What's the best internet speed for gaming?

From MMOs and RTSs to first person shooters and sports games, any online gamer knows a reliable high-speed internet connection is essential to success. We'll break down what you need to consider to get the best gaming internet possible.

What's a good speed for internet gaming?

There are a number of factors that go into determining what internet speed you may want to use for online gaming. Below are the minimum internet speeds for gaming, based on which gaming platform you use.

What is "ping" and how does it affect online gaming?

Ping — or latency — is how quickly information is sent from your gaming platform to the gaming server and back. This has a direct effect on in-game lag and can drastically affect your performance in an online video game, particularly in multiplayer shooter games. To ensure the best ping possible, we recommend a fiber-optic connection, as fiber internet tends to perform better when it comes to both latency and lag. Additionally, if you plan on streaming your play time through a service like Twitch, a fiber connection can offer much faster upload speeds than a cable connection, meaning you will be able to provide the highest quality stream to your viewers that doesn’t stutter or tear.

Other gaming internet considerations

Here are a few other things that can affect your online gaming performance.

Wireless vs. wired connection

Generally, a wired connection is more reliable and quicker than a wireless (WiFi) connection. This is why we recommend directly connecting your gaming device to your router using an Ethernet cable. If this is not possible, optimize your WiFi connection by ensuring your game system is as close to your router as possible and that the router is placed away from walls or other items that may interfere with your signal.

Your modem and router

Technology progresses quickly. While routers and modems can last you years when properly taken care of, we typically recommend you start shopping for updated equipment once your current modem/router is more than 5 years old. Keep in mind that while your equipment may still function, progress in technology may render your equipment obsolete and you may not get optimal performance out of your internet connection. This can be particularly important if you are using WiFi to access the internet through your router.

Number of devices in your home

While gaming itself does not require a significant amount of bandwidth, having multiple devices on your network can quickly “clog the pipe” and have a negative effect on your online gaming speed. If you know you’re going to have a lot of devices on your network while you game, consider opting for a plan with a higher download speed.

If this isn’t an option, many routers and modems allow you to set a “priority device” using QoS settings (available on most newer modems). This can help ensure that your system gets the high-quality connection it needs for online gaming.

Next steps

There are quite a few things to consider when deciding what you need to get for the best online gaming experience. When in doubt, keep in mind latency, how many devices you will have on your home network while you game, and your equipment. All of these elements will have an effect on your online gaming experience.

Check to see what internet speeds CenturyLink offers in your area. If you're already a customer, you may consider upgrading or adding a second internet line exclusively for gaming.