What Internet Speed Do I Need for Netflix?

Catherine McNally
Apr 07, 2025
Icon Time To Read2 min read

The minimum required speed for streaming Netflix is 3Mbps for SD (standard definition) video quality. Netflix recommends at least 5Mbps for HD quality and 15Mbps for Ultra HD or 4K quality.

And while 15 Mbps might be enough for watching Netflix, remember that that's enough internet speed for only watching Netflix. So you'll need faster speed to cover any other connected devices or internet users in your home.

We recommend grabbing at least 50 Mbps download speeds if it's just you and maybe one other person using the internet. As for families, we think 100 Mbps or more download speed is better.

reviews.org next zip logo
Is your internet provider not cutting it? Find better internet for Netflix near you.
Our favorite Xfinity deal
Deals
Save 40% on top streaming services

New and existing Xfinity TV or Internet customers can add StreamSaverTM for just $15 per month and get Peacock Premium with ads, Apple TV+, and Netflix Standard with ads.

That's three streaming services for the price of one! And the savings are no joke—without StreamSaver, all three services would cost $29.96 per month.

What are Mbps?
Pin

Your internet service’s download speed is measured in megabits per second. Anything above 100Mbps and above is considered high-speed internet. Some broadband internet providers still sell packages with speeds lower than that, but unless you’re just browsing the web and checking email, you probably need faster speeds.

Netflix internet speed requirements

The baseline internet speed requirements for Netflix aren't ginormous—unless you want to stream in 4K.

Netflix internet speed requirements
Video quality
Netflix recommends

SD (480p)

3 Mbps

HD (720p)

5 Mbps

Ultra HD/4K (2160p)

15 Mbps

But like we said, we recommend faster download speeds than what Netflix recommends.

That's because you'll likely have other devices (like cell phones and home security systems) using the internet connection at the same time you're streaming Netflix. Not to mention other people too. The last thing you want is for your home security camera to lag out or for your kiddo's Netflix app playing Paw Patrol to buffer, right?

Netflix internet speed recommendations

We recommend an internet plan with at least 50 Mbps download speeds if you enjoy streaming Netflix. And maybe even higher if you want HD streaming. Typically, the best internet speed for streaming video is around that speed, because this ensures that your connected devices and one other person can get online and not flip a table over maddeningly slow internet speeds while you watch Schitt's Creek.

If you've got a larger family or multiple devices, we'd say go with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps download speeds or more for good internet speed.

And as for recommendations, well, we have a few for the best internet providers for streaming.

Google Fiber

Google Fiber is Reviews.org's pick for best overall internet, and that includes streaming. Google Fiber offers unbelievably fast speeds at bargain prices. It's also extremely reliable due to its completely fiber-optic network. Our only criticism is that Google Fiber is only available to a fraction of the US, but that's bound to change as the service expands.

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9
Download Speeds
1000-8000 Mbps
Upload Speeds
1000-8000 Mbps
Data Cap
Unlimited
Starting from$70/mo
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.

AT&T Fiber

If you can't get Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber makes an excellent alternative. It's the most widely available fiber service in the U.S., and although it doesn't offer the fastest speeds in the country, it offers some lower speeds at cheaper prices.

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
Download Speeds
100-5000 Mbps
Upload Speeds
100-5000 Mbps
Data Cap
Unlimited
Starting from$55/mo
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available just about anywhere in the country, and it has some of the fastest speeds you can get from a 5G provider. Although it doesn't provide the physical connection of a fiber or cable provider, it's surprisingly stable for its internet type.

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
Download Speeds
292-415 Mbps
Upload Speeds
31-56 Mbps
Data Cap
200 GB
Starting from$50/mo
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.

Spectrum Internet

Spectrum is our favorite cable provider, and for good reason. It offers two different plans at two different price points to meet different needs. While not everyone loves Spectrum, overall, it's an excellent option for anyone who loves streamed TV.

3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
Download Speeds
50-1000 Mbps
Upload Speeds
4-35 Mbps
Data Cap
Unlimited
Starting from$25/mo
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.

Xfinity Internet

Xfinity is available almost nationwide, and its prices are competitive. You'll easily find a well-priced 150Mbps plan, like the Connect plan for $35 per month. Just note that Xfinity plan names and prices change depending on where you live.

3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7
Download Speeds
75-2000 Mbps
Upload Speeds
10-300 Mbps
Data Cap
1200 GB
Starting from$14.95/mo
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.
Catherine McNally
Written by
Catherine has a degree in journalism and an MBA, and has spent the last 10+ years writing everything from Okinawa travel guides to stories on Medium. She’s been online since AOL CDs were a thing and is an unapologetic PC gamer. She believes the internet is a necessity, not a luxury, and writes reviews and guides to help everyone stay connected. You can also find her on Twitter: @CMReviewsIt.

Related Articles

An Honest Starlink Internet Review, According to Customers
Starlink is a good fit for rural customers but an instant no for those with...
Girl using Private Internet Access VPN
Is It Legal to Use a VPN?
Best overall ExpressVPN 4.5 Monthly price:$12.95/mo 3,000+ servers in 105 countries Amazing speed performance with...
Man sitting at desk and calling Verizon customer service on his phone
10 Best VPN Services
We’ve done the research and found the 10 best VPN services available. Here are our...
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Review: Customers Call It “Solid”
Should you replace your internet with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet? Find out if you can...