Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi can deliver plenty of speed for streaming, but they behave differently under real-world conditions.
Why Ethernet is more consistent
A wired connection isn't affected by interference, wall thickness, or distance from the router the way Wi-Fi is. For devices near your router, it's the most reliable option available.
When Wi-Fi is the practical choice
Most households can't wire every device. Modern 5GHz Wi-Fi handles streaming well for devices that aren't too far from the router — see our router guide for placement tips.
| Factor | Ethernet | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Very high | Good, variable with distance |
| Setup effort | Requires a cable run | None |
| Interference | None | Possible from other devices |
If you're troubleshooting buffering right now, see our buffering checklist.