Best Internet Provider

Who Is the Best Internet Provider for Netflix?

Binge-watching your favorite show while eating popcorn in a dimly-lit room and wrapped in your blanket; nothing can beat the feeling, that’s for sure! The only thing that can happen at this point is that the internet disconnects and a big message pops up on your TV screen saying, “No Internet!” And the worst part is, no matter what you try, the internet just doesn’t reconnect. It really ruins your day, doesn’t it? In fact, even thinking about it makes one frustrated. So, what do you do in this situation? Or what can you do to completely avoid this situation?

The answer is simple: Get a reliable internet connection. If you’ve been in that same situation more times than you can count or remember, then that’s your sign to switch providers. But, how are you to determine which service provider is good and reliable? After all, the U.S. market is saturated with service providers and there are so many internet plans, TV and internet packages, and bundles to be choosing from.

This is the point of today’s blog. To help narrow down your search and make a decision, we have done our research and compiled the important points so that you know what you’re looking for. So, keep reading to learn all about these points!

Required internet speed for streaming on Netflix

Whether it is Netflix or any other streaming platform, the speed you need for an SD quality video and an HD quality video differs greatly. So, it is important, first and foremost, to make that distinction. Attached below is a table with the minimum speed requirements for each video quality.

Video Quality Minimum Recommended Download Speed
Standard Definition (SD) 3 Mbps
High-definition (HD) 5 Mbps
4K/UHD 25 Mbps

This is a generalized measurement for streaming. We will go into the details for minimum requirements for Netflix going forward as well.

Internet speed for standard definition (SD) video on Netflix

An SD video quality means any video quality below 1080p. This includes 240, 360, 480, and goes up to 720p. The minimum required speed for SD video is 1 Mbps. Netflix automates the video quality process such that the quality will be just as how much speed there is. Keep in mind that other factors also come into play like the number of devices connected and their internet usage levels. This is why the preferred speed is 3 Mbps as mentioned above. And the one mentioned in the table below is how much speed is actually needed for SD video only, without any other devices in play. 

Netflix Video Quality Minimum Recommended
Download Speed
Standard Definition (SD) 1 Mbps

Internet speed for high definition (HD) video on Netflix

High Definition videos are the ones with 720p and 1080P quality. The quality can even go up to 1440P in some cases. For this type of video quality, you will need at least 3-5 Mbps. And since Netflix automatically adjusts to the video quality according to the internet speed, the more internet speed you have, the better the quality of the video. Also, you will need to keep in mind that this speed is enough only if you don’t have any other devices using the internet. 

Netflix Video Quality Minimum Recommended
Download Speed
High-definition (HD 720p) 3 Mbps
High-definition (HD 1080P) 5 Mbps

Internet speed for Ultra HD/4K video on Netflix

The last video quality and the most upgraded one too that we will be looking at is the UHD and 4K quality. Of course, this is the video quality that everyone wants to have and it requires the most internet speed out of all the other options. The minimum internet speed is 15 Mbps and that is also if the internet is not being used by anyone else. Otherwise, it is recommended that you go for a 25 Mbps internet speed. 

Netflix Video Quality Minimum Recommended
Download Speed
UHD/4K 15 Mbps

Best internet providers for Netflix

Knowing all these requirements and internet speed recommendations, the next bit is about the recommended ISPs for Netflix. What do we recommend and why? It is possible you might already be using a certain provider’s services from the list so it’ll be great for you to continue staying a loyal customer to them and upgrade your plan if needed. Note that there is no particular order to the list and all of them are interchangeable depending on your preferences.

Spectrum

Spectrum is a well-known ISP in the U.S. market and the reason for that is its continuous services to over 30 million people in more than 40 states. Spectrum has managed to build a loyal customer base for itself with its reliable and great quality services. Along with its great internet services, they also offer wonderful entertainment options on TV and unlimited calling nationwide. In addition to that, with Spectrum, you are getting free Wi-Fi hotspots around America, helping you stay connected to the internet, despite being away from home. 

Spectrum makes use of its hybrid-coaxial network to provide high speeds in its internet plans at affordable rates for everyone. This is why Spectrum is a part of our list for Netflix. With any of Spectrum’s plans, you can enjoy a seamless streaming experience. Of course, you will have to choose the plan according to other factors such as the number of internet users and their activities. 

Spectrum Internet Plans Internet Speed Price
Spectrum Internet 200 Mbps $49.99/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

Spectrum Internet Ultra 400 Mbps $69.99/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

Spectrum Internet Gig 1000 Mbps $89.99/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

CenturyLink

CenturyLink provides Fiber and DSL internet connection along with home phone services to about 4.5 million users across 36 states in the U.S. It ranks as one of the top 5 largest service providers in America and it is apparent why. With its wonderful services and high speeds of internet services, it is not hard to understand its popularity and ranking. Its core strength is its availability in rural areas. 

The reason we added CenturyLink to the list is because of its plans, especially the fiber plan, being ideal for streaming on Netflix. However, you don’t necessarily need to subscribe to their Fiber plan only if you use Netflix, you can use their DSL plans as well, just if it is you. 

CenturyLink Internet Plans Internet Speed Price
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet 15-20 Mbps $50/mo.

(conditions apply)

CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet 40-100 Mbps $50/mo.

(conditions apply)

CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit 1000 Mbps $65/mo.

(conditions apply)

Xfinity

Xfinity is another popular ISP in the U.S. that is widely available. The Xfinity internet plans are affordable and reliable, thus its reputation. The services are available across 36 states and it also provides its customer with access to over 20 million hotspots. Just like Spectrum, Xfinity uses a fiber-coaxial network to guarantee its customers high-speed internet with TV and phone services as well, should you opt for those. 

Xfinity has a lot more plans as compared to the previous two and we can judge from the internet speed range of all these plans that any of these would be perfect for streaming on Netflix. Depending on the number of people in your house and your budget, you make your choice!

Xfinity Internet Plans Internet Speed Price
Xfinity Connect 50 Mbps $25/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

Xfinity Connect More 100 Mbps $40/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

Xfinity Fast 300 Mbps $50/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

Xfinity Superfast 600 Mbps $50/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

Xfinity Ultrafast 900 Mbps $60/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

Xfinity Gigabit 1200 Mbps $70/mo.

(for 12 months, conditions apply)

All things considered

We hope all of this information has been very helpful to you in deciding on your choice of ISP. Of course, there are many more ISPs that are not mentioned here, which is why we have discussed the minimum recommended internet speed so you can judge for yourself as well. If you want a place to look for and subscribe to internet plans, you can do it on BuyTVInternetPhone. On this website, you will find plans from multiple ISPs and you can make your selection after comparing the details from all these plans as well!

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