What Internet Broadband Speed Do You Need For Live Streaming At 1080p?
june 2021

Much of our activity on the internet is tied up with streaming. Most of our leisure activities, in the form of listening to music, relaxing with your favourite comfort series, or watching a new and exciting movie revolves around streaming speeds based on your broadband plan. Luckily, while all modern devices such as smartphones, laptops, and desktops are well equipped mechanically to withstand such activities, a more fluctuating and trickier factor is that of your internet broadband speed. A high speed broadband connection determines everything from the speed, pixel quality, and preciseness of sound.

So what is the best internet broadband speed for streaming at 1080p? Ultimately, although websites can give you ballpark figures, it does vary from platform to platform and ultimately hinges on the reliability and quality of your broadband plan. It’s important to remember that whatever figures you ultimately choose for the highest quality streaming, the safest option is to also account for a 30-40% buffer. This helps you consider generally unaccountable variables like speed fluctuation, broadband hogging by other users, and unfavourable weather conditions, all of which can slow down your high speed broadband connection and may result in lower quality streaming.

For some of the most common streaming platforms that we use on a daily basis, here are the ideal streaming speeds needed so that you can choose your broadband plan accordingly:

  • Hulu functions best and provides high-quality streaming at a speed of 3-6 Mbps.

  • Spotify provides high-quality music streaming at a speed of 320 Kbps.

  • Netflix provides high-definition streaming at a speed of 5 Mbps.

  • For Facebook Live, the most recommended broadband speed is 4 Mbps to upload content and 5 Mbps to watch live streams.

  • For Twitch, to upload streams, you will need a broadband speed between 3-6 Mbps to upload live streams, and a speed of 4-6 Mbps to watch them.

  • For Youtube Live, the most recommended streaming speed is between 1-15 Mbps.

Now that you know the rough internet broadband speed figures for streaming, keep in mind that ultimately, your speed is only as good as the company that provides it. The reliability, stability, safety, and help in terms of customer support that your internet provider offers is of utmost importance as it will influence all of your broadband activity, including streaming. With these basic figures and tips in mind, you can get the high-speed broadband connection you’re looking for with Hathway’s internet plans. To view Hathway’s broadband plan options, click here.

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