How much speed do you need to stream music?

The amount of internet speed you need per music stream depends on the quality. The lowest streaming rate is around 32 kilobits per second (Kbps)—a low-quality stream like talk radio—while the highest is around 9,216Kbps (9.126Mbps).

A good rule of thumb is to double those numbers for each stream, so your music has plenty of breathing room. For example, if your audio stream is 9,216Kbps, a speed of 18,432Kbps (18.43Mbps) should be more than sufficient.

Music streaming speed requirements at a glance

Here’s a general list of internet speed requirements for Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and more.

Music streaming data requirements

Here we will break down the bitrates and recommended speed requirements based on quality or tier for each music streaming service. We’ll also provide more detail in regards to sample rates and bit depth for curious audiophiles.

A speed test is the measuring tape of your internet connection—a handy tool no netizen should live without.

Speed tests give you a reading of your download speeds, upload speeds, and latency. You can use a speed test to determine if your internet connection is fast enough for activities like streaming and video calls, and you can run speed tests to figure out if your internet provider delivers your plan’s promised speeds.

There are tons of speed test tools available to use for free online, but some are better than others. Of course, we here at HighSpeedInternet.com favor our own speed test the most. But we’ve used a ton of other speed tests as well, so read on for our guide to the best internet speed tests.

Jump to: Test your internet speed | How to take a speed test | Best speed test tools | How does a speed test work? | How much internet speed do you need? | FAQ

Jump to:

• Test your internet speed
• How to take a speed test
• Best speed test tools
• How does a speed test work?
• How much internet speed do you need?
• FAQ

Test your internet speed

Did we mention we have our own speed test? It’s pretty cool—give it a try!

Test your speed anywhere with a speed test app

Download our free speed test app (iOS and Android) to take our speed test on your phone. The app is ad-free and can measure Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, and LTE speeds from anywhere. Another advantage of testing your speed from an app is the detailed test result history.

How to run a speed test

You can run a speed test simply by clicking the button on whatever test you’re using. To get the most accurate results, make sure to close out apps and browser windows so you don’t tax your bandwidth with unnecessary traffic. You can even plug your computer directly into your router, gateway, or mesh system via Ethernet.

If you’re running a speed test over Wi-Fi, make sure your device is connected to the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band, and you’re within a few feet of the router or gateway. The 2.4 GHz band is guaranteed to give you a false reading on plans under 200Mbps, so keep that in mind. Routers, gateways, and mesh systems with band steering enabled will likely give you an incorrect reading, too.

Also, internet speeds tend to fluctuate—you’ll never get a single, fixed speed—so it’s best to run multiple tests to get a broader understanding of your internet’s capabilities. You can also run tests at different times throughout the day to see how your download and upload speeds fluctuate around factors like more users and increased traffic.

Compare the best speed tests

Most user friendly: HighSpeedInternet.com Speed Test

Obviously we’re biased, but we love our test because it’s easy to use and full of helpful info. Drop-down FAQs give you insights into how the speed test works and how your internet’s performance compares with other users in your same state and with your same internet provider. You can’t choose a test server like you can on Ookla’s test, but if you’re shopping for internet, you can take a look at a detailed list of internet providers serving your area to see what other plans and speeds are available. We also have an app that gives you a simplified readout of your download and upload speeds.

Most customizable: Ookla Speed Test

Ookla’s speed test is the industry standard—fitting for a brand whose homepage is literally speedtest.net. Ookla’s test is reliable and packed with useful information. You can keep a record of all the tests you take if you sign up for an account, and the desktop browser version lets you change test servers to come up with more nuanced diagnostics. The app comes with a free VPN, and you can buy a premium, ad-free Ookla app for a dollar, which may be worth the investment, considering both the app and browser version can get cluttered with banner ads.

Most practical: M-Lab Speed Test

Type “internet speed test” or “Wi-Fi speed test” into Google, and this one pops up. You can run a test instantly without even going to a website. This open-source test, designed by Google-backed Measurement Lab, archives all its data and makes it available online for public perusal. You can even use M-Lab’s source code to make your own testing platform. (That’s how HighSpeedInternet.com made its speed test.) The main drawback is it doesn’t have the advanced features you see on Ookla or Speedof.me’s tests, like the ability to choose a test server or track multiple tests over time.

