What Internet Speed Do I Need for Netflix?

The minimum required speed for streaming Netflix is 3 Mbps for SD (standard definition) video quality. Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD quality and 15 Mbps for Ultra HD or 4K quality.¹

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.

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

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?

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:

Xfinity internet

Xfinity is available almost nationwide, and its prices are competitive. You'll easily find a well-priced 100 Mbps plan, like the Connect More plan. Just note that Xfinity plan names and prices change depending on where you live.

Its fiber network and up to 2300 Mbps download speeds make Verizon Fios Home Internet a shoo-in. Not to mention symmetrical upload speed and download speed with its Fios 300 Mbps, Fios 500 Mbps, and Fiios 3 Gig plans. But what really makes this ISP great is its reputation for amazing customer service.

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. Plus, your upload speed and download speed can reach up to 940 Mbps, which is pretty high compared to most internet service providers.

Sources

1. Netflix, “Internet Connection Speed Recommendations,” 2020. Accessed December 7, 2020.