The internet speed you need depends on your typical online activities, the number of users, and devices in your household. Here are general guidelines based on common usage:
- For basic tasks like web browsing, email, social media, and streaming standard definition (SD) video, speeds of 3–10 Mbps download are usually sufficient.
- For HD video streaming, video calls, and online gaming, speeds of 25–50 Mbps download are recommended.
- For 4K video streaming, large file downloads, and multiple users or devices simultaneously, 100 Mbps or more download speed is ideal.
- Upload speeds of around 10–20 Mbps are generally good for video calls, uploading photos/videos, and cloud backups.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 100 Mbps download and 10–20 Mbps upload speeds to comfortably handle most household needs including streaming, gaming, and working from home
. If you have many users or smart devices, or if you do heavy gaming or 4K streaming, you might want to consider plans with speeds of 200 Mbps or higher. Conversely, if your usage is very light, you could get by with lower speeds around 25 Mbps. Also, keep in mind Wi-Fi can reduce actual speeds, so it's wise to choose a plan somewhat faster than your minimum needs
. In summary:
Usage Type| Recommended Download Speed| Recommended Upload Speed
---|---|---
Basic browsing, email, SD video| 3–10 Mbps| 0.5–1 Mbps
HD streaming, video calls, gaming| 25–50 Mbps| 10–20 Mbps
4K streaming, multiple users| 100+ Mbps| 20+ Mbps
This should help you pick an internet plan that fits your household’s needs without overspending
