If you’re glued to streaming services such as Netflix, Max and Hulu, and want the best quality out of these platforms, then you’ll need fast internet to match.  

However, knowing what packages are good value for money can be a tricky process. Fortunately, we’ve shopped around the major US internet providers and put together a list of the best plans available right now.  

You can also check out what is the best Netflix plan for you.

What is the best internet speed for streaming and gaming?

Well, that depends on what service you’re using.  

On the streaming front, you won’t necessarily need high speeds if you’re on the lower-cost plans that only have HD content (such as Netflix Basic and Max Ad-Lite). However, if you want 4K content and have multiple people in your household, this changes things.  

Different streaming platforms have various recommendations for internet speeds. Netflix only asks for 15Mbps for 4K content on its Premium plan, whilst Disney+, Hulu and Prime Video demand 25Mbps. Max recommends this speed as a minimum and says that generally anything above 50Mbps is best.  

Speeds above 35Mbps will be useful if you stream live content such as sports through platforms like ESPN+, YouTube TV and more.  

Most multiplayer games don’t require massively taxing speeds – the recommends 3 to 6 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload as minimum. However, this is based on one device at a time. 

This number falls in line with what popular titles such as Fortnite, Overwatch and Fall Guys recommend.  

If you’re cloud gaming, then you should opt for something higher. Xbox Cloud Gaming recommends a minimum of 20Mbps on consoles, whilst Nvidia GeForce Now recommends at least 15Mbps for 720p at 60 FPS and 25Mbps for 1080p at 60 FPS. 

When people are using the internet at the same time, this will put more strain on the speeds, so you’ll need a plan that can accommodate everyone. With all that in mind, here are the providers in the US providing the best deals across the country.  

What’s the best internet for streaming in the US?

Whilst some providers can offer crazy download speeds of 10,000Mbps, this is severely overkill. We’ve instead considered the price and availability of the providers and listed them below. 

Note that the plans listed may differ in costs depending on where you are in the US, so make sure you shop around before committing.  

Xfinity 10G Network: 200Mbps | $35 per month

This plan from Comcast’s Xfinity is flexible, as it is locked at $35 per month for a year – but customers are not tied into a contract, so it’s a great option for renters. 200Mbps should be more than enough for streaming and gaming on multiple devices in busy households.  

After the year is up, the price will increase – though you may be able to negotiate a deal over the phone. Xfinity is available in over 40 states, so it’s one of the most widespread providers on this list.

If you know you’ll be in a place long-term, then you could also opt for the Connect More plan, which offers the same 200Mbps download speeds, but on a longer 24-month contract. Costs vary by region but start from as low as $25 per month.  

Xfinity offers plans starting from $20 per month for 75Mbps, and go all the way up to 1200Mbps for $70 per month.

AT&T Fibre: 300Mbps | $55 per month

AT&T Fibre is available in 21 states, and this plan is on a 12-month contract. 300Mbps is more than enough for multiple 4K streams and games – AT&T quotes up to 10 devices in use. Plus, when you sign up you get a free $100 gift card.  

If fibre isn’t available where you are, then AT&T also offers an internet plan for the same price – though this only comes with 100Mbps download speeds. Whilst this will still be sufficient for streaming and gaming, it isn’t as good of a deal.  

AT&T Fibre plans start from this 300Mbps one, and range up to 5 Gig for $180 per month.

Verizon Fios: 300Mbps | $24.99 per month

If you’re based in the Northeast, then Verizon Fios is a great fibre option. This 300Mbps package keeps this price for 24 months and includes a $50 online Verizon gift card with purchase.  

The 300Mbps plan is the opening plan in this range, and you can get speeds of up to 1 Gig for $64.99 per month.

Frontier: 500Mbps | $49.99 per month

Frontier is available in 25 states and is considered a good option for rural households. Frontier states that it has no annual contracts on its plans. Whilst that is good flexibility, you should watch out for any price increases.  

The 500Mbps plan should be plenty for streaming at home, but there are plans available up to 5 Gig for $154.99 per month, should you want it.  

Mediacom: 100Mbps | $19.99 per month

Mediacom offers one of the cheapest plans in the US, and this 100Mbps is ideal if you’re just looking for a plan that can support the family watching Netflix at home. This is on a 12-month contract, so keep an eye out for future price increases.

This is the opening plan from Mediacom – you can get speeds of up to 1 Gig for $59.99 per month.

Best internet and streaming service bundles in the US

Whilst your download speeds will be a major factor in choosing your internet provider, some also offer decent bundles with streaming platforms.  

Here are our picks of some of the best that are available right now: 

Verizon Fios: 1 Gig with Disney+ | $64.99 per month

This plan is great for those who have lots of users in a household, or use the internet for more demanding things, such as streaming games on Twitch. Plus, you get six months of Disney+ for free without ads, and a $100 gift card with purchase on this plan. Disney+ is the home for Marvel, Star Wars and The Simpsons.  

Spectrum: 300Mbps with Peacock Premium | $49.99 per month

This 12-month contract deal from Spectrum isn’t quite as competitive as rivals, but you do get 90 days of Peacock Premium for free. This streaming service includes access to lots of NBC favourites such as Parks and Recreation, and boasts originals such as the mystery series, Poker Face. 

Frontier: 500Mbps with YouTube TV | $108 per month

Frontier Fibre customers can get $15 per month off their first year of YouTube TV, which has over 85 channels, six simultaneous streams and is a great option for sports fans.  

This is on top of the internet contract ($49.99 per month), so this brings the total to just over $100 per month. Whilst this is more expensive, it’s a decent option if you’re looking into cord cutting and want an alternative to traditional cable.