fbpx
Savvy logo
1300 974 066
Savvy logo

Best Internet for Gaming

Compare a range of internet plans through Savvy to find the one most suitable for your gaming needs among top Australian providers.

Compare internet plans
Written by 
Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our authors
, updated on February 13th, 2024       

Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

Internet - Compare Broadband & NBN Plans

Receive a $50 Woolworths eGift Card*

Receive a $50 Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Savvy's partner, Econnex Comparison. Terms and conditions apply.

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of internet plans to help you compare them.

When it comes to gaming and streaming, a seamless and lightning-fast internet connection can make all the difference. Finding the best internet plan to support your gaming needs is something avid gamers take seriously. Regardless of the games you play and console you use, having a reliable and high-speed internet connection is non-negotiable for many.

That's why it's crucial to compare plans before you buy, which you can do right here through Savvy. By completing a quick, no-obligation quote through us, you can consider all the available high-speed internet offers for your home from some of Australia's leading providers and filter by cost, speed and more. Get started with us today!

How do I choose the best internet plan for gaming?

Choosing the best internet plan for gaming is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Maximum speed: one of the most critical factors for gaming is high speed. Look for plans with suitable download and upload speeds, which may be NBN 100 or higher for online gaming, as these can help deliver the optimal gaming experience you’re looking for.
  • Latency: alongside speed, latency is another crucial consideration if you’re a gamer. Low latency, also known as ping time, ensures minimal delay between your actions and their reflection in the game. For instance, if a provider’s server is in another city, your ping time may be higher than if it was in your city.
  • Bandwidth: another key area to think about when comparing plans as a gamer is bandwidth. This indicates the amount of data which can be transmitted via your internet connection at once. It’s important to consider this if your household has multiple users, as low bandwidth could result in greater lag.
  • Evening speeds: the maximum speed available on your plan isn’t the only measure you should analyse. If you’re likely to be gaming at peak times, such as in the evening, it’s worth looking at what your provider’s typical evening speed is. Network congestion could mean the speeds you receive when you play are short of the maximum in some cases.
  • Stability and reliability: a stable connection is vital, as you don't want your game disconnecting at a crucial moment. While evening speeds are a good indication of reliability, it may also be worth looking at an internet deal with a plan B, such as an NBN plan with wireless backup to minimise your downtime.
  • Cost: while you want the best gaming experience, it's essential to stay within your budget. Compare plans from different providers to find the best balance between cost and performance, such as the cheapest deal which still meets your speed requirements.
  • Geographic location: your physical location plays a role in your internet quality. Check the availability of high-speed internet options in your area to help you determine which may be the most suitable for your needs. Some rural areas may have limited choices, so consider where you live when choosing your internet plan.

What types of plan can I choose from when searching for the best internet for gaming?

When searching for the best internet plan for gaming and streaming, you have several options to choose from, each with its advantages:

NBN

NBN

NBN plans are now widely available in Australia and offer various speed tiers. For gaming, NBN 100 (or faster) plans are considered the most reliable and desirable, as they provide higher download and upload speeds. The NBN network offers low latency and reliability, making it suitable for both casual and serious gamers. It's widely available in urban and suburban areas, but availability may be limited in rural regions.

Home wireless broadband

Home wireless broadband

Home wireless broadband plans use mobile networks to provide internet access to your home. They can offer decent speeds and low latency, but their performance may vary based on your location (namely your distance from the nearest tower and whether your view is obstructed) and network congestion. Because most 4G home wireless plans these days don’t exceed 20Mbps to 25Mbps, many may lean towards a 5G connection, which is capable of rivalling top NBN speeds.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband

Like home wireless, mobile broadband accesses the internet through mobile networks and can also come in 4G and 5G connections. However, these generally aren’t preferred among console gamers, as data is often capped (potentially making them unsuitable depending on your gaming needs) and the cost of plans for the amount you’re able to use them is generally higher than fixed line and home wireless connections. However, you may find mobile broadband, or data from your phone plan, is suitable for mobile gaming.

