Why Is My Internet Slow On Ps5 But Fast On Pc Fixing Nat Type Issues

If your PlayStation 5 lags during online matches while your PC breezes through video calls and downloads, you're not alone. Many gamers experience this frustrating disconnect: the same internet connection delivers vastly different performance across devices. The root causes often lie in network configuration, hardware limitations, or router behavior—particularly around NAT types and bandwidth allocation. This guide breaks down why your PS5 might be underperforming compared to your PC and provides actionable steps to resolve it permanently.

Understanding the Discrepancy: Why PS5 Feels Slower Than PC

The first step in solving the problem is recognizing that \"internet speed\" isn't a single metric. What matters for gaming is latency (ping), packet loss, jitter, and consistent bandwidth—not just download speeds. While your PC may show high throughput on speed tests, your PS5 could still suffer from poor real-time communication due to network prioritization, Wi-Fi interference, or restrictive NAT settings.

Several factors contribute to this imbalance:

• Different connection methods: PCs often use wired Ethernet, while PS5s default to Wi-Fi unless manually connected via cable.
• Background processes: Windows updates, cloud sync, and browser tabs consume bandwidth unpredictably.
• Router QoS (Quality of Service): Some routers prioritize certain devices or traffic types without user input.
• NAT Type Restrictions: A strict NAT can block incoming connections, increasing matchmaking times and lag.
• IP conflicts or DNS issues: Misconfigured network settings on the console can degrade performance.

Tip: Always test both devices using the same method (wired vs. wireless) to make an accurate comparison.

How NAT Types Affect Your PS5 Connection

NAT (Network Address Translation) determines how your PS5 communicates with other players and game servers. There are three main NAT types reported by the PS5 system:

NAT Type	Description	Impact on Gaming
NAT Type 1 (Open)	Direct connection to the internet; no router interference	Ideal: Fast matchmaking, smooth voice chat, stable sessions
NAT Type 2 (Moderate)	Routed through a standard home router	Good: Most games work fine, minor delays possible
NAT Type 3 (Strict)	Heavy firewall or double NAT blocking incoming traffic	Poor: Difficulty connecting, frequent disconnections, lag spikes

A strict NAT doesn’t necessarily mean slow download speeds—it means restricted two-way communication. This impacts multiplayer experiences more than Netflix streaming. For example, if your PS5 has NAT Type 3, you might join a match slower, experience higher latency, or get kicked when another player with a better connection hosts.

“NAT restrictions are one of the top reasons for perceived slowness in console gaming—even when raw bandwidth is sufficient.” — Jordan Lee, Network Engineer at GameStream Labs

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix NAT Type and Improve PS5 Speed

Follow this structured process to diagnose and resolve connectivity issues between your PS5 and your network.

1. Check Physical Connections
   Ensure your PS5 is connected via Ethernet if possible. If using Wi-Fi, position the console closer to the router and avoid physical obstructions like walls or metal appliances.
2. Restart All Devices
   Power cycle your PS5, router, and modem. Unplug them for 60 seconds before restarting. This clears temporary glitches and resets IP assignments.
3. Test Internet Speed on PS5
   Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. Note the ping, download, upload, and NAT type. Compare these numbers with your PC’s results using the same network.
4. Set Up a Static IP for Your PS5
   Assign a fixed IP address to prevent DHCP conflicts:
   • Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
   • Select your connection method (Wi-Fi or LAN).
   • Choose “Custom,” then set IP Address to “Manual.”
   • Enter an IP outside your router’s DHCP range (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Gateway: Usually 192.168.1.1 (check your router)
   • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google), Secondary DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
5. Enable UPnP or Port Forwarding
   Access your router settings via a web browser (typically http://192.168.1.1). Look for UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and enable it. If unavailable or ineffective, manually forward ports used by PS5:
   • TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480
   • UDP: 3478, 3479, 3480, 5223, 5624–5648
   Assign these to your PS5’s static IP.
6. Disable Double NAT
   If your modem has built-in routing enabled alongside your main router, they create a double NAT layer. To fix:
   • Connect directly to the primary router.
   • Put the modem in bridge mode (contact ISP if unsure).
7. Use MAC Address Cloning (Optional)
   Some ISPs bind service to specific devices. Clone your PC’s MAC address onto the router so the network recognizes the PS5 as a trusted device.
8. Update Router Firmware
   Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues. Check your router manufacturer’s website for updates.

