Best Internet Providers for Gaming in 2025
Don't let your internet connection be the reason you lose your games.
Article updated on July 13, 2025 at 4:00 AM PDT
Our Experts
- 10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team
Our expert staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and evaluates our top picks. The order in which our top picks are presented may be impacted by partnerships, and we may get a commission if you buy through our links.
Our picks
90001 Edit ZIP code
What's the best internet for gaming?
The best internet for gaming comes down to one thing: latency.Latency, or "ping," measures how long it takes your device and the server to communicate over the internet. High latency means more time. That delay can lead to lagging and throw off your timing, contributing to losses or, at the very least, sucking some of the joy out of a game. For the best gaming experience, you want the lowest possible latency.
Verizon Fios gets our vote for the best overall internet service provider for gaming. Thisfiber internet provider has the lowest latency of any major provider,according to the latest Ookla data from recentspeed tests. (Disclaimer: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
We recommend pickingcable or fiber internet providers, since wired internet connections can offer a more reliable internet experience than fixed wireless providers. That said, if you're in a rural area without many other options, Starlink is known to have low latency, so we've included it here. Our top picks of the best broadband for gaming include:
- Verizon Fios: Best internet provider for gaming overall
- Frontier Fiber: Bestlow-cost internet for gaming
- Astound: Bestgaming router offer
- Spectrum: Bestcable ISP for gaming
- Starlink: Bestrural internet for gaming
Locating local internet providers
Top internet providers for gaming
Verizon Fios
Best internet for gaming overall
Our take - If you're looking for low latency from an ISP, Verizon Fios should be at the top of your list. Verizon Fios speed tiers -- 300Mbps, 500Mbps, 1Gbps and, in some places, 2Gbps -- all offer plenty of upload and download speed for online gaming. But besides the speeds, you can expect a low-latency service with Verizon Fios.
- All Verizon Fios plans are 100% fiber, with symmetrical download and upload speeds
- No data caps or allowances on any plans
- No term agreements necessary on any plans
- Low fiber availability for a national company
- While Fios and 5G are affordable, LTE and DSL options are pricey
According to speed test data from Ookla, Verizon boasts the lowest latency of any major ISP, at 15 milliseconds. Anything below 40ms should make for fairly seamless, lag-free gameplay, so lagging should be less of a factor, if it's one at all, when gaming on Verizon Fios home internet.
- Unlimited data
- no contracts
- free equipment with gig service
Frontier Fiber
Best low-cost internet for gaming
Our take - Frontier's 200Mbps plan starts at just $30 per month and includes an Eero Pro 6e router at no extra cost. The 500Mbps plan, 1-gig plan and 2-gig plan come with the Eero Pro 7, which has Wi-Fi 7 technology designed to lower latency. That's plenty of speed for gaming, and the quality router will help ensure your connection is up to the task.
- Wi-Fi router rental included in the price
- Unlimited data
- Fast fiber speeds
- Spotty DSL speeds
- Poor, but improving, customer satisfaction record
- Term agreement required to get signup bonuses
Frontier also has a very strong record when it comes to latency. According to Ookla's speed test data, Frontier averages just 17 milliseconds -- coming in second only to Verizon for nationwide ISPs. AT&T, another fiber provider, had an average latency of 22 milliseconds.
- Unlimited data
- no contracts
- no equipment fee
Astound Broadband
Best equipment for gaming
Our take - Gaming routers can be pricey, often ranging from $200 to $500 or more. Astound previously offered the Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming router for $13 a month, but it’s no longer available to new customers. However, Astound now offers the Eero 7 mesh router with Wi-Fi 7 technology, delivering fast speeds and low latency. For just $5 more per month, this mesh system is a great option for gamers.
- Low first-year pricing
- No data caps
- No contracts
- Availability limited to metro areas
- Sharp price increase after the promotional period
- Confusing fees
New Astound customers have the option to buy the Netgear Nighthawk Pro XR1000 for $288. However, renting the Eero 7 could deliver the speeds and low latency you need at a much cheaper price.