Most fun: Meteor

This app-only test from data analytics company Opensignal does the same thing every other speed test does, but the graphics can’t be beaten. A yellow meteor thing that flies across the screen in different directions when the test runs, and a smiling, Clippy-style virtual assistant you can tap on to let you know how good your speeds are. It’s not exactly scientific, and we wish there was a browser version, but still—who knew a speed test could be this fun?!

Most interesting: Speedof.me

Unlike the other tests on this list, this one measures your connection’s consistency in addition to your speeds—color-coded graphs track fluctuation in your download and upload speeds throughout the test. Similar to Ookla, Speedof.me keeps track of all the tests you run, letting you spot trends over time and identify potential weaknesses in your connection.

How does a speed test work?

A speed test is an online tool that measures your internet connection’s download speed, upload speed, and latency (ping rate).

Speed tests measure upload and download speeds by connecting to a nearby server and sending chunks of sample data back and forth to see how long the transfers take. Meanwhile, the speed test calculates the time it takes to send a message to the server and receive a reply, giving you a measure of your latency (or ping rate).

Here are some key terms to help you understand how a speed test works:

• Download speed: The speed at which your device receives data from the internet, usually measured in Mbps or Gbps.
• Upload speed: The speed at which your device sends data to the internet, usually measured in Mbps or Gbps.
• Latency (Ping): The time (measured in milliseconds) it takes for a signal to travel from your device to an internet server and back. Lower latency means your connection has a better response time for activities like gaming and livestreams.
• IP address: Internet protocol address—the unique numerical code that identifies an internet-connected device and its geographic location.
• Server location: The location of the server you connect to in order to run the speed test.

How much internet speed do you need?

You need enough internet speed to accomplish your usual online tasks with minimal slowdowns. You also want a fast enough speed to support other users on your Wi-Fi. Use our “How Much Internet Speed Do I Need?” tool to figure out the best bandwidth for your abode.

Everyone has different Wi-Fi speed needs. Developers and Instagram influencers likely want the fastest download and upload speeds possible, but regular folks can get by with a slower connection if they don’t do much other than check email and stream a few TV shows at night.

Here are some simple rules to follow to make sure you’re getting the speeds you need:

• More Wi-Fi users require more bandwidth. If you’re sharing your internet with a lot of people, you want a faster download speed to ensure everyone gets the reliable service they need.
• Video calls benefit from faster upload speeds. Upload speeds are generally slower on internet connections, but get a plan with faster upload speeds (or, even better, symmetrical Wi-Fi speeds) if you spend a lot of time making video calls, uploading to cloud servers, or hosting livestreams.
• Fiber internet is always better (if you can get it). Even the slowest fiber internet plan is still fast and reliable. Fiber-optic cable is extremely efficient, and you get symmetrical speeds with a fiber connection.
• You don’t always need gigabit internet. Some internet providers like to encourage users to get the fastest speeds possible, but gigabit internet can be pricey—and most people don’t need it. Save your money with an internet plan that meets your speed needs and no more.

How to get faster internet

You can get a faster internet connection by upgrading your plan or switching to a new internet provider. You can also get positive results with home remedies, like moving your router to a more centralized location in your home.

Here’s a quick breakdown of ways to boost your bandwidth.

• Upgrade your internet plan. Many providers offer multiple tiers of internet speeds, so check with your internet provider to see whether you can pay more for faster service.
• Update your router. A healthy router ensures that you get the fastest speeds possible on your plan. Aim to get a router that meets Wi-Fi standards of 802.11ac or 802.11ax, the latter better known as Wi-Fi 6.
• Move your router. Your router is the heart of your Wi-Fi’s circulatory system—so make sure it’s in a central area in your home where the wireless signal can travel easily. Keep it out of closets and away from obstructive objects and electric appliances.
• Plug into Ethernet. Skip the Wi-Fi signal entirely and plug your computer directly into your router with an Ethernet cable to reduce the chance of signal interference and establish a more direct line to your internet connection.
• Get fiber internet. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: fiber internet is the best bet for all netizens’ needs. It’s not available everywhere, but if you can get it, we highly recommend it.
• Switch to a new internet provider. If you can get faster speeds from a different internet provider, so be it. Run a search with your zip code below to see what’s available in your area.

