Game on: 7 best internet service providers for gaming

Online gaming has come a long way since the days of LAN parties and Battle.net. Games are more immersive and fast-paced than ever, and gamers need an internet provider that can keep up. The best internet for gaming has low latency levels and fast upload speeds. So, contrary to popular belief, the fastest internet providers might not always be the best choice for your gaming needs.

Fiber internet, thanks to its symmetrical download and upload speeds, plus low latency, makes it the best type of internet for gaming. With that in mind, we break down the best gaming internet from the best internet providers that will keep you dialed in.

Why we picked Google Fiber:

Google Fiber is available only in select markets in 19 states, but in 2023, JD Power rated it No. 1 in customer satisfaction in the South. Where it is available, expect fast download and upload speeds and latency well below the recommended 40 to 60 ms. Starting at $70/month for 1 Gig internet, it’s our choice for the best internet provider for gaming.

Who should use Google Fiber:

If you’re in an area where it’s available, you’re a devoted online gamer and you have a little room in the budget, Google Fiber is an outstanding choice.

Pros and cons of Google Fiber

Pros

Cons

Why we picked Kinetic by Windstream:

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Apple App store and a 4.4 on the Google Play store, Kinetic by Windstream is a consumer-friendly internet service provider (ISP). Kinetic has no data caps and you can get internet for as cheap as $30 per month when you bundle.

Who should use Kinetic by Windstream:

With remarkably low latency of just 1 ms in some service areas (in the Boston to Andover, Massachusetts, market, for instance), Kinetic by Windstream may be the absolute best internet for gaming available. If you’re looking for affordable 1 Gig internet, Kinetic by Windstream is a great choice.

Pros and cons of Kinetic by Windstream

Pros

Cons

*BBB ratings accurate as of August 2024

Why we picked Frontier Communications:

In Ookla Speed Test data, Frontier registered only fifth among ISPs in download speeds, but second in both upload speeds and latency. Mass multiplayer games that receive a ton of real-time user input and server data require fast upload speeds and very low latency, and Frontier outperforms all other providers when weighing those two metrics.

Who should use Frontier Communications:

Mass multiplayer gamers who need significant upload speeds and low latency rates and to whom Frontier fiber is available.

Pros and cons of Frontier Communications

Pros

Cons

Why we picked Optimum:

Optimum offers a wide range of cable, fiber and fixed wireless internet plans, as well as mobile, TV and phone services. With so many plan options, you can find a plan that works for your needs and budget. Several plans are great for online gaming and, if you’re on a tight budget, you can get 300 Mbps internet plus an unlimited mobile plan for as little as $40/month.

Who should use Optimum:

People on a tight budget who don’t want to sacrifice gaming speeds may find Optimum’s fiber internet service is the best bang for their buck. If you do a lot of streaming, Optimum is our number one pick.

Pros and cons of Optimum

Pros

Cons

Why we picked AT&T Internet:

AT&T operates the nation’s largest fiber network, reaching more than 12% of households as of April 2022. Between availability, low latency rates and industry-leading average upload speeds (nearly 200 Mbps), AT&T Internet offers great Wi-Fi for gaming — even better when you bundle services. It’s no wonder it came in first for the overall best internet service provider.

Who should use AT&T Internet:

Existing AT&T customers interested in bundling more services can save on internet costs by adding DIRECTV or mobile service. At the same time, the company will pay cancellation fees for those interested in switching from other providers. With the nation’s largest fiber network, AT&T may be your area’s best (or only) fiber choice.

Pros and cons of AT&T Internet

Pros

Cons

Why we picked Charter Spectrum:

Like AT&T, Charter Spectrum offers a range of internet plans, as well as TV, mobile and home phone packages. Spectrum, however, offers cable internet in 41 states — more than any other provider. Availability and a wide range of bundling options got it on this list despite slower upload speeds, ranging from 10 Mbps to 35 Mbps on its cable plans.

