In this guide
Short answer: 20 Mbps is a comfortable minimum for one HD stream. Add more for every extra screen, and remember that a steady connection matters as much as a fast one.
Speed by picture quality
Live TV streams need more headroom than their average bitrate, because the bitrate jumps during fast action like sport. These figures leave room for that:
| Picture quality | Typical stream | Recommended connection |
|---|---|---|
| SD (480p) | About 3 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| HD (720p) | About 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps |
| Full HD (1080p) | About 8 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| 4K (2160p) | About 20 Mbps | 35 Mbps or more |
Planning for several screens
Add up the streams that may play at the same time, then add headroom for everything else in the house. Two Full HD streams use about 16 Mbps, so a 35 to 50 Mbps connection keeps both smooth while someone else browses or video-calls.
Why stability matters more than speed
A connection that drops for a second can cause buffering even if your speed test looks good. Wi-Fi is the usual culprit: walls, distance and neighbours’ networks all cause dips. A wired Ethernet connection or 5 GHz Wi-Fi close to the router gives the steadiest picture.
How to test your speed properly
- Run the test on the device you watch on, or on a phone in the same spot.
- Test in the evening, when your network and your area are busiest.
- Run it two or three times and use the lowest result.
If your speed is too low
- Move the router or the streaming device closer together, or use a cable.
- Add a mesh Wi-Fi point for rooms far from the router.
- Pause large downloads and updates while you watch.
- Ask your internet provider about a faster plan.
Ready to start? Compare the Apollo Group TV plans, or see how to stop buffering if your picture pauses.