FAQ about internet speed tests

Watching other people play video games is almost as popular as playing them yourself. And people aren’t just watching big-name internet celebrities either. Twitch, the most popular game streaming platform, has over four million unique creators streaming every month.¹ If you like sharing your gaming experiences with the world, or even just your friends, you could become one of them.

One of the keys to a successful stream is an internet connection that can handle the video (like fiber). No one wants to spend time and money getting your lights and camera just right only for your internet connection to reduce your stream to a choppy, pixelated mess.

But not to worry! We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about internet speeds and live video game streaming so you can get your stream just right.

Livestreaming is all about upload speed

Livestreaming is one of the few situations when download speed (the speed your internet plan typically advertises) doesn’t really matter. All you have to worry about is your upload speed. You can learn more about the difference between download and upload speed here.

When you’re livestreaming, video captured from your device is sent, or uploaded, from your home to video servers somewhere on the internet. This is the opposite direction that video data usually flows since most people consume more online video content than they create.

One more time: download speed doesn’t matter for livestreaming.

Upload speed is often a bit more difficult to estimate because most internet service providers (ISPs) don’t advertise it as prominently as they do download speeds (your “advertised” speed refers to your download speed). For most kinds of internet connection, your upload speed will be much lower than your download speed. Upload speed can also fluctuate, so the easiest way to find your actual upload speed is to take a speed test. If you want an upload speed that can match your download speed, your best bet is fiber.

Test and track your internet speed on your phone

Download our free, easy-to-use speed test app for quick and reliable results.

Get your upload speed

Want to find out what upload and download speed you’re currently getting? Take a speed test.

That said, there are still plenty of online activities that require a good download speed. If you’re playing a game online or streaming royalty-free music while you’re on stream, you need to make sure you have enough download speed to ensure a smooth experience. However, the only number you need to worry about for getting your stream online is your upload speed.

Upload speed requirements for livestreaming across video platforms

We recommend having a minimum upload speed of 10 Mbps for livestreaming. On most platforms, this will give you a slight buffer to account for fluctuations in upload speed.

Different streaming platforms have different requirements when it comes to video quality. Some are optimized so that you can broadcast low-resolution video from your cell phone whenever you want, while others try to make it possible for viewers to tune in to TV-quality streams. While you can technically stream as long as you meet the minimum requirements, you should always plan to have at least an extra 5 Mbps to account for fluctuations in speed.

Here’s the breakdown of how much upload speed you’ll need to livestream on different platforms.

Twitch

Twitch is the biggest site for video game streaming, so if you want to be a streamer, you should be able to stream on Twitch. Fortunately, it gives streamers a few different recommendations for resolution and frame rate.

For context, 30 frames per second (fps) is the standard frame rate for television, while 60 fps is a common framerate in video games. Just like resolution, frame rate affects the amount of speed you need to stream, so if you don’t have the fastest connection, you might have to make a trade-off.

Facebook Live

Facebook keeps it simple, listing only the absolute minimum requirements for streaming on the platform. But that’s not to say you can’t achieve a decent video quality with Facebook.

Although you can start a livestream on Facebook with nothing more than your phone and the Facebook app, Facebook Live is also compatible with standard streaming software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and vMix.

YouTube Live

YouTube has a staggering amount of recommendations, ranging from a 240p stream (which is the resolution of an old Nokia cell phone or a Game Boy Advance) to streaming in full 4K UHD.^{2, 3} We’d recommend shooting for somewhere in the middle. Plenty of professional streamers stream at 1080p, and that’s a high enough resolution to look good on everything from cell phones to TV screens.

You need extra internet speed for a stable video stream

We suggest that you try to have 10–15 Mbps more upload speed than the minimum requirement for the quality of video you’re trying to stream and even more if you know that your connection has regular issues with slowdown.

