How to Choose the Best Internet for Streaming and Gaming: What to Look for, and Who Offers It
Internet technologies and speeds seem to change from year to year. The gaming landscape is also shifting, as video games have higher fidelity, need more processing power and use more memory than ever to provide realistic, immersive experiences. Not only do you want to play those while connected to the internet, but you may also want to share your playthrough with the world via streaming.
So who offers fiber-optic internet for streaming and gaming, and how do you know if you are getting your money’s worth based on your needs? The following guide explores everything you need to know about internet options for streaming and gaming.
How Internet Needs Can Vary for Gamers and Streamers
Most of the activities you do online only need a little bit of speed to execute. Messaging, email and general browsing only need up to 20 Mbps, which differs wildly from gaming, especially if it is multiplayer. To handle a triple-A video game in multiplayer environments without frame loss, you need over 100 Mbps.
You may need even higher if you have multiple devices, gamers or streamers in the same location. Depending on these conditions, you may require more than 1 Gbps. Additionally, you want to sign up for scalable speeds. You cannot predict what capacity video games will need in the future or how many devices you will add to your home, but fiber internet makes it easier to keep adding without exceeding bandwidth.
What to Consider When Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Only certain connection types can reach speeds high enough to accommodate these activities. Older technologies like satellite and DSL may support gaming and streaming to a degree, but they cannot maintain consistent performance. Cable and fiber internet are the best options, and they should be one of the most critical considerations when shopping for an ISP.
While download and upload speeds are important for a smooth, glitch-free experience, there are several other factors to consider when shopping for a provider. They include:
- Price
- Reviews
- Uptime
- Contract terms
- Security standards
- Service area
The Rise of Fiber Internet and Its Benefits
Fiber-optics has become the default for gamers and streamers because it offers the best speeds and lowest latencies of any connection type. It prevents them from unintentionally disconnecting from competitive gaming competitions or interrupting a stream unexpectedly. Fiber infrastructure is still rolling out, with many rural areas still lacking it. However, if you are in an area with fiber, you can experience the best era of the internet, featuring many perks. For regular streamers and gamers, you will get:
- Rapid downloads, including videos or game updates
- Symmetrical speeds for uploads and downloads
- Crisp, smooth visual quality
- Dependable connection without disruption
- Low latencies for faster responses and reactivity
- No data caps or throttling
- Improved cybersecurity
Federal, state and local governments are all committed to mending the digital divide and providing more high-speed internet access to all corners of the country. Eventually, fiber will become the norm, and everyone can enjoy pixel-perfect, high-quality gaming and streams without using the entire household’s capacity.
Who Offers Fiber-Optic Internet for Streaming and Gaming? 8 Top Regional Providers
With those factors in mind, here are some of the top options for fiber-optic internet, sorted by region.
Top Midwest Fiber Internet Providers
1. i3 Broadband
One of the best Midwest fiber-optic providers is i3 Broadband, serving clients in Missouri, Illinois and Rhode Island. It maintains 100% reliability through its fiber-optic connection, ensuring every customer is always online. Its specialization in residential services gives it a unique edge when providing targeted attention to households and their families.
The lowest speed it offers is 250 Mbps, allowing gamers and streamers to maintain the power they need to stay live. It also has best-in-class security in every device while maintaining a lag-free stream.
2. Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC)
Another top contender in the Midwest is MEC. It promises competitive pricing alongside all the other benefits of the fiber experience. Everything comes alongside quality, 24/7 support, embedded malware protection and no data caps.
This ensures you can work from home during the day and game in the evening without experiencing changes in performance. The company is still expanding its fiber infrastructure to serve even more customers in the region.
Top Northeast Fiber Internet Providers
3. Optimum Fiber
Optimum Fiber specializes in the northeast, providing fiber internet to homes and businesses. With speeds up to 8 Gbps, the bandwidth-to-price ratio is hard to beat.
Fiber plans start at $25 per month with auto-pay and paperless billing, making it one of the most affordable options in the area. Gamers can enjoy other perks signing up with Optimum, including a free HBO Max subscription, locked-in pricing and included Wi-Fi equipment.
4. Frontier Fiber
Frontier Fiber is available in 17 states in and around the northeast, and it is still expanding. It promises to deliver 100% reliability and eliminates the hidden charges often associated with signing up for internet services. There are no overages, either.
The team will include a Wi-Fi router if necessary, which has a value of around $599. Achieve symmetrical 5 Gbps speeds through Frontier, and sign up for bundles if you want to streamline utility payments.
Top Southeast Fiber Internet Providers
5. Lumos
Available in states like the Carolinas and Virginia, Lumos offers a perk found in few places — no contracts. If you need to talk to its team, you get a local touch with global levels of experience.
The engineers behind Lumos are some of the most connected in the market, with decades of troubleshooting and design expertise, making it easy to trust it with your service. Plus, people who sign up can get a free $500 prepaid Mastercard as a thank-you gift, so there are really no drawbacks.
6. Metronet
Your other fiber option in the Southeast U.S. is Metronet. It provides fiber to residences and businesses.
If you want to take your streaming game to the next level and turn it into a side hustle, feel free to leverage this option at your new off-site studio. What Metronet does well is advertise financial resources like the Lifeline Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure everyone can afford the fiber plan they want.
Top Northwest Fiber Internet Providers
7. Ziply Fiber
The Pacific Northwest’s most reliable fiber offering is Ziply Fiber. If you live in Washington, Oregon, Idaho or Montana, this could be the best choice, as it is known for its no-data-cap plans and affordability.
Plans start as low as $20 per month, making switching to fiber accessible on a budget. Its plans are clearly outlined, with each feature listed to avoid confusion when signing up — you know exactly what you get going into the agreement. With a money-back guarantee, you also can try it out to see how it feels before committing.
8. Quantum Fiber
Westerners in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and more can enjoy the services of Quantum Fiber. It offers a price-for-life guarantee, ensuring your rates will never change as long as you stay with Quantum.
The team makes it easy to learn all about fiber internet with its concise yet comprehensive learning resources. There are even tips for reaching the gaming speeds you desire. Additionally, its team promises an encrypted connection with its 360 Wi-Fi service.
Finding the Best Fiber-Optic Internet for Streaming and Gaming
There are high-quality fiber providers across the U.S., and these are the top-notch companies in each region. To have the best time online, you should game and stream with the best connection available. Contact a provider in your area today to make the switch to remove the random disconnects and unsightly pixels from your gaming and streaming experiences forever.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Internet speeds, pricing, availability, features, and promotional offers may vary by location and are subject to change without notice. The providers mentioned are listed based on publicly available information at the time of writing and are not endorsements. Actual performance for gaming and streaming can depend on several factors, including network congestion, hardware, home setup, and usage patterns. Readers are advised to verify plan details, coverage, and terms directly with the respective internet service providers before making a decision.
