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Best internet for gaming in 2025: beat lag with these top ISPs


Gaming is not just about skill and equipment – it’s also about your internet connection. If it’s just a little bit slower or less stable than you need, the game might be ruined. And if you’re a streamer or an esports player, the stakes are even higher – poor internet can cost you income and audience. So, which provider can deliver a stress-free gaming experience with low latency, high upload speeds, and stability?

Together with the Cybernews research team, I researched and selected the top 5 best options on the market right now. We went through provider claims, reviews, and user feedback to see how these solutions compare in terms of performance, pricing, and availability to help you make a well-informed choice.

List of top internet providers for gaming

Get a Verizon Fios plan for $35.00/month instead of the regular price of $59.99 and enjoy download speeds of 85-300Mbps – a strong pick for gaming.
Get a Frontier plan for a monthly price of $49.99 without data caps or additional fees. The 200Mbps download and 200Mbps upload speed offers a strong balance of quality and price, perfect for gamers.
Get a Spectrum internet plan for $40.00/month – it offers a download speed of 500Mbps and an upload speed of 20Mbps, with no data caps or contracts.
Get a T-Mobile Home Internet plan with a 10% discount – for just $50.00/month. Offering 72-245Mbps download speed, 15-31Mbps upload speed, and no yearly contract, it can support both gaming and streaming.
Get a $100 reward card with your AT&T Fiber plan, starting from $55.00/month. With up to 1GB of speed available, it promises unparalleled speed, making it a perfect match for gamers.

What’s a good upload speed for gaming?

Many players choose to prioritize the download speed when it comes to gaming, but upload speed is just as important, especially in competitive and multiplayer gaming. Upload speed determines how quickly data is sent from your device to the game server, affecting how accurate your in-game actions and movements are. A weak upload speed usually leads to lags, unresponsive controls, and disconnections, which can ruin your gameplay or streaming.

Understanding upload speed and its role in gaming

Upload speed (measured in megabits per second or Mbps) can directly impact multiplayer gaming, voice, live chat, and streaming. Every action you perform in a game sends data to the server – so if your upload speed is insufficient, this data is transmitted with a delay, leading to high latency and lags. It’s especially critical for PVP and battle royale games, where the slightest delay can cost you your in-game life.

Optimal upload speeds for different gaming needs

Depending on which mode or kind of game you’re playing, different speeds may be suitable for you. For example, an upload speed of 1-3Mbps is enough for solo and online games. Meanwhile, for multiplayer gaming, you should aim for at least 5-10Mbps to ensure there are no critical delays and lags.

Keep in mind that if you’re a streamer on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, you might need a higher upload speed – around 10-20Mbps – to guarantee smooth gameplay and video uploads.

Why latency is tied to upload speed

Even if your upload speed meets requirements, high latency (the delay in data traveling to and from the server) over 100ms can create lag, significantly impacting performance. Whether you’re a casual gamer, an esports player, or a streamer, good upload speed and low latency are key to an enjoyable gaming experience.GAMING

Best internet service providers for gaming in 2025

Gaming in 2025 needs more than just a strong internet connection. To ensure you dominate your League of Legends battles or simply have an enjoyable gaming experience, you need an internet service provider (ISP) with unmatched speed, low latency, strong customer support, and reliability. Below are the top 5 internet providers for gamers, based on a detailed analysis of their features, performance, and pricing.

1. Verizon Fios – best value for money

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Speed:Up to 2.3Gbps
Latency:Consistently low, 5.4-9.07ms
Availability: 8 US states and Washington DC
Price:Starts at $35.00/month

With prices starting at $35.00/month, Verizon Fios offers a promising value-for-money balance with no hidden fees, equipment charges, or price hikes.

Fiber-optic connections are inherently more reliable and less prone to interference than cable or satellite, making Fios a strong pick for gamers looking for low latency and reliable performance, which are crucial for multiplayer games and live streaming.

