Lag, as we all know, is the worst aspect of gaming. Therefore, it is essential to sign up with an ISP that offers the fastest attainable download and upload speeds and the least amount of latency possible in your location.
If you were to ask any gamer what they consider to be “must-haves” in an internet connection, they would probably say unlimited bandwidth, swift upload and download speeds, as well as low latency.
The time it takes for your console to send and receive data from the server is known as latency. You can play as much as you like without worrying about your data plan being capped. Games can be played with a download speed of 3 Mbps, which primarily pertains to digital subscriber line (DSL), but ISPs recommend 300 Mbps or greater for the optimum experience.
Depending on the ISPs available in your location, we recommend Verizon Fios, Xfinity Internet deals, and Frontier Communications.
Verizon Fios
What you want is Verizon Fios, because it offers the lowest average latency. Verizon’s internal network is less likely to slow down your connection than those of other providers on our shortlist. Ziply Fiber is the lone competitor to Verizon Fios.
Verizon’s four fiber packages all feature symmetrical download and upload speeds. The internet 300/300 plan offers download and upload rates of up to 300 Mbps, respectively, so you won’t have to worry about latency as a result of slow uploads. The same level of tranquility cannot be guaranteed by cable internet.
Fios could be more affordable than cable internet for certain people, with plans starting at just $24.99 for 300 Mbps. Many agree that Fios is the best option for online gamers due to the service’s low latency, which allows for more responsive gameplay.
The benefits of unrestricted upload speeds extend beyond the gaming community. Users that often upload and download large amounts of data will like Fios as well. Like most other providers, its DSL and fixed mobile broadband services prioritize download over upload.
Xfinity
We recommend Xfinity as the best gaming ISP and as one of the most popular home internet providers because of its fast speeds, low latency, and extensive coverage area.
Furthermore, Xfinity provides service to most zip codes in the United States. This means that Xfinity is more likely to be available in your location than regional or local ISPs. With Xfinity, you can get download speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps.
Moreover, most of Xfinity’s internet plans offers unlimited data. This in itself, is a huge benefit for all your online gamers out there. However, in the case of digital games as opposed to physical ones, this can be a major issue.
Depending on the plan you select, Xfinity’s internet prices are among the most affordable in the industry.
Frontier Communications
More than 16.2 million people have access to Frontier’s fiber internet service, with the greatest availability in the states of Connecticut, California, and Florida.
Wherever ultra-fast fiber optic internet from Frontier is accessible, it is the best option. The 1 Gig package offers download and upload rates of up to 1,000 Mbps through a fiber-optic connection. The maximum speed plan is comparable to or faster than that of most rival providers.
Another major perk is that there are no download or upload limits, so you may use the service as much as you like without worrying about being charged more or experiencing a slowdown in performance, as is sometimes the case with other providers.
You are more likely to encounter such data caps imposed by industry giants like Xfinity and AT&T if you have really fast connections. If you have a large family, work from home, or play online games frequently, a fiber-optic package may be your best option for internet connectivity.
In addition, Frontier’s slower speed plans may be the right pick for you if you reside in a remote area. However, there may be setup costs and ongoing rental fees to consider. There is no binding agreement, so if you find a better bargain or alternative in the future, you are free to switch.
All in All
You don’t need a gigabit connection to play games, but you should have enough speed to play Call of Duty or Redfall while everyone else in your house is streaming Netflix.
Why? Because you’ll want to watch a YouTube video as your game and that takes time. And you definitely don’t want to be slowed down because your roommates are watching a movie on Netflix in the next room over.
If you must utilize wireless internet while playing a game, put your router as close as possible to your workstation. If you want the best possible connection between your wireless network and your gaming rig or console, you should place as few obstacles as possible in the way.
The Wi-Fi signal in your home might be disrupted by gadgets like mobile chargers, microwaves, and wireless speakers. Changing the console’s angle may help if you’ve already tried everything else and are still experiencing lag.
