What Internet Speed Do I Need for Netflix?

Trevor Wheelwright
Trevor Wheelwright
TV, Streaming, & Internet Expert
See all articles
Jun 13, 2019

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.

And while 25 Mbps might be enough for watching Netflix, if you have other people in the house who like streaming or online gaming you’ll want to account for the shared bandwidth.

Your download speed is what’s important for streaming movies and shows, but check your internet service provider’s advertised upload speed if you want to use live-streaming services like Twitch or upload large files while you’re watching Netflix.

Is 5 Mbps fast enough for Netflix?

Here are the recommended speeds from Netflix themselves:

  • 0.5 Mbps for any streaming
  • 3 Mbps for SD or DVD quality
  • 5 Mbps for HD quality
  • 25 Mbps for Ultra HD/4K quality
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What are Mbps?
Your internet service’s download speed is measured in megabits per second. Anything above 25 Mbps is considered high-speed internet. Many broadband internet providers still sell packages with speeds lower than that, but unless you’re just browsing the web and checking email, we’d steer you toward faster speeds.

Is 50 Mbps fast enough for Netflix?

A 50 Mbps download speed is definitely fast enough for a single user to stream movies and shows in 4K definition.

Keep in mind, multiple users with multiple devices will affect your bandwidth. A speed of 50 Mbps should still cover that. But your quality depends on other factors peak traffic time and your modem and router’s Wi-Fi network. So even with 50 Mbps you may encounter buffering issues from time to time.

We’d err on the side of adding 5 Mbps or more to whatever speed you think you need. Because, first of all, advertised speeds don’t always match your actual speeds (you can see for yourself with a speed test). And second, it’s hard to tell what adding another device from a guest or two may do to your bandwidth.

Even at speeds as low as 5 Mbps, you should be able to see shows and movies with clear quality and minimal buffering issues. However, we say go for 25 Mbps or more if you can. That way you can see your shows in all their Ultra HD 4K glory.

Best internet service for binge-watchers: Xfinity Blast! Pro

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Trevor Wheelwright
Written by
Trevor Wheelwright
Trevor's three years deep at Reviews.org, where he writes about the things that make your home hip and cozy. Prior to that, he worked seven years in retail and e-commerce, testing and reviewing products ranging from world-class guitars and amps to designer handbags and shoes to everyday furnishings and gizmos. Influenced by art and philosophy, he views everything as part of a story and an expression of our transcendent experience.
Trevor's three years deep at Reviews.org, where he writes about the things that make your home hip and cozy. Prior to that, he worked seven years in retail and e-commerce, testing and reviewing products ranging from world-class guitars and amps to designer handbags and shoes to everyday furnishings and gizmos. Influenced by art and philosophy, he views everything as part of a story and an expression of our transcendent experience.