Latency and ping: What do they actually mean?
Latency is the total time it takes for data to travel from your device to a game server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower latency means faster communication between your device and the server, which translates directly to more responsive gameplay.
Is ping the same as latency?
Ping and latency are often used interchangeably, and for practical purposes they refer to the same thing: how long a round trip takes between your device and the server. Ping is simply the tool used to measure that delay.
What causes high latency?
The most common causes of higher latency are a weak Wi-Fi signal, network congestion from multiple devices, a slow or outdated router, and physical distance from game servers. Your internet plan might also be a factor if your internet service provider’s network is congested during peak hours.
What Is a good latency for gaming?
When it comes to online gaming, maintaining low latency is critical for an optimal gameplay experience. The lower the number, the faster your inputs reach the game server and come back.
Anything below 50ms is considered low latency for gaming. This is the point at which your connection will feel fast and responsive. At 20ms or below, gameplay feels nearly instant. Conversely, at 100ms or higher, you will experience noticeable delay. If your actions feel off, your gameplay feels sluggish, or it feels like your are consistently getting out-played, latency could be the problem.
- For casual online games, anything under 100ms is generally playable. Slower-paced titles like turn-based games or casual co-op are more forgiving of higher latency than real-time multiplayer games.
- For competitive games like Valorant, Call of Duty, or Fortnite, aim for 50ms or lower. At this level, your inputs register fast enough that skill, not connection speed, determines performance.
- Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now are especially sensitive to latency because all processing happens on a remote server. For a smooth cloud gaming experience, 30 to 40ms or lower is recommended.
How to test your latency
If you suspect you are experiencing unusually high latency while gaming, running an internet speed test is a good place to start. A speed test will measure and reveal ping along with upload and download speeds. Run the test with your gaming device connected via ethernet for the most accurate reading. Run the test at least twice.
Testing at different times of day and from different locations in your home can provide a more complete picture of your connection’s performance. For the most accurate results, try disconnecting other active devices or connecting your computer directly to your modem or gateway with an ethernet cable before running the test.
Curious where you stand? Run a quick speed test, and see how your connection compares to Gig speed from Xfinity Internet.
Checking latency in-game
Most games have a built-in network display you can enable in settings. In Fortnite, for example, you can show network stats in the HUD. This gives you a real-time view of your ping during actual gameplay, which is more useful than a standalone speed test.
How to ensure low latency for gaming
Reduce network congestion
Other devices on your network compete for bandwidth and can push your latency up, especially during peak hours. Pause large downloads, limit video streaming on other devices while gaming, and consider scheduling automatic updates for off-peak times.
Upgrade your router
An older router can become a bottleneck even on a high-speed internet plan. A modern router with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E support handles more simultaneous devices with less interference, which helps keep latency stable during heavy household use.
Connect to closer game servers
Most games let you choose your server region. Selecting a server closer to your physical location shortens the distance data has to travel, which directly reduces latency. If you are on the East Coast, connecting to an East Coast server instead of a European one can cut your ping significantly.
Switch to a wired connection
A wired ethernet connection is the single most effective way to reduce latency. Wi-Fi introduces interference and inconsistency that a cable does not. If your router is far from your gaming setup, a powerline adapter or MoCA adapter can extend a wired connection without running cables through walls.
Latency vs. speed: Which matters more for gaming?
You can have a Gig internet plan and still experience high latency if your routing is poor, your Wi-Fi signal is weak, or game servers are far away. Speed determines how much data your connection can handle. Latency determines how fast that data travels.
For most gaming setups, especially those that also involve streaming, voice chat, or multiple devices, you need sufficient speed and low latency. A plan with fast upload and download speeds reduces the risk of congestion, which in turn helps keep latency stable.
Get low latency gaming with Xfinity Internet
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Finding an internet plan that fits your needs
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