Who should use Charter Spectrum:

Fiber internet is preferred for gaming, so while Spectrum’s extensive cable network may not offer the best internet for gaming, it does offer fast download speeds and good latency rates where fiber is not available.

Pros and cons of Charter Spectrum

Pros

Cons

Why we picked Verizon 5G:

5G internet offers far greater coverage potential than fiber internet, although your internet speed depends on how close you are to a 5G tower. Even with a good signal, your upload speeds won’t surpass fiber, which is why Verizon 5G is last for best gaming Wi-Fi.

One of the great benefits of 5G, however, is previously unseen latency rates, although Verizon is not openly transparent about what its network achieves. Nonetheless, Verizon offers a good value on 5G internet, especially with promotional offers and perks (including an NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube at the time of writing) it gives new customers.

Who should use Verizon 5G:

Anyone who likes perks and is interested in the flexibility and speed of 5G internet should consider Verizon.

Pros and cons of Verizon 5G

Pros

Cons

Our picks at a glance

Honorable mentions

T-Mobile Home Internet (3.8/5) and Comcast Xfinity (3.8/5) just missed the cut. While both companies offer quality internet services, T-Mobile lost points for its relatively low top speeds and poor customer service. Xfinity is one of the few major ISPs that implements data caps, and it offers very little fiber coverage.

What makes an ISP good for gaming?

The fastest internet isn’t always the best internet for gaming. Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping for the best gaming internet provider.

Availability

First off, the best ability is availability. Very few ISPs are truly nationwide, so you’ll have to figure out which internet services are available at your address.

Connection type

The best internet for gaming achieves high upload speeds and very low latency speeds, meaning fiber is the best connection type for online gaming. Fiber internet has symmetrical download and upload speeds and low latency rates. Cable internet has much lower upload speeds than download speeds. 5G internet has low latency rates but typically lower upload speeds than other connection types.

High or no data caps

Online gaming uses a lot of data, especially if you’re playing for an extended period of time. Data caps are the enemy, so find a plan that has very high caps or doesn’t have them at all.

Low latency

Latency, also called ping rate, refers to the time it takes for an action on your computer, like a click or keystroke, to reflect in your game. Generally, a reasonable latency rate is 40 ms to 60 ms. You’ll likely notice a lag in your game if you have a plan with latency rates above 100 ms.

All of our choices here offer latency rates well below 40 ms, but latency can be affected by the number of devices on the network, the resources your computer is using and the internet connection type.

Speed

Believe it or not, you don’t need breakneck download speeds for online gaming. Recommendations range, but 25 Mbps is a good minimum target download speed for gaming. So yes, your 100 Mbps internet plan is suitable for gaming.

Upload speeds are more important for online gaming, and some gameplay can benefit from higher upload speeds. While you could probably get by with 3 Mbps upload speeds for a single game, you probably want at least 5 Mbps or higher for uninterrupted gameplay. For instance, Microsoft recommends a minimum of 4.75 Mbps for Xbox Remote Play and 9 Mbps for optimal performance.

What’s the average price for internet for online gaming?

The 2023 Broadband Pricing Index, issued in October 2023 by USTelecom, compiles FCC and other public data on 14 leading ISPs to determine the average national broadband price. That study found that the average monthly cost of the most popular internet plans (gauged at an average of 104 Mbps) was $41.31. High-speed internet plans (306 Mbps on average), however, cost an average of $75.48.

The vast majority of internet plans in either of these categories are suitable for online gaming. As we’ve stated here, the connection type is the most important gaming internet variable, so the lower-cost plans from the ISPs above should be fine for individuals.

What equipment should I have for online gaming?

Any online gamer needs an internet connection and the right equipment to get online. Some things you may want or need include:

How do I optimize my online gaming setup?

Only you can decide what is most important when gaming. If you like to talk with friends while gaming, you’ll want headphones with a microphone. If you play multiplayer role-playing games on your PC, you’ll probably want a gaming mouse and keyboard to play more efficiently.

As far as optimizing your internet connection to avoid dropping out or lagging, try these troubleshooting tips:

Methodology

FAQs