2. Frontier – best for intense gaming

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Speed:Up to 7Gbps
Latency:As low as 8ms
Availability:17 states and expanding
Price:Starts at $49.99/month

Frontier offers an impressive connection for gaming thanks to its low latency which brings the chances of lag down to the minimum. Meanwhile, its high speeds easily handle intense gaming on multiple devices, making it a good pick for hardcore gamers.It also has a vast selection of plans, with 6 packages ranging from $49.99 to $300 and the speed going up to 7Gbps.

3. Spectrum – best internet availability

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Speed:From 300Mbps to 1Gbps
Latency:15-30ms, depending on location
Availability:41 states
Price:Starts at $40.00/month

Spectrum is a great pick for its widespread availability across the US and affordable, flexible plans that range from $49.99/month to $89.99/month, with no data caps and no locking in long-term contracts. While a fiber connection would be a stronger pick for gaming, Spectrum’s cable internet is the second-best choice, offering one of the most balanced gaming solutions.

4. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet – best for rural areas

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Speed:72-245Mbps
Latency:30-50ms
Availability:All 50 states and 60% of the country
Price:Starts at $50.00/month

T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet is a great option for gaming in remote and rural areas thanks to its availability across all 50 states (and around 60% of the country), as well as the easy installation process that comes with 5G solutions. It offers two plans (for $50.00 and $70/month) that come with no data caps, annual plans, or hidden fees.

While not as fast as fiber or cable, the easy setup process and transparent pricing make it a strong choice for casual players and gamers in areas where traditional broadband isn’t an option.

4. AT&T Fiber – the most flexible plans

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Speed:300Mbps to 5Gbps
Latency:Typically under 19-37ms
Availability:22 states
Price:Starts at $55.00/month

AT&T Fiber offers some of the strongest fiber plans on the market, without contracts, data caps, and hidden fees, as well as a huge selection of packages, impressively ranging from 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload to 5GB download and upload. This versatility makes it a strong choice for players of all types, from casual gamers to esports prodigies.

The only problem is the plans’ availability, which means there’s a big chance some of the best fiber plans may not be available at your location.

Comparison of the best gaming internet providers

Finding the best internet service provider for gaming is no easy task, which is why it’s important to compare different options in terms of factors like speed, latency, or cost. Below, I compiled a table with each provider’s key features to help you make a well-informed decision and select the best solution for your gaming goals.

ProviderStarting monthly costMax speedLatency Connection typeBundlesCustomer rating
Verizon Fios$35.00/month2.3Gbps 5-9msFiber-opticTV, gaming, streaming, and phone services8 states and Washington DC
Frontier$49.99/month7Gbps8-10msFiber-opticTV, streaming, phone services, reward cards17 states
Spectrum$40.00/month1Gbps15-30msCableTV and phone services41 states
T-Mobile 5G$50.00/month245Mbps30-50ms5GTV, streaming, phone, ticketing, home security, and discounts 50 states
AT&T Fiber$55.00/month5Gbps19-37msFiber-opticTV and phone services22 states

Each provider excels in different areas, so be sure to choose based on your specific needs. If reliability and speed are your priority, fiber-optic options like Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber are unbeatable. If you aim for flexibility, T-Mobile 5G can be a strong choice, and Spectrum will stand out for its vast coverage.

Consider your gaming requirements, budget, and overall needs – and make a choice based on that.

What is a fast internet speed for gaming?

While download speed is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about gaming, the definition of a fast internet connection goes beyond that.

Key speed requirements

A fast gaming connection needs to offer reliable upload speeds, low latency, and stable performance to ensure the best experience. Below, I’ll go through why each of them matters.

Download speed. Download speed impacts how quickly your games load, update, and download content. While gaming itself doesn’t require extremely high download speeds, it still benefits from speeds of at least 25Mbps.

Upload speed. Upload speed determines how quickly your actions are transmitted to game servers, with uploads of at least 3-10Mbps recommended for the best experience. However, for streaming, higher speeds like 20Mbps are a better pick.

Latency. Latency (or ping) measures the delay between your input and the game server’s response. Low latency is the pillar of competitive gaming, with 30-40 milliseconds or less needed for the perfect results.

Consistency. A fast connection isn’t helpful if it’s unstable. Consistent speeds and minimal packet loss are critical for avoiding lag spikes and ensuring the best gaming experience.

