What is the Best Type of Broadband for Streaming

Streaming is the new TV - and has been for years. While many declared TV dead once the internet created a foothold for itself, it’s not quite true. Yes, it’s true that people are cutting cables at higher rates than ever before. But it has been replaced by activities that are strikingly similar - we just have a bit more control over it. 

But even though when you say “streaming”, we’re conditioned to automatically think about video streaming, like Netflix, we haven’t just turned to video streaming. We actually also stream music and even video games. 

Streaming has become the primary form of entertainment nowadays, and for good reason. The convenience is unparalleled. You not only have the freedom to consume your favorite media at whatever time you choose, pause it, rewind it, and rewatch it at will, but you have a huge library of content. Too much to experience in one lifetime. That means that our entertainment experience is highly personalized. You can watch, listen to, or play anything you want, whenever you want. And you can even make a career out of making this entertainment available to others.

It all started with YouTube, where vloggers and content creators were creating popular, entertaining content that people were willing to watch for hours. Eventually, content that was normally relegated to Youtube expanded to Twitch, the most well-known platform dedicated entirely to live-streaming - mostly video games. In addition to video streaming and game streaming, the other type of streaming that rose to fame is music streaming. Gone are the days of pirating entire albums off of sketchy torrents and filling up your hard drive with - potentially compromised - music files; it is now possible to stream it online anywhere, anytime. 

But all this streaming is very bandwidth-intensive, so you’re going to need to pay attention to the broadband speed. Each activity requires a different broadband speed, depending on how intense it is. 

Music streaming, for example, will not need a lot, because you’re not having to buffer a lot, only one song at a time. Video streaming will require significantly more because you’re working with a way larger file, and game streaming is even more complicated and resource-intensive. Especially if you’re interested in connecting to a server to play a game, your internet speed has to be flawless. 

Of course, when you are, instead, creating the content instead of consuming it, then things get a little tricky. Your own internet connection has to be stable, and your speed has to be able to cover streaming without lag, whether you’re putting up a live video of you chatting or streaming footage of you gaming. But here, what you’re interested in is upload speed, rather than download speed. Luckily, you’re covered on both fronts by broadband. 

Understanding Broadband 

There are actually two understandings of broadband. In a telecommunications context, broadband is known as the data transmission via wide-bandwidth. It is capable of sending signals over many internet traffic types, as well as signals, which makes it ideal for faster internet connections. 

If we’re talking about internet access, however, the term broadband defines high-speed internet access that is faster than dial-up. According to the FCC, broadband can currently be defined as any speed over 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. However, that definition is under review, with the goal of setting the definition of broadband higher, as to more accurately measure modern technology and demands.

Virtually everybody uses broadband nowadays, and after a few years of living through a pandemic, it has become even more apparent how essential it truly is to our everyday lives and activities. Schoolwork, work meetings, further education, entertainment, communication - it all relies on broadband access. 

What is Broadband

The advent of the internet was a huge step for us in the 90s, and it gave way to bigger, and broader developments than we ever thought possible. But looking back, the 90s internet was painful, loud, and slow. It was a big crap if we’re honest. 

Broadband revolutionized internet access and use and rocked our collective online world. After a few years of painfully slow dial-up, in the early 2000s, broadband broke on the scene, and it opened a lot of - very fast, for the time - doors. Unlike dial-up, which required interrupting your phone and waiting for what felt like 1000 Mississippis for it to connect, broadband was there all day, everyday, all the time. If you wanted to use it in the middle of the night, not only were you able to, but you also didn’t have to suffer through the awful dial-up sound. 

While there are multiple meanings to contend with, for the purpose of this article, when we say broadband, it refers to transmission technology that is high-capacity and uninterrupted. It can send data including video and audio at high speeds over long distances. It can use fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, or even radio waves. 

In a way, broadband is the anti dial-up precisely because of the uninterrupted quality - there is no need to connect and disconnect, which was a revolution for the way the internet was being used at the time. It enables quick access to everything from data transmission to teleconferencing education, even healthcare, or just simple information. 

