How to choose the best broadband for gaming in the UK

If you’re a casual or competitive gamer, you need fast, low-latency broadband to prevent lag, slow downloads, and connection dropouts. Gaming relies on more than just download speedping, jitter, and upload speed all affect your gaming performance.

This guide explains how to choose the best broadband for gaming, what speed you need, and how to optimise your connection for lag-free gaming.

  1. What broadband speed do gamers need?

For smooth, responsive online gaming, you need a broadband package with fast speeds and low latency.

Gaming Type Minimum Speed Recommended Speed Best Ping (ms)
Casual gaming (mobile, single-player) 10 Mbps 30 Mbps Under 50ms
Online multiplayer gaming 30 Mbps 50 Mbps+ Under 30ms
Cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW) 50 Mbps 100 Mbps+ Under 20ms
Competitive gaming (eSports, streaming on Twitch) 100 Mbps+ 300 Mbps+ Under 15ms

📌 Tip: Ping (latency) is just as important as speed for gaming—higher ping causes lag and slow response times.

  1. Why fibre broadband is best for gaming

Faster speeds – Prevents lag and delays in online multiplayer games.
Lower ping (latency) – Essential for fast reaction times in FPS and competitive gaming.
More bandwidth – Allows multiple consoles to download updates and game files simultaneously.
Stable connections – Fibre broadband is less affected by congestion and slowdowns.

📌 Tip: If available, full-fibre broadband (FTTP) is the best option for lag-free gaming.

  1. How to reduce lag and improve gaming performance

If you experience lag or slow connections when gaming, try these fixes:

Use a wired connectionEthernet cables provide the most stable connection.
Upgrade to a gaming router – Reduces latency and prioritises gaming traffic over streaming or downloads.
Limit background downloads – Large game updates can slow down online multiplayer gaming.
Enable QoS (Quality of Service) – Some routers allow you to prioritise gaming traffic for lower ping and faster speeds.

📌 Tip: If you have multiple gaming consoles connected via Wi-Fi, upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system can improve signal strength and stability.

  1. Find the best broadband for gaming

Need fast, low-latency broadband that enhances your gaming experience?

Check broadband deals here to find a package that prevents lag and supports smooth multiplayer gaming.

Final thoughts: Upgrade your broadband for a better gaming experience

If your game lags, disconnects, or has slow loading times, upgrading to a fibre broadband package with low latency and fast speeds will improve your gaming performance and responsiveness.

Compare broadband deals today and choose a package that enhances your gaming setup.

 

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