1080p vs 720p Streaming: Complete Quality & Performance Guide 2025

# 1080p vs 720p Streaming: Complete Quality Guide 2025

## The Resolution Decision

720p60 at stable quality beats laggy 1080p60 every time.

## Quick Decision

**Stream 1080p60 if**: RTX 3060+, 15+ Mbps upload, Partner status
**Stream 720p60 if**: 5-10 Mbps upload, GTX 1660 or older, not Partner

## The Math

**1080p60**: 124M pixels/sec at 6000 Kbps = compressed
**720p60**: 55M pixels/sec at 4500 Kbps = 2.25x more bitrate per pixel

**Result**: 720p looks BETTER at same bitrate for fast-paced games!

## Upload Speed Reality

Test at speedtest.net, use 70% of result:
- 10 Mbps upload → 7 Mbps usable → 5000 Kbps safe → **Use 720p60**
- 15+ Mbps upload → 10+ Mbps usable → 6000 Kbps safe → **Use 1080p60**

## By Game Type

**Competitive FPS**: 720p60 (smooth motion > sharpness)
**Story games**: 1080p30 (sharp details, slower pace)
**Just Chatting**: 1080p30 (face/text needs sharpness)

## Secret Resolution: 900p

Stream at 1600×900:
- Better than 720p
- Less demanding than 1080p
- Sweet spot at 5000-6000 Kbps

## Mobile Reality

50% of Twitch viewers watch on phones. 1080p vs 720p barely noticeable on 6-inch screens!

**Our recommendation**: 720p60 at 4500 Kbps for 90% of streamers

**Full guide**: youownme.co/obs-optimizer

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*Updated: January 2025*