How much internet speed do you need for IPTV?

The speed you need depends on how many screens are used at the same time and the quality you watch.

Speed needed for one TV

Standard definition channels: about 5 Mbps.
HD and Full HD: about 15 Mbps. Live sport can use up to 25 Mbps.
4K: about 30 Mbps, sometimes up to 40 Mbps.

These are figures for a TV that has the connection to itself.

Why we suggest 30 Mbps minimum and 50 Mbps or more

In a real home the connection is shared. Phones, tablets, other TVs, video calls and game downloads all take a part. For that reason we suggest at least 30 Mbps, and 50 Mbps or more is good. A plan well above 50 Mbps is comfortable for a family with several screens.

Download speed, not the plan name

Your plan may say 100 Mbps, but what reaches the TV can be much lower, especially over Wi-Fi from another room. Always test on the TV itself or on a phone next to it.

How to test

Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as the TV and stand next to the TV.
Open a speed test app or website and run it.
Note the download number in Mbps.
If it is below 30, move the router closer, use a network cable or restart the router and test again.

How lists load

Apps also load a large list of channels and titles when they open. A fast connection loads that list in one to two minutes, and three at the very most. If it takes longer, the connection is usually the reason.

FAQ

Is 100 Mbps enough for IPTV?

Yes for most homes, as long as the signal reaches the TV well. Over weak Wi-Fi the real speed can be far lower.

Does the upload speed matter?

Very little. Streaming mostly uses download speed.

Will a faster plan fix buffering?

Only if speed was the problem. Many cases come from Wi-Fi signal, an old router or a TV with little memory.