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Is your internet speed good enough for Netflix?

BY READERS DIGEST

1st Nov 2021 Technology

Is your internet speed good enough for Netflix?

Netflix is the most popular streaming platform today, with thousands of great movies and shows to watch. We all want to relax and unwind by seeing popular shows and movies on the Netflix streaming service.

However, it can be very annoying and frustrating to see the loading sign and hinder you from watching your favourite shows and titles. That can lead to a bloody terrible experience. But, luckily, you can still do a couple of things to be able to watch Netflix.

The ideal internet speed to conveniently watch and stream on Netflix would be at least 10 Mbps for regular (SD) streaming, 20 Mbps for HD content across devices, and at least 50 Mbps to access HD and 4K content across many users.

How internet speed affects Netflix

Internet speed gets measured in megabits per second or Mbps. The primary, standard internet packages have about 5 Mbps for downloading and 1 Mbps for uploading. That may be good for daily surfing online but may not be good enough for streaming.

The higher the download/upload number – the faster the internet speed. The download speed is the streaming speed. That is what affects Netflix the most. You can test your internet speed through some helpful tools you can easily find online.

How to check internet speed for streaming Netflix?

To save you all the heartache, it’s advised to check your connection speeds first before you attempt or start streaming Netflix. And while there are many different ways to do it, checking it via the Netflix system will be the best because that’s what you’re going to access.

  1. An internet speed of 5Mbps is only suitable for casual internet browsing, using social networks, emails, etc.
  2. 10 Mbps is good for watching videos or TV shows online, but only if one or two people share the connection in the household.
  3. 20 Mbps is excellent for watching Netflix on multiple devices if no more than three people share the internet connection.
  4. 30 Mbps is ideal for several people that watch streaming videos, movies, or play video games.
  5. Anything above 50Mbps is ultra-high speed for multiple users.

NOTE: If you’re unable to see Settings, switch to the Netflix app. It’s usually not accessible via the browser version.

What should your internet speed be to stream Netflix?

Being a premium streaming service, it’s a no-brainer to think that it will require decent internet speeds. While these all depend on several factors, Xtrium says that you should consider the following guidelines in streaming Netflix.

  • An internet speed of 5Mbps is only suitable for casual internet browsing, using social networks, emails, etc.
  • 10 Mbps is good for watching videos or TV shows online, but only if one or two people share the connection in the household.
  • 20 Mbps is excellent for watching Netflix on multiple devices if no more than three people share the internet connection.
  • 30 Mbps is ideal for several people that watch streaming videos, movies, or play video games.
  • Anything above 50Mbps is ultra-high speed for multiple users.

These figures are real-time experiences reported by Netflix users, as per Xtrium and that’s a perfect standpoint to what you really need.

Things that affect internet speed when accessing Netflix

Here are the top things that could be tampering with the internet speed causing your Netflix experience to change.

Low Mbps/Low Speeds

Netflix states that the minimum internet speed to stream their videos in High Definition is at least Mbps. Of course, it would be better if you had more than just 5 Mbps for a much more satisfying experience – and to avoid headaches, too!

Low bandwidth

It would be best to use an internet package with a higher bandwidth so you will not experience slow-down problems with Netflix. Discuss this with your internet provider to determine precisely how much bandwidth will be enough for watching Netflix and doing other online activities like playing online multiplayer games.

Bad router condition

If your router is old, it may affect the speeds needed for proper Netflix streaming. Use a newer router for an optimized internet experience and purchasing a quality router with modern features is always advisable. Also, regularly inspect your router to check if everything is connected correctly, whether there is some problem with your router or anything that may affect the internet speed.

Incorrect router placement

Many people tend to overlook this, but the router's location is also crucial. The router needs to be in a central, clear position. Avoid placing the router in corners or behind walls, which many people do to hide it from sight and avoid tripping over. Remember that walls, corners, sofas, and other obstacles can significantly affect your router transmission.

Would a modem/router upgrade help in streaming Netflix?

Upgrading or purchasing a new modem/gateway or router would usually work in cases where your hardware is already old. Even if you have fast and blazing internet speed, if your router isn’t cut for the job, your speeds would still be derailed.

But, if your hardware is new but your speeds aren’t what you’re expecting, it’ll be best to contact your service provider and ask about this. You can also consider upgrading your internet speed in the process.

Ideally speaking, the required speeds for accessing Netflix is at about 10 to 30 Mbps for multiple devices. If you’re looking for optimum and quality experience regardless of the devices accessing the internet at home, par it at about 40 to 50 Mbps.

Conclusion

The next time you ask is my internet speed good enough for Netflix, try considering the factors we mentioned in this tutorial; use it as guidelines on how you can watch and stream your favourite titles and shows without running into problems!

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