- Unlimited data
- no contracts
Spectrum
Best cable internet for gaming
Our take - Spectrum is our pick for the best cable internet provider overall, but that's not why I recommend it for gaming. It's the unlimited data that you get. Spectrum is one of the only major cable ISPs offering unlimited data for all plans in every market. Other providers like Xfinity, Cox and Mediacom may come with a monthly data cap and fees of up to $50 or $100 for going over.
- Straightforward pricing
- No data caps on any plans
- No contracts required for internet service
- Free access to Spectrum's nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots
- Competitive rates for cable, but pricier than many fiber providers
- Internet service is slightly below the industry average for customer satisfaction
Both Spectrum plans, 500Mbps and 1,000Mbps, starting at $50 and $70 per month, respectively, provide plenty of speed for online gaming. Wi-Fi equipment is included at no extra cost with gig service for $10 in monthly savings, money you could put toward more games and add-ons.
- Unlimited data
- simple pricing
- no contracts
- modem included
- free access to nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots
Starlink
Best rural internet for gaming
Our take - Satellite internet has its downsides, especially high latency that makes online gaming nearly impossible. Starlink's low-orbiting satellites help reduce this issue, with latency ranging from 25 to 60 milliseconds.
- Decent speeds for a rural connection
- Low latency
- Unlimited data
- Mobile internet available
- High upfront costs
- Slower than cable or fiber internet
- Vulnerable to inclement weather
You'll likely find lower latency with other non-satellite rural internet options such as fixed wireless or DSL internet, but speeds may fall short compared to Starlink. Many fixed wireless and DSL providers provide speeds of 100Mbps or lower, but Starlink advertises maximum speeds up to 220Mbps. However, lower latency for Starlink users could just be around the corner, as the company is working to improve its median latency nationwide to deliver a consistent 20 milliseconds.
- No term contract
- 1TB data limit
- low latency
Top internet providers for gaming compared
Please note that the plans below show each provider's cheapest available tier. The maximum speed is the top advertised speed for that given plan, but it might not be available in your area. Overall, the best selection for you -- and the most cost-effective plan -- might be a different tier that provides a faster speed at a higher price but a better value. To more fully understand this value-based approach, check out CNET's guide toexamining the cost per Mbps.
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max download speed | Cost per Mbps | Equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astound Broadband 300 Read full review | $30 | 300Mbps | 7 cents | $10 router (optional) |
| Frontier Fiber 200 Read full review | $30 | 200Mbps | 15 cents | None |
| Spectrum Internet Read full review | $50 | 500Mbps | 10 cents | $10 router (optional) |
| Starlink Standard Read full review | $120 | 150Mbps | 120 cents | $349 one-time purchase |
| Verizon Fios 300 Read full review | $50 | 300Mbps | 17 cents | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other top ISPs suited for gaming
The providers listed above boast special offers or features targeted directly at gamers, but they're not the only ISPs you can rely on for online gaming. Here are some others you may want to consider.
AT&T Fiber: I recommend afiber connection over any otherconnection type for all online activity, including gaming. AT&T is the largest fiber provider in the nation, and even its cheapest plan (300Mbps at $55 monthly) can deliver more than enough gaming speed. In addition,according to Ookla data from the first half of 2024, AT&T Fiber was crowned the fastest ISP in the country. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis). It featured a median download speed of 348.86Mbps, topping other cable providers like Spectrum, Cox and Xfinity.
Optimum: Like Astound, Optimum offers decent speeds, fair pricing andunlimited data. Primarily a cable ISP, Optimum also has a large and growing fiber network. Optimum's recent history of lowcustomer satisfaction is something you'll want to consider before signing up.
Xfinity:This cable giant recently introducedXfinity's ultra-low-lag internet.This software upgrade features reduced latency, which can be beneficial for gamers. An Xfinity spokesperson told CNET that working latency was reduced by 78% after trials of this new technology. Being that this service is relatively new, the only drawback is that it's currently available in select cities only. Whether you have access to this service or not, Xfinity still boasts fast and consistent speeds, perOokla reports. In recent speed test results, Xfinity landed the fourth-fastest median speed, 237Mbps, and the second-highest consistency of speeds over 25Mbps at 92.2%.
