How Fast Should Your Internet Be? Here's What You Should Know


With our ever-growing technologically-focused culture, it has become increasingly crucial to have high-speed internet. As the World Wide Web becomes integral to more tasks and activities, choosing the right internet service from a multitude of competitors can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to determine the appropriate internet speed and optimize cost savings in the long term.


When evaluating internet speed, there are two key metrics to consider: download and upload speeds, both measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Download speed determines how quickly your devices receive data from applications and websites, making it the primary metric affecting the majority of online tasks.


On the other hand, upload speed plays a more significant role in activities such as gaming, live streaming, and uploading media, including videos, images, and music, to platforms like YouTube. In selecting a service, the most crucial factors to examine are the maximum download and upload speeds. Here are a few valuable pointers to assist in determining the optimal internet speed for your needs.


Typical broadband connection speeds:

The range of download speeds for broadband internet connections, as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), falls between 3-25 Mbps. According to the FCC, download speeds of 3-8 Mbps are categorized as "Basic Service," while speeds exceeding 25 Mbps are classified as "Advanced Service." However, it is important to note that in today's standards, a download speed of 25 Mbps is considered relatively slow, depending on your location.

When determining the appropriate speed to aim for, it is crucial to take into account your online activities and the number of users connected to your router. If a few individuals are engaging in light internet usage, such as browsing websites and watching low-resolution videos, it is possible to function smoothly with a slower download speed of 15 Mbps, without experiencing any lag or interruptions in your connection.

However, if multiple users are simultaneously engaged in data-intensive activities like streaming HD videos, gaming, uploading videos, and streaming, there is a high likelihood of encountering slower website loading, video buffering, and delayed download performance. In such cases, it may be worthwhile to invest in a faster connection to mitigate these issues.


How fast should the internet be for HD video streaming?

In determining the appropriate speeds for your intended tasks, it is advisable to consult the applications themselves. According to Netflix, individuals desiring to stream high-definition (HD) video at 720p should possess a download speed of no less than 3 Mbps or a higher speed. Meanwhile, the minimum recommended speeds escalate to 5 Mbps for full-screen 1080p video resolution. Moreover, for 4K streaming, a stable connection necessitates a recommended speed of 15 Mbps.

These speed recommendations are primarily influenced by single-device streaming, thus indicating that the minimum required speeds will progressively increase as the number of devices simultaneously streaming HD video rises. It is important to note that when multiple users utilize the same connection for data-intensive tasks like 4K video, the likelihood of buffering or lagging videos becomes possible, depending on the number of additional connections established. In the event of slower connections, Netflix advises lowering the video quality.


How fast the internet should be for gaming

In terms of gaming, it is highly recommended to have higher internet speeds. Faster internet speeds effectively reduce latency, which refers to the time it takes for your inputs to reach the game's servers. By reducing latency, your reaction time in the game will be improved. While the minimum speed required for most modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 is at least 5 Mbps, games may still experience stuttering or lag at this speed, particularly if you are connected through a Wi-Fi network. To ensure a stable and enjoyable gaming experience, users should aim for an internet service that provides a minimum of 15-25 Mbps. These speeds are also necessary for other gaming activities, such as cloud gaming.

However, if you want the smoothest gaming experience, especially for reaction-based games like fighting titles or first-person shooters, it is advisable to aim for at least 50-100 Mbps download speed. Furthermore, unlike what has been discussed so far, upload speed is also a critical factor in determining latency in video games and can significantly impact gameplay if the connection is not fast enough. Although some sources suggest a minimum upload speed of 1-2 Mbps, such speeds can result in issues like rubber banding or delayed inputs. According to AT&T, a good gaming upload speed should be at least 3 Mbps.


What is the fastest internet?

Regarding modern internet choices, a range of options available in the market can deliver download speeds of 100Mbps or higher. The primary types of internet connections used in the United States today encompass cable, Wi-Fi, satellite, fiber optic, and even DSL for those who still connect via telephone lines. Cable internet is the most prevalent service across the US, with over 50% of people utilizing it. However, other options such as fiber optic internet have been gradually gaining popularity, accounting for 20% of users according to Pew.

Based on Speedtest data, the median download speed for fixed broadband in the United States is 210 Mbps, accompanied by a median upload speed of 23.58 Mbps. Mobile Wi-Fi has significantly improved over the years, with average download speeds of 43.20 Mbps and upload speeds of 10.23 Mbps. On the other hand, advanced services like Verizon fiber optic can boast impressive download speeds of up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds of 880 Mbps.

One of the newest and perhaps most groundbreaking methods of accessing the internet is through satellite connections. This technology presents the potential for higher speeds and broader internet access in remote locations worldwide. Starlink, the satellite service created by Elon Musk's SpaceX, is among the most renowned options. According to Ookla, it has achieved median download speeds of 65 Mbps and upload speeds of 7.74 Mbps. Ultimately, the speed of your internet connection will depend on your specific requirements. If you are unsure about the speed of your internet, several services are available to test it for you.