How to get the best broadband for online gaming

Here’s all you need to know about the best broadband for online gaming and tips to enhance your gaming experience.

How to get the best online gaming experience in Ireland

If you’re a keen gamer, you’ll know that lag is the last thing you want when you’re gaming online. A reliable, fast broadband connection is crucial to a great gaming experience.

Whether you’re gaming on a Playstation, Xbox, PC or your phone, these factors are all important:

Compare broadband deals now

Get the right internet speed

To have a reliable gaming experience, you will need a good connection with speeds of at least 10Mbps. The faster the better.

The quicker your connection, the lower your latency will be, which means that the motion shown in the game will be fast enough for you to respond and interact as appropriate.

Choose the best connection

If you want to ensure you get the fastest possible speeds and reduce the likelihood of lag, a wired network connection will be the best option.

If this isn’t possible, you can use WiFi, but check that your router isn’t encased in a cabinet, or near any devices that can interfere with the signal, such as a baby monitor.

What else should you look out for?

While speed is probably the most important feature to look for when you’re comparing deals, you should also opt for a broadband plan with:

No traffic management
A high-performing modem
Strong technical support
A low contention ratio

What is the fastest broadband plan for online gaming?

Fibre broadband is the fastest and most reliable type of broadband for online gaming.

If you can’t access fibre broadband in your area, there are plenty of providers offering plans with speeds of up to 100Mbps.

Compare super-fast broadband deals

broadband speedometer

How to check your broadband speed

If you’re not happy with your current broadband performance, run a broadband speed test to see what download and upload speeds you’re actually getting.

Try to do this at different times of the day, to get an accurate reflection of your average broadband speed. You can find out more about how to test your internet connection in our broadband speeds in Ireland guide.

If it’s lower than you expected, our tips on improving your broadband could help.

Start speed test

How to switch to faster broadband for gaming

Switching your broadband provider is quick and easy, here’s how to do it.

Discover what’s available in your area: Our broadband checker searches all the deals in your location, and you can filter the results to narrow your choices.
Know what you need: Do you want broadband only or a broadband bundle? Think about how much speed you really need, the services you want and what you can afford each month.
Check you’re free to switch: Contact your current provider and give the required notice so you don’t get charged early termination fees.
Read the small print: Do this before you sign up for any new broadband plan, verify the monthly cost once the discount period ends, and check for any upfront costs or extra charges.
Cancel your current contract: You’re responsible for cancelling your broadband account with your current provider when you switch to a new provider.
Agree an installation date: Once you have a cut-off date with your old provider, confirm the start date with your new one, so you experience as little downtime as possible.

How to improve your broadband speed for gaming

If you are not keen on switching your broadband provider, there are several things you can do to improve your broadband connection speed.

Our guide to slow broadband includes lots of tips depending for wired or wireless connections.

Get super fast broadband from just €30 a month

It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving

Compare now

Emma Archer

Last updated on 17/01/2023