Is 300Mbps good for gaming?

Yes, a 300Mbps connection is more than enough for gaming. Here’s why:

  • Download speeds. With 300Mbps, you can easily download large games, updates, and patches.
  • Upload speeds. Most providers offering 300Mbps download speeds also provide upload speeds ranging from 10 to 50Mbps, which is a good fit for multiplayer gaming and live streaming.
  • Shared networks. If multiple users or devices are on the same network, a 300Mbps connection is enough to ensure lag-free gaming and streaming for everyone.

300Mbps is a good fit for most gamers, offering a smooth experience. However, for competitive players or streamers, it’s always worth considering higher speeds to ensure the best performance.

Best Wi-Fi for gaming

The right Wi-Fi setup is another gaming essential, crucial for uninterrupted play and enjoyable experience. While wired connections via Ethernet are perfect for stability, the right Wi-Fi network can also deliver competitive speed.

Investing in a quality gaming router is the first step to optimizing your Wi-Fi for gaming. Some of the top recommendations include:

  • ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000. Designed specifically for gamers, this router delivers tri-band Wi-Fi 6 speeds, prioritizing gaming traffic to reduce latency and optimize bandwidth.
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000. With its Wi-Fi 6 technology, this router ensures a lag-free gaming experience, even in bandwidth-heavy environments.
  • TP-Link Archer AX6000. Known for its strong range and speed, this Wi-Fi 6 router supports multiple devices simultaneously while maintaining a stable gaming connection.

Benefits of Wi-Fi 6 for gamers

Wi-Fi 6 technology has revolutionized gaming connectivity, offering several benefits to gamers:

  • Faster speeds. Wi-Fi 6 delivers speeds of up to 9.6Gbps, ensuring buffering and lag-free gaming sessions.
  • Lower latency. Reduced latency keeps your gaming experience responsive, which is critical for competitive multiplayer games.
  • Enhanced device management. Wi-Fi 6 supports multiple devices without compromising performance, which is great for multiple users and co-op fans.

For gamers with multiple consoles, PCs, or streaming devices, Wi-Fi 6 ensures every device has access to high-speed internet without interruptions. By upgrading to a gaming-specific router with Wi-Fi 6, players can achieve near-Ethernet-level performance, even in a wireless setup.

Best mobile hotspot for gaming

For gamers who are always on the move (for example, streamers or gaming casters) or live in areas with limited fixed internet options, a mobile hotspot can be a lifesaver. While it’s not a replacement for a stable home internet connection and is far from the best option for competitive gamers – it still offers flexibility and portability for casual players.

Choosing the right mobile hotspot can help you ensure minimal lag and consistent speeds. Here’s my list of top mobile hotspot options for gaming:

  1. Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L. The Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L is a reliable choice for mobile gamers. With the best 4G LTE availability, it supports up to 15 connected devices, ensuring your gaming console or laptop runs smoothly alongside other devices. It offers reliable coverage in most parts of the US and has a battery life of up to 24 hours as a nice bonus.
  2. NETGEAR Nighthawk M5 Mobile Router. The NETGEAR Nighthawk M5 is a 5G performance-focused hotspot, delivering fast speeds and low latency, essential for reducing lag during online gameplay. Its Wi-Fi 6 support makes it a good deal for gamers who use multiple devices simultaneously, with a long-lasting battery and the ability to connect up to 32 devices added to the deal.

There are 3 key features to look for when choosing a mobile hotspot for gaming:

  • 5G compatibility. The next-gen mobile hotspots, such as the Nighthawk M5, take advantage of 5G technology for low latency and high-speed connections.
  • Battery life. For uninterrupted gaming, look for a device with long-lasting battery performance.
  • Data plans. Consider hotspots with generous data plans to support bandwidth-heavy activities like multiplayer gaming.

A mobile hotspot is a decent choice for casual gaming, remote locations, or temporary setups. However, it won’t offer the speed and reliability of connection like fiber or cable – making it less suitable for pro players, streamers, or even regular players who take their Valorant experience seriously.

