Does Streaming Use More Internet than Gaming?

The internet has become a component of our day-to-day existence nowadays. We use it for viewing television, playing games, studying, and more. Among the most employed activities are watching videos and online game playing.

But did you ever think about which one uses more internet data? Let's explain it step by step in easy words.

What Happens When You View Content Online?

Streaming is when you hear or see something on the internet but don't actually download it first. It just provides you with little pieces of the audio or video as you listen or watch.

Some common examples of streaming are:

• Streaming movies or TV shows from Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+.

• Viewing YouTube videos

• Live webcasts of sports games or concerts

• Spotify or Apple Music listening to music.

When one streams, especially in high definition, large amounts of internet data are consumed in presenting the content in a seamless and interruption-free format.

How Much Information Does Streaming Use?

The volume of data you consume while streaming largely relies on the video or audio quality.

Here's a rough idea:

• Standard Definition (SD - 480p): Approximately 1 GB per hour

• High Definition (HD - 720p to 1080p): Approximately 3 GB per hour.

• Ultra High Definition (4K): More than 7 GB per hour.

Important points to note:

• Improved quality requires more data.

• 4K viewing can consume the most data.

• Viewing continuously for hours can easily exhaust your internet subscription.

What Do You Do When You Play Online?

Online gaming operates differently than streaming.

When you game, you essentially send small signals such as moves, actions, or messages. Most of the graphics, sound, and designs are already present in your game.

Common web-based gaming activities:

• Internet multiplayer games such as PUBG, Fortnite, or Call of Duty.

• Playing simple games such as Candy Crush or Ludo

• Joining online tournaments

The amount of data used for gaming is much smaller than the amount used for streaming video.

How Much Data Does Gaming Use?

Playing online video games typically does not consume much internet.

Here's a rough idea:

• Casual games consume around 40 MB to 150 MB per hour.

• Action or shooting games: Approximately 80 MB to 250 MB per hour

• Massive multiplayer online games (MMOs): Approximately 100 MB to 300 MB per hour

Points to be noted:

• Playing games online for hours doesn't use much data.

• Games consume more internet only when you download or update them.

• Sometimes people play games and get paid on gaming sites. The games also use negligible internet unless you are downloading files or updates.

When Does Gaming Use More Internet?

Although playing games consumes minimal data, there are instances when gaming consumes a great deal of internet.

Excessive use of data is when:

• New game download: New games are now 50 GB or larger.

• Installing updates: Updates for games can be between 1 GB and 10 GB or even more.

• Voice chatting: Voice chatting on platforms such as Discord while gaming consumes more data.

• Streaming gameplay: If you play games and earn rewards for your game live on platforms like Twitch, it will use a lot of internet, just like video streaming. This is especially true for online platforms such as www.bountygame.org, where players can play and stream simultaneously.

Methods of Preserving Internet Information

Some of the ways that you can utilize less data when gaming or streaming include:

While Streaming:

• Look in SD quality instead of HD or 4K.

• Download episodes over Wi-Fi and play offline.

• Disable autoplay for apps like YouTube and Netflix.

During Gaming:

• Turn off automatic game updates.

• Download large games and updates using Wi-Fi.

• Use voice chat only when needed. By following these easy steps, you will have more fun without the hassle of your internet being down. 

Final Thoughts 

Viewing internet videos tends to consume much more internet than computer games. Videos, particularly high-definition videos, require a steady massive volume of data. If you want to save the internet, gaming is a better option.