FCC Chairman proposes new Net Neutrality Regulation for Free and Open Internet
FCC Chairman proposes new Net Neutrality Regulation for Free and Open Internet

How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?

The number of internet-enabled devices at our homes is growing rapidly and so is the requirement for high-speed internet service. Due to our dependability on the internet for HD streaming, online gaming, and working, knowing the right internet speed is not an easy question to answer. So, in this article, we will discuss how much internet speed you need to carry out your online activities without any problems. 

How to Select the Right Internet Plan? 

When choosing a service provider, you need to identify your usage requirement so that you can select the right internet plan for your household. To know your requirement of internet speed, you need to be aware of the term “bandwidth”. Bandwidth is measured in megabits per second. The time it takes to download data from the internet to your machine depends on the rate of speed that being transmitted by your provider. The number of devices connected to the same connection and data-intensive activities will certainly increase the need for bandwidth. So, always factor in the number of devices that you will be connecting to the internet when choosing an internet package. 

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What is the Speed Requirement for Online Activities? 

The following table will give you an estimate of the internet speed requirement for online activities: 

Online Activities Required Internet Speed 
Basic Internet Surfing, Emailing, and Social Media Scrolling 1 – 5 Mbps 
Streaming on One Device, Video Calling, and Online Gaming for One User 5 – 40 Mbps 
HD Streaming on 1 to 3 Devices, Multiplayer Online Gaming, and Downloading Heavy Files 40 – 100 Mbps 
4K Ultra HD Streaming on Multiple Devices, Instantly Downloading Heavy Files, and Extensive Online Gaming 100 – 400 Mbps 
All the Aforementioned Activities for Large Households with Multiple Devices and Internet Users 400 – 1000 Mbps 

What Internet Speed Do You Need? 

According to Netflix, you need around 10 Mbps of internet speed to stream content in Full HD quality and 25 Mbps for watching movies and shows in 4K Ultra HD resolution. Nevertheless, you will need a higher-tier package if you plan to connect multiple devices to the internet at the same time.  

Multiple devices require more bandwidth. Therefore, if you want to stream 4K videos and download heavy files from the internet simultaneously, then we highly recommend that you get a package that offers at least 100 Mbps internet speed. 

Invest in a Gigabit internet plan if multiple users are going to connect their devices to the internet. Fiber-Optic internet connection provides the highest internet speed going up to 1000 Mbps in some areas. However, fiber-optic lines are not available everywhere. So, if you cannot find fiber internet in your region, buy a cable internet package from a reputable company that is known for delivering reliable services. For instance, Spectrum internet speeds are significantly high and the provider always delivers what it advertises on its website. 

Test your internet speed to confirm that you are getting what you are paying for. To check your connection speed, you can use online tools like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Make sure to contact your provider and complain about the service in case you are not receiving the promised internet speeds. 

How to Calculate Your Internet Speed Requirement? 

Your internet speed requirement primarily depends on two key points: 

  1. How You Use the Internet 
  1. How Many People Use the Internet 

How Do You Use the Internet? 

Different activities require different bandwidth. If you are watching a movie in 4K Ultra HD, your connection will consume more data and bandwidth. Similarly, online gaming requires a high bandwidth consumption than basic web browsing. So, if you are an avid internet user who loves online gaming and 4K streaming, then you should purchase a high-tier internet plan that comes with at least 300 Mbps internet speed. However, if you merely use the internet for emailing and web browsing, then a 10-Mbps internet plan would work perfectly fine.  

How Many People Will Use Internet Connection? 

The second point that you need to consider is the number of people who will be using the internet connection. This also includes the number of devices connected to the internet. For instance, if you and your roommate both have your laptop, smartphone, and gaming console then all six devices might override a 100-Mbps internet connection. In such a situation, 2 to 3 devices would work perfectly over a 100-Mbps internet plan but more than three would require greater bandwidth. 

Final Words 

After carefully analyzing the speed requirement for various online activities, it is safe to conclude that a 10-Mbps connection is sufficient for a single internet user who has moderate web usage. As the number of users increases, your requirement for internet speed would also escalate. That is all for today, stay tuned for more updates regarding internet speeds and plans.  

Anik is an IT professional and Data Science Enthusiast. He loves to spend a lot of time testing and reviewing the latest gadgets and software. He likes all things tech and his passion for smartphones is only matched by his passion for Sci-Fi TV Series.