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