Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Now, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Google Stadia allow you to play high-quality games without needing a powerful console or PC. However, these platforms rely on fast, low-latency broadband to deliver a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
This guide explains how to choose the best broadband for cloud gaming, what speed you need, and how to prevent lag and buffering during gameplay.
- What broadband speed do you need for cloud gaming?
Unlike traditional gaming, where games run on a console or PC, cloud gaming streams the game from a remote server, meaning both download and upload speeds are critical.
| Gaming Quality | Minimum Speed | Recommended Speed | Best Ping (ms) |
| 720p streaming (HD) | 10 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Under 50ms |
| 1080p streaming (Full HD) | 20 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Under 30ms |
| 4K streaming (Ultra HD) | 35 Mbps | 100 Mbps+ | Under 20ms |
📌 Tip: Low ping (latency) is just as important as speed—higher ping causes input lag and delayed responses.
- Why fibre broadband is best for cloud gaming
✔ Higher speeds – Prevents stuttering and lag during gameplay.
✔ Lower latency – Ensures fast response times and real-time gameplay.
✔ More stable connection – Reduces frame drops and buffering issues.
✔ Better for multiple gamers – Allows multiple cloud gamers to play simultaneously without slowdowns.
📌 Tip: If available, full-fibre broadband (FTTP) is the best option for serious cloud gamers.
- How to reduce lag and improve your cloud gaming experience
If your cloud gaming is slow, laggy, or keeps buffering, try these fixes:
✔ Use a wired Ethernet connection – More stable and faster than Wi-Fi.
✔ Prioritise gaming traffic in your router settings – Some routers have a gaming mode to reduce lag.
✔ Upgrade your router – Older routers may struggle to handle high-speed cloud gaming.
✔ Limit background downloads – Streaming and large downloads can slow down cloud gaming performance.
📌 Tip: If your gameplay lags at specific times, your broadband provider may throttle gaming traffic during peak hours—consider switching to a provider with no restrictions.
- Find the best broadband for cloud gaming
Need fast, low-latency broadband for cloud gaming?
Check broadband deals here to find a broadband package designed for gamers who stream their games from the cloud.
Final thoughts: Get broadband that enhances your cloud gaming experience
If your broadband causes lag, buffering, or frame drops during cloud gaming, it’s time to upgrade to a faster, more stable package. Fibre broadband and wired connections will improve your gameplay and reduce frustrating delays.
Compare broadband deals today and choose a package that gives you the best cloud gaming experience.