Another good rule of thumb is to have twice as much upload speed as whatever you set your bitrate to be, just to be safe. Not all your viewers will notice the subtle difference between 30 and 60 fps, but everyone will notice if your stream starts freezing and stuttering.

If you just barely meet the speed requirements for the video you’re trying to stream, the slightest fluctuation in your connection can interfere with or even crash your stream. That’s because livestreaming is a lot trickier than streaming video from Netflix. Since your stream isn’t prerecorded, the server can’t buffer to smooth out the normal ups and downs in internet speed.

Also, remember that if you’re streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously, you need enough total bandwidth that each stream has plenty of upload speed. For example, if you’re streaming 1080p video to both Twitch (6 Mbps minimum) and YouTube (3 Mbps minimum), you’d need an upload speed of at least 9 Mbps, though realistically, you’d need 15–20 Mbps to keep both streams stable.

Why is a stable video stream so important?

Livestreaming is much more technologically demanding than just playing games. Most online games can get by on a pretty modest internet connection, as long as there’s low latency. Livestreaming turns your home into your own personal TV station, broadcasting high-resolution video to your fans.

To grow an avid fan base on a platform like Twitch, you need to deliver a quality experience. A reliable camera, good audio equipment, and a fancy gaming computer are all important investments for any dedicated streamer, but none of that makes much of a difference to those watching if your stream freezes and staggers throughout the broadcast.

A reliable internet connection is one of the first investments an aspiring streamer should make.

What type of internet is best for livestreaming?

The best internet connection for livestreaming is fiber. To livestream, you need a reliable connection with good upload speeds and low latency. In all three of those categories, fiber-optic connections are by far the best option. If fiber isn’t available in your area, you probably want to go with a wired connection, as wireless connections tend to be more susceptible to interference and generally experience higher latency.

Fiber, is the best connection for livestreaming. It has symmetrical upload and download speeds, which means if you have gigabit download speeds, you get the exact same speeds for your uploads. Fiber is also a much more stable connection and doesn’t suffer from the same kind of slowing issues that cable has to deal with. All these factors make fiber the ideal connection for streamers.

Cable connections can reach upload speeds between 5 Mbps and 50 Mbps, so the best cable plans can handle HD streaming, but slower connections will be lucky to deliver anything above Game Boy quality. Cable is also prone to slowing down at peak hours, so unless you stream in the middle of the night, you might have to plan around the inevitable drop in speed.

DSL and satellite connections generally aren’t fast or stable enough for streamers, so you’re probably going to need either cable or fiber internet.

For more information, check out our page on fiber providers.

How does latency affect livestreaming?

Latency is the time it takes for a signal to travel from your computer to a server on the internet. It essentially determines the reaction time of your internet connection. Having high latency will cause lag in games or calls, delaying your reactions and causing problems.

Because streaming is primarily one-way communication, latency is handled a bit differently than it is in a video call. Streaming software usually performs more encoding and compression on your video (though you can adjust this in your settings) in order to improve the final quality at the expense of a few seconds of delay. This isn’t usually noticeable to your audience unless you’re streaming a Q&A session or a live event.

One important precaution for streamers to take is to use a wired connection to your router instead of Wi-Fi when possible. Even fast, reliable Wi-Fi introduces a bit of extra latency into your connection, so a wired connection is definitely preferable. If you don’t already have one, get yourself an Ethernet cable.

Why am I still getting dropped frames?

Do you have a solid internet connection but your video still looks choppy? Video game streams often suffer from dropped frames, where instead of the video playing smoothly from one frame to the next, the same frame will play twice in a row and then skip forward. If enough frames are dropped, it can lead to jittery, uneven video.

Although a slow or unstable internet connection can cause a stream to drop frames, dropped frames are often a problem with your capture card. If your capture card can’t record and encode your video data fast enough to keep up with your framerate, the result is dropped frames in your stream.

Before you fork out the money to upgrade to a better capture card, there are a few things you can try. First, check your internet speed to make sure you’re getting the upload speed you think you are. Also, make sure that you’re plugged into your router and not relying on Wi-Fi.

If you try those things and are sure that it’s not your connection, try adjusting the settings in your streaming software, lowering your bitrate. You can also try updating your computer’s network drivers.