How to pick the best internet for your gaming needs
Online gaming canput a strain on your internet connection, so it's important to find an internet service that can keep up. Here's what to consider when shopping for an internet service for gaming.
Availability in your area
I can recommend a good internet provider for gaming all day, but it doesn't matter if it's unavailable at your address. When shopping for an internet service you'll be using for gaming, explore all theavailable providers near you, and start by checking forfiber internet providers in your area.
Latency, the most important metric for gaming
Most internet providers don't openly advertise expected latency like they do speeds and pricing, but you may be able to find it in the provider'sFCC Broadband Label. Speed test data, such as Ookla speed test reports, can also help you compare latency from different providers. For the best online gaming experience, aim for a latency of 40ms and below.
Connection type influences speed and reliability
If you take a look at speed test data, you'll likely notice a common theme among providers with the lowest latency: they're fiber ISPs. Along with low latency, fiber typically offers the best reliability and fastest speed potential. I would recommend fiber service over cable or fixed wireless, even if it is a little more expensive.
Speeds, up and down
The minimum speed to be considered broadband is 100Mbps down and 20Mbps up, which should support any and all online gaming. Faster speeds will improve the experience and help ensure there's enough for other devices. Consider thespeeds you need for all your household activities, and keep in mind that using Wi-Fi and connecting more devices can slow your speeds.
How we chose the best internet providers for gaming
There are many attributes to evaluate when determining the best internet providers, but latency is higher on the list when it comes to gaming. To narrow down the top internet providers, we started by seeking out the ISPs that had the lowest latency on recent Ookla speed tests. FCC Broadband Labels and advertised expected ranges helped us to further compare latency between providers.
Other factors include availability to at least 1% of US households. A random regional provider in a local market may offer the lowest latency of any ISP, but including it in a national best list is more of a tease than a recommendation when it's only available to a select few.
Speed and reliability are important considerations as well. The providers featured above offer a range of speeds suitable for nearly any and all gaming activity and a reliable network to keep gamers connected.
To read more about our methodology, check outhow we review internet service providers.
Best internet connection types for gaming
The best gaming experience will likely come from a fiber internet provider. Fiber internet boasts the fastest upload and download speed potential and highest reliability, even during peak usage times.
If there are nofiber internet providers near you, considercable, fixed wireless, DSL (depending on available speeds) and satellite from Starlink, in that order.
Aside from fiber, cable internet is the top choice for speed and reliability, often offering download speeds up to a gig or higher. Fixed wireless internet can be hit or miss depending on the providers in your area and your proximity to a local signal tower.
A wired connection is preferable for gaming, but DSL internet may fail to deliver the speeds and reliability of a fixed wireless service. If all else fails, satellite internet from Starlink (notHughesnet orViasat) should get you online with a connection suitable for gaming.
Internet for gaming recap
Online gaming doesn't require a lot of speed, but the connection quality and latency will make all the difference. A fiber connection with low latency, like what Verizon Fios and Frontier Fiber have to offer, is the best choice when it comes to internet for gaming. Cable internet providers are worth consideration as well, particularly Astound with its Eero 7 mesh router option and Spectrum for its broad availability, low equipment rental cost and unlimited data.
Your best internet option for gaming will depend on the available internet providers in your area. If you find none bring you a decent gaming experience, check out Starlink. It's expensive compared to many other ISPs, but speeds should be high enough, and latency low enough, for online gaming.
Best internet for gaming FAQs
What's a good internet speed for gaming?
For the casual gamer, speeds of 100 to 300Mbps should comfortably support any game on a PC, console or handheld device. Faster speeds will help ensure a more consistent gaming experience, particularly if you have numerous devices and multiple users in your household.
