Upload speed is how quickly your connection can send data from your devices to the internet. For example, if you use your computer to watch YouTube videos, it’s the speed at which your computer loads the video. Here’s what you need to know: Download speedĭownload speed is how quickly your connection can retrieve data from the internet (web pages, videos, photos, etc.). When you shop around for internet plans in your area, you’ll likely see two different speeds listed in the description - a “download speed” and an “upload speed.” Don’t get overwhelmed by the different numbers, but do understand the difference. That means with a 100 Mbps plan, you can expect to get 50-80 Mbps on most devices. When your connection is dispersed through Wi-Fi, you lose about 20% to 50%. You might be looking at the speed requirements above, and thinking, “If Netflix only requires 5 Mbps to stream in HD, I could probably get by with 25 Mbps.” That’s true, but internet providers advertise the speed you’ll get using an Ethernet cable.

If you live by yourself or don’t do many of the above internet activities, you can keep the good (100 Mbps or more) internet speed and redirect some money in your budget.įigure out if your internet speed is what was promised by your providers. So, when is splurging for the fast 200+ Mbps worth it? The higher price pays off when you have a house full of video streaming, Zoom using, video gaming, work-from-home conference callers - all at the same time.

Video streaming: 3-4 Mbps for standard definition, 5-8 Mbps for HD, and 25 Mbps for Ultra HD.

Video calls: 1 Mbps for standard definition personal video calls, and 1.5 Mbps for HD personal video calls, and 6 Mbps for HD video teleconferencing.

General browsing, email and social media: 1 Mbps.

The FCC has some basic guidance on internet activities and the speeds they require: The more speed - or bandwidth - you have, the bigger your pizza is, and the more room you’ll have for different activities. Different online activities eat up different sized slices. But you may want to splurge for the plan with 100+ Mbps if you have a house full of people clambering to connect. How many possible users could be on the internet at one time? This is a crucial thing to think through, especially during peak usage times - like in the morning before work or when you get home. You may still be thinking: How fast does the internet at my new place have to be? Here are some things to consider when thinking about your internet speed: Number of internet users

What is average internet download speed