Online gaming requires fast, stable, and low-latency broadband. A poor connection can lead to lag, high ping, and frustrating disconnections, ruining your gaming experience.
This guide explains what to look for in a gaming broadband package, what speed you need, and how to reduce lag while playing online.
- What makes a broadband connection good for gaming?
When choosing broadband for gaming, speed isn’t the only factor—latency and stability matter just as much. Here’s what to look for:
✔ Low latency (ping) – Measured in milliseconds (ms), lower is better. A good ping is under 30ms.
✔ Fast download speeds – Important for downloading large games and updates quickly.
✔ Fast upload speeds – Needed for online multiplayer gaming and game streaming.
✔ Stable connection – Fibre broadband is less likely to drop out than ADSL or mobile broadband.
📌 Tip: If your internet lags during gaming, your ping is likely too high—consider switching to a more stable provider.
- What broadband speed do gamers need?
Here’s a guide to the recommended broadband speeds for gaming:
Gaming Type | Minimum Speed | Recommended Speed |
Casual gaming (single-player) | 10 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
Online multiplayer gaming | 30 Mbps | 50-100 Mbps |
4K game streaming (Twitch, YouTube) | 50 Mbps | 100+ Mbps |
📌 Tip: If you game online while others in your house stream or download, choose 100 Mbps+ fibre broadband for a smooth experience.
- How to reduce lag and improve gaming performance
If you experience lag or stuttering while gaming, try these fixes:
✔ Use a wired connection – An Ethernet cable provides a more stable and faster connection than Wi-Fi.
✔ Upgrade to fibre broadband – Full-fibre (FTTP) broadband reduces ping and provides consistent speeds.
✔ Limit other devices – If someone in your house is streaming or downloading, it can slow down gaming speeds.
✔ Choose a local game server – Playing on a UK-based server will lower ping times.
📌 Tip: If you have a gaming router, use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise gaming traffic.
- Find the best broadband deals for gaming
Looking for a fast, reliable broadband connection for online gaming?
Check broadband deals here to find gaming-friendly broadband offers with low latency and high speeds.
Final thoughts: The best broadband for gamers
For a lag-free gaming experience, choose a broadband package with low ping, fast speeds, and a stable connection. Full-fibre broadband is the best option for serious gamers who want smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.
Compare broadband deals today and upgrade your connection for better gaming performance.