Streaming is the most common reason people test their connection. The good news: even 4K needs less than most plans provide — buffering is usually a Wi-Fi or congestion problem, not a speed one.
| Quality | Recommended speed |
|---|---|
| SD (480p) | 3 Mbps |
| HD (720p–1080p) | 5–8 Mbps |
| 4K Ultra HD | 25 Mbps |
| Netflix 4K (recommended) | 15–25 Mbps |
| YouTube 4K | 20 Mbps |
Multiply by the number of simultaneous streams in your home. Three 4K TVs at once want ~75 Mbps just for video. Not sure what you have? Run a speed test or read how much speed do I need.
Stop buffering
- Connect the TV/streaming box by Ethernet where possible.
- Lower playback quality during peak hours if needed.
- Fix the underlying connection with our speed improvement guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much speed do I need for 4K streaming?
About 25 Mbps per 4K stream. For two simultaneous 4K streams plus other usage, a 100 Mbps plan is comfortable.
Why does my stream keep buffering on fast internet?
Buffering is often Wi-Fi, not raw speed — distance, interference, or too many devices. Test wired, and check ping/jitter, not just download.
Does streaming use upload speed?
Watching uses download. Only broadcasting/streaming out (e.g. Twitch) uses meaningful upload — typically 5–10 Mbps for HD.
Ready to check your connection?
Run a free speed test