Is 5Mbps Good For Streaming
5mbps is good for streaming it just depends on which application you are streaming from. For example, if you are streaming TV then you will need about 3mpbs internet speeds, and that is for the standard definition quality. If you are aiming for 4k streaming quality then you will need about 25Mbps, but what if you have other devices on the same network that are to stream simultaneously.
If two devices are streaming Netflix on HD quality then the users will need about 10Mbps. Streaming also occurs in the social networking platforms, but most of which are in the 5mbps range. For example, if you want to live stream on either Instagram live or YouTube then you will need between 3-6Mpbs, the same goes for online gaming, so whichever device you will be using either the X box one or the PS4, you will need about 3-6Mbps.
Video calling is also considered a bandwidth-intensive activity, more especially face timing and skype but which still fall under the 5Mbps range, so ideally one will need about 3-6Mbps. The speeds indicated above therefore, are for one person, meaning that if you are going to have other devices connect to your network then you will have to upgrade your subscription.
Streaming speeds for the various social networking platforms
The quality of a video that is streaming is highly dependent on the internet speeds available at least for most of the applications. So while 5mbps might be applicable across the board, the ultra-high-definition streaming quality or 4K will demand more bandwidth.
Let’s take YouTube, for example, if you want to stream videos in the 4K quality and which will be about 60 frames per second, then the recommended speeds will range between 24.2Mbps and 61.5Mbps. Remember also that you can still stream 4K but at 30fps, which is still high quality and will need about 15.8Mbps and 41Mbps.
Streaming YouTube at Quad HD and which is about 60fps will require upload speeds of about 11Mbps and 21.8Mbps. Jumping back to our 5Mbps, when streaming YouTube, these speeds will only afford a userthe HD standard, remember also that for the 720P you get two options either the 30fps for the previous HD quality or the 60fps, which will need speeds of about 2.9Mbps or 7.4Mbps.
And what about when you are streaming on Facebook
The maximum resolution achievable when streaming on Facebook is 1080p and which offers about 60fps, for this option users should aim for upload speeds of about 6 to 7Mbps. The 720p quality better known as HD offers both 30 and 60 frames per second, so for a seamless stream users are advised to have upload speeds ranging from 3 to 4Mbps.
Best internet providers for streaming
| Fiber Internet Service Provider | Starting Prices | Cable Internet Service Provider | Starting Prices | |
| Verizon Fios | $39.99/month | Xfinity | $34.95/month | |
| AT and T Fiber | $39.00/month | Cox | $19.99/month | |
| Century Link | $65.00/month | Optimum | $39.99/month | |
| Earthlink | $69.95/month | Spectrum | $49.99/month |
Tips for improving your internet speeds
If you have been streaming for a while then you must be aware of ping, which is a type of delay experienced when interacting with the various applications. So, to ensure that you are getting the best streaming service despite being enrolled to a cheaper package, we have highlighted a few things that you can do to boost the speeds.
Restrict other devices from streaming– this option especially applies to the wireless connections, for which you can make use of the QoS feature in your router application to prioritize your device.
Use a wired connection– connecting your device directly to the router, guarantees the user of an interruption-free streaming session.
Close the applications running in the background– flawless streaming is all about optimizing your system and which includes ensuring that the only application that is running is the one that you are interacting with. Software updates running in the background will also limit your speeds.
Ensure to use updated devices and software– Routers, handheld devices, the smart TV’s among other technological devices are enhanced daily. Ensure, therefore, to get a device that can support the latest enhancements for example you could move from the digital Tv to the smart 4K or the android TV, or better yet upgrade to a router that can support more devices under one network.
Conclusion
5Mbps is good for streaming but the streaming quality might not be very impressive, and the speeds can only be sufficient for one person. So to get the best quality, internet package upgrade is a must, and while at it you might want to consider the options provided above for cable and fiber.
FAQ’s
- How many devices can 5Mbps internet speeds support?
5Mbps can comfortably support up to 3Mbps
- Is 5Mbps good for zoom
To comfortably stream zoom a user should have at least 10Mbps upload speeds and 5Mbps download speeds
