Jitter is the variation in the time it takes for packets to arrive, measured in milliseconds. While latency measures the average delay, jitter measures the inconsistency of that delay. In a network with zero jitter, every packet arrives exactly on schedule. High jitter means some packets arrive quickly and others are significantly delayed.
Why Jitter Matters
Real-time applications like VoIP calls and video conferences rely on a steady, predictable stream of data. If packets arrive with varying delays, the receiving device cannot play audio or video smoothly without buffering - causing choppy voice, frozen video frames, and lag spikes in games.
Jitter Thresholds
| Jitter | Impact |
|---|---|
| Under 5ms | Excellent - imperceptible |
| 5-15ms | Good - no real issues |
| 15-30ms | Acceptable - minor fluctuations |
| 30-50ms | Poor - voice calls choppy |
| Over 50ms | Unacceptable for real-time use |
Causes of High Jitter
- Network congestion causing packet queuing
- Wi-Fi interference and signal fluctuations
- Overloaded routers or switches
- Inconsistent server response times
- VPN adding variable overhead
How to Reduce Jitter
- Use wired Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
- Enable QoS (Quality of Service) on your router to prioritize VoIP/video traffic
- Reduce network load during calls (pause downloads)
- Upgrade your router to one with better QoS capabilities
- Use a wired connection for video calls on a desktop or a USB-C to Ethernet adapter on a laptop
Test your jitter with our Speed Test.
People Also Ask
- What is good jitter for gaming?
- Under 5ms is excellent. Under 15ms is generally fine for gaming. Over 30ms will cause noticeable lag spikes that affect competitive play.
Related: Ping and latency | Internet latency | Speed Test