A gig, or download speeds up to 1,000Mbps, will all but guarantee there is enough speed for gaming.Multi-gig internet speeds are probably more than the average home needs, but if you're interested in an uncompromising connection for serious gaming, many fiber internet providers offer maximum speeds of 2,000 to 5,000Mbps and higher.
What Mbps do you need for gaming?
Most PC and gaming console manufacturers recommend download speeds of at least 10Mbps for online gaming. PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One suggest download speeds of 6, 3 and 3Mbps, respectively, for gaming.
Keep in mind that's actual speeds to the device, not speeds to the home. If your internet plan offers maximum speeds of 25Mbps, it's highly unlikely you'll get 25Mbps to your gaming device. Wi-Fi, connected multiple devices and even the time of day can affect your actual speeds. To ensure you have enough speed for your game and your other devices, speeds of at least 100Mbps are best.
How much data does gaming use?
Online gaming typically uses 100MB or less per hour. At that rate, gaming two hours a day will use about 6GB of data each month. Data consumption can vary by game and whether you have downloaded the game or are streaming it through a platform like Steam, Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus.
How can I reduce latency?
Routers or software that prioritize gaming traffic can significantly lower your latency while gaming. You can also strengthen your internet signal by using a wired connection versus Wi-Fi and limiting the number of active devices on your network while gaming. Upgrading to a better internet service, such as fiber over cable internet or cable internet over DSL, can also drastically improve your latency numbers.Read how CNET's Tyler Graham lowered his latency at home by using a VPN.
To learn more, visit CNET's guide to lowering ping, which features more tips on reducing latency for better online gaming.
Is wireless internet good for gaming?
Wireless internet can be good for gaming, depending on the available providers and speeds at your address. Many fixed wireless providers offer only 10 to 25Mbps, which will likely not make for a quality gaming experience. Additionally, some wireless providers have strict data caps that can put a limit on how much time you spend gaming each month.
Wireless providers such asVerizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet advertise max speeds well over 100Mbps, which should support online gaming if you don't have a ton of devices on your network. Both providers also offer unlimited data, so you won't have to worry about exceeding a cap.
Such providers aren't a guarantee for good gaming. Available speeds vary by address and your proximity to a local tower. Depending on your location, speeds of 50Mbps or lower may be all that is available from a wireless connection, which will make consistent online gaming difficult.
Is T-Mobile Home Internet good for gaming?
T-Mobile Home Internet advertises max download speeds of 87 to 415Mbps, which should be good enough for gaming, particularly if your available speeds are on the higher end of that range. Expected latency ranges are 16 to 28 milliseconds, which is low enough to game without frequent lagging.
Is satellite internet good for gaming?
Satellite internet isn't good for online gaming. Its main role is providing internet service and connectivity in rural areas where fixed connections (like cable and fiber) are unavailable.
With satellite internet, signals must travel thousands of miles between your dish and the orbiting satellite, resulting in much higher latency than other connection types. Latency over satellite internet can easily reach 400 to 500 milliseconds, rendering real-time online games virtually unplayable.
The one exception to that rule is Starlink, which uses low-orbit satellites and boasts latency between 25 to 60 milliseconds.
Home Internet Guides
- Best Internet Providers in Los Angeles
- Best Internet Providers in New York City
- Best Internet Providers in Chicago
- Best Internet Providers in San Francisco
- Best Internet Providers in Seattle
- Best Internet Providers in Houston
- Best Internet Providers in San Diego
- Best Internet Providers in Denver
- Best Internet Providers in Charlotte NC
- Google Fiber Internet Review
- Xfinity vs Verizon Fios
- Verizon 5G vs. T-Mobile Home Internet
- Verizon Internet Review
- Xfinity Internet Review
- Best Rural Internet
- Best Cheap Internet and TV Bundles
- Best Speed Tests
- AT&T Home Internet Review
- Best Satellite Internet
- Verizon 5G Home Internet Review
- T-Mobile Home Internet Review
- Best Internet Providers
- Frontier Internet Review
- Sometimes a provider is available in your Zip code, but not at your exact address
- See what exact plans are available at your home
