Best Internet for Netflix Speed Requirements (2024)

If you’re currently working at home full-time because of the new coronavirus pandemic, typically game online a lot, or frequently upload large files (vloggers, graphic designers, etc.), you’ll want higher download and upload speeds.

For most folks working from home, a cable internet plan with at least 100 Mbps download speeds will be good enough to get work done and stream Netflix at the same time (we won’t judge you).

If you’re obsessed with uploading content to the interwebs and still wanna stream Netflix, go for a fiber internet plan (1,000 Mbps)—you won’t be disappointed.

Because they don’t take into account doing more than one activity on the internet at a time, the official Netflix speed recommendations don’t really add up.

Good luck not having buffering issues when your home internet is running at 3 Mbps—Netflix’s recommendation for streaming shows and movies in standard definition (SD)—especially if you’re checking email or posting on social media at the same time.

Fortunately, we’re here to give you the goods.

Xfinity’s entry-level Connect plan in its West region covers the bare essentials for a home internet package. With a maximum download speed of only 150 Mbps, Connect isn’t the fastest internet package on the market, but your household will still be able to browse the web when two to four people watch Netflix in high definition.

However, your internet performance will start to buckle on this plan if more than one person wants to watch Netflix in 4K. Each 4K Netflix stream requires 25 Mbps, which doesn’t leave much room for anyone else who wants to watch Netflix, download games, or take video calls.

Verizon Fios has consistently been one of our top internet providers thanks to its excellent customer service and fiber internet performance. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a state with Verizon Fios coverage, we’d recommend the provider’s 1 Gig plan.

On Fios 1 Gig, you’ll get maximum download speeds of 940 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 880 Mbps thanks to Verizon Fios’ fiber network.

That’s fast enough to handle multiple 4K Netflix streams, and you’ll still have ample leftover bandwidth for Twitch broadcasts, file uploads, and anything else you can imagine. You’ll get the most out of Fios 1 Gig’s download and upload speeds if you’re in a household with more than four heavy internet users and regularly doing tasks like uploading videos to YouTube.

To watch Netflix in high definition (HD), you have to have an HD plan. Once you’ve signed up for one of those, you’ll need to set your video quality to Auto or High.

Like we keep saying (preach!), you’ll want around 100 Mbps of download speed to stream Netflix in HD so that the rest of your household can be online at the same time and not suffer the buffer.

Generally speaking, we would not recommend streaming any video, let alone Netflix, with satellite internet. Why you might ask? Two reasons: cost and data caps.

Satellite internet plans can cost anywhere from $30 to $200 per month for subpar download speeds of up to 12 Mbps–100 Mbps. Let’s just say you don’t get a lot of bang for your buck. And did we mention they also have low data caps (10 GB–150 GB per month)?

If you want a better Netflix viewing experience, get an internet plan with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps and a generous (2 TB) or unlimited data cap. You’ll avoid buffering for the most part and be able to surf the internet at the same time.

But if you can afford it and it’s available in your area, go “premium” by signing up for a fiber internet plan. That way lil’ Johnny can stream tons of Netflix in 4K (sounds fun, right?) while you’re uploading your latest work file from home (boooring).