Best Broadband for Streaming
Speed recommendations for buffer-free streaming of Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and more in HD and 4K. Find out exactly how much broadband speed your household needs.
Updated: January 2026
Contents
How Much Speed Do You Really Need?
Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ are designed to work on a wide range of broadband speeds. The key is matching your speed to how many people stream at once and at what quality.
Single HD stream needs just 5-10 Mbps. 4K streaming jumps to 25 Mbps per stream. If you have multiple TVs streaming 4K simultaneously, you'll need faster broadband.
Don't forget other devices! Phones, tablets, smart home devices, and gaming all consume bandwidth. A busy household should overestimate their needs.
Speed Requirements by Streaming Quality
SD (480p)
Basic quality - even slowest broadband handles this
HD (720p)
Good quality for smaller screens
Full HD (1080p)
Standard for most modern TVs
4K UHD
Premium quality - requires faster broadband
4K HDR
Best quality with enhanced colors
Pro Tip:
These are per-stream requirements. A family of four watching different 4K streams would need at least 100 Mbps (4 × 25 Mbps) plus extra headroom for other devices.
Speed Recommendations by Usage
Single user, HD streaming
Any basic fibre
Couple, 4K streaming
Standard fibre
Family, multiple 4K streams
Fast fibre
Heavy household, gaming + streaming
Ultrafast fibre
Speed Requirements by Platform
| Platform | SD | HD | 4K UHD | 4K HDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Amazon Prime Video | 1 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Disney+ | 5 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| YouTube | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 35+ Mbps |
| BBC iPlayer | 2 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 24 Mbps | N/A |
| Apple TV+ | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Multiple Device Streaming
Modern households often have multiple devices streaming simultaneously. Here's how to calculate your needs:
- Add up each stream: 2 TVs × 25 Mbps (4K) = 50 Mbps base need
- Add other devices: Phones, tablets, gaming = +20-50 Mbps
- Add 20% headroom: Ensures smooth performance during peak usage
Example Calculation:
Family of 4: 2× 4K TVs (50 Mbps) + gaming (25 Mbps) + phones/tablets (15 Mbps) = 90 Mbps + 20% = ~110 Mbps recommended
Visual Speed Guide
BT Full Fibre 100 - Ideal for family streaming
Plusnet Full Fibre 145 - Great for multiple 4K streams
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed do I need for Netflix 4K?
Netflix recommends 15 Mbps for 4K UHD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K with HDR. We recommend 25+ Mbps to ensure buffer-free viewing, or more if multiple people stream simultaneously.
Can I stream 4K on 50 Mbps broadband?
Yes, 50 Mbps is plenty for one 4K stream. You could run two simultaneous 4K streams comfortably. Most households find 50-100 Mbps perfectly adequate for streaming.
Why does my streaming buffer even with fast broadband?
Buffering can be caused by WiFi interference, router distance, network congestion, or ISP throttling. Try using Ethernet, moving closer to the router, or streaming during off-peak hours.
Do I need unlimited data for streaming?
Yes, streaming uses significant data. 4K content uses about 7GB per hour. Most UK broadband is unlimited, but check if you're on a mobile/5G broadband plan.
Is fibre broadband better for streaming than standard?
Fibre (FTTC/FTTP) offers faster, more consistent speeds than ADSL. For 4K streaming or multiple simultaneous streams, fibre is highly recommended.
Find Your Perfect Streaming Package
Compare broadband deals optimized for streaming. Most UK homes find 50-100 Mbps perfect for buffer-free 4K viewing.