The ultimate guide to internet speed for online gaming

Gamers who play online know their home internet connection isn’t just a utility. It’s the lifeline to their favorite hobby — or for competitive gamers, their income. And the difference between victory and defeat is often measured in the milliseconds it takes their internet to respond.

No matter if you're a weekend warrior or a professional eSports gamer battling in high-stakes tournaments, internet speed plays a huge role in your gaming experience. But fiber internet can get you to the finish line faster than any other internet.

Here’s your ultimate guide to internet speed for online gaming.

Decoding internet speed for gamers

Internet speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred between your device and the internet, measured in Megabits per second (Mbps) or Gigabits per second (Gbps). It includes:

• Download speed: The rate at which data is received from the internet.
• Upload speed: The speed at which data is sent from your device to the internet.

While fast download speeds are great for loading games, updates, and media, upload speed plays an equally critical role for online gaming, where data is constantly traveling back and forth between your device and game servers. Having symmetrical speeds, when the download and upload speeds are roughly the same, is ideal for creating a realistic experience (read more here).

What about ping and latency?

Speed isn’t the only factor in your gaming experience. Latency is the delay in sending and receiving data, and ping rate is the measure of latency. Top gamers know that the lower the number, the faster the gaming. Fiber can deliver ping rates as low as 14ms — meaning every command from your controller reaches the game’s servers almost instantly, so you’ll never get taken out of the game by a split-second speed delay. That said, a 20ms ping is perfectly acceptable for gaming.

Why fiber internet is a gamer’s best friend

Fiber is known as the ultimate internet solution for gamers. Here’s why:

• Symmetrical speeds: Unlike cable and other internet connections, fiber offers equal download and upload speeds. That means smooth gameplay for streamers and competitive players even while broadcasting on platforms like Twitch or YouTube.
• Ultra-low latency: Fiber transmits data via light, not electricity, which drastically reduces the time it takes for data to travel. You get lightning-fast responses during gameplay.
• Consistent performance: Fiber isn’t prone to the slowdowns common with cable internet during peak hours. Its high bandwidth capacity — and with C Spire, a dedicated line to your home — ensures stable speeds even with multiple devices connected.
• Reliable stability: Fiber is less susceptible to interference and signal degradation, so it delivers a steady, reliable connection.
• Minimal packet loss: Packet loss causes delays and errors in data transmission, leading to frustrating lag. Fiber’s resilience minimizes packet loss, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.
• Future-proof technology: As games evolve, requiring more bandwidth and faster speeds, fiber can handle the growing demands effortlessly, making it a smart, long-term investment.

How much speed do gamers need to stream on Twitch or Discord?

If you’re gaming online, chances are you also have a profile on social platforms like Twitch or Discord. Gaming sites that allow users to livestream create opportunities for users to connect with other gamers, grow their followers and maybe even turn pro.

But how much speed do you need to stream? Some internet providers underestimate the demands of serious gamers, but a typical gaming household will want at least a few hundred Mbps — and a lot more if you expect your family to be able to use the internet efficiently or stream a movie while you’re playing.

C Spire offers fiber internet speed tiers beginning at 300 Mbps all the way to 8 Gbps. For serious gamers, our standard Gigabit will provide plenty of juice and headroom. Households that have intense internet demands such as multiple streaming devices running concurrently, smart-home appliances, and several gamers will want to look into the higher tiers. Learn more about how to choose the right internet speed for your home here.

Get your gaming to the next level with C Spire Fiber home internet. Check your address for availability here.