Something else to look out for during your search for your home's ideal internet speed is data caps. Everything you need to know about data caps That'd probably be enough to comfortably stream video in regular HD, but with only a few megabits per second of upload speed, your video calls might be choppier than you'd like.
WHAT SHOULD MY WIFI SPEED BE DOWNLOAD
For instance, you'll see lots of internet plans with download speeds of 25Mbps and upload speeds of 3Mbps, following that FCC standard mentioned earlier. With plans like these, the ratio is typically 1Mbps of upload bandwidth for every 10Mbps of download bandwidth. Many internet providers offer plans with less upload speed than download speed. This is especially true if you're working from home, as upload speeds are important when you're trying to make a video call or email a large attachment. In most cases, you'll be using download bandwidth more often than upload, but it's important to consider both. The difference is simple - upload speeds tell you how fast you can send data out to the internet, while download speeds tell you how fast you can pull data from the internet. Sounds like a 50Mbps internet plan might be close to your sweet spot.Īs you're considering speeds, it's also important to understand the difference between upload and download speeds. For instance, if you live on your own and like to tweet about your favorite show on your phone while you stream it in 4K on your TV, you'd want at least 35Mbps for smooth playback and another 10Mbps to keep up on Twitter. If it's applicable, think of the times you've streamed Netflix or taken a video call from Mom, then imagine everything else that could have been happening on your network at the same time and use the chart above as a rough guide. Video is often the biggest bandwidth hog, so aim for an internet plan that can accommodate your viewing habits. If you're using these devices consistently, then you'll want to ensure your internet speed has the bandwidth to cover them all. Your household may only consist of one or two people, but it could be hosting 10 to 15 devices (laptops, cellphones, gaming consoles, smart TVs, smart home gadgets, you name it). How many people or devices are using your network?Īnother important factor to consider in your search for the ideal internet speed is how many users and devices are on your network in a given day.
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To find out whether your internet speed is truly to blame, check out our guide on how to test your connection. Network congestion, poor router placement, interference from nearby networks and other factors can all slow things down. It's also important to note that having a fast internet package doesn't guarantee fast internet. With smart home gadgets growing in prevalence and our media consumption increasingly driven by streaming, it makes sense to opt for something closer to 100Mbps if plans like those are available in your area (and, frustratingly, in a lot places they still aren't). In March, a bipartisan group of senators called on the FCC to raise the bar for broadband by setting minimum speeds at 100Mbps.Īt any rate, if you make use of the internet on an everyday basis, you'll want to aim for something a little higher than 25Mbps if you can. The Federal Communications Commission defines anything faster than 25 megabits per second as " advanced service." For most, however, this is probably closer to the bare minimum. So let's break things down a bit and see how much home internet speed you really need. An older couple who only need the internet to look things up from time to time and keep up with the grandkids probably doesn't need as much as an avid gamer or streamer, for instance. We're here to help you understand just how much internet you need to be paying for.Īs with most services, your goal is to pay for what your unique usage needs require. Most internet service providers usually have a guide on their websites, but guides like those will sometimes try to upsell you on the benefits of faster speeds you might not actually use. Most plans have you pay for your internet speed and capacity, which prompts the question: How much internet speed do you really need? Whether you're moving to a new place or simply shopping around for new options, trying to figure out an internet plan can be more complicated than you might assume. Phil Barker/Future Publishing/Getty Images