Netflix Speed Requirements And The Best Internet Service Provider to Use

What is the best Netflix internet?

The best internet for Netflix is determined by two factors: where you live and how many people (or devices) in your household use the internet at the same time.

You'll need faster download and upload speeds if you're now working from home full-time due to the new coronavirus pandemic, constantly game online, or routinely upload large files.

A cable internet service with at least 100 Mbps download speeds will suffice for most people working from home to get work done and watch Netflix at the same time.

If you're addicted to uploading stuff to the internet but still want to watch Netflix, invest in a fiber internet service (1,000 Mbps)—you won't be disappointed.

Related
How Much Data Does Netflix Actually Use?

Best Netflix internet Plans

Cheapest
Xfinity Performance
$25.00/mo.
50 Mbps

Best for Families
Spectrum Internet Ultra
$69.99
400 Mbps

Best for Uploaders
Verizon Fios Gigabit Connection
$79.99/mo
1,000 Mbps

Internet speeds recommended for Netflix

The official Netflix speed recommendations don't add up because they don't account for conducting more than one internet activity at a time.

When your home connection is running at 3 Mbps—suggestion Netflix's for streaming TV and movies in standard definition (SD)—good luck not experiencing buffering issues, especially if you're checking email or posting on social media at the same time.

Fortunately, we're here to provide you with the information you require.

Best internet speeds for streaming Netflix
5 Mbps—Minimum speed for 1 SD stream
25 Mbps—Good speed for 1 SD stream + basic browsing
100 Mbps—Good speed for multiple SD/HD streams + basic browsing
300–500 Mbps—Good speeds for multiple HD/UHD/4K streams + basic browsing
1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps)—Excellent speed for multiple UHD/4K streams and uploading large files + basic browsing

How to watch Netflix in HD?

You must have an HD plan to view Netflix in high definition (HD). You'll need to adjust your video quality to Auto or High once you've signed up for one of those.

To stream Netflix in HD, you'll need roughly 100 Mbps of download speed (preach! ), so that the rest of your household may be online at the same time without buffering.

Can I watch on Netflix with satellite internet?

We wouldn't recommend streaming any video, let alone Netflix, over satellite internet in general. You might wonder why. There are two reasons for this: cost and data limits.

Satellite internet subscriptions with mediocre download speeds of up to 12 Mbps–100 Mbps can cost ranging from $30 to $200 per month. Let's just say you don't receive much for your money. Did we mention their data caps range from 10 to 150 GB each month?

***Note:

When you approach your satellite internet provider's monthly data cap (which can be as low as 10 GB—less than certain cell phone plans), your speeds will be slowed even further. Netflix is no longer available.

Netflix streaming consumes a lot of bandwidth, therefore we recommend obtaining a cheap satellite TV bundle instead if you have satellite internet. You won't have as many on-demand TV and movies, but you won't have to pay an arm and a leg to sit and watch Netflix buffer.

Top satellite TV plans

Cheapest
Orby TV
$40.oo/mo
44+ Channels

Best Bang for the buck
DISH America's Top 200
$89.99/mo. 
240+ Channels

Best for Live Sports
DIRECTV CHOICE w/NFL SUNDAY TICKET
$69.99/mo
185+ Channels

Final Thought

If you don't mind buffering, 3–5 Mbps is plenty for Netflix.

Get an internet package with at least 25 Mbps download speeds and a generous (2 TB) or unlimited data allotment if you want a better Netflix viewing experience. You'll be able to avoid buffering for the most part and surf the web at the same time.

Go "premium" by signing up for a fiber internet package if you can afford it and it's available in your area. That way, while you're uploading your latest work file from home, little Johnny can watch plenty of Netflix in 4K.

FAQ

Is Netflix connected to the internet?

Netflix does require an internet connection.

But what about those Netflix DVDs you used to get in the mail? Netflix still carries them, but you'll need access to the internet to order them.

What is a good Netflix internet speed?

Netflix internet speed is determined by how much you use the internet. We recommend Netflix internet subscriptions with download rates of at least 25 Mbps; otherwise, binge-watching Ozark could seem like laundering money for a cartel.

If you have a large family or need to upload a lot of data when watching Netflix, you'll need an internet plan with download rates of at least 100 Mbps.

Is Netflix compatible with 3 Mbps?

No, 3 Mbps is insufficient for Netflix (unless you want to endure endless buffering and other inconveniences).

To simultaneously stream Netflix and write about your binge-worthy activities on Facebook, you'll need download rates of at least 25 Mbps.

What is the best way for me to control my Netflix bandwidth?

By setting your video quality to Low or Medium, you can better manage your Netflix bandwidth. If you have DSL or satellite internet, you'll want to do this—we call it a "manage bandage."