Types of Broadband

Despite what you may think, broadband is not just of one kind. It does not designate one speed or one type of connection. There are different types of broadband internet, according to connection type and speed. They each have advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right kind of broadband comes down to your own needs. 

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) 

Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL, is a high-speed internet connection via ethernet cable or Wi-FI with the help of a modem. The data is received through a copper telephone line. There are three different types of DSL, including SDSL, ADSL, and VDSL, each achieving different upload and download speeds. It’s one of the most reliable types of broadband. 

Maximum speed: 100 Mbps

Pros

• The big pro here is that DSL tends to be very affordable for the average consumer. This is a reliable, no-frills type of internet connection. That means that the price tag is on the lower end and it’s not going to break the bank. 
• DSL also tends to have good coverage, because it relies on good old telephone lines. That means that it’s more likely to be available across a range of places, including more remote areas. As long as you’ve got telephone lines, you can get DSL, unlike some of the newer, fancier connection types that require brand new expensive infrastructure. 

Cons

• The most obvious disadvantage here is the speed, which is typically not enough to sustain streaming - at least, not professionally. While the speed is higher than other options like dial-up, it’s still lagging behind some of the more newfangled connection types like fiber or even old ones like cable. 
• Another thing to consider is that since this relies on a phone line, then you’re most likely also going to have to get telephone service, which you might not be interested in, and which can add costs. 

Cable Modem

Cable modem broadband works by using the coaxial cables providers already use for TV service. A cable modem is an external tool with two connections, one of which is to your computer, and the other to the cable wall outlet. Speeds reach a minimum of 1.5 Mbps, but typically more. There’s no need to dial-up an ISP, you can access the service as easily as turning your computer on. Plus, unlike dial-up, you can still watch TV while you’re using the internet. 

Maximum speed: depends on the traffic load, the type of cable network, and cable modem, but similar to DSL. 

Pros

• One of the main pros of cable modem broadband is that there’s no need for additional infrastructure. Since it uses the same coaxial cables as your TV, you’ve already got everything set up and ready to go. That also means no additional costs for equipment. 
• The other advantage you may glean from going for cable modem is that it’s a better option in every way compared to dial-up. Better speeds? Check. No need to disconnect your phone? Check. Great downloading experience with large files? Check. 

Cons

• The issue with cable modem broadband is that the speeds aren’t that high compared to high-tech connections like fiber. If streaming is your primary interest, you may struggle with the cable modem, unless you want to stick to streaming music, or you only watch Netflix on one device.
• In addition, when you compare it to DSL, for example, the fact that it shares bandwidth - users and neighbors use the same cable. That’s going to cut down on your speed and will potentially create frustrations if too many users are on it at the same time. 

Fiber

Fiber optic internet is a type of broadband that works by carrying data through a cable with small plastic or glass fibers. The way data travels is via light beams pulsing in a pattern. Fiber optic is incredibly fast - 70% of the speed of light, to be precise, which makes it 20 times faster than cable internet. 

Maximum speed: 940 Mbps 

Pro:

• High speeds are the main, huge advantage that fiber has to offer when it comes to streaming. That means that you will never be confronted with a situation where your speed is not high enough for your activity, whether you’re just streaming Netflix at home or streaming professionally for an audience. 
• The lack of lag is also a major benefit because you need your streaming to run smoothly. No one wants to sit there watching the video buffer, it’s not 2004. Especially if you’re streaming professionally, lag is unacceptable. 
• In addition, fiber offers you the consistency and stability of never having to worry about the weather. Unlike other types of connection that are more vulnerable, rain, snow, or storms will not interrupt your internet signal.

Con:

• The primary con with fiber is the higher price tag, of course. While it offers a lot of advantages, those advantages come with a price tag attached, and it’s usually higher than other types of connection. And with good reason. However, if your job is streaming, it’s a necessary expense. If you’re only streaming Netflix recreationally, you might opt for cheaper alternatives. 
• Another possible drawback is the fact that it’s limited in its reach. Fiber internet is mostly available to users living in densely populated urban areas. If you’re in a rural area, it’s less likely that you are able to choose fiber internet for streaming. 

