Smart TVs and the speed of their Ethernet connection might seem like a small detail, but it’s actually super important. It’s like the main road for all the internet stuff your TV needs, especially when you’re into watching things in HD or 4K. We’re going to talk about how fast these Ethernet connections are on TVs from big names like Samsung, LG, and Sony, and also on streaming gadgets like the Apple TV 4k and Amazon Fire TV Cube. We’ll cover what speeds are out there, give you some examples, and share tips on making sure your TV’s internet is zooming for the best watching experience.
Also see: Ethernet Internet Speed Capped at 100 Mbps (Fix)
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Average Ethernet port speed in modern TVs
Ethernet ports on new TVs can be a bit of a mixed bag. They range from the usual 100 Mbps up to a faster 1 Gbps. Most TVs, especially the ones that don’t cost an arm and a leg, stick to 100 Mbps. But, the fancier ones might offer you 1 Gbps for all that extra data you need for 4K or gaming. If you’re mostly watching in HD, 100 Mbps will do just fine. But if you’re all about that 4K life, having 1 Gbps can make things smoother.
Just keep in mind, the speed you get can depend on lots of things like how good your home internet is. Even if your TV can go super fast, other things might slow it down.
Pro tip: Router to Modem/PC Auto-Negotiation at 100Mbps (not 1Gbps)
Ethernet speeds of specific TV models from leading brands
Different brands and models have their own setup for Ethernet speeds:
Samsung TV Ethernet port speed
Most Samsung TVs, like the fancy QLED and The Frame series, stick to 100 Mbps. But some, like the 8000 series, can go up to 1 Gbps if you use a CAT 7 cable. This is great for those who need all that speed for 4K shows or movies.
Sony TV Ethernet port speed
Sony TVs, including the Bravia 65X800H and XBR55x900f, are usually set at 10/100 Mbps. This means they’re good for up to 100 Mbps, which is plenty for streaming HD content.
LG TV Ethernet port speed
LG doesn’t always tell us what the Ethernet speed is on their TVs, but from what people talk about online, models like the LG OLED evo G3 77 inch 4K Smart TV 2023 also have that standard 10/100 Mbps. This works well for most things you’d want to watch, including some 4K content.
Apple TV Ethernet port speed
The Apple TV 4K is a step up with its Gigabit Ethernet, meaning it can handle up to 1 Gbps. This is awesome for watching 4K movies without a hitch.
Amazon Fire TV Cube Ethernet speed
The Amazon Fire TV Cube’s Ethernet adapter can go up to 100 Mbps. This is totally fine for streaming, even in 4K Ultra HD.
Related resource: Changing Ethernet from 100Mbps to 1Gbps in Windows 11/10
Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi on TVs
When deciding between Ethernet and Wi-Fi, it’s all about finding the right mix of easy setup and good performance. Ethernet is king for stable and fast connections, perfect for 4K movies. It keeps your stream smooth and uninterrupted.
Wi-Fi is all about convenience. You can put your TV anywhere without worrying about cables. But, it might not always be as fast, especially if there are a lot of other devices around.
Related concern: How to Fix Netflix Audio and Video Out of Sync Issue
How to check the Ethernet speed of your TV
Finding out your TV’s Ethernet speed is pretty easy. Here are some ways to do it:
- Read the user manual or manufacturer’s website: This is the easiest way to find out your TV’s Ethernet speed. Just check the specs.
- Check network information in TV settings: Some TVs show you the Ethernet speed right in the settings menu.
- Built-in speed test tools: Some TVs have a network test in the settings that tells you how fast your internet is.
- Speed test applications: If your TV has an app store, you might find apps like Speedtest by Ookla to check your speed.
- Using a web browser: Some TVs let you use a browser to go to sites like
Speedtest.net
orspeed.cloudflare.com
and check your speed that way.
But remember, not all TVs can do this stuff. It depends on what brand and model you have.
Linked issue: Why is Twitch Stream Loading Infinitely (Black Screen)?
What is the ideal Ethernet speed for typical TV content streaming?
How fast your Ethernet needs to be depends on what you’re watching:
- Standard Definition (SD) content: Around 3-4 Mbps should be enough for most things in SD.
- High Definition (HD) content: For HD (1080p), you’ll want between 5-10 Mbps to keep things smooth.
- Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4K content: For 4K, you’ll need at least 25 Mbps to handle all that extra data.
- Live streaming or high frame rate content: If you’re watching live or something with a lot of action, a bit more speed might help.
For most people and most shows, 100 Mbps is way more than enough. It’s great for HD and even 4K. But if you’re all about perfect 4K or have lots of people streaming at once, you might want to look at 1 Gbps.
If you have a lot going on in your internet at home, like multiple streams, you’ll need more speed.
How to improve the Ethernet speed of your TV
If your TV’s internet feels slow, here’s how to kick it up a notch:
Use high-quality Ethernet cables
Not all cables are the same. Using Cat 6 or Cat 7 cables can make a big difference. And keep it short – longer cables can slow things down.
Check your router and modem
Make sure your router and modem can handle the speeds you want. If they’re old, it might be time for an upgrade.
Limit network congestion
If lots of devices are using your internet, it can slow things down. Disconnecting some or setting up QoS rules can help make your TV a priority.
Direct connection to router
Connecting your TV straight to the router, instead of through extenders or adapters, can improve your speed.
ISP speed and plan
Lastly, check with your internet provider to make sure your plan is fast enough for what you need. If you’re always streaming in HD, you might need to upgrade.
Final words
The Ethernet speed is very important for watching stuff on your smart TV or streaming device. Most TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony come with 100 Mbps, which is good for most people. But if you want the very best, especially for 4K, devices like the Amazon Fire TV Cube and Apple TV 4K can give you that faster connection.