Wi-Fi vs. Cellular: Which is Best for Gaming?

Whether it’s mobile gaming or streaming on a gaming PC, we can agree that having lags is menacing. That’s why having the right kind of internet connection is important so that you can play without any hassle. But between Wi-Fi and cellular internet, which is better for gaming?

Difference Between Wi-Fi and Cellular Connectivity

To pick the right option for your gaming needs, you need to understand the difference between the two technologies. Below is how Wi-Fi and cellular internet connectivity work:

Wi-Fi Internet

Short for Wireless Fidelity, Wi-Fi is the modern technology that allows users to connect to the internet on their smartphones, laptops, PCs, and other devices. You can use a Wi-Fi connection to wirelessly connect to the internet.

A Wi-Fi connection uses radio waves for the transmission of data. An internet router is needed to emit signals that users can connect to with their devices. Using these signals, users can send and receive data.

Based on the router’s performance, the signal strength can vary; a good router can emit signals further. For recommendations, you can connect with Xfinity Internet and get a good speed internet plan alongside xFi Gateway.

Cellular Internet

Also known as Mobile Data, cellular internet uses the wireless infrastructure used by mobile phone companies to emit signals and allow connectivity. Just like Wi-Fi, the users would need a SIM card to use a provider’s network and then after paying for a mobile data plan, use the internet.

Using the infrastructure of the cell towers, the cellular network forms the mobile network, which then allows users to connect to the internet. Based on the technology used, it can be 3G, 4G, or even 5G if the communication and service are available in your area.

Wi-Fi vs. Cellular – Which is Best for Gaming?

Now it’s time to check which is better for gaming, a Wi-Fi connection or a cellular one. We’re dividing the contest into different categories that will make it easier to know which is the better one. So, let’s check it out:

Speed and Reliability

When it comes to gaming, there are no compromises on the speed and reliability of the connection you’re using. A slight lag, and your gaming experience will be ruined. Plus, if you’re streaming alongside, then having a stable internet connection is utmost important.

We can say that having a Wi-Fi connection is a popular choice for many gamers. Not only does it offer good speed internet but you can depend upon it for stability. Moreover, if you’re using a fiber internet connection, you can expect good-speed internet throughout the experience. Also, you can connect several other devices; however, to have a seamless internet experience, you can divide the bandwidth between the devices.

On the other hand, a cellular network is reliable only when you’re using 4G or 5G technology. 5G isn’t mainstream and not present everywhere, which is why users have to depend upon the use of 4G technology.

4G LTE to be exact, users can expect the same level of speed as with a 1000 Mbps Wi-Fi connection. The only concerning thing is the consistent connectivity that you might not get with your cellular network but will get with Wi-Fi.

Data Caps and Usage Limit

Another concerning factor when it comes to finding the right internet connection for gaming is the data cap. Most providers often place a data cap so that they can entertain clients on a shared network.

This is true for both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. However, you can get more data with a Wi-Fi network, than a cellular one. Also, you’ll need to determine the number of lines you want as well as the type of plan (prepaid or postpaid) with a cellular network.

Moreover, with Wi-Fi, you can either get a no-data cap plan or a high data cap plan, unless you’re using a satellite network. In other words, you would face a data cap issue with a cellular network more often than a Wi-Fi network.

Since Wi-Fi can be connected to several devices simultaneously, you can expect a Wi-Fi network to be more beneficial than a cellular network.

Latency

Latency, lags, ping; different names but the same hassle is every gamer’s nightmare. When gaming, you need to ensure that you’re getting an internet that comes with minimal lags and ping rate.

When it comes to latency, you can expect a Wi-Fi connection to offer better performance than a cellular network in terms of minimizing the lag. This is possible due to modern internet routers that have a 5 GHz band, enabling maximum speed.

Hence, you can enjoy fast-paced gaming performance without threatening lags with a Wi-Fi connection. As for the cellular network, the first problem occurs when you’re using your cellular connection to play games.

For starters, if you have a connection on your phone, connecting your devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot increases latency. Since you’re acquiring signals from a cell tower, this included with a Wi-Fi hotspot automatically adds to the latency, making things worse.

Unless you’re using 4G LTE or 5G, a cellular network will produce more lags and cause latency issues than a Wi-Fi connection. Hence, it’s better to get a Wi-Fi connection for gaming instead of a cellular network.

Distance and Flexibility of Use

If we consider modern-day gaming, almost all gamers have a gaming setup at home. Whether it’s a console-based gaming system or a PC-based, gamers create a gaming den that they can head to and play games without any issue.

In such a case, having a Wi-Fi connection is far better than a cellular network. For instance, a Wi-Fi router using a fiber internet connection can be placed in the gaming den to connect all devices easily. Moreover, you can even set up an Ethernet network and connect your primary playing devices for optimal speed.

On the other hand, you can’t get such perks with a cellular network. If you’ve set up your gaming den in the basement, then you’ll definitely lose signals there. However, the perk that you get with a cellular network is that you can easily get a network on the go.

Instead of connecting to insecure Wi-Fi hotspots, you can simply use your cellular network to connect and play games. In addition, using a 5G network is a good option as it will allow gaming along with endless streaming (mind the data cap) while traveling.

Flexibility of Plans and Devices

Gamers prefer using a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection so that lags can be minimized. Moreover, a plan can be extended by contacting your internet provider. In addition, you can even extend the speed by opting for a high-tier plan.

On the other hand, you can face data caps as well as overages with cellular internet. Moreover, if you’re using a single line, you might not be able to get optimum access for multiple devices.

Apart from this, you can even get a Wi-Fi connection with a router from the provider. If you want, you can get a gaming Wi-Fi router that would provide boosted coverage and performance, leading to mitigation of dead zones.

Hence, if you’re into professional gaming and want to engage in streaming as well, then opting for a cellular network is not recommended. Not only you can’t connect multiple devices directly but also don’t have flexible plans as with a Wi-Fi connection.

Security

Another factor to evaluate both services is security. We often hear about the rise of cybercrimes and how users have been scammed via phishing attacks spread through internet links. However, both modes, Wi-Fi and cellular networks, are safe when it comes to accessing the internet.

The issues come when the users are not vigilant enough and open malicious links, resulting in phishing. With a Wi-Fi connection, you can easily get alerts on harmful links and since you’re accessing them on your web browsers via devices, you can get alerts too.

But if you’re using a cellular network, you can face the risk of scamming and unauthorized attacks via unencrypted data transmission. But to say that a cellular network is more prone to security attacks than a Wi-Fi connection would be an overstatement.

Hence, we can say that both modes are pretty safe to use. The only thing is that you can implement security measures for your entire network running in your home. With cellular internet, you won’t be able to implement settings at such a scale.

Side by Side Comparison of Wi-Fi vs. Cellular Network

Final Verdict

Well, it’s hard to decipher what is the best option for gaming, a Wi-Fi connection or a cellular network. One thing to note is that most gaming is done indoors; hence, there’s no need to go outdoors.

Since 5G technology is not implemented on a wide scale, we can say that opting for a Wi-Fi connection is a better option. It allows you to connect multiple devices as well as adjust bandwidth for different processes without worrying about data exhaustion.

If you’re opting for a cellular network, then go for 4G LTE or above (if available). It will also help you play games while traveling. But if you’re staying home, then a Wi-Fi setup would give more benefits.

Concluding Thoughts

No matter the choice you make, it should accommodate your gaming needs. From latency to security and your usage, you need to ensure that whatever choice you’re making, should not falter in any area. If you’re looking for Wi-Fi plans, you can go for Xfinity Internet or even choose Xfinity Mobile for amazing cellular plans