Wireless

As the name suggests, wireless broadband is broadband that is achieved without the use of wires. It can be fixed or mobile, and there are actually several types of wireless broadband available to customers, including cellular wireless broadband, 4G and 5G, and WiMAX. 

Maximum speed: 100 Mbps - 1000 Mbps

Pros

• Not needing to use cables is already reason enough to get wireless broadband for some users. No ethernet cables, no problems. Multiple devices can be set up on the network with little to no issue and it enables connectivity and physical flexibility that is not possible with other types of connection. 
• Speed is also one of the primary reasons why people opt for wireless broadband. You have the option to pick the speed based on your needs and the number of devices you are planning on using on this network. For streaming purposes, this is great news, because it ensures no lag, and you know you always have enough upload and download speed. Keep in mind that multiple devices will impact the speed so monitor your use. 

Cons

• Signal strength can be a problem with wireless broadband. Proximity to the router ensures high speeds and crystal clear signal, but the further you go, the weaker it’s going to be. It’s all about the right location and the perfect position to get full strength. Think about where you are most likely to be using the internet - in your office, in the bedroom, in the kitchen - and place the router close by. Many choose to hide it away in a cupboard because it’s not the most visually appealing, but they are doing that at the cost of their signal strength, 
• In 2023, you wouldn’t think that security would still be a concern, but with wireless broadband, you can never be too careful. Password protection is a must, you should never leave your wireless broadband connection open. That creates a security risk, as well as an opportunity for third parties to use up your valuable bandwidth. 

Satellite

Satellite broadband is a type of internet connection transmitted via satellite - they can be LEO (low earth orbit) satellites or geostationary satellites. The latter are the traditional satellites, stationed 22,000 miles away from earth, hence why the speeds are slower and the latency is higher. LEO satellites belong to the newer guard of satellite internet companies (primarily Starlink right now), and they’re only 300 miles away, which enables them to offer higher speeds and lower latency. 

Maximum speed: up to 500 Mbps

Pros

• The big advantage of satellite broadband is that it’s accessible to people living rurally or otherwise remotely. A lot of the other types of broadband connection are very limited in terms of access - typically to densely populated urban areas - so the option to get high-speed internet anywhere is very attractive.
• Since getting internet in these areas is challenging, users oftentimes only have access to dial-up, which is notoriously slow. Satellite speeds are great, in comparison, and can ensure that you’re able to stream without problems. 

Cons

• The problem most often encountered is that latency is higher than other types of connection, mainly owing to the enormous distance that the data has to travel from the satellite itself. 
• Weather is also a potential problem with satellite broadband, albeit not that often. Because of the way you get the internet, the satellite dish has to be in a very specific position and the weather conditions must be optimal. At times, in case of a snowstorm or extreme weather events, you can find that the signal is weak or even gets interrupted. 

Broadband over Powerlines (BPL)

When we say broadband over power line (BPL), we refer to the transmission of data via electrical wire. This is achieved through frequencies that are out of the range that AC power usually operates in. Because this is outside of the scope of their normal use, there is special equipment necessary to turn these signals into usable data. The data is sent by power companies, and the concept is actually pretty similar to DSL, only it’s via power lines instead of phone lines.

Maximum speed: from 200Mbps to over 1 Gbps

Pros

• One of the most attractive features of this type of broadband is that there is no need for extra cabling. No fiber optic, no satellite dishes necessary - the infrastructure is already present. That means that remote areas are more likely to be able to benefit from this type of technology. 
• In addition, it also facilitates smart grid technology, for the same reason that a power company would not need to add extra cabling. 

Cons

• The problem with broadband over power lines is that, compared to other types of broadband, it has limited reach. That means that not everyone can benefit - at least, not at the moment. 
• Other potential issues are related to interference from RF signals. The more power line devices you have, the more the signal gets shared. Multiply that by several households that are all using the same power lines and you can see how that can lead to degradation and interference. 
• Circuits can also become problematic, as the devices need to be located on the same circuit in order for broadband over power lines to work. However, a lot of homes are on separate circuits in order to not overload the wire. For this reason, the broadband over power lines may not always work across the entire house. 

