How much speed you need for Netflix

Video type	Speed per device
Min. requirements	0.5 Mbps
Recommended speed	1.5 Mbps
SD streaming	3 Mbps
HD streaming	5 Mbps
Ultra HD streaming	25 Mbps

Netflix has very clear recommendations for speed based on the quality of video you want.¹ Just know that the speeds listed are for streaming on a single device, so if multiple devices on your network are watching Netflix at the same time, you need enough speed to handle all those streams at once.

How much speed you need for Apple TV+

Video type	Speed per device
HD streaming	5 Mbps
4K streaming	25 Mbps

Apple doesn’t give official requirements for download speeds on its Apple TV+ streaming service. Like most streaming services, it will adjust the quality of the video automatically to match your download speed; however, users have measured the bitrate of a 4K stream at around 29 Mbps.²

We recommend at least a 25 Mbps download speed if you want to watch in 4K quality. The quality of video available for Apple TV+ or for movies rented or purchased through the Apple TV app can also vary a lot depending on the device you’re using to stream. To take full advantage of all the features Apple offers—4K HDR video with Dolby Atmos sound—you’ll need an Apple TV 4K as well as a broadband connection of at least 25 Mbps.

How much speed you need for Hulu

Video type	Speed per device
Min. for Hulu streaming library	3 Mbps
Min. for livestreams	8 Mbps
Min. for 4K content	16 Mbps

Hulu’s speed recommendations are based on picture quality and the type of content you’re watching.³ Similar to other streaming providers, Hulu automatically adjusts the video quality based on internet speed. It also recommends higher speeds for live content than library content. These recommendations are also the bare minimum, so we suggest a slightly faster connection to make sure you always get the video quality you want.

How much speed you need for Amazon Prime Video

Video type	Speed per device
SD streaming	1 Mbps
HD streaming	5 Mbps

Like many services, Amazon automatically adjusts the quality of your videos to serve you the highest quality picture possible based on your speed.⁴ It doesn’t have much in the way of speed recommendations, but it does warn that even if you’re watching on a supported device, you may experience issues below a certain connection speed. Since these are minimum requirements, we would recommend having a faster connection if possible.

How much speed you need for YouTube

Video type	Speed per device
SD 360p streaming	0.7 Mbps
SD 480p streaming	1.1 Mbps
HD 720p streaming	2.5 Mbps
HD 1080p streaming	5 Mbps
4K streaming	20 Mbps

Like Netflix, YouTube does a great job of making its internet speed recommendations easy to understand.⁵ YouTube also points out that even if your connection can hit these numbers on a speed test, there are other factors like Wi-Fi performance, the type of connection, and the number of other devices on your network that can reduce your actual speed. We’ll talk more about other factors that affect buffering below.

How much speed you need for YouTube TV

Video type	Speed per device
Stream SD video	3 Mbps
Stream HD video	13 Mbps
Stream 4K video (for 4K Plus subscribers*)	25 Mbps

*Available at an additional charge. Device and content restrictions apply.

Although it does offer recommended speeds for reliable streaming, YouTube TV notes that you can still use the service with speeds that don’t quite meet the bar.¹⁵ For example you can stream an HD video with a 7 Mbps download speed, but you’re more likely to run into buffering issues. You can also watch with speeds slower than 3 Mbps, but any content may load slowly or rebuffer when you try to watch.

How much speed you need for Disney+

Video type	Speed per device
HD streaming	5 Mbps
4K UHD streaming	25 Mbps

Disney+ has speed recommendations that are on par with other streaming video services.⁶ If your connection is fast enough for 4K UHD video but you still find yourself being served low-quality video instead, it’s worth noting that some titles just aren’t available in this format.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Disney+ has instituted measures to lower bandwidth utilization, which means potentially limiting HD and UHD streaming.

How much speed you need for Sling TV

Video type	Speed per device
Streaming on portable devices	3 Mbps
Single stream	5 Mbps

Sling TV issues its speed recommendations based on the type and number of devices you plan to use, recommending at least a 25 Mbps connection if you’re going to be streaming on multiple devices.⁷ It also notes that these recommendations are for “constant speeds,” so if, for instance, you had a cable connection that slows during peak-use times, you want to make sure that your speed never dips below these requirements for Sling to run properly.

How much speed you need for Max

Video type	Speed per device
Video streaming	3 Mbps
HD streaming	3.1 Mbps

Max doesn’t give many recommendations regarding connection speed, but it does note that for mobile devices, either a 3G connection or a connection to a Wi-Fi network that meets the minimum speed is required.⁸ Its minimum requirements are also fairly low, so we recommend having a higher speed for consistent HD streaming.