Gaming-specific plans

Gaming-specific plans

Some providers offer gaming-specific plans tailored to optimise your gaming experience. These plans may include features like lower latency, optimised routing for game servers and faster upload times. While these plans may come at a premium, serious gamers may find them worthwhile for the enhanced gaming experience. They may also prioritise gaming traffic over other data types, reducing lag and packet loss during online gameplay.

Why compare internet plans with Savvy?

Online fast approvals

100% free

The entire comparison process is free with us, meaning you can use it as many times as you like.

A Range of Options

Trusted providers

You’ll be able to consider competitive offers from some of Australia’s leading internet providers before you buy.

mobile phone icon

Compare any time, anywhere

You can compare plans 24/7 with our online form regardless of where in Australia you’re living.

Common questions about internet connections for gaming answered

What is the best internet speed for gaming?

The best internet speed for gaming largely depends on the type of games you play and your preferences as a gamer. If you need a high-speed connection, NBN 100 plans or higher may be what you’re after, while less hardcore gamers who live in small or single-person households may be able to get away with NBN 50 or slower in some cases. Assess your needs before you buy your plan.

Do I have to consider data caps when choosing my internet plan?

Yes – data caps matter for gaming, especially if you play regularly or download large game files. Most fixed line internet connections these days come with unlimited data as standard, as do many home wireless broadband connections, but it’s still important to consider this before you buy.

How do I optimise my internet for online gaming?

To optimise your internet for gaming, you can do the following:

  • Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi
  • Close background applications
  • Prioritise your gaming device in your router's settings
  • Ensure your router and modem are up to date
  • If using a wireless connection, ensure there’s minimal obstruction between your device and the distribution point
Can a VPN help with ping time?

In some cases, a VPN can reduce ping time by offering a more direct route to game servers or reducing congestion on your provider’s network. However, the impact varies depending on the VPN provider and server location. It's worth testing different VPNs to see if they improve your gaming experience.

Compare internet plans

Helpful guides on internet plans

Internet Banner - Young woman sitting on the couch looking at a tablet

FTTB NBN Explained

Find out more about FTTB connections on the NBN, how they work and their potential speeds. If you live in...

Internet Banner - A young woman using a tablet computer in a cafe

What is 5G?

5G is the latest in mobile technology available in Australia, providing better reception and faster internet. 5G is becoming more...

Internet Banner - Couple sitting on the couch looking at a tablet

What is the NBN?

The NBN is the newest fixed line internet infrastructure being rolled out by the Australian Government, transforming the online experience...

Internet Banner - Man sitting at a table on his laptop

How Fast is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband is essential for those who want internet on the go, but how fast is your connection? Mobile broadband...

Internet Banner - Couple sitting at the table together conducting an NBN speed test on their laptop

NBN Speed Test

Test the speed for your home or business NBN plan to find out your download and upload speeds, ping and...

Internet Banner - Young woman sitting at a table on her tablet

Cable Internet Plans

Find out more about cable internet plans, how they work and what your alternatives may be with Savvy. Cable internet...

Internet Banner - Woman looking at her laptop on a table in an airport

What is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband is a popular connection type for those who need internet on the go. Mobile broadband is the main...

Internet Banner - Worried young man looking at his phone

Why is My Internet So Slow?

Having a slow internet connection can be painful, so it’s important to understand why that might be and how to...

Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.

