When it comes to gaming, nothing kills the fun faster than lag. A split-second delay can mean the difference between winning and losing. So, what’s the best way to ensure smooth gameplay—WiFi or Ethernet? Let’s break down the differences between these two types of internet connections and help you determine which is the better choice for your gaming setup.
WiFi offers convenience, but at a cost
WiFi allows you to connect to the internet wirelessly through a router, allowing you to move freely around your home without being tied down by cables. This flexibility is a significant benefit for everyday browsing, streaming and even casual gaming. However, for serious gamers, WiFi’s convenience comes with a few drawbacks:
Signal interference: WiFi signals can be weakened or blocked by physical objects like walls, floors, furniture and even other electronic devices like microwaves or phones. This can disrupt the signal strength, causing slower speeds, unstable connections or even brief disconnects during crucial gaming moments. For gamers, this means potential lag or loss of connection at the worse possible times. For many gamers, this is an absolute deal-breaker.
Latency (Ping): Latency is the time it takes for your device to send a command to the game server and receive a response. Wireless connections tend to introduce more delays due to signal interference and the need for data to travel through airwaves rather than a direct wired connection. Higher latency, also known as “ping,” can cause significant delays between your actions and what happens in-game — turning a smooth gaming experience into a frustrating, delayed mess. This is especially problematic in fast-paced or competitive games where split-second reactions can mean life or death (for your avatar, not you).
Packet loss: Data is transmitted across the internet in small units called packets, which carry bits of information from your device to the game server. When the connection quality is poor, some of these packets may fail to arrive at their destination, leading to packet loss. For gamers, packet loss can result in random lag spikes, delayed actions or even complete disconnection from the game, ruining the overall experience.
Inconsistent speed: WiFi speeds can vary wildly, fluctuating based on how far you are from the router, the number of devices connected to the network and interference from other signals. This inconsistency can make gaming over WiFi unreliable, as speeds might drop unexpectedly during critical moments, causing lag, freezing or delays in online multiplayer games. This makes maintaining smooth, uninterrupted gameplay a challenge.
How to improve your WiFi for gaming
If Ethernet isn’t an option for you and you must use WiFi, there are steps you can take to optimize your connection for gaming:
Get closer to the router: The further away you are from your router, the weaker your WiFi signal becomes. By positioning yourself as close as possible to the router, you can reduce these issues and improve your overall gaming performance. Ideally, you should set up your gaming device in the same room as the router for the best possible signal strength and stability.
Upgrade your router: Not all routers are created equal. If you’re experiencing lag or slow speeds, upgrading to a high-quality, modern router — especially one with the upcoming WiFi 7 standard — can make a huge difference. These newer models offer faster speeds, better range and improved efficiency in handling multiple devices at once, ensuring a smoother gaming experience even when you’re on WiFi.
Reduce interference: To minimize interference, place your router in an open, central location and keep it away from devices like microwaves, cordless phones or baby monitors, which can cause signal degradation. For even better results, consider using a dual-band or tri-band router and dedicate one band specifically for gaming, freeing up bandwidth and reducing traffic on your main connection.
Limit other devices from network use: To ensure optimal gaming performance, disconnect any devices that aren’t in use, such as phones, tablets or smart home gadgets. This will free up bandwidth and allow your gaming device to take full advantage of the available speed, reducing the risk of lag caused by other devices hogging the network. You can also set up Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize gaming traffic over less critical devices.
So, which one is better for gaming?
If you’re a serious gamer (like, really serious), Ethernet is the way to go. Its lower latency, more stable speeds and reduced packet loss simply offers a better, more reliable gaming experience than WiFi can provide.
Having said that, for casual gamers, WiFi still offers a solid gaming experience, especially with newer technologies like WiFi 7, which offers faster speeds and lower latency compared to older WiFi standards.
Final thoughts: Choose what works best for you
Ultimately, whether you use WiFi or Ethernet comes down to your gaming habits and living situation. If you’re a competitive gamer or just want the most reliable experience possible, Ethernet is your best bet. But if you prefer the freedom of wireless gaming and are willing to invest in a good router and optimize your setup, WiFi can still deliver a good gaming experience.
Whatever you decide, Ziply Fiber’s high-speed internet will ensure you’re getting the best possible performance. Whether you’re gaming via WiFi or Ethernet, our reliable fiber-optic connection will keep you in the game without buffering or lag.
Stay connected, stay competitive — choose Ziply Fiber.