Be sure to check your provider’s network strength and data allowance to make sure you’ll be receiving the gaming experience you are looking for.

Best internet for gaming and streaming

There’s being a gamer, and there’s being a streamer. If you create content on platforms like Twitch or YouTube (and especially if you consider it your primary source of income), having a reliable internet connection is essential. Streaming and gaming at the same time place additional strain on your bandwidth and require specific internet characteristics to maintain strong performance for both.

Here’s a look at the best internet service providers for those who want the best of both worlds:

  • AT&T Fiber. AT&T Fiber is overall one of the top fiber choices for streamers and gamers in need of high-speed internet. With speeds of up to 5Gbps, it offers ultra-fast download and upload speeds, which is perfect for streaming in 4K while gaming. The fiber connection also ensures low latency and minimum lag.
  • Xfinity. Xfinity offers high-speed cable internet with plans that provide excellent speeds (up to 2Gbps) for both gaming and streaming, with its low latency being a key to seamless multiplayer gaming.
  • Verizon Fios. Just like AT&T, Verizon Fios provides fiber-optic internet, offering some of the best speeds and lowest latency, perfect for streaming while gaming, as the symmetrical speeds ensure smooth streaming and content uploads.
  • Spectrum. Spectrum is known for its solid performance in both gaming and streaming, offering speeds of up to 1Gbps. With no data caps, it’s a great option for users who need reliable service for streaming content and using multiple devices. The connection is stable, ensuring you won’t experience interruptions while gaming or streaming in HD.
  • T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. If you prefer a wireless connection, T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet offers decent speeds and performance, especially in areas with strong 5G coverage. While it might not be as fast or reliable as fiber, it's still a good option for areas without wired broadband access.

Choosing the right internet for both gaming and streaming requires balancing speed, latency, and reliability. AT&T Fiber and Verizon Fios are praised for their high-speed fiber connections that offer excellent performance in both gaming and streaming. Meanwhile, Spectrum can provide a solid solution for those in need of reliable cable internet, and T-Mobile 5G promises flexibility with wireless connectivity, especially in 5G-enabled areas.

For the best experience, consider your specific needs – whether you’re gaming in a competitive environment or streaming your content – and choose an ISP that can support both.

How we choose the best internet service for gaming

To select the best internet providers for gaming, together with the Cybernews research team, I’ve analyzed vast amounts of data from online reviews, provider claims, user feedback, and expert opinions. Here's what I paid attention to:

  1. Speed. Both download and upload speeds are crucial for gamers, especially if they’re pro players or streamers. I looked at the range of speeds ISPs provide, ensuring they can support a smooth gaming experience.
  2. Latency. Low latency is a must for gaming. I looked at the provider claims and customer feedback to understand how well ISPs perform under pressure.
  3. Reliability. While speed is important, consistency is just as important. I reviewed information on downtime, outage frequency, and customer experiences to understand ISPs’ reliability.
  4. Price and plans. Value for money is crucial as well. I compared pricing tiers, special offers, possible hidden fees, and contract flexibility to identify the most affordable yet robust plans.
  5. Availability. Few ISP providers are available nationwide – with certain areas and even regions often being out of reach. I analyzed the availability of each ISP to see how accessible their offerings are to a broad audience.
  6. Customer service. Gaming disruptions due to technical issues are frustrating but sometimes unavoidable, which means you’ll have to contact your provider’s support sooner or later. I researched each ISP's support quality to see which one provides a smoother experience.

This approach allowed me to provide relevant recommendations for gamers looking to optimize their internet setup. When selecting a provider for your needs, be sure to pay attention to these factors – and look for the options that are best for your specific needs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right internet provider is key to your overall gaming experience. Factors like speed, latency, and reliability are especially crucial here, ensuring enjoyable gaming, streaming, or both.

Providers such as Verizon Fios, AT&T Fiber, and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet stand out for their speed and performance, while options like Spectrum offer wider availability than the competitors. Each ISP has its strengths, so the right choice depends on your priorities – whether it’s esports or streaming.

Choosing an internet provider is important for professional and casual players alike – so be sure to compare your options and select the best pick for your specific needs.

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