What is a Good Ping Speed? Best Tips to Lower Ping in 2024

Hello Netizen! Do you often get annoyed by accessing interrupted internet and want to hit a big hammer on your Wi-Fi router? Do you often lose your interaction with users while going for live streaming, or are you constrained to watching low-quality videos and compromising your gameplay? If yes, then your internet speed isn’t a culprit; it must be lacking optimal ping speed. To fix the problem, you must be aware of What Is A Good Ping Speed? What causes high ping?

If you are an online gamer who often plays games online, then for sure, your internet connection must be stable with good ping speed. Furthermore, in case you are watching movies online, also you must require a good ping speed. So, let’s proceed with this article and check out the exact details about what is ping speed for online streaming, using multiple devices, online gaming, and much more.

What do the terms “high ping” and “low ping” mean?

Ping is the reaction time of your connection, and they are within range. In other words, Ping speed is the time between the data sent to a server on the internet from your device and back to your device. 

Therefore, a ping rate of 150 ms and above is considered “high ping,” and it can slow down your online streaming and gaming. Further, a ping rate of 50 ms and below is a “low ping” and is considered a good ping speed for using the internet.

What is a good ping speed?

For professional gamers, an ideal ping speed falls between 10-20ms, while an acceptable average for gaming is around 20-50ms. Lower ping equals faster connections and heightened competitive performance. Basically, if you want to play high-quality games with top-notch visuals, you must require 10 to 20 ms. It will be an optimal ping speed for your online gaming, and then no one can stop your gaming.

Also Read: How to use the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller On PC

Some people think that only internet speed is required for downloading, but for the extraordinary gaming experience, it is not enough. A good ping speed is also necessary since it will effectively transfer the data from the gaming server.

What affects your ping?

Here are some of the common reasons, that might be affecting your ping and overall, gaming experience:

1. Distance to Server:
   The physical distance between your device and the game server affects ping. Signals take time to travel, so the closer you are to the server, the shorter the travel time and the lower the ping. Choosing servers geographically closer to you can improve performance.
2. Malware Impact:
   Malicious software (malware) can slow down your system and increase ping. Regularly update your antivirus, conduct malware scans, and practice good cybersecurity to ensure optimal network performance.
   
   
3. Type of Connection:
   Wired connections, such as Ethernet, offer a more direct and stable link compared to wireless (Wi-Fi) connections. Wi-Fi signals are susceptible to interference, obstacles, and signal degradation over distance, potentially causing fluctuations in ping. For gaming, consider using a wired connection for a more reliable experience.
   
   
4. Server Load:
   The number of players on a game server can impact its processing capabilities. High player loads may strain the server, leading to increased response times (higher ping). Check server status before playing and choose servers with lower loads for better performance.
   
   
5. Bandwidth Usage:
   Other devices on your network consuming significant bandwidth can compete for resources, affecting your gaming experience. Prioritize gaming traffic, limit background downloads and streaming, and use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to allocate bandwidth efficiently.
   
   
6. Router Quality:
   The quality and capabilities of your router influence how efficiently it can handle data traffic. Upgrading to a modern, high-performance router can lead to better data processing and lower ping times.
   
   
7. Internet Speed:
   While high-speed internet is advantageous, extremely high speeds may not drastically lower ping. A stable and consistent connection is more critical. Focus on reliability and low latency rather than just raw speed.
   
   
8. Interference and Obstacles:
   Physical obstacles like walls and electronic interference from other devices can disrupt Wi-Fi signals, leading to higher ping. Place your router in a central location, away from electronic devices that may cause interference, and ensure a clear line of sight between your device and the router for optimal Wi-Fi performance.
   
   
9. ISP Routing:
   Your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) routing practices influence how data travels between your device and the game server. Optimal routing ensures the most direct path, minimizing ping. Contact your ISP if you notice persistent ping issues for potential solutions.
   
   
10. Gaming Server Location:
    The physical location of the game server plays a crucial role. If the server is in a different region or country, data has to travel a longer distance, resulting in higher ping. Choose game servers that are geographically closer to you for a better gaming experience with lower latency.
    
