Gaming broadband

Look at the sustained speeds of the broadband package. Peak upload and download speeds are less important for smooth gameplay than having a consistent and stable connection.

• Download speeds affect how fast you can download games and updates, so consider speeds of at least 365Mbps or higher.
• Fast upload speeds are important for multiplayer games, streaming and sharing gameplay videos.

You want low ping. It’s how long it takes for you to send a packet of data from your device to the server and get it back again. Between 50 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds is good as there’s very little delay between your actions and the effect on the game.

Unlimited broadband plans are great for gamers to avoid extra usage charges. Gaming can use a lot of data, especially when you’re downloading large game updates, so the more generous your gaming broadband data allowance, the better.

Consider bundling broadband and TV, as you can sometimes make cost savings by taking more than one service from the same provider. Compare our various types of broadband packages to find what deal’s best for you and your gaming.

WiFi Max promises download speeds of at least 30Mbps in every room or £100 bill credit back. Coverage comes included with our Gig1 and Volt broadband deals, at no extra cost, which is why these are some of our best broadband packages for gaming. Or you can easily add the service to the rest of our deals for extra peace of mind.

If looking for new broadband has you re-thinking your gaming setup, you’ll want to know about O2 Recycle. Gamers like you are trading in consoles for cash and getting paid for unwanted PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch (OLED) and Xbox Series X. Why not check how much yours could be worth?

If you’re a single gamer living on your own, you may need a minimum gaming broadband speed of M125. If you live with others you’ll probably want to go faster, and by that we mean average speeds of at least 362Mbps for downloading and 36Mbps for uploading. Our M350, M500 and Gigabit Fibre Broadband speeds can power several devices at the same time and are great for gaming in a busy household.

An Ethernet cable will always provide the best possible broadband connection and gaming experience. We’d recommend the CAT9 type (or higher) for gaming consoles or any high-speed connected devices. Compared to using gaming WiFi, a physical connection is less likely to be affected by other factors in the home such as electrical noise or distance from the WiFi Hub.

How much data you need to download and play an online game varies. For example, voice-chatting on the Discord app or using patches might bump up your hourly usage. But really, gaming uses next to no broadband bandwidth compared to streaming and that’s good news for anyone wondering “What game should I play?” – take your pick!

Why not play around and see which times are best for you based on your gaming habits and preferences. You may have a smoother experience during off-peak hours, such as late morning or early afternoon on weekdays, when fewer players are online or using gaming WiFi due to being at work or school.

Online games such as first-person shooters, real-time strategy games and multiplayer online battle arenas feel more responsive and enjoyable to play on a fast, reliable gaming broadband.

• Less delay between your actions and the effect on the game – You can play with more precision on a fast connection, whereas a slow speed can cause lag in games.
• You can react quickly and instinctively to what’s happening – Fast gaming broadband with a low ping can help you see where you are on the map and what other gamers are up to in real-time.