How to reduce internet lag for gaming and streaming

Nothing ruins a winning streak like lag. Whether you’re deep into a high-stakes match or binging your favourite show, buffering wheels and delayed responses can turn excitement into frustration fast.

The good news? Lag isn’t something you just have to live with. In most cases, there are practical ways to fix or at least reduce it. If you’re gaming online or streaming in HD or 4K, a smooth connection makes all the difference and we’re here to help you get it.

Let’s break down what causes lag and what you can do to keep your internet fast, stable and ready for anything.

Understanding what internet lag really is

Lag is the delay between an action and its result. In gaming, it could be when you press a button and your character moves a second later, while in streaming, it shows up as buffering, low video quality or pauses in playback.

Lag is usually caused by:

• High latency: this refers to the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the server and back. If you’d like to find out more, read through our guide on the differences between latency and bandwidth and here is comprehensive information on how latency affects everything from video calls to online trading.
• Low bandwidth: can cause not enough data capacity to handle what you’re doing.
• Network congestion: is when there are too many devices or users on the same connection.
• Wi-Fi interference: such as walls, microwaves or other devices.
• Outdated equipment: like old routers or modems.

Now, let’s fix it.

Top tips for reducing internet lag

1. Choose the right internet plan

Let’s start with the foundation – your internet plan. If you’re gaming or streaming regularly, your plan should give you:

• At least 30 Mbps for HD streaming
• 50+ Mbps for 4K streaming
• 100+ Mbps if multiple people/devices are connected

Gamers also benefit from low latency, not just high speed. If your plan delivers solid download/upload rates but you’re still lagging, check for plans with low ping or gaming optimisation.

Our flagship Giga 1000 Mbps option gives you ultra‑fast fibre speeds that make it easy to stream multiple 4 K videos, game online and video‑chat all at once without one hogging the bandwidth. It includes a free Smart Wi‑Fi Starter Kit (with a Nokia modem and beacons) so every corner of your home is covered. This can be particularly important when you want to plug in a console in your bedroom, but your router is in the living room.

If you’re looking for even more head‑room, especially in homes with multiple gamers, streamers and smart devices, our 5 GIG internet option is built for that kind of load. It offers next‑generation speeds, ultra‑smooth streaming, rapid downloads and uploads and consistent performance even during peak hours. In addition, the Wi‑Fi 7 Nokia modem, which is included in the plan, means your wireless gear is capable too, so your console isn’t held back by outdated hardware. And because lag and buffering often happen when many devices are vying for connection, this plan keeps everyone in the house happy without making you compromise.

2. Use a wired connection where you can

Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always the most stable, especially for gaming. Even the best Wi-Fi can’t match the direct speed and reliability of a cable. In fact, a wired Ethernet connection gives you lower latency, faster, more consistent speeds and no interference from walls or devices. If you’re gaming on a console or PC, plug it directly into the router. The same goes for smart TVs or streaming boxes if they’re close enough.

If going wired isn’t an option, make your Wi-Fi as strong as possible by:

• Placing your router in a central, elevated spot.
• Avoid placing it behind walls or metal objects.
• Using the 5GHz band for faster speeds if your device supports it.
• Switching to a less crowded channel via your router’s settings.

A few minutes of adjustment can make a world of difference.

3. Try mesh Wi-Fi for big homes

Got a large or multi-storey house? Or perhaps a house of character with thick walls? Wi-Fi dead zones can be a big reason for lag. The solution? A mesh Wi-Fi system that uses multiple nodes to blanket your home in signal. Instead of relying on a single router, you get a seamless, strong connection wherever you are, eliminating any weak spots.

A mesh system can be particularly helpful for:

• Gaming in bedrooms or converted rooms
• Streaming on devices far from the router
• Families with smart TVs, tablets and consoles in every corner

Discover more about the importance of setting up the right home network.

4. Reduce background traffic

Every device on your network competes for bandwidth. Which means that even the best connection will slow down if too many devices are pulling data at once. To instantly notice a smoother performance, follow these steps:

• Close Unused Apps or Tabs: Make sure you’re not downloading files, running cloud backups or streaming music on another device while gaming or streaming. These background processes quietly eat up bandwidth.
• Pause Updates: System or app updates can happen automatically, right in the middle of your game or movie. Turn off auto-updates during peak hours or schedule them for late at night.

5. Update your router firmware

Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve performance and fix bugs. To update yours, simply log into your router’s admin panel and check for updates. While it’s a simple step, many people often overlook this. But it’s not just about your firmware. Your devices also play a role. If your console, TV or PC is running outdated software, it can cause performance issues, so make sure your console or PC’s graphics and network drivers are updated and install software updates regularly.

Advanced solutions for hardcore gamers and streamers

1. Prioritise your devices with QoS

Most modern routers have a Quality of Service (QoS) feature. This lets you prioritise bandwidth for certain devices or apps. This means that with QoS, you can tell your router to give your console top priority when you’re gaming and not let other devices slow down your stream. This is especially useful in homes where multiple people are using the internet at the same time. QoS is usually easy to set up and can make a big difference so your first step in doing so is to check your router’s app or settings page. You can also enable port forwarding for specific games to improve connectivity.

2. Use a gaming VPN

VPNs aren’t just for security. They can sometimes improve latency by providing a more direct route to gaming servers. What’s more, these are built for speed, with servers placed near major game hubs. But not all VPNs are created equal. Free or low-quality VPNs can actually make things worse so use them only when you notice that your default route is causing high ping or lag spikes and it’s best to use them only if you’re accessing geo-restricted content or need an extra layer of privacy.

Here is everything there is to know about VPNs.

3. Use the nearest server for gamers

Does distance from the server matter? Absolutely, especially in online gaming. The closer you are to the game or stream server, the lower your latency will be. When given the option, always select a server in Europe or even specifically in or near Malta. Some games do this automatically, but others let you choose. And remember, lower ping = faster reactions.

Reducing internet lag doesn’t require fancy tech skills, just a few smart adjustments. From plugging in an Ethernet cable to fine-tuning your Wi-Fi, every step counts toward a smoother, more enjoyable online experience. So grab your controller, queue up your favourite show and say goodbye to buffering and lag spikes, your connection’s about to feel brand new.

Want to find out more about internet speed. And here is a range of internet-related guides and ‘how tos’.