The Different Types of Streaming

Streaming is the continual transmission of data - namely, video and audio files - from the server to the client. The content in question is compressed, sent via the internet, and watched by the viewer in real time, as it happens. For that to be possible, streaming requires a significant amount of bandwidth. However, there are different types of streaming - there’s recreational and professional. And even within these categories, there are distinctions. 

There’s music streaming, video streaming, and game streaming, but while streaming music is mostly about listening to pre-recorded music and doesn’t happen live, video streaming and game streaming can be a little different. Game streaming tends to happen live, with the creator live streaming themselves playing a game and the viewers being able to watch them in real time. Video streaming can happen in real time via various apps, or it can refer to viewing an existing library of pre-recorded content, like movies on Netflix, for example. 

Music Streaming

Music streaming consists of sending data to the streamer one small amount at a time; what that does is enable the user to receive pre-buffered music. That means it’s instantly available and there’s no need to wait for it to load. That creates an uninterrupted listening experience that is normally only possible if the user downloads the song. The advent of streaming developed as a resource because of the rise of piracy in the 90s and has been very successful in getting people to once again pay for music by making it incredibly convenient. There is no need to store the files because they’re always available, just a tap away. 

The Most Popular Music Streaming App: Spotify

By far, the most popular music streaming app is Spotify. It houses the majority of the world’s most popular artists - and even some more obscure ones - with complete discographies, more often than not. 

The app enables the user to listen to anything they want, anytime they want, wherever they want. All they need is an internet connection and they can instantly stream their favorite music. The free app supports ads and has limits, however. For $5 a month, listening is unlimited and it even unlocks the ability to listen offline. 

Other Music Streaming Platforms

There are other similar streaming apps available, but none have gained the same foothold on the market. Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Tidal Music have all tried, with varying amounts of success, to catch a fraction of the market share when it comes to music streaming. 

Video Streaming

By video streaming, we mean a transmission of video files that is continuous, from the server to the user. It allows users to view online video content without needing to download them, first. A lot of types of video content fall under streaming, including Youtube videos, live streams, movies, or TV shows. Although they may appear very different indeed, Youtube, Twitch, and Netflix are all in the business of video streaming. 

The Most Popular Video Streaming App - Youtube

When it comes to video streaming apps, nothing beats Youtube. It was the first major platform that focused entirely on videos, namely, user-generated videos. Millions of people watch YouTube videos every day, and people stream just under 700,000 hours of video per minute. As popular as Netflix is, it only comes in second, with 425,000 hours per minute. 

The appeal of YouTube is that it offers short-form content, but also that it offers user-generated content. It’s an entirely different ballgame than streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu, which primarily offer long-form content, like movies and TV shows. Youtube is also free unless the user is interested in paying to remove ads. 

Other Video Streaming Platforms

In recent years, the popularity of video streaming positively exploded, and it’s taken some different forms. While Youtube streaming is mainly focused on short-form content, Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video are focused more on long-form content. And despite being paid services, they are still immensely popular all over the world. The low cost subscriptions, large content library, and extreme convenience have become something we’re all accustomed to and have come to expect. 

Game Streaming

Just like music streaming and video streaming, game streaming can be of two types. First, there is streaming as a content creator. You play a game and you stream it for your viewers. They get to see you play in real time and interact with you on your stream. That is most often done for fun, but there are numerous examples of professional streamers who have become wildly popular and make a great income from game streaming. 

The other kind of game streaming refers to being granted remote access to the platform’s servers. You basically get permission to log into a different PC online and that enables you to play a game you don’t actually have to own or install on your own machine. That saves money and resources, but it does come in exchange for a fee. Think of it as Netflix for games. 

The Most Popular Game Streaming App - Twitch

When you say game streaming, only one word comes to mind: Twitch. By far the most popular and well-known platform for game streaming, Twitch is the home to the vast majority of streamers, not just for games, but also for other genres of entertainment. Game streamers come from all kinds of niches, including first person shooters, sandbox games, strategy games, etc. 

