The Internet has given us various platforms to keep us busy and entertained by streaming TV services. Be it socializing, gaming, streaming, or learning the best thing about the internet is that you can access anything anywhere and anytime. But it is not possible without a high-speed internet connection.
Every activity requires a minimum threshold speed to get the job done. For instance, if you were downloading one gigabyte of the file, it would require some time to get it downloaded. However, if it is a word document of few kilobytes, the time and speed will be much lesser than required for a 1-gigabyte file download.
The same rule applies to streaming on different platforms. With plenty of streaming services available such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Sling, and fuboTV, you will require different speeds. The speeds are normally recommended by the platforms to help viewers experience the best of their services.
If you want to experience lag-free streaming, we would recommend you to read the article until the end. Let’s find out the internet speed requirements for streaming TV services.
Netflix
Netflix is a popular streaming platform known for its original movies and TV series. The platform offers different streaming settings such as Ultra HD Streaming, SD Streaming, and HD Streaming. While the minimum speed requirement for streaming Netflix is 0.5Mbps, but the provider recommends at least 1.5Mbps. However, if you want to stream in high quality, then you need 3Mbps for SD streaming, 5Mbps for HD streaming, and 25Mbps for Ultra HD streaming.
Apple TV+
You can watch original series and movies every month on the Apple TV app, Apple TV, smart TVs, and MAC. But what is the required speed to stream Apple TV+ on any of your favorite devices? If you wish to stream in HD, 8Mbps is the minimum speed you require. While for 4K streaming, the required speed is almost 25Mbps. However, if there are several people involved in different online activities, make sure to opt for a higher one.
Hulu
Hulu plans start as low as $5.99 per month. The best and most affordable streaming service that allows you to watch a huge collection of shows and movies. Just like any other service provider, Hulu also recommends minimum speed requirement to stream without buffering. For instance, Hulu streaming library, you need to have at least a 3Mbps internet plan. While for live streams and 4content, make sure to subscribe to 8Mbps and 16Mbps plans respectively.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is also known for providing quality shows and originals. If you shop frequently from Amazon online store, you can benefit from Amazon Prime subscription. The subscription costs you under $15, allowing you to shop anything without paying delivery charges.
Moreover, you can also stream Amazon Prime Video without incurring any additional cost. For streaming Amazon Prime Video, you need at least 1Mbps for SD streaming and 5Mbps for HD streaming. The recommended speed is only if you want to stream prime videos alone. If there are other members as well, you need to go for a higher speed.
YouTube
YouTube is one of the largest video streaming platforms where you can watch almost everything from funny videos to short clips and educational stuff to DIY projects. Search almost anything and you will find it on YouTube. But without having a proper internet connection, you might face the annoying buffering icon. If you want to stream without any lags or glitches, you can simply refer to the table showing the minimum speed requirements to stream smoothly.
| Video Type | Speed |
| 360p | 0.7Mbps |
| 4k | 20Mbps |
| 480p | 1.1Mbps |
| 1080p | 5Mbps |
| 720p | 2.5Mbps |
Disney+
Disney is a popular streaming service widely recognized by children and adults as well. iWith several cartoons and animate shows in the library, things can out to be cranky if you are having slow internet. Especially, if you want to stream Disney+ in 4K UDH, you might not be able to do so.
During the COVID-19, Disney Plus has come up with plans to lower bandwidth consumption, resulting in limiting UDH and HD streaming. If you and your kids are fans of watching Disney+ make sure to have at least a 5Mbps connection for HD streaming, and 25Mbps for 4K UDH Streaming.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers three plans under its belt namely Sling Blue, Sling Orange, Sling (Blue + Orange). Sling Blue and Sling Orange are priced at $35 per month, while the combination of both plans can cost you $70. You can find plenty of local channels along with entertainment, sports, news, and cartoons.
Most of the people are shifting towards Sling TV due to its offering at a reasonable cost. Moreover, there are no hidden charges, long-term contracts, and increases in prices involved. However, to watch all your favorite channels, you need to have a stable internet connection. The minimum speed requirement for Sling on a portable device is 3Mbps and on Sling stream minimum requirement is 5Mbps.
What to Do If You’re Still Facing Problems?
The majority of internet users complain of slow internet connection, which disrupts their streaming activity. There are several reasons behind it. Make sure to follow these tips to address the issue.
Change Your Modem
Replacing your old modem with a new one will bring some positive impact. Nowadays, routers and modems are integrated with the latest technology, resulting in the smooth flow of traffic inward and outward. Buy a new one that would cost you around $30-$50.
Not Getting Enough Signals
Big homeowners often complain about not getting signals throughout the home, which results in buffering and poor speed. The best way is to buy a Wi-Fi extender to cover a greater area, or you can try out fiber internet for a faster and more reliable connection.
Change Your Plan
Most internet users are not aware of how much speed they need. You can simply ask any friend of yours, call customer service or follow our recommendations i.e. to subscribe to Spectrum plans in your area and enjoy high-speed internet.
Disconnect other Devices
Before you start binge-watching shows on Netflix or any other platform, make sure to disconnect other devices connected to the same network, even if they are idle.