How much speed you need for Paramount+ with Showtime Streaming Service

Video type	Speed per device
Video streaming	5 Mbps

Paramount+ with Showtime has only one recommendation for streaming, however, like MAX, it strongly recommends that mobile devices use a Wi-Fi connection, though mobile devices can also stream video with a 4G connection.⁹

How much speed you need for Peacock

Video type	Speed per device
Min. speed for video streaming	3 Mbps
Recommended speed for premium content	8 Mbps

Peacock recommends a minimum speed of 3 Mbps to watch its content, but notes that to enjoy enjoy certain high-quality live events and “ultra-high definition” premium content, you’ll need at least an 8 Mbps connection.¹⁶ 8 Mbps is a decent speed for standard HD streaming, but it should be noted that ultra-high definition is usually synonymous with 4k resolution, which needs much more bandwidth. We recommend a connection with at least 25 Mbps to get the best quality video.

When watching live events, it’s also important to use a low-latency connection like fiber for the best real-time experience.

How much speed you need for STARZ

Video type	Speed per device
Min. speed for video streaming	2 Mbps
Recommended speed for video streaming	6 Mbps

STARZ doesn’t break down its speed recommendations for different video quality or different devices.¹⁰ In general, it simply encourages viewers to use the latest devices and software for the best experience.

How much speed you need for VUDU

Video type	Speed per device
HDX streaming	4.5 Mbps

VUDU offers streaming in HDX, which is a format developed by VUDU that claims a better movie experience by preserving a film’s native 24 frames per second frame rate.¹² If your internet connection can’t maintain the required minimum speed, you can use the VUDU app to download the video in HDX format.

How much speed you need for Crackle

Video type	Speed per device
HD streaming	9 Mbps

Crackle is an ad-supported streaming service, so in addition to playback issues related to your internet speed, ad blockers might interfere with your video.¹³ If you’ve checked your speed but are still having issues, try disabling your ad blocker and see if it makes a difference.

How much speed you need for Acorn TV

Video type	Speed per device
Min. speed for video streaming	1.6 Mbps

Acorn TV cites only a minimum speed requirement.¹⁴ This minimum is also fairly low compared to other streaming services. For higher-quality streams, especially on multiple devices, you’ll want more speed.

Internet access is crucial to modern life, but finding the right service can be complicated and confusing. There are lots of different options to choose from, each with their own pros and cons.

While there is no perfect internet plan for everyone, there are options to meet the needs of every lifestyle and every kind of user. To find the best option in your area, check out this side-by-side comparison of two popular types of internet: DSL and fiber.

Network Overview

The fundamentals of data transmission are the same for both internet types: information is sent back and forth between the user and the Internet Service Provider (ISP) via a network of wires. However, the type of wires carrying the data and the way signals get transmitted differ from service to service.

DSL

DSL stands for “Digital Subscriber Line,” which essentially means that the service uses copper phone lines to transmit electronic data between your computer and the wider internet.

There are two variants of DSL: ADSL (asymmetric) and SDSL (symmetric). ADSL — the most common connection type for residential setups — allows you to use your telephone line for both landline calls and internet access, while SDSL uses the whole connection for Internet access, resulting in faster upload speeds at the expense of voice services.

It is worth noting that DSL’s electronic signals can degrade as they travel, meaning that service quality may be affected by the distance between the ISP’s hub and the user-end termination point. Further, any electromagnetic interference or damage to phone line infrastructure may cause interruptions in the connection.

Fiber

Fiber-optic internet is currently one of the most advanced internet services available in the United States. Instead of using copper cables to transmit data, fiber-optic cables are made up of ultra-thin glass or plastic strands that carry light instead of electricity. These light pulses transmit messages between your computer and the rest of the world.

Because light can travel quickly through fiber-optic cables, fiber networks can carry substantial amounts of data over long distances without any service degradation. Additionally, because light signals are less affected by power surges, fiber connections don’t generally suffer from interference during electrical events.

Equipment Setup

Many people tend to assume that all in-home internet arrangements use the same equipment, regardless of connection type. However, because DSL delivers data via electronic signals while fiber makes use of light waves, the two connections actually require drastically different equipment setups and installation processes.

DSL

DSL follows the model that most internet users are used to: a modem/router combination that transmits and broadcasts internet for both wired and wireless connections throughout the home. Further, because DSL has been around for so long, there are plenty of equipment options, ranging from standard ISP-provided devices to high-end customizable setups. And while it may be more convenient to use the equipment that comes with your service contract, you can save a few dollars each month by buying your own modem or router instead of renting one from your provider.

