Whether it’s lag, latency, or something else, many factors can affect your gaming experience. While it might be tempting to blame your PC or gaming console, I’ve found that the issue is more likely slower than optimal internet speed. So, how can you make sure you get the best gaming internet speed available? In this article, I’ll answer that question and others.
What’s a good internet speed for gaming?
A good internet speed for you will depend on what type of gamer you are. After all, not all games need a high-speed internet connection. If you prefer to play simple games on your phone, you won’t have to worry too much about having the highest upload or download speeds possible. But, if you’re a fan of graphics-intensive, multiplayer games, then investing in a high-speed internet service like one of the plans powered by AT&T Fiber could save you a lot of frustration.
For more serious gamers, especially those in a household with multiple other heavy internet users, I would recommend looking for a plan with a max download speed of 300Mbps or more.
How to test your internet speed
Sometimes, despite having an optimal internet plan, you don’t seem to be getting the internet speed you should be. If this describes your situation, you might want to run a speed test. A slower than expected internet speed could have several causes, including one or more of the following:
- The router isn’t configured correctly.
- Too many devices are connected at once, and they are taking up all the bandwidth.
- If you’re using Wi-Fi, your device might be in what’s called a Wi-Fi dead zone. AT&T Internet customers can read this article on how to use the Smart Home Manager app to troubleshoot this type of issue.
If you’re getting the speed that you signed up for, but it’s still not providing you with the service that you’d like, it might be time to consider upgrading to a fiber internet plan if it’s available in your area.
What is the best type of internet for gaming?
There are a few different types of technologies that you can use to connect your games to the internet. Not all these services are available in all areas, but here are a few options that you might want to consider:
DSL: DSL is an older internet technology that works by transmitting data over traditional copper telephone lines.1
Coaxial cable: Cable internet works by providing broadband service over the same coaxial cables that deliver the data used for cable TV service.1
Fiber: Fiber optic is a type of technology that transmits data by sending light along thin glass fibers. Fiber broadband (sometimes called fiber internet) is an internet service that is powered by fiber optic cables.1
Depending on your needs, budget, and location, it’s possible that any of these options might be a good fit for you. If you are a serious gamer, though, there are big advantages to using an internet plan delivered with fiber technology. I’ll focus on some of these benefits in the next section.
Is fiber internet better for gaming?
There’s a strong argument that serious online gamers should choose an internet plan based on fiber technology. For one thing, a fiber optic network has the potential to transfer data at much faster speeds than cable-based internet or DSL.2
That said, your exact internet performance might vary, depending on many factors, including your choice of internet service provider. Internet plans powered by AT&T Fiber, for example, have the potential to deliver up to 25x faster upload speeds than cable,3 and consistently fast speeds, even at peak times.4
- Comparison of Internet 1000 wired upload connection speed to Xfinity, Spectrum & COX 1Gig service with uploads of 35 Mbps. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.
- Based on wired connection to gateway.
Is Wi-Fi good for gaming?
If you have a good internet plan, and your preferred gaming device is set up close to a quality router or Wi-Fi Gateway, that should work great for gaming in many cases.
That said, if you’re an extremely competitive gamer, a wired connection might still be your best option in terms of reliability.
What is the best ISP for gamers?
While “best” is always a matter of preference, there are a lot of great arguments for choosing internet plans powered by AT&T Fiber. AT&T Internet has been rated #1 in customer satisfaction for residential internet service in the north central and south regions by J.D. Power.5 All plans with AT&T Fiber also come with unlimited internet data on your home connection, as well as added security6 to help provide you with peace of mind.
- AT&T received the highest score in the north central and south regions in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction (ISP) Study of customers’ satisfaction with their current internet service provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards.
- Compatible Gateway and Smart Home Manager app required.
Look for plans from AT&T Fiber in your area
Hopefully this article gave gamers a good idea of what to look for in an internet plan. If you’ve decided you’re interested in a plan with AT&T Fiber, you can see which plans might be available where you live by using this tool on the AT&T website. If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to check out this article on how fiber-based internet service might be able to improve your gaming experience.
This article is AT&T sponsored content written by Matthew Johnsen, a TechBuzz contributor and AT&T employee. The statements in this article are his own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
