What’s the Best Internet Speed for the PS5?
Take your gaming sessions to the next level by learning what internet speeds work best for the PS5.
- A reliable internet connection for the PS5 is essential for online gaming, especially if you plan on playing multiplayer games.
- Proper equipment is just as important as a solid internet plan when it comes to getting good online performance out of your PS5.
- Some quick methods to get the best internet speeds for the PS5 include positioning your console closer to the router and limiting the number of active devices during your gaming sessions.
Online gaming is a big part of the appeal of your PlayStation 5. In order to do that, however, you’ll want to have a reliable internet connection. You don’t want to find yourself lagging in the middle of a gaming session, and you definitely don’t want to be disconnecting mid-match! If you’re curious to know what are the best internet speeds for the PS5 and how to improve your current internet connection, look no further — we’ve covered that and more in this guide.
Overview of PS5 Internet Speeds
What Internet Speed Do You Need for the PS5?
While faster internet is always better for gaming, you don’t need “gigabit” internet (meaning a plan with 1 Gbps — 1,000 Mbps — or more) to experience online gaming. Generally speaking, a minimum download speed of just 50 Mbps is enough for you to play games online without worrying about issues like high ping or disconnecting. Many ISPs on the market offer plans with internet speeds that are more than enough to keep you connected, but the type and plan will depend on your overall internet needs. We’ve listed the most popular ones below.
| ISP | Connection Type(s) | Max Download Speeds |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Fiber | 5 Gbps |
| Xfinity | Cable | 2 Gbps |
| Spectrum | Cable | 940 Mbps |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 940 Mbps |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps |
| Verizon | 5G, Fiber, DSL | 2 Gbps |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G | 415 Mbps |
Of course, 50 Mbps won’t go as far if you have a large household with many connected devices being used at the same time. That brings us to our next section: the other factors that can influence your PS5’s online performance.
What Factors Influence Internet Speeds for the PS5?
Some days you’ll have smooth online gaming sessions, while other days you might encounter some choppy frames and laggy gameplay. These types of situations happen based on a number of factors related to your internet speed, such as the ones listed below.
- Connection type: Your internet plan’s connection type is one of the biggest factors in determining your household’s overall internet speeds. Fiber and cable internet often provide high internet speeds, while satellite and 5G offer just enough to keep you staying afloat.
- Network traffic: Peak network congestion hours can slow down your internet speeds and affect your gaming sessions.
- Wired vs. wireless: You can connect to the internet on your PS5 using either a wireless connection or a direct ethernet connection. In this case, it’s a matter of mobility versus internet signal strength — a wired Ethernet connection is faster than even the fastest Wi-Fi options.
- Router location: The closer your console is to the router, the stronger your connection will be. Besides distance, any walls or objects can also interfere with the signal, most notably if you’re someone who keeps their devices in cabinets.
- Number of devices: If you live in a tech-savvy household, chances are you may be using multiple devices all throughout your living space, including your PS5. Using more devices requires more bandwidth and will affect the speed of your internet connection.
Online Features for the PS5
Connecting to the internet on your PS5 is just one part of the experience. Online gamers get access to a plethora of features that make the console more worthwhile, including:
- Playstation App: Manage your PS5 remotely using the app while chatting with your friends or reading up on gaming news. You can even upload screenshots from your games to the cloud using the app.
- PS5 game hubs: Every game in your library has its own hub that lets you view everything from new game content to community streams. These hubs allow you to stay up-to-date on a game’s development cycle and any news from the developers and publishers.
- Cross-generation multiplayer: You can still play games with your friends even if you have different consoles. Gamers who use a PS5 can invite friends gaming on a PS4 to their online gaming sessions, and vice versa.
- PS5 Session Share: Want to invite your friends to your gaming sessions? Session Share allows you to share the fun using a sharable link that you can send to anyone. Note that this is different from the cross-generation multiplayer feature, as Session Share is not supported for PS4 devices.
- In-console browser: Although there’s no dedicated browser for the PS5, it does have a small limited browser that you can access through the “Linked Services” option in the PS5 menu.