When it comes to installation, most DSL connections run through already-placed telephone lines, meaning that the service is easy to install and likely won’t require professional help. In fact, many DSL ISPs even supply simple self-installation kits. If you’re hesitant to install your own service, or you have a unique wiring situation in your home, you can also opt for a professional installation — though you may be charged an additional fee.

Fiber

Fiber-optic internet connections do use routers, but that’s where the similarities with DSL end. Because data is delivered via light, traditional modems won’t work with fiber internet. Instead, you’ll need to use a more complex setup — including an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) — to convert the light signals into usable digital data.

Because fiber technology is still young, there aren’t many third-party equipment options, so you’ll have to rely on your fiber ISP to supply you with most of the equipment you need. If you do opt to use your own router, you’ll need to verify that it can handle the speed capacity that your fiber plan advertises.

Due to the more complex installation process, fiber internet is typically set up by a professional. Self-install kits are rare, and they are usually only available for homes that have previously had fiber installed.

Connection Speeds

There are few things more frustrating than slow internet speeds — from start-and-stop video streams to choppy Skype calls, download speed makes a huge difference in the way you use the internet. Fortunately, DSL and fiber internet each provide a wide range of speed tiers for different types of users.

DSL

Residential DSL services don’t necessarily have the fastest speeds on the market, but most plans offer enough bandwidth for basic Internet usage. Advertised download speeds usually range from 1 Mbps to 20 Mbps, while upload speeds rarely get above 1 Mbps.

As with most internet connections, you likely won’t receive advertised speeds all the time — several different factors can affect the quality of your connection. For example, because DSL service quality deteriorates over long distances, internet speeds may differ if your home is located far from your provider’s exchange point. DSL is also susceptible to traffic-based slowing during peak usage times, so streaming Netflix on a weekday evening may prove challenging.

Fiber

Fiber-optic internet is the fastest, most reliable Internet available in the United States. Speeds generally stay fairly stable, regardless of regional traffic or distance from the ISP. Additionally, most fiber internet providers boast equal upload and download speeds, and some top-tier fiber plans can range over 1 Gbps.

Those high speeds translate into a lot of connectivity potential — families can stream HD video on multiple devices at once, make seamless video-calls, and play online games without any stuttering or slow buffering. Heavy uploaders also benefit from fiber-optic internet’s equal uploading capacity, and Cloud storage and video uploading are much more effective than they would be on a slower connection.

Area availability

Not all providers have access to the same networks. Some regions have limited internet access in general, while others have one or two dominant providers that bear the Internet load of the entire area. As a result of these varied infrastructures, your Internet service options may vary quite a bit.

DSL

DSL is available to roughly 88 percent of the United States, making it one of the most common types of internet available. As DSL connections utilize phone lines to transmit data, most houses will already have the wiring installed and ready to go.

Additionally, because DSL has been around for such a long time, there are a decent number of providers who offer Internet services. Unless you live in a very rural location with little infrastructure, you should be able to get some level of DSL connectivity in your home.

Fiber

Laying down fiber-optic cables can be prohibitively expensive for many ISPs, so only a small portion of the United States currently has access to fiber internet. However, as more users demand faster speeds, fiber technology is starting to gain momentum. So while the United States may still be a far cry from fiber-savvy countries like South Korea, the overwhelmingly positive response toward fiber internet will surely speed up technological advancement in the coming years.

Monthly costs

While download speeds and availability are important, price is generally the most important aspect of an internet plan. Though total costs will ultimately vary depending on your location and plan, certain service types — usually the more high-tech or faster options — do tend to cost more than others.

DSL

Because DSL tends to be slower than other types of Internet, it also tends to be cheaper — there are several affordable plans that cost less than $50 per month. Compared to cable and fiber internet, DSL is a great budget option.

If you’re looking for even more affordable services, don’t forget to look at bundled packages. Combining your Internet service with a landline phone plan, for example, can also net you some extra savings.

Fiber

Because fiber uses cutting-edge home internet technology, it is one of the more expensive ways of getting online. If you’re looking for gigabit speeds, for instance, you should expect to pay around $100 or more per month, depending on your provider.

Some fiber providers also offer TV or voice services, so it’s worth checking out the bundles available in your area.

The take-away

There’s no objective answer as to which connection type is better than the other — everything boils down to your connectivity needs. If you have a lot of devices connected to the internet, or if you do a lot of bandwidth-heavy processes at home, fiber-optic internet will likely be worth the money. Those who prefer a low-budget option with wide availability and basic functionality will likely prefer a DSL plan.

Whatever your preferences are, you deserve to have an Internet plan that caters to your specific usage patterns. Determine the speed you want and take a look at what’s available in your neighborhood.

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