Other Game Streaming Platforms

Surprisingly, there are not that many competitors to Twitch that have been able to rise to any comparable type of success. A lot of platforms that were popular for a minute have since disappeared. There are, however, streaming platforms that are popular within their own game genre. Afreeca TV, Kakao TV, VK.com 

Recommended Speed for Streaming

Of course, as we have all come to learn, waiting for a video or a game to buffer is the worst. It takes a long time, it ruins your progress or the flow, and can effectively kill the mood. The reason for the buffering can be an issue with their servers, but most likely and most often, it’s insufficient broadband speed. 

There is no single perfect speed for streaming because every activity needs a speed to match. Music and gaming will require very different resources, so what works for one might not be enough to cover the needs of the other. Let’s take a look at what’s a good broadband speed for streaming music, videos, and games.

Good Broadband Speed for Streaming Music

The good news when it comes to streaming music is that it’s not as data-intensive as other types of content, so you can get away with lower speeds. 

If you’re interested in streaming music, the minimum speed required will depend on the platform itself, but it will always be under 1 Mbps, which any type of broadband will be able to offer you nowadays.

Good Broadband Speed for Streaming Videos

Now, when it comes to streaming videos, the situation is completely different. They require higher speeds, in general, but the necessary speed also goes up depending on the quality of the video. The higher quality of the video, the higher the necessary speed to sustain it. 

Technically, the lowest you can go is under 1 Mbps, if you’re only interested in a 360p resolution video. However, keep in mind that more screens = more speed necessary.

Good Broadband Speed for Streaming Games

Both watching other people play video games and streaming them yourself for other people to watch requires a lot of bandwidth. Just like video streaming, resolution plays a big part in the speed required - the higher the quality, the more speed it demands. Since it’s a more involved activity than just watching a streamed video, the requirements are also going to be different, and higher. 

Facebook, Youtube Live, and Twitch all support 720p, so let’s assume that’s the average quality we’re going for. Each platform has a certain recommendation for speed, but you’ll want over 50 Mbps in order to ensure that you can use your internet for other things as well in that time. 

If you are, in fact, the streamer, the situation changes, and upload speeds become the important one, with the download speed being irrelevant. 

According to Twitch, these are the speeds they recommend as a streamer:

720p (30 fps): 3 Mbps

720p (60 fps): 4.5 Mbps

1080p (30 fps): 4.5 Mbps

1080p (60 fps): 6 Mbps

It’s suggested that you get 10 to 15 Mbps more upload speed if you want consistent quality. 

The Best Type of Broadband for Streaming

As you can see, there is no one best option for streaming, and you do have several different options, depending on what your wants and needs are. However, looking at all the different aspects and demands of streaming activity, there are a couple of types of connection that are objectively better suited to streaming than others. 

Cable Internet

The first excellent option is cable internet. It beats DSL, satellite, and most other types of connection because it’s faster and very consistent, and reliable. Nothing tends to interfere with cable internet signals and your speed is going to be constant, with minimal ups and downs, peaks, and valleys. 

For streaming, that’s perfect, because not only do you need a decent speed for it, but you also heavily depend on its reliability. A type of connection that leads to a spotty signal is not ideal in this case, so the most stable connection you can get is preferable. And there’s (almost) nothing more stable than cable internet. 

In addition, cable is pretty accessible both in terms of geographical location and price. It doesn’t get as good coverage as satellite, but more than fiber internet. 

Fiber Internet

Of course, the absolute best type of connection is fiber internet. It’s the fastest type of internet currently available on the market, and the most reliable. With excellent speeds for both upload and download, fiber internet enables you to stream anything, and even become a streamer, with minimal headaches. 

Fiber internet is the best type of broadband for any kind of streaming, so if it’s an option for you, it is strongly recommended. Reliability is never a problem, and speeds are consistent. The only drawbacks are that it can be more expensive than other types - with good reason - and accessibility is not quite generous yet. 

Conclusion

All in all, streaming has become one of the major determining factors when choosing a type of internet connection and internet speed for a lot of households. Between watching Youtube and binging Netflix and listening to Spotify all day, that’s an intense load on your broadband connection. If you decide to become a streamer yourself, whether you’re doing a live video or streaming playing a game, then that complicates things even further. 

There is no single right answer, but you can analyze your needs and make an educated choice between the different types of broadband and choose the one that best fits your needs and your internet habits.