- Playstation Plus: A library of PS4 and PS5 games are available through a Playstation Plus subscription. This includes game trials and demos, as well as exclusive in-game content and discounts depending on which tier (Essential, Extra, Premium) you decide to purchase.
- Remote play: Using a high-speed internet connection and any compatible device, you can control your PS5 console from any other location. There are several restrictions to this feature, including the fact that VR games or any games requiring peripherals are incompatible with remote play.
How to Improve Your Internet Speeds for the PS5
Improving your internet speeds for the PS5 can come in handy, especially if you plan to download games or play your favorite games online. You could pay an additional fee to upgrade your plan, or you could try out some of the following tips to see if you can make the most of your current internet plan.
- Use a wired connection. You are guaranteed better internet speeds if you use a wired internet connection compared to a wireless connection. It’s as simple as connecting your PS5 to your router using an ethernet cable.
- Update your firmware. Check your PS5 to make sure all the software updates are installed. Sometimes the updates include fixes that improve system performance, but also fix or improve your internet speeds.
- Connect to your 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection. If your PS5 is connected to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection and you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, it might be worth switching over to the 5 GHz connection.
- Enable QoS on your router. Setting your network to prioritize your PS5 will ensure that you get the best speeds possible while also maintaining a reliable connection during your gaming time.
- Perform speed tests. Get in the habit of performing speed tests, especially throughout the day. You won’t be able to directly improve your internet speeds, but you will be able to assess when peak network traffic or congestion occur.
- Invest in a gaming router. Compared to normal routers, gaming routers will let you download games faster, enjoy smoother framerates, and better network traffic management.
- Limit the number of devices used simultaneously. Turn your gaming session into a household game night by playing games on your PS5, and you may end up organically increasing your internet speed by limiting the number of devices using the internet.
Common Troubleshooting Issues for the PS5
Technical issues are bound to happen while you’re playing on your PS5. In some cases it’s related to the hardware, but there are also situations where your Wi-Fi may not be working and therefore you wouldn’t be able to connect online. We’ve looked at a few common issues and found some simple solutions that can get you back into the game.
- Network connectivity issues: A number of connectivity issues can happen while you’re gaming online. Usually, restarting your PS5 will solve the problem, but if your console is in good shape, you’ll want to check the PSN servers to see if they’re down. Running a speed test to make sure it’s an internet-related issue, restarting your router, and using a wired connection are also some ways you can resolve connection issues.
- Disconnected controllers: if your controllers are disconnecting while you’re gaming, you may need to let the controllers cool down after overheating. You should also check to see that the controller is fully charged and that the controller firmware is updated.
- Download queue bug: If you’re downloading games and find yourself with a queue that’s stuck, many users have found that rebuilding your PS5 database using the “Rebuild Database” option helps clear out the issue. This option basically reorganizes your files without deleting any information in your account.
- PS5 error codes: Different error codes will show on your screen depending on the type of issue you may have and are usually in the format of AA-111111-1. When these pop up, you’ll want to look at the code and cross-check it with the error codes listed in the PS5 Support Home, since they will likely have a solution or two to help you resolve it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet for the PS5
Does the PS5 support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes. The PS5, PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro are all compatible with Wi-Fi 6. If you plan to upgrade your internet to Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, however, you’ll only be able to use it with the PS5 Pro.
How can I check if the PSN servers are down?
You can check out the PSN Network Status page to check the status of their servers.
How do I get to the browser on my PS5?
While there is no direct internet icon on the PS5, there is a workaround that lets you access the browser by going to Settings > User and Accounts > YouTube > Link > Use Browser > Terms > Google. Note that this will only work if you do not have a YouTube account already linked.
Is a Playstation Plus subscription required to play online games on my PS5?
For most paid online games, a Playstation Plus subscription is required. However, free-to-play online games and any game that requires its own subscription can be played online without needing to purchase a subscription.
What devices are compatible with PS5 Remote Play?
Android and iOS devices, including phones and tablets, along with any Windows desktop or laptop, are compatible with the PS5 Remote Play feature. You can also use the PlayStation Portal Remote Player.