    
11. Network Congestion:
    High traffic on your network or the broader internet can lead to data packets being delayed or even lost, resulting in increased ping. Avoid peak usage times, consider Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router, and prioritize gaming traffic to minimize congestion.

What is a Ping Test

Generally, a ping test refers to the time of transferring files or data between two different servers, PCs, or any other gadgets. 

If you want a smooth transition of files and data, you must have an optimal ping speed of around 50 ms. The ping test will measure whether the PC can communicate with the other PC through the network. Along with that, it will also check how efficiently it is communicating.

Time when the ping test is running, it will find out the details of the connection latency between the 2 other communicating PCs. Here, connection latency is nothing but the technical term for the delay of data transfer from your device to a server on the internet and back to your device. 

Hence, one can find how the data has been effectively transferred among them in a most extraordinary manner. At the same time, the downloading and uploading speeds are measured in Mbps. After that, you can find the results of the ping test in milliseconds - ms. 

Hence, it is different from the other internet speed test results that require your ping results to be as low as possible. 

A ping speed of 50 ms to 100 ms for the process of the broadband internet is considered a good ping speed. But if you want an efficient ping speed, the connection must be measured below 30 ms.

The process involved in the ping speed test

In case you have recently taken the internet speed test, you will find out that apart from the uploading and downloading speed, the ping connection also must be tested in the most effective manner.

Furthermore, testing ping time is essential as good ping speed reduces latency in your online gaming and streaming.

What is a good ping speed for streaming?

At least 40 to 70 ms ping speed is needed to stream videos in standard quality. Besides, some people are required to stream 4K and ultra HD videos, so for them, at least 20 to 40 ms will be the optimal ping speed needed to stream on ultra HD-enabled devices or computers. 

There are certain streaming services that are committed to delivering top-notch speeds, like Fubo TV. In order to make use of this service, you must require a minimum of 40 Mbps internet speed.

What is a Good Ping speed for streaming Netflix?

If you are a Netflix user and watch all kinds of programs and movies on that platform, the minimum ping speed required will be 40 to 70 ms. But this ping speed will differ, followed by your desire for video quality to watch on Netflix.

• Around 20 ms is needed for streaming the videos in 4k or HDR.
• Around 40 ms is needed for streaming the videos in HD (High-definition).
• Around 50 to 70 ms is needed for streaming the videos in the standard definition.

Hulu recommends that for streaming the best video quality, around 50 ms will be required for Live TV viewing, or 20 ms will be required for on-demand viewing.

What is a Good Ping speed for streaming DIRECTV NOW

Like Netflix, if you are a DIRECTV NOW user and regularly watch Live TV on that platform, the minimum ping speed required will be 50 to 70 ms. However, it can vary according to the quality of the video that users require to watch.

• Around 30 to 40 ms are needed for streaming HD videos on the PC web browser at home. 
• Around 50 ms is needed for streaming HD videos on mobile.

What Is A Good Ping Speed for Streaming YouTube TV?

Like Netflix and DIRECTV NOW, if you are also a YouTube user and watch Live videos on that platform, you must know what is a good ping speed. 

For streaming YouTube TV, the minimum required ping speed should be 40 to 50 ms. However, the said ping speed and even the internet speed will differ according to the quality of the video you want to stream in.

• Around 20 to 40 ms is needed for streaming the videos on multiple devices.
• Under 40 ms is needed for streaming the videos in high definition.
• 50 ms is needed for streaming the videos in standard definition.

Also Read: Best YouTube Apps For Windows 10

Basic recommendations for Internet speed

What Internet Speed Required At Home?

Generally, the internet speed at home can be decided, followed by your internet type. The FCC, or Federal Communications Commission, recommends an internet speed of around 12 to 25 Mbps for a group of families with frequent online streaming or more internet users.

Suitable internet speed required for working at home

An internet speed of around 40 Mbps will be needed for uploading and downloading large files while doing professional work at home. Besides, a ping time of 50 to 70 ms will be the optimal ping speed for working at home.

• 40+ Mbps internet speed will be required for transferring large files.
• 10+ Mbps internet speed is good for doing Skype group video calls or other online meetings.
• 3 to 4 Mbps internet speed will be needed for accessing emails and performing other basic PC programs.

