What speeds does streaming actually require?
Standard definition (480p): 1-3Mbps. Any modern broadband connection handles this without effort.
HD (1080p): Netflix recommends 5Mbps per stream. A comfortable real-world figure is 8-10Mbps per simultaneous HD stream.
4K Ultra HD: Netflix recommends 25Mbps. Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus are similar. At 4K, your WiFi connection to the TV starts to matter too.
Multiple simultaneous streams: For a household with a 4K TV in the living room and HD streaming in another room, 50-75Mbps of available bandwidth is a comfortable target.
Why does my stream buffer even though I have fast broadband?
Several reasons, none of which necessarily require upgrading your package. First, check the connection between your router and TV. A WiFi signal weakened by walls or distance will struggle at 4K regardless of your broadband speed. Try an ethernet cable from the router to the TV. Second, check whether your smart TV is connecting to 2.4GHz or 5GHz WiFi. Third, peak time congestion on your providers network can cause temporary slowdowns.
Do I need to upgrade my broadband purely for streaming?
If you are watching on one or two devices in HD, a 40-50Mbps connection is sufficient. For 4K on the main TV plus streaming in other rooms, 100Mbps or more gives comfortable headroom. Persistent buffering is more commonly fixed by improving your WiFi or using ethernet than by upgrading your broadband package.
