How much NBN speed do you need for IPTV?
Plan enough internet speed for each stream, plus room for the rest of your household. As a guide, allow around 10–15 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps or more for 4K per stream; actual results depend on the source, device and network.
Estimate your household use
Two TVs streaming at the same time need more bandwidth than one. Phones, video calls, games and downloads also share your NBN connection. If possible, test the connection in the room where you watch.
Check Wi-Fi before changing plans
- Run a speed test on the TV or streaming device during busy hours.
- Move the router or device to improve signal strength.
- Try Ethernet to see if Wi-Fi is the bottleneck.
- Repeat the test and compare results over time.
If your setup includes multiple TVs, compare device options and pricing before you choose a subscription.
Quick reference: speed per stream
| Quality | Suggested for IPTV (our guide) | Netflix minimum for comparison |
|---|---|---|
| HD | 10-15 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| 4K Ultra HD | 25 Mbps or more | 15 Mbps |
Live streams cannot buffer minutes ahead like on-demand apps, so we suggest more headroom than Netflix's minimums. NBN Co notes that real-world speeds depend on your equipment, plan, device age and how many people are online, so test at the TV in the evening. See also what you need for 4K IPTV streaming.
