed
Suddenlink	1 Gbps Speed Fiber Connection $49.99/month Deal: Get $300 Visa prepaid Card and HBO Max for 6 months on select bundles.	1 Gbps Speed
AT&T	1 Gbps Speed Fiber Connection $70/month Deal: HBO Max and $250 rewards card with AT&T Gig plan	1 Gbps Speed
Cox	1 Gbps Speed Fiber Connection $119.99/month	1 Gbps Speed
Verizon	940 Mbps Speed Fiber Connection $79.99/month Deal: Deal: discovery+ for 12 months, a $100 Verizon Gift Card, a Stream TV device and the Router rental included!	940 Mbps Speed

Data from https://www.whistleout.com/

That said, Comcast Xfinity is the quickest cable service to stream Netflix and of course, it has a cost not cheap at all. For a cheaper price and considerably fast speed of nearly 1Gbps, you are able to choose the AT&T or Verizon provider. 

Tips to get a faster streaming

Why is my download speed so slow but upload fast? or Why is your download speed not good for streaming? That can be due to one of the reasons below:

• Conduct a download speed test at a peaked-hour

• Turning on VPN while checking 

• Running too many applications in the background

• Router issues: wrong position, outdated device, error firmware

• Sharing the network with too many devices

• Virus

• Wifi interference

• ….

Why is my Xbox download speed so slow? The reasons listed above can be also the main reasons for your slow Xbox experience. 

Why is my download speed so slow but upload fast?

Whether you pick Fiber Internet with a reliable carrier or not, you can take a few extra steps to ensure that your online streaming experience is as seamless as possible.

• Close any other tabs, shut off apps, and stop any current background downloads on your laptop.

• To prevent slowdowns while streaming from a laptop, check your browser history and clear the cache and cookies.

• Instead of utilising Wi-Fi, connect your smart TV or laptop to the internet using an ethernet cable for a more consistent connection.

• Bring your modem and router closer to the TV. Consider purchasing a second router for the basement if you have many TVs on different floors.

• Examine the settings of your streaming service provider. By lowering the resolution from 720p to 480p, you will be able to buffer faster, but at a poorer quality.

• Consider using a Wifi extender that can empower your Wifi signals and broadcast them throughout your indoor house. 

• Limit the number of devices connecting to the same network while you stream Netflix.

How to boost wifi download speed?

Why is my Xbox one download speed so slow? What is a good wifi download speed to stream Netflix smoothly? as well as ways to increase wifi download speed. Hope you - both Netflix binging get all the answers yourself in this article.