More Fort Collins homeowners are asking a simple question with a complicated answer: What internet speed do I really need for streaming?
Whether it’s Netflix on the big screen, multiple kids on YouTube, or live sports in 4K, the answer depends on more than just one number. And if your current setup can’t keep up, your connection might be holding your household back.
First Things First, What Is Streaming?
Streaming is the process of playing audio or video content in real time over the internet, without downloading the entire file first.
Think of it like a faucet:
When you turn on a faucet, water flows immediately. You don’t wait for the whole tank to fill before you take a drink.
Streaming works the same way. As long as the data (water) flows smoothly from the server (tank) to your device (faucet), you can watch or listen instantly. If your internet is too slow—or too many devices are drawing from the same “pipe”—you may see buffering like a slow trickle from a clogged faucet.
Understanding Streaming Requirements
Most streaming services recommend 5 Mbps for HD video and 25 Mbps for 4K. Sounds reasonable, right? But that’s per device. Add two TVs, a few laptops, phones, tablets, smart speakers, and background uploads, and that 25 Mbps quickly becomes insufficient.
And streaming isn’t just about download speeds. Upload speeds matter, too. Video calls, cloud backups, and connected home security systems all share the same pipe.
Why Your “Good Enough” Plan Might Not Be Enough
Cable-based plans often deliver strong download speeds but much weaker upload performance. That imbalance leads to buffering, pixelation, and frozen screens, especially during busy hours when the whole neighborhood is online.
Connexion’s fiber internet solves that with symmetrical speeds—upload and download are equally fast, even at 1 or 2 gigabits per second.
That means:
- Smooth Netflix streaming while someone else is on a Zoom call
- No delays in loading or syncing large files
- Better support for households using 20+ devices
What is the Best Internet Speed for Streaming?
For most households, 1 gigabit is more than sufficient. But some homes are pushing that ceiling. If you’re noticing slowdowns with smart home devices, security cameras, or concurrent 4K streams, upgrading to 2 gigabits makes a noticeable difference.
A 2-gig plan is about more than speed tests. It’s about sustained, reliable bandwidth during peak use, giving every user and device what they need without compromise.
Explore residential internet service options
Fiber vs. Cable for Streaming: The Real-World Differences
Cable connections share bandwidth across homes in your area. During busy times, your streaming speeds might suffer, regardless of your plan. Fiber networks, like Connexion’s, don’t share the same bottlenecks.
- Fiber is less prone to interference
- It maintains speed during storms and high-use hours
- It supports more devices without congestion
Learn how fiber compares to cable internet
Built for Streaming. Built for Fort Collins.
Connexion is Fort Collins’ community-owned internet provider. That means no profit motives, no gimmicks—just fast, reliable service built with local needs in mind.
- No data caps, throttling, or overage fees
- Transparent pricing, no promotional bait-and-switch
- Local support from Fort Collins neighbors
- Your data is never sold—period
If you’re streaming more, working from home, or just tired of buffering, it might be time to test your current setup.
Run a speed test now
Ready for More Speed?
If your household is maxing out your current plan, consider upgrading today. Connexion’s 2-gig internet gives you the headroom to stream, game, and connect without compromise.
Check your address to see if fiber is available or see how easy it is to switch providers