Broadband for gaming and streaming: how to optimise your home connection

Buffering and lag are every gamer’s nightmare. That’s why choosing the right broadband for gaming and broadband for streaming matters just as much as your hardware. Whether you’re chasing victory in a battle royale, watching the best sports streaming service, or relaxing in front of a good movie, this guide shows you how to get the most out of your home connection.

What makes the best internet for gaming and streaming?

It’s not just about headline speed. Four key things work together to deliver the best internet for gaming and the best internet for streaming:

• Download speed: Think of this as the width of a motorway for data coming to you. A wider motorway (more bandwidth) allows more data – like a 4K stream from the best online streaming service – to arrive without traffic jams.
• Upload speed: While your game commands are tiny, your upload speed is vital for keeping them from getting stuck in traffic. In a busy home with voice chat, security cameras, or video calls running, a low upload speed creates congestion.
• Latency (ping): This is your connection’s reaction time. Low ping is what makes your actions feel instant and responsive – the secret to lag-free broadband for gaming.
• Stability: This is the smoothness of the road itself. A stable connection prevents jitter that causes stuttering and freezes in both games and streams.

5 steps to optimise your home connection

1. Choose full fibre – the best internet for gaming

The single most important part of your setup is the line coming into your home. For elite performance, nothing beats full fibre. Unlike older copper cables, full fibre delivers incredible download and upload speeds and ultra-low latency. It’s the gold standard for broadband for gaming and broadband for streaming. Our full fibre broadband is the ultimate starting point.

2. Router placement tips for a stronger signal

Think of your router’s signal like a lightbulb. You wouldn’t put it in a cupboard and expect it to light up a room. For the best signal, place it in a central, elevated location, and keep it clear of thick walls or large metal objects.

3. Wired vs WiFi – plug in for peak performance

For absolute stability and speed, a wired Ethernet connection is unbeatable. Plugging a cable directly from your computer into your console or PC eliminates any chance of wireless interference. It’s a simple trick that guarantees the best internet for gaming performance. If you’re weighing up the options, our guide on WiFi vs a wired connection can help you decide.

4. Extend coverage with mesh WiFi

Sometimes a cable just isn’t practical. If you have areas where the signal is weak, a mesh system is the answer. Instead of one router trying to do everything, a mesh system uses a team of points that spread a strong, seamless signal everywhere. Zen’s EveryRoom and eero services are perfect examples of WiFi designed for gamers and busy households.

5. Prioritise gaming with Quality of Service

Here’s a pro tip. Most modern routers have a feature called Quality of Service (QoS). You might see this listed as traffic prioritisation or something similar. Think of it as a VIP lane for your internet traffic. By logging into your router’s settings, you can tell it to prioritise your console or PC, so even if someone else starts a big download, your game won’t slow down.

Quick fixes to reduce lag and buffering

Still hitting a few bumps? Try these quick checks:

• Test your speed: Run a quick test online to see if you’re getting the speeds you should be.
• Restart your router: The classic ‘turn it off and on again’ often works wonders.
• Close background apps: Check that no other devices are secretly downloading large updates and hogging bandwidth.
• Pick the right server: Many online games let you choose a region – selecting one closer to you lowers your ping.
• Update your hardware: Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date, along with the operating system on your device.

Why Zen is the best internet provider for gaming

Great technology is a brilliant start, but real peace of mind comes from knowing you have an expert team to back you up. With Zen you get:

• Award-winning service: Friendly, UK-based support from people who know their stuff.
• Contract Price Promise: A price that won’t rise mid-contract.
• Next-level WiFi: Options like EveryRoom and eero to keep you smoothly connected everywhere.
• Future-ready broadband: Full fibre that’s built for today’s demands and tomorrow’s innovations.

Want the best internet for streaming and the best internet for gaming? Explore our full range of broadband packages, or choose Zen full fibre broadband today – with award-winning UK support, guaranteed prices, and WiFi options to suit every home.