$50 Woolworths eGift card terms and conditions
  • The Promoter is CIMET Sales Pty Ltd ABN 72 620 395 726. Level 18/570 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000. Econnex Comparison is powered by CIMET.
  • Promotion available on qualifying Broadband Plan purchases between 1st February 2024 to 31st July 2024 (“Promotional Period”) and may be withdrawn at any time by Econnex Econnex Comparison retains the right to change or alter the terms of this offer.
  • You (“Customer”) will receive $50 worth of Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Econnex Comparison, subject to these Terms and Conditions.
  • Information on how to qualify to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card forms part of these Terms and Conditions. Participation in this promotion is considered acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Eligibility requirements
  • To be eligible to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards, you must purchase the Broadband Plan via the following link: https://app.econnex.com.au/broadband?rcCode=90709
  • You must switch to a new Broadband retailer. Customers who change plans via Econnex but remain with the same retailer will not be eligible.
  • Your Broadband Plan must be connected within 30 days from the date of purchase.
  • Eligible Recipients will receive the applicable Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards by email up to 120 days after purchasing the Broadband Plan.
  • Econnex Comparison is not liable if any Customer details supplied are incorrect.
  • Econnex Comparison is providing this offer in conjunction with the retail services offered on its platform.
  • Details of Econnex Comparison retailers can be found at the following link: https://www.econnex.com.au/approved-providers-list
  • You must be an Australian resident aged 18 or over. Econnex Comparison may request you to provide a copy of your valid ID for identification purposes.
  • The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards and Customer’s information (including the Customer’s identity, age and place of residence) and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who the Promoter has reason to believe has breached any of these Terms and Conditions, tampered with the claim process, or engaged in any unlawful or other improper misconduct calculated to jeopardise fair and proper conduct of the promotion.
  • Errors and omissions may be accepted at the Promoter's discretion. Failure by the Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
  • When the request for a connection cannot be completed, is unsuccessful, or a request is made for the cancellation of your Broadband Plan within the first 30 days from the date of connection, you will not be eligible to receive any gift card.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card is subject to any issuer Terms and Conditions.
  • Any ancillary costs with redeeming the gift cards are not included.
  • No responsibility is taken for any lost or stolen Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Cards.
  • If the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are unavailable, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards to a card with equivalent value, subject to directions from a regulatory authority.
  • If the offer is not able to be conducted as reasonably anticipated, due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to: technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the extent permitted by law: a. to disqualify any individual; or b. to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the promotion, as appropriate.
  • This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer from Econnex
Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions.
  • Econnex Comparison will transfer your Broadband Plan request and details to the selected retailer.
  • Econnex Comparison may contact you to clarify any details or discrepancies in the information you provided for your Broadband Plan purchase.
  • To cancel your request, you will need to contact the Broadband Plan retailer and inform them of your decision.
  • Please note that we do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands.
  • If you have any inquiries regarding your Broadband Plan purchase, you can contact us directly at 1800 013 000 or email us at [email protected]
  • Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions: https://www.econnex.com.au/terms-and-conditions/
  • By participating in this promotion, the individual authorises the Promoter to collect, hold, use and disclose their personal information in accordance with Econnex’s privacy policy, including providing such information to third parties such as contractors, service providers, suppliers and where required or authorised by law. Econnex’s Privacy policy can be found at https://www.econnex.com.au/privacy-policy
  • Econnex may, unless the individual tells us not to, use the information to communicate with them by mail or electronically by, for example, email, phone, SMS to issue direct marketing and commercial communications telemarketing calls.
  • To opt out of direct marketing access, update, or correct personal information you may contact us at [email protected]
Other Information
  • Woolworths Group Ltd ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card but is not the Promoter of the offer nor responsible for fulfillment of the offer terms.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards have a fixed term expiry as displayed on the front of the gift card and are redeemable in-store and online at Woolworths Supermarket stores only.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are valid for 3 months from the issue date and Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are not reloadable or redeemable for cash.
  • Econnex Comparison and Woolworths will not replace, expired, lost, stolen, or deleted Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards.
  • Check your Spam/junk email if you have not received a Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card in your inbox within 120 days after activation of your Energy, Electricity or Gas Plan.
  • Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Card is sent via email from [email protected] or [email protected]
  • For enquiries related to the application, gift cards, or adding or removing any details on the application, please contact the Econnex Comparison at 1800 013 000 or e-mail us at [email protected]
  • For the balance and transactions history on this Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card and Woolworths Terms and Conditions visit https://woolworths.com.au/giftcards or call 1300 101 234.

1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

Savvy logo

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

Savvy logo

1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

Internet - Compare Broadband & NBN Plans

We'd love to chat, how can we help?

By clicking "Submit", you agree to be contacted by a Savvy Agency Owner and to receive communications from Savvy which you can unsubscribe from at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.