Is BT Good for Gaming?
A comprehensive look at BT broadband for gamers. We examine latency, speeds, and real-world gaming performance.
Gaming Verdict
Yes, BT is good for gaming
The Short Answer
Yes, BT is good for gaming. BT offers reliable broadband with consistent speeds and acceptable latency for online gaming. Their Full Fibre packages are particularly well-suited for gamers who want fast downloads and low ping.
However, the best choice depends on your specific needs, location, and what games you play. Read on for the full analysis.
Key Gaming Performance Factors
Latency (Ping)
BT Full Fibre typically offers ping times of 5-15ms to UK servers, which is excellent for competitive gaming.
Download Speed
Speeds up to 900 Mbps mean game downloads and updates complete quickly. A 100GB game takes ~15 minutes on Full Fibre 900.
Consistency
BT's network is generally reliable, though FTTC connections may see some peak-time slowdown. Full Fibre is more consistent.
BT for Gaming: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low latency on Full Fibre (5-15ms)
- Fast download speeds for game updates
- Reliable nationwide network
- Smart Hub 2 with QoS features
- Unlimited data - no caps
Cons
- Higher prices than some competitors
- FTTC packages have lower upload speeds
- Full Fibre not available everywhere
- 24 month contracts standard
Best BT Packages for Gaming
Casual Gaming
Fibre 2 (67 Mbps)
Sufficient for online gaming with occasional downloads. Good value for casual gamers.
Serious Gaming
Full Fibre 300
Fast downloads, low latency, and reliable performance. Best balance of price and performance.
Pro/Streaming
Full Fibre 900
Maximum performance for competitive gaming and streaming simultaneously.
Gaming FAQ
What ping can I expect with BT?
On BT Full Fibre, you can typically expect 5-15ms ping to UK game servers. FTTC connections usually see 10-25ms. This is excellent for competitive gaming.
Is BT good for streaming while gaming?
Yes, especially on Full Fibre packages. The 110 Mbps upload on Full Fibre 900 allows you to stream in 1080p 60fps while gaming without impact.
Does BT throttle gaming traffic?
No, BT does not throttle gaming traffic. All packages have unlimited data with no traffic management on gaming services.
Which is better for gaming: BT or Virgin Media?
Both are good choices. Virgin Media offers faster headline speeds, while BT Full Fibre tends to have slightly lower latency. Virgin uses a different network technology (cable) which can sometimes result in higher ping during peak times.
Ready to Game on BT?
Compare BT Full Fibre packages and find the best deal for your gaming needs.
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