How much Internet speed do you really need? This is a question that every internet user asks at some point. And the answer is contingent on a number of different factors. From the streaming service you use to the number of people you share your network with etc.
There are certain online bandwidth calculation tools that you can use to determine how many users and devices you can handle in your home network. It’s also worth looking into expanding your Wi-Fi network if that’s what you use to connect to the Internet.
In this post, we’re going to explore the different ways through which to measure Internet speed. And we will take a look at the approximate range you should consider for your individual circumstances.
What Speed Do You Need for Streaming?
If you’re going to stream content on Netflix then you need a minimum Internet speed of 5Mbps. This is just to watch standard HD video. If you want to stream or download 4K content then you’ll need a speed of 25 Mbps.
Keep in mind that these numbers speak to the needs of the streaming service. Not necessarily those of your Internet plan.
For example, if your connection speed is at 25 Mbps then it must be shared between all the different users and devices in your network. So, depending on the number of devices that are connected to the network, the total speed that’s providing to Netflix could end up being 10 to 15 Mbps. This means you won’t be able to enjoy 4K content as seamlessly and smoothly as you’d like.
It’s important to note also that Wi-Fi is naturally slower than a regular hardwired connection. That’s why streaming via Wi-Fi always leads to unsatisfying results.
The good news is there are a few actionable steps that you can take. This way you will be able to maximize your streaming experience and prevent coming across any problems.
This includes things like:
- Use an Ethernet cable when connecting your streaming device/s to a router. This will significantly improve the quality of your connection.
- If you’re going to stream using a Wi-Fi connection, then make sure to place your device in close proximity to the Wi-Fi router. Also make sure there are no obstructions such as furniture or walls in between. This guarantees a smoother connection with better stability.
Do Ping and Latency Actually Matter?
The term latency refers to the number of seconds or minutes required for data to travel from one point to another. Ping is a term that’s often used to describe the same thing, when it’s actually a whole other phenomenon.
Ping refers to the action of hailing a particular receiver. Considering these two definitions. It’s safe to say that latency is a measurement of how fast you’re able to ping or reach a particular server.
The question then becomes, is latency a legitimate consideration when it comes time to choose a particular service provider.
Truth be told, most people will be affected by latency. For instance, if you’re a digital entrepreneur or an avid gamer who needs fast downloading and browsing speeds, then your latency should be as small as possible. Otherwise, latency concerns shouldn’t be an issue for anyone who only uses their Internet connection for average tasks. This is especially true since most cable Internet connections don’t generally come with latency issues.
What’s Considered to Be Good Internet Speed?
The next question usually is how much Internet speed is good internet speed? Well, this depends on factors like the number of devices connected to the same network at any one time, how often they use the internet and what you’re using the internet for.
According to the FCC, good Internet speed over a broadband connection is anything that offers a minimum of 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. This is pretty decent for up to three users. However, if all three users are gaming, streaming, downloading and torrenting at the same time then this might not be enough.
What’s Considered to Be a Fast Internet Speed?
How much Internet speed is enough to be considered “fast”? Typically, anything over 200 Mbps fits this definition, whereas a speed over 750 Mbps is fairly considered as “gigabit” services.
Most people don’t need download or upload speeds between 750 to 1,000 Mbps. