Which internet service is best for gaming?
Gamers the world over share a common concern, how to find the best internet for gaming.
Finding a perfect combination of price, upload speed, download speed and quality of service from an internet service provider is a challenging online game of its own.
From there I'll share our top picks for internet service providers who offer the best combination of consistent high-speed internet and value.
Finally, we'll discuss best practices for making the most of your internet service.
- Xfinity: Between $40-80 per month
- AT&T: Between $35-60 per month
- Verizon FiOS: Between $40-80 per month
- Cox: Between $30-100 per month
- Frontier: Between $50-80 per month
- Suddenlink: Between $30-45 per month
- Optimum: Between $40-45 per month
Best internet providers for gaming
Xfinity Internet
- Download
- 200-1,200 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $40-80
Xfinity Internet Only Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance Pro Internet | 200 Mbps | $40.00 | ||
Blast! Internet | 400 Mbps | $60.00 | ||
Extreme Pro Internet | 800 Mbps | $70.00 | ||
Gigabit Speed Internet | 1200 Mbps | $80.00 |
Xfinity TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic TV | 10 Channels | $30.00 | ||
Extra TV | 140 Channels | $67.00 | ||
Preferred TV | 220 Channels | $70.00 |
Xfinity Landline Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Voice | Unlimited | $30.00 |
Xfinity Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Peformance Pro Internet + Extra TV + Voice | 200 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $90.00 |
Blast! Internet + Extra TV + Voice | 400 Mbps | 125 Channels | Unlimited | $90.00 |
Peformance Pro Internet + Preferred TV + Voice | 200 Mbps | 220 Channels | Unlimited | $100.00 |
Extreme Pro Internet + Extra TV + Voice | 800 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $100.00 |
Blast! Internet + Preferred TV + Voice | 400 Mbps | 200 Channels | Unlimited | $110.00 |
Gigabit Speed + Extra TV + Voice | 1200 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $110.00 |
Extreme Pro Internet + Preferred TV + Voice | 800 Mbps | 220 Channels | Unlimited | $120.00 |
Gigabit Speed + Preferred TV + Voice | 1200 Mbps | 220 Channels | Unlimited | $130.00 |
Pros
Lightning fast options
Multiple speed choices
Large bundle selection
Contract and no-contract options
Widespread availability
Hotspot access away from home
Cons
Rate hikes after promotional pricing expires
Negative customer support ratings
Good variety of bundles available
No-cost equipment upgrades
Advanced Security to block online threats
30 Day money back guarantee
24/7 support
4K streaming device available
Xfinity internet gets solid ratings for low latency and jitter, as well as for good download and upload speeds over its fiber optic internet network. Other ISP companies are rated higher, but Xfinity is available in 40 states, according to broadbandmap.gov, making it the default top-dog in many markets. Many of the other top rated providers serve only their regional markets.
Xfinity internet packages & prices
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Performance Pro Internet | 200 Mbps | $40 |
| Xfinity Blast! Internet | 400 Mbps | $60 |
| Xfinity Extreme Pro Internet | 800 Mbps | $70 |
| Xfinity Gigabit Speed Internet | 1200 Mbps | $80 |
Spectrum internet packages & pricing
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet | 400 Mbps | $49.99 |
AT&T Internet
- Download
- 100-1,000 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $35-60
AT&T Internet Only Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $35.00 | ||
Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | $45.00 | ||
Internet 1000 | 1000 Mbps | $60.00 |
AT&T TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Entertainment | 65 Channels | $69.99 | ||
Choice | 90 Channels | $84.99 | ||
Ultimate | 130 Channels | $94.99 |
AT&T Landline Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phone Unlimited | Unlimited | $51.00 |
AT&T Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet + Entertainment + Phone | 100 Mbps | 65 Channels | Unlimited | $134.98 |
Internet + Choice + Phone | 100 Mbps | 90 Channels | Unlimited | $149.99 |
Internet + Ultimate + Phone | 100 Mbps | 130 Channels | Unlimited | $159.99 |
Pros
Flexible bundling options
Quickly expanding fiber network
DSL service available
Extensive rural availability
Cons
Contract required
Rate hike after the first year
Limited availability
Fiber optic availability
30,000+ Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide
Flexible options for bundles
AT&T Smart Wi-Fi - Stay connected room to room
Combine your services with phone, TV and Internet bundles
Availability in some rural areas
24/7 Technical support
Customer service available 8am to 7pm local time
AT&T internet packages & prices
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $35 |
| AT&T Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | $45 |
| AT&T Internet 1000 | 1000 Mbps | $60 |
Verizon FiOS Internet
- Download
- 200-940 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $40-80
Verizon FiOS Internet Only Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fios Internet 200 Mbps | 200 Mbps | $39.99 | ||
Fios Internet 400 Mbps | 400 Mbps | $59.99 | ||
Fios Gigabit Internet | 940 Mbps | $79.99 |
Verizon FiOS TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Your Fios TV | 125 Channels | $56.00 | ||
More FIos TV | 300 Channels | $76.00 | ||
The Most Fios TV | 425 Channels | $96.00 |
Verizon FiOS Landline Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fios Digital Voice | Unlimited | $29.99 |
Verizon FiOS Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Your Fios TV + Internet 200 + Digital Voice | 200 Mbps | 125 Channels | Unlimited | $109.99 |
More Fios TV + Internet 200 + Digital Voice | 200 Mbps | 300 Channels | Unlimited | $129.99 |
The Most Fios TV + Internet 200 + Digital Voice | 200 Mbps | 425 Channels | Unlimited | $149.99 |
Pros
100% fiber network
Speed options up to Gigabit
Equal upload and download speeds
No contracts
Good customer service reputation
Cons
Limited availability
More expensive than competitors
Service is run on 100% fiber optic network
No annual contracts
Plans with speeds up to Gigabit
Reliable service
Fast upload and download speeds
Live online chat support
24/7 Facebook messenger support
Verizon FiOS is an internet service provider delivering both speed and consistent quality for online gamers. Verizon FiOS brings the internet to customers over fiber optic technology, and claim their upload speeds equal download speeds. Internet service plans start at $54.99 per month, delivering speeds of 50 Mbps. Faster speeds are available at higher rates. You must check if the service is available in your region.
Verizon internet packages & prices
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon FiOS Fios Internet 200 Mbps | 200 Mbps | $39.99 |
| Verizon FiOS Fios Internet 400 Mbps | 400 Mbps | $59.99 |
| Verizon FiOS Fios Gigabit Internet | 940 Mbps | $79.99 |
Cox Internet
- Download
- 25-940 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $30-100
Cox Internet Only Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet Starter 25 | 25 Mbps | $29.99 | ||
Internet Essential 50 | 50 Mbps | $39.99 | ||
Internet Preferred 150 | 150 Mbps | $59.99 | ||
Internet Ultimate 500 | 500 Mbps | $79.99 | ||
Internet Gigablast | 940 Mbps | $99.99 |
Cox TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Contour TV Starter | 75 Channels | $50.00 | ||
Contour TV Preferred | 140 Channels | $90.00 | ||
Contour TV Preferred Plus | 170 Channels | $110.00 | ||
Contour TV Ultimate | 250 Channels | $130.00 |
Cox Landline Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Voice Preferred | Unlimited | $29.99 |
Cox Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet Essential 50 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice | 50 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $149.99 |
Internet Preferred 150 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice | 150 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $169.99 |
Internet Ultimate 500 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice | 500 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $189.99 |
Internet Gigablast + Contour TV Preferred + Voice | 940 Mbps | 140 Channels | Unlimited | $209.99 |
Pros
Wide range of speed options
Panoramic wi-fi to cover weak spots
Hotspot access away from home
No commitment required
Cons
Limited channel counts
Spotty customer support reputation
30 day money back guarantee
1 Gigabit connection available
65,000+ wifi hotspots nationwide
Panoramic wi-fi to cover the whole house
24/7 tech support
Customer service - Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Cox internet packages & prices
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cox Internet Starter 25 | 25 Mbps | $29.99 |
| Cox Internet Essential 50 | 50 Mbps | $39.99 |
| Cox Internet Preferred 150 | 150 Mbps | $59.99 |
| Cox Internet Ultimate 500 | 500 Mbps | $79.99 |
| Cox Internet Gigablast | 940 Mbps | $99.99 |
Frontier Internet
- Download
- 50-1,000 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $50-80
