Wi-Fi vs Ethernet for Streaming: Which Should You Use?

For most households, Wi-Fi is perfectly capable of handling streaming. Ethernet becomes worth the extra cable when distance, walls, or multiple simultaneous streams start working against your wireless signal.

When Wi-Fi is fine

If your streaming device is in the same room as your router, or close to it with a clear line of sight, Wi-Fi should easily keep up with a single stream.

When Ethernet is worth it

• Your TV is on a different floor or far from the router
• You regularly see buffering during peak hours
• Several devices in the household stream at the same time

A middle ground: mesh Wi-Fi

If running a cable isn't practical, a mesh Wi-Fi system can close most of the gap — see our guide on mesh Wi-Fi for streaming.

Confirm the basics either way

Whichever connection type you use, confirm your overall speed is adequate for the resolution you're streaming at — our guide on internet speed for streaming has the numbers.