How to improve your gaming latency (2024)

Latency (also called "ping") is the more technical term for lag, which is when you experience response delays during gaming. High latency means more lag, which everyone knows makes gaming way less enjoyable. Low latency means less lag and smoother gameplay.

Generally, when you test your ping, an acceptable number is anywhere around 40 to 60 milliseconds (ms) or lower, while a speed of over 100 ms will usually mean a noticeable lag in gaming. Essentially, you want the latency from your gaming device to the internet server to be as close to 0 ms as possible, as this means it takes little to no time for one device to respond to another.

How to improve your gaming latency (2024)

FAQs

How to improve your gaming latency? ›

Low latency is ideal as this means you are experiencing smoother gameplay. Generally, an acceptable latency (or ping) is anywhere around 40 – 60 milliseconds (ms) or lower, while a speed of over 100ms will usually mean a noticeable lag in gaming.

What is good latency for gaming? ›

Low latency is ideal as this means you are experiencing smoother gameplay. Generally, an acceptable latency (or ping) is anywhere around 40 – 60 milliseconds (ms) or lower, while a speed of over 100ms will usually mean a noticeable lag in gaming.

Why is my game latency so high? ›

The more devices connected to your network, the heavier the internet traffic, and the less smooth your data's journey to and from the gaming server, meaning more latency and higher ping. Disconnecting other devices from your network will improve ping by freeing up bandwidth.

Is 50 ms latency good for gaming? ›

A ping rate over 150 milliseconds (ms) will generate noticeable lag, and this will definitely affect gameplay, graphics, and an ability to stream watchable content to Twitch. Anything less than that should be ok. A ping rate under 50 ms is fantastic and is desirable for professional gamers.

Is 35 ms latency good? ›

Latency is measured in milliseconds, and indicates the quality of your connection within your network. Anything at 100ms or less is considered acceptable for gaming. However, 20-40ms is optimal.

Is 19 ms latency good? ›

A good ping speed typically ranges between 10-20ms for professional gamers. Although a perfectly average ping for gaming is around 20-50ms. It's important to consider that the lower your ping, the faster your connection and the more competitively you can play.

How do I lower my game latency? ›

Disable Wi-Fi or Network Activity: If you're not using network-dependent applications, consider temporarily disabling Wi-Fi or unplugging the Ethernet cable to reduce network-related latency. Optimize Audio Settings: If you're dealing with audio latency, adjust your audio settings.

How do I get rid of game latency? ›

Playing on a server in your country or side of your country can significantly decrease your ping. The closer the server is to you, the better. A router that has been on and in use for a while can become strained. Restarting your router can help to refresh your internet connection and can improve latency.

Can you eliminate latency? ›

Although data on the Internet travels at the speed of light, the effects of distance and delays caused by Internet infrastructure equipment mean that latency can never be eliminated completely. It can and should, however, be minimized.

Is 40 ms latency good for gaming? ›

Good Ping for Gaming: Ideally around 40ms to 60ms or lower. Below 20ms provides an exceptional experience, while above 100ms can hinder gameplay. Optimization: Enhance gameplay by adjusting connection methods, updating drivers, and choosing geographically closer game servers.

Is 0 ping possible? ›

In a nutshell, in real life, a 0 ping is nearly impossible. But you can get a ping that is close to 0 by making some efforts.

Is Bluetooth 5.3 low latency? ›

The low latency and strong anti-interference are most directly reflected in the gaming experience. For users who prefer to play games with truly wireless headphones, the new Bluetooth 5.3 better reduces sound transmission latency.

Is 20 ms latency good for gaming? ›

Latency: Represents the total time for data to travel between sender and receiver, including all potential delays. Good Ping for Gaming: Ideally around 40ms to 60ms or lower. Below 20ms provides an exceptional experience, while above 100ms can hinder gameplay.

Is 70 ms latency good? ›

High latency means more lag, which everyone knows makes gaming way less enjoyable. Low latency means less lag and smoother gameplay. Generally, when you test your ping, an acceptable number is anywhere around 40 to 60 milliseconds (ms) or lower, while a speed of over 100 ms will usually mean a noticeable lag in gaming.

Is 10ms latency good? ›

While we have a longer discussion on the topic, the short answer is you should expect to see 1ms of latency for every 60 miles between you and your endpoint, plus a base latency added by the type of connection you have: 0-10ms for T1. 5-40ms for cable internet. 10-70ms for DSL.

Is 30 latency good for gaming? ›

Under 20 ms: Your ping is ideal and your game almost lag-free. 20 to 50 ms: You should be able to play mostly undisturbed. 50 to 100 ms: A noticeable disadvantage in the response time can arise in fast online games. 100 to 150 ms: Noticeable delays can be expected in all online games.

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