We recommend at least 10 Mbps for HD, 16 Mbps for Full HD and 25 Mbps for 4K – per stream, measured steadily on the device you watch on. Your broadband package is only the ceiling; what counts is what reaches the TV at 9 pm.
Quick answer
| Quality | Recommended per stream | Typical screens |
|---|---|---|
| HD (720p) | 10 Mbps | phones, tablets, small TVs |
| Full HD (1080p) | 16 Mbps | most TVs |
| 4K (2160p) | 25 Mbps | 4K TVs with a 4K-capable device |
These figures include headroom. Streams vary with the picture: fast football needs more data than a news studio, and the headroom keeps peaks smooth.
Add up your household
Streams add together. A typical evening:
- living room: football in 4K → 25 Mbps
- bedroom: a series in Full HD → 16 Mbps
- phones and laptops: browsing and short videos → about 5 Mbps
About 46 Mbps in total. A 50 Mbps package would be nearly full – and a big game download would tip it over. That's where priority settings on your hub help: see router and Wi-Fi settings for IPTV.
What UK broadband types usually deliver
- ADSL (copper all the way): often too slow for Full HD, let alone 4K, depending on distance from the exchange.
- Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC, "superfast"): commonly enough for one or two Full HD streams; varies with line length.
- Cable (Virgin Media) and full fibre (FTTP): plenty for several 4K streams – the limit is usually the Wi-Fi.
Your provider's estimated speed for your address is a good starting point, but always test.
How to measure properly
- Test on the device itself. Smart TVs often have a network test in settings; on Firestick and Android TV install a speed-test app. A laptop next to the hub tells you little about the TV two rooms away.
- Test at peak time – between 8 and 10 pm.
- Test three times across an evening; one reading can mislead.
- Look at stability. A steady 20 Mbps beats a reading that jumps between 5 and 60.
If the numbers are fine but the picture still stutters, follow the buffering fixes.
Wi-Fi or cable?
- Ethernet: the full speed and, crucially, a steady connection – best for 4K and sport.
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi: good near the hub.
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi: often enough for HD, frequently the cause of buffering at Full HD and 4K.
Mobile data
IPTV works on 4G and 5G too, but watch your allowance: an hour of Full HD can use several gigabytes. Choose a lower quality on the move.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 Mbps enough for IPTV?
For one HD stream on a stable line, usually yes. Not for Full HD on several screens or for 4K.
Do I need full fibre for 4K?
No. Any connection that reliably delivers around 25 Mbps to the TV, with headroom for the rest of the house, will do. How broadband TV compares with Freeview and satellite is covered in IPTV vs cable vs satellite.
How can I check my line works with KIVARO?
Use the free 24-hour trial on your own TV, at the times you usually watch.