What Internet Speed Do I Need for Netflix?
The minimum required speed for streaming Netflix is 3 Mbps for SD (standard definition) quality. Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD quality and 25 Mbps for Ultra HD or 4K quality.1
And while 25 Mbps might be enough for watching Netflix, remember that that’s enough internet speed for only watching Netflix. So you’ll need more 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.
Netflix internet speed requirements
The baseline internet speed requirements for Netflix aren’t ginormous—unless you want to stream in 4K.
| Video quality | Netflix recommends |
| SD (480p) | 3 Mbps |
| HD (720p) | 5 Mbps |
| Ultra HD/4K (2160p) | 25 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 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 your kiddo’s Paw Patrol viewing session to buffer, right?
We recommend an internet plan with at least 50 Mbps download speeds if you enjoy streaming Netflix. 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, we’d say go with 100 Mbps download speeds or more.
And as for recommendations, well, we have a few for the best internet providers for streaming:
Xfinity internet
Xfinity is available almost nationwide, and its prices are competitive. You’ll easily find a well-priced 100 Mbps plan, like the Performance Select plan. Just note that Xfinity plan names and prices change depending on where you live.
Data effective 12/7/2020. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*For the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract./sup>
Verizon Fios Home Internet
Its fiber network and up to 940 Mbps download speeds make Verizon Fios Home Internet a shoo-in. But what really makes this ISP great is its reputation for amazing customer service.
Data effective 12/7/2020. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*w/Auto Pay + taxes. Equipment charges may apply.
CenturyLink internet
CenturyLink offers unlimited data on all of its internet plans, which earns it bonus points when it comes to budget friendliness due to the lack of monthly overage fees. Its Fiber Internet plan is one of the cheapest gig-speed plans out there, perfect for streaming Netflix with your extended family or multiple roommates.
Call Now Data effective 7/1/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*Rate requires paperless billing. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Speeds may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection.
Look for faster internet plans available near you.
Sources
- Netflix, “Internet Connection Speed Recommendations,” 2020. Accessed December 7, 2020.