A Guide to Choosing the Best Broadband for Streaming

After a long day at work there’s no better feeling than knowing your favourite shows, movies or fascinating documentaries are waiting for you when you get home. Whether you’re a Netflix addict, Disney + fiend or Amazon Prime fanatic, before you press play, you’ll want to make sure you have the best broadband for streaming so you can sit back and lose yourself in a good story. If you’re wondering where to begin when it comes to broadband requirements for streaming, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll guide you through the necessary speeds and requirements for all your streaming needs.

What is the best broadband speed for streaming?

In 2024, streaming in at least 1080p is the standard for most households and no one should have to compromise on picture quality when you can avoid it. There’s nothing worse than settling in for a movie night and being greeted with pixelated images and low-definition quality. For the best quality images a broadband with optimal speed is a must to ensure you don’t miss a beat of the action. The resolution you typically stream in - HD, 4K, or even 8K - will influence your speed needs. For HD streaming, at least 5 Mbps is recommended, while 4K streaming typically requires 25 Mbps or higher per stream. And remember, if multiple devices will be streaming simultaneously, you’ll need enough bandwidth to accommodate all streamers. Keep in mind, the more streams in higher quality (e.g., 4K) the more your speed requirements.

Does faster broadband mean better streaming?

In the world of broadband packages high-speed internet, reliability and data are all commonplace phrases but you might not have heard latency mentioned quite as much. However, it’s no less crucial when choosing a broadband package. Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your device to the server - and back again. Measured in milliseconds (ms), a lower number means a faster, more responsive connection. So, low latency internet - which is ideal for streaming - is a connection where there is minimal delay or lag in the transmission of data between your device and the server you're communicating with (for instance, a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+). Making this a priority ensures little or no buffering or interruptions to your favourite shows and movies. A must when it comes to settling in for a movie-night.

Of course, these days, streaming involves interactive features too and you or your nearest and dearest shouldn’t miss out on the fun of getting involved because of a bad connection. From live chats to polls and real-time comments on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, streaming opens up a world of possibilities to engage with fellow users to learn, create and connect. Reliability is essential here to make sure you don’t miss any live updates and to make these interactions as seamless and beneficial as possible. Any connection dropouts or slowdowns could cause lag, delays, or even force you to go offline. If you’re the one creating content, this can easily lead to frustrated viewers and a disappointing experience. That’s why a reliable connection is a must have in your buffer-free streaming broadband package. But reliability isn’t just essential for interactivity. Did you know streaming services automatically adjust video quality based on your detected internet speed? That means a drop in speed can result in sudden lower resolutions even if your device is capable of much more. A reliable connection provides consistent speeds for stable high definition (HD), 4K, or even 8K quality without compromise.

For a combination of a fast broadband connection, reliable connectivity and extensive coverage, Virgin Media has everything it takes to make your streaming dreams come true. Whether you're watching HD or 4K content, Virgin Media’s fibre-optic network ensures smooth, buffer-free streaming across multiple devices. With some of the fastest speeds available in Ireland, streaming platforms from Netflix to YouTube run seamlessly. We also offer unlimited data packages, so you can stream as much as you want when you want. Take a look at what options are available in your area and begin streaming in no time.