How Much Bandwidth Does a 24/7 Stream Actually Use? Real Numbers for 2026
Streaming VPS plans are quoted in either "unlimited bandwidth" or monthly GB/TB limits. To evaluate these claims meaningfully, you need the actual numbers.
The Math
| Stream Quality | Bitrate | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Month (24/7) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 720p30 | 2,500 Kbps | ~1.1 GB | ~27 GB | ~810 GB |
| 1080p30 | 4,000 Kbps | ~1.8 GB | ~43 GB | ~1.3 TB |
| 1080p60 | 6,000 Kbps | ~2.7 GB | ~65 GB | ~1.9 TB |
| 1080p60 (premium) | 8,500 Kbps | ~3.8 GB | ~91 GB | ~2.7 TB |
A 24/7 1080p60 stream uses approximately 2 TB per month outbound.
What "Unlimited" Actually Means
Most "unlimited bandwidth" hosting claims have a fair-use cap buried in terms - typically 2 - 5 TB before throttling or extra charges. For a 24/7 1080p60 stream approaching that limit, verify the cap before committing.
Space-Node provides transparent bandwidth allocation with no hidden throttling. VPS plans show actual monthly transfer limits clearly, and streaming-specific plans are sized appropriately for multistream setups.
Multistream Bandwidth Multiplier
Streaming to two platforms doubles outbound bandwidth. Three platforms triples it:
| Platforms | 1080p60 Monthly Bandwidth |
|---|---|
| 1 platform | ~2 TB |
| 2 platforms | ~4 TB |
| 3 platforms | ~6 TB |
A multistream VPS should be evaluated for its transfer capacity, not just CPU and RAM.
Cost Optimisation
At equivalent quality, 1080p30 uses 33% less bandwidth than 1080p60. For 24/7 ambient streams (lo-fi radio, countdown timers, non-gaming content), 1080p30 is visually sufficient and significantly cheaper on bandwidth.
For gaming streams where motion detail matters, 1080p60 or higher bitrate is worthwhile. For static/slow-moving content, optimise bandwidth.