Frontier Internet Only Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FiberOptic 50 | 50 Mbps | $49.99 | ||
FiberOptic 500 | 500 Mbps | $59.99 | ||
FiberOptic Gig | 1000 Mbps | $79.99 |
Pros
No data caps
Solid speeds to some rural areas
Good range of plans
TV and phone bundles available
Price lock or no-contract options
Cons
Limited service areas
Only available bundled with internet
24/7 tech support
No data caps - All plans offer unlimited data
2 year price lock guarantee
Cloud drive storage
Live online chat
30 day money back guarantee
BYO compatible modem
Wide availability - Covers 38 states
Frontier internet packages & prices
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier FiberOptic 50 | 50 Mbps | $49.99 |
| Frontier FiberOptic 500 | 500 Mbps | $59.99 |
| Frontier FiberOptic Gig | 1000 Mbps | $79.99 |
Suddenlink Internet
- Download
- 200-940 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $30-45
Suddenlink Internet Only Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet 200 | 200 Mbps | $30.00 | ||
Internet 400 | 400 Mbps | $35.00 | ||
Internet 1 Gig | 940 Mbps | $45.00 |
Suddenlink TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Core TV | 200 Channels | $58.00 | ||
Value TV | 225 Channels | $79.99 | ||
Select TV | 290 Channels | $99.99 | ||
Premier TV | 340 Channels | $124.99 |
Suddenlink Landline Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phone | Unlimited | $39.99 |
Suddenlink Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet 200, Core TV and Phone | 200 Mbps | 200 Channels | Unlimited | $60.00 |
Internet 400, Core TV and Phone | 400 Mbps | 200 Channels | Unlimited | $65.00 |
Internet 1 Gig, Core TV and Phone | 940 Mbps | 200 Channels | Unlimited | $75.00 |
Pros
Fast speeds
High speed internet options in rural areas
Price for life options
Competitive pricing
Unlimted data available
No contracts
Cons
Limited choices available
Expensive add ons
Only tv bundles available
No contracts
30 day money back guarantee
Fast download speeds
Low competitive prices
Fast fiber speed - where available
Online virtual tech support
No credit check required
Suddenlink internet packages & prices
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Suddenlink Internet 200 | 200 Mbps | $30 |
| Suddenlink Internet 400 | 400 Mbps | $35 |
| Suddenlink Internet 1 Gig | 940 Mbps | $45 |
Optimum Internet
- Download
- 300-940 Mbps
- Channels
- Calls
- Monthly Price
- $40-45
Optimum Internet Only Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | $39.99 | ||
Internet 1 GIG | 940 Mbps | $45.00 |
Optimum TV Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Core TV | 220 Channels | $74.99 | ||
Select TV | 340 Channels | $99.99 | ||
Premier TV | 420 Channels | $119.99 |
Optimum Landline Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phone | Unlimited | $39.99 |
Optimum Triple Play Bundles
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Internet 300 + Core TV + Phone | 300 Mbps | 220 Channels | Unlimited | $124.98 |
Internet 300 + Select TV + Phone | 300 Mbps | 340 Channels | Unlimited | $139.98 |
Internet 300 + Premier TV + Phone | 300 Mbps | 420 Channels | Unlimited | $159.98 |
Pros
No data cap
No contracts
Price for life option
Speed choices up to Gigabit
Access to over 2 million hotspots
Cons
Limited availability
Hidden fees that add up
Wi-Fi hotspots access
Free virus and malware detection from McAfee
No contract required
Smart Router included
Good range of plans to choose from
No data caps
Customer support available Monday to Sunday 8am to 6pm
Optimum internet packages & prices
| Package | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Optimum Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | $39.99 |
| Optimum Internet 1 GIG | 940 Mbps | $45 |
Best internet providers available in my area
Fiber vs cable internet
For the best gaming experience, the infrastructure of internet connection makes a difference. Ideally, you connect over a fiber optics network, which is superior to phone or cable modem based internet access. Fiber optic internet delivers practically instantaneous service. Access to fiber optic internet depends on if a provider in your area offers it. You are in luck if you live in Rhode Island, with 97.9% fiber optic internet available.
Boosting internet speed
Gamers can download software to boost their internet performance. Speedconnect internet accelerator claims to optimize your network connection and speeds up online experience with Windows based systems. Boost, from Razer Cortex, is specifically designed to optimize the experience the online gamers.
