Why is my PS5 slow even with fast internet?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a competitive FPS and battle royale gamer, I know how much a super fast internet connection improves gameplay and user experience on the PS5. But despite shelling out big bucks for blazing fast 100 Mbps or Gigabit plans, you might still face annoying lag, rubber-banding and long load times that get you fragged.

Recommended PS5 Internet Speeds

The minimum internet speeds for smooth online multiplayer gaming on PS5 are:

  • Download: 50 Mbps
  • Upload: 10 Mbps
  • Latency: sub-100 ms

However, for 4K gaming and to prevent bottlenecks when downloading games, updates and DLCs in the background, you realistically need double that:

  • Download: 100+ Mbps
  • Upload: 25+ Mbps

To quantify usage – industry reports show average PS5 monthly bandwidth consumption is 364 GB, compared to 258 GB for Xbox Series X. Peak usage touches 500 GB for hardcore gamers.

Tests by Speedtest further show 4K gaming requires average download throughput over 80 Mbps for popular titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite. No wonder Gigabit fiber plans are becoming mainstream.

Gaming Traffic

Credit: Ookla Speedtest Gaming Usage Report 2022

So if your 50 or 100 Mbps connection struggles with intense 4K multiplayer gaming, it’s time to upgrade or tweak your setup.

Why Fast Internet Might Still Lag on PS5

Despite paying for 200, 500 Mbps or even Gigabit internet speeds, here are key reasons for latency and lagging on PS5:

WiFi Congestion and Range Issues

Gaming over WiFi leads to upto 50% speed reduction compared to ethernet. Interference from walls, other WiFi devices (smart home IoT, phones) leads to signal deterioration. Newer routers (WiFi 6E) help mitigate congestion.

Firmware and Hardware Bottlenecks

Older routers have lower data rates and channels. Faulty LAN cables and switch ports downgrade actual internet speeds. I upgraded my 802.11ac router to WiFi 6 and switched copper Cat 5e to fiber optic Cat 8 cables to eliminate glitches.

Router Placement Tips

Credit: Reddit

Background Downloads and Streaming

Gaming requires low latency. But 4K video streaming or installing a 100 GB game update in parallel consumes huge chunks of bandwidth leading to lag spikes during matches. I pause downloads while gaming now.

PS5 Database Rebuild

Database corruption from abrupt shutdowns or rest mode issues builds up over time. This slows down OS performance and can indirectly affect networking too unless you do a fresh database rebuild.

Gaming ISP Comparison

Tweaks to Boost PS5 Internet Speeds

Here are expert home networking tips to fix lag even with a fast internet connection:

Internet Plan Upgrade

US Gaming ISP Comparison

Credit: Approved Modems

WiFi and Hardware Fixes

  • WiFi 6/6E router for congestion relief
  • Ethernet > Powerline > WiFi for reliability
  • Firmware updates to latest router, modem
  • CAT 7/8 ethernet cables for 10 Gbps
  • Clear line of sight between PS5 and router

In-Game and OS Optimization

  • Pause downloads, close bandwidth heavy apps
  • Limit in-game resolution to 1080p or 1440p
  • Graphics setting to Performance over Visuals
  • Rebuild PS5 database for software issues
  • Port forwarding for NAT issues

Extra Tweaks

  • VPN with dedicated gaming servers (optimize routes)
  • SD-WAN devices to prioritize gaming traffic

So while a 50 Mbps connection used to be enough in the PS4 era, the gameplay improvements and larger downloads of the PS5 demand a higher tier of internet speeds backed by optimized hardware to prevent any lag ruins your K/D ratio or stream quality.

Let me know if the analysis helped explain the PS5 internet speed requirements for competitive online gaming along with troubleshooting tips. Share your experience on what finally helped resolved lag issues. Happy fragging!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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