Ever experienced excessive buffering or lag when you’re watching YouTube videos? There’s a chance the culprit is your NBN connection.
With the higher resolution and all, 4K streaming demands more from your internet than standard HD. If you consume a lot of video content, then you should have the right plan to ensure clear, uninterrupted viewing. So, what are the best NBN plans for 4K streaming?
Understanding 4K Streaming Requirements
What Makes 4K Streaming Unique?
4K streaming offers a stunning leap forward in visual quality, offering four times the resolution of HD. While HD resolution is crystal clear on most screens, 4K is a whole new ball game—imagine every pixel popping with depth and detail.
The enhanced image quality demands much more from your internet. The higher the resolution, the larger the file sizes. This means that 4K streams need a significantly faster connection to deliver the goods without buffering or stuttering.
Minimum Internet Speeds for 4K Streaming
To enjoy 4K content in its full glory, your connection should ideally hit at least 25 Mbps for uninterrupted playback. If you’re streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, or if others in the household are downloading files or browsing, those demands can add up quickly. In those cases, you might need to look at speeds above 50 Mbps to keep everything running smoothly.
Data Usage Per Hour of 4K Streaming
While the quality of your stream is important, so is managing your data usage. On average, streaming 4K content uses about 7GB per hour. This number can vary depending on the platform or the level of compression used, but it’s a good benchmark.
If you’re watching several episodes or films in a single sitting, it adds up fast—especially in households with multiple streamers. This is where an unlimited data plan comes in handy.
Choosing the Right NBN Plan for 4K Streaming
Are you an occasional binge-watcher, or do you stream for hours every night? Does your household include multiple devices, all streaming 4K content? For single users, a lower-tier plan might suffice, but for households with multiple people streaming or engaging in other heavy online activities, a higher-tier plan might be the smarter choice.
For example, a single user watching the latest blockbuster series on Netflix might get away with an NBN 50 plan. But a family with three people all streaming 4K content and downloading large files would need a Superfast plan, ideally NBN 100 or NBN 250.
Choose a plan based on the number of users and bandwidth demands in your household. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Standard plan (NBN 25) – Ideal for light streaming or a single user
- Fast plan (NBN 50) – Suitable for a household with a couple of users and some light-to-moderate streaming
- Superfast plan (NBN 100) – Perfect for households with multiple streamers or gamers
- Ultrafast plan (NBN 250) – Best for larger households or serious 4K streamers with high data needs
Getting interrupted mid-episode can be frustrating. But that’s not a problem with an unlimited data plan. It allows you to stream top-quality videos to your heart’s content without worrying about data limits.
Tips for Optimising Your Internet for 4K Streaming
1. Check Your Router and Setup
That old router you have might struggle to keep up with the demands of 4K streaming. Look for one that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6 for a faster, more reliable performance. Position your router centrally, away from thick walls, and high up if possible, to ensure even coverage.
2. Use Ethernet Where Possible
For the most stable connection, plug your devices directly into the router using an Ethernet cable. Wireless connections are convenient, but they can suffer from interference and congestion, especially in a busy household.
3. Monitor Bandwidth Usage
Use tools like your router’s app or third-party software to track your home’s bandwidth. This will help you identify which devices are taking up most of the bandwidth, allowing you to manage the load more effectively.
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4. Stream During Non-Peak Hours
Internet speeds can slow down during peak usage times, such as evenings when everyone’s at home. If your schedule allows, try to stream during off-peak hours for smoother, uninterrupted viewing.
Ultimately, you want a plan that can handle the hefty demands of 4K streaming without breaking a sweat. Talk to your existing provider about it. Or, learn about the best NBN plans from a reliable provider like MATE.