Performance-boosting programs can be tricky. They may push your system beyond its limits, or plant malware in your hard drive. Before you buy, take the time to read user reviews before installing software to enhance internet performance. Keep your system secure with antivirus software to stop problems in their tracks.
Enhancing Performance
Whichever provider you use for online access, you can examine factors slowing down your web connection or video game. Shut down any software not in use such as internet browsers or streaming media. If other people in your house are in gameplay mode too or streaming over the same wireless connection, it will hurt performance for both of you.
It's a matter of traffic management. When you are the only person using a wireless connection, your gaming experience improves.
Some games demand a lot of power from your computer or video game console. Try lowering the visual or sound settings in the game. Less information will send to the server, and its data packet can bounce back and forth quicker.
Router Location
Pay attention to simple tech etiquette for your wireless router, dual-band router or cable modem. Savvy gamers position the router away from clutter and metal objects. Keep it away from concrete or brick walls as well.
This is important with a wireless router in particular, as opposed to an Ethernet cable. You want the wireless signal to have a clear path to your gaming console, gaming desktop or gaming laptop computer.
Optimizing internet speed
Here are some quick tips you do right now to improve your internet speeds for gaming.
- Choose an internet service provider with fiber optics infrastructure.
- Analyze service providers for packet loss, latency, and jitter.
- Use an Ethernet cable whenever possible.
- Avoid bundled services, such as the internet, phone, and TV on one cable.
- Choose a computer or gaming console with a solid-state drive.
- Position your router away from brick, concrete or metal objects.
Factors that affect internet speed:
- Packet Loss refers to chunks of data that fail to travel from a server to you and back again.
- Latency, or lag, is the time a data packet takes to reach you, then travel back to the server.
- Jitter is a measure of how much your latency changes from test to test. They lower the change, the better.
Is Satellite internet good for gaming?
Those who live in rural areas may not have access to high-speed internet infrastructure. Their best option for internet service capable of supporting gaming is satellite internet (VSAT). Satellite works well with some types of games, but not all. The culprit is latency, the time for data packets to travel from your satellite dish to the satellite in space and back.
A turn-based game relying on strategy, which does not require quick actions is ideal for a satellite-based internet. Online poker or online casino games are also good. Certain online role-playing games are also perfect for this type of internet service.
Games demanding rapid actions and split-second decision making, such as first-person shooter games, are difficult to play with a satellite connection due to lag time. Players can be left waiting for their moves to catch up with them.
Compare the best internet deals
| Provider | Download | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|
 Mediacom | 60-1,000 Mbps | $19.99-79.99 |
| Cox | 25-940 Mbps | $29.99-99.99 |
 WOW! | 100-1,000 Mbps | $29.99-64.99 |
 RCN | 50-940 Mbps | $29.99-59.99 |
| Suddenlink | 200-940 Mbps | $30.00-45.00 |
 Armstrong | 12-500 Mbps | $34.95-149.95 |
| AT&T | 100-1,000 Mbps | $35.00-60.00 |
 Windstream | 200-1,000 Mbps | $35.00-55.00 |
| Optimum | 300-940 Mbps | $39.99-45.00 |
 HughesNet | 25 Mbps | $39.99-129.99 |
Best internet for gaming FAQs
What is a good internet speed for a PS5?
To play games on the PlayStation 5 you'll need speeds of at least 3 Mbps, but if you're not the only member of your household using the internet you'll want faster speeds. On average between 50-100 Mbps should give you enough download speed.
Is satellite internet good for online gaming?
For playing single player games it's not so bad, but if you're looking to play online multiplayer games the latency from the satellite internet could cause some lag.
What is the best internet speed for gaming?
The minimum speed recommended for gaming is 3 to 6 Mbps for casual gaming. But with the number of devices often connected to the internet at the same time for serious gamers it's recommended at least 25 to 50 Mbps.
Recap
Online gaming is an exciting, fun way to spend time with friends. For a more in-depth analysis of the Internet service providers discussed above (and even those we didn't!) you can review our buyers guide to Internet providers.
A WiFi Router can make the world of a difference for a blazing fast, strong Internet connection. Check out our buyer's guide to WiFi Routers to learn more.