Optimizing Network Settings for Consistent Performance

Beyond NAT fixes, long-term stability requires ongoing optimization. Consider these strategies to ensure your PS5 performs as well as—or better than—your PC.

Enable Quality of Service (QoS)

Most modern routers allow QoS rules that prioritize gaming traffic. In your router settings, assign highest priority to your PS5’s IP address or device name. This ensures that even during heavy household usage (streaming, downloads), your console gets preferential treatment.

Switch to 5 GHz Wi-Fi Band

If using Wi-Fi, connect your PS5 to the 5 GHz band instead of 2.4 GHz. It offers faster speeds and less interference, though with shorter range. Avoid placing the console behind thick walls or near microwaves and cordless phones.

Limit Background Activity

On the PS5 itself, disable automatic downloads during gameplay:

• Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Auto-Download.
• Turn off “Application Update Files” and “Add-On Content.”

You can re-enable them after gaming sessions.

Tip: Schedule updates overnight when no one is using the network to avoid bandwidth competition.

Real-World Example: Fixing a Persistent Lag Issue

Mark, a competitive Call of Duty player in Chicago, noticed his PS5 consistently showed NAT Type 3 despite having gigabit fiber. His laptop on the same network achieved 800 Mbps downloads and 10 ms ping. Frustrated by frequent disconnections, he followed the troubleshooting steps above.

After testing, he discovered his ISP-provided modem was running in router mode, creating a double NAT with his personal mesh router. He contacted his provider and had the modem switched to bridge mode. Then, he assigned a static IP to his PS5 and opened the required ports.

The result? Within minutes, his NAT changed to Type 2, ping dropped from 98 ms to 22 ms, and matchmaking time decreased by over 60%. He hasn’t experienced a forced disconnect since.

Checklist: Quick Fixes for Slow PS5 Internet

Use this checklist to rapidly identify and correct common issues:

• ✅ Restart PS5, router, and modem
• ✅ Connect PS5 via Ethernet cable (if possible)
• ✅ Run network test on PS5 and compare with PC
• ✅ Assign a static IP to your PS5
• ✅ Enable UPnP or port forward PS5-specific ports
• ✅ Switch to 5 GHz Wi-Fi if using wireless
• ✅ Disable auto-updates during gameplay
• ✅ Check for double NAT and resolve with bridge mode
• ✅ Prioritize PS5 in router’s QoS settings
• ✅ Update router firmware regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can NAT Type affect download speed?

No. NAT Type primarily affects multiplayer connectivity, matchmaking, and peer-to-peer communication. Download speeds depend more on bandwidth allocation, connection type (wired/wireless), and server load. However, a strict NAT may indirectly impact performance if background services struggle to communicate efficiently.

Why does my PS5 show good speed but still lag in games?

Gameplay responsiveness relies on low latency and minimal packet loss—not just download speed. Even with 100 Mbps, high ping (above 60 ms) or jitter can cause lag. Use tools like PS5 Network Test or third-party apps to monitor ping and stability during actual gameplay.

Is it better to use Wi-Fi 6 or Ethernet for PS5?

Ethernet is still the gold standard for stability and consistency. While Wi-Fi 6 offers excellent speeds and reduced interference, it remains susceptible to environmental factors. For competitive gaming, a wired Gigabit Ethernet connection will always outperform even the best wireless setup.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Gaming Network

Your PS5 shouldn’t suffer from avoidable network bottlenecks. The difference between smooth gameplay and constant frustration often comes down to proper configuration—not raw internet speed. By addressing NAT type issues, optimizing router settings, and ensuring fair bandwidth distribution, you can achieve performance parity—or superiority—over your PC.

Don’t accept sluggish matchmaking or mid-game disconnections as normal. With the right adjustments, your console can leverage your full internet potential. Start implementing these changes today and reclaim the seamless online experience you paid for.

💬 Have you fixed your PS5's slow internet? Share your success story or ask questions in the comments below!