The suitable internet speed required for working at home will ultimately depend on what kind of work you are doing.

What Is The Procedure To Check Out The Current Internet Speed?

By taking an online speed test, you can easily find the current internet speed. It will be done on the computer or mobile phone that has been connected to your home Wi-Fi.

Moreover, the internet speed test will also clearly tell about the optimal ping speed. Along with that, it will effectively differentiate the download speed and upload speeds.

Procedure to check out the current internet speed

By taking an online speed test, you can able to find out the current internet speed very easily. It will be done on the computer that has been connected to your home Wi-Fi. The internet speed test will also clearly tell about the exact ping time it takes. Along with that, it will also effectively differentiate the download speed and upload speeds.

The Most Common Terms Involved In Internet Speed

What is known as a good ping speed?

The time frame in which the data travels from your device to the internet server and then back to your device is termed ping speed. It is measured in milliseconds, and the lower the time will be, the better the ping speed will be.

For instance, if the ping time is 50 ms or below, it will be considered a good ping speed for internet use.

What is known as ping time?

The ping time has the potential to respond to your connection in an effective manner or how fast this data can travel to the server and back. It is to be noted that the ping time is measured in ms - milliseconds.

What is known as Mbps?

Mbps means megabits per second. It is the speed of the internet connection bandwidth and time taken for the data transferred every second.

Difference between upload speed and download speed

The upload speed is how fast your data can be transferred to the server via the internet connection. It is needed for sending files, emails, gaming, live chats, and videos. At the same time, the download speed is how fast your data can be transferred from the server to you via the internet connection. 

A higher downloading speed is needed while loading a website, downloading files, streaming music, or any kind of video.

What is known as latency?

The latency is known as the process of data transferring between the source and the destination. In general, it is the delay in information communication.

Let us take an example: In case you are playing a game in China, and the server is in America, at that time, you will have more latency than the person who is playing the same game in America.

However, it can be fixed if you have an optimal ping speed. You will need a ping time of 20 to 50 ms to reduce the latency.

The scenario mentioned above also helps you understand what is a good ping speed and why it is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my ping down?

To improve your ping, try connecting to a closer server, closing background applications, and using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. Additionally, ensure that no other devices on your network are consuming excessive bandwidth during gaming sessions.

Is 12 ping good for Gaming?

Yes, It’s awesome. For the smoothest gaming experience, you must aim for a 15 ms or lower ping speed or ping time. Between 15 and 45ms is the optimal ping speed; you will have an awesome time playing! Steer clear of anything above 100ms if possible; over 250ms can make your game virtually unplayable.

Why my ping is so high but my internet is good?

A high ping despite good internet may be due to network congestion, server issues, or a problem with your routing. Check for these issues and consider contacting your internet service provider for assistance. You can also try using a wired connection, as it often provides more stable and lower ping compared to Wi-Fi.

Why is my Wifi ping so high?

High Wi-Fi ping can result from interference, signal obstructions, or too many devices on the network. Consider optimizing your Wi-Fi setup for better performance by selecting the least congested Wi-Fi channel, relocating your router to a central location, and minimizing interference from electronic devices.

What is a good ping speed for working from home?

40 ms to 60 ms is the optimal ping speed for working from home people. However, if they need frequent transferring of heavy files, the lower the ping speed in milliseconds, the better.

What is a good ping speed for video conferencing?

Live conferencing and real-time applications require an incredibly tight latency timeline of 20-40 milliseconds. Although, a slightly relaxed 100-millisecond requirement can still be accepted to guarantee a smooth user experience.

Is Ping Speed & Internet Speed Same?

No! These two are different things; ping speed is measured in ms (milliseconds), whereas internet speed is measured in Mbps. Ping speed is the time taken to connect between servers or devices, and internet speed is the time taken to transfer files or data between connected servers.

What is the ideal ping speed for watching HD YouTube videos?

For streaming 4K HD videos on Youtube, Netflix, Vimeo, or any other platforms, 20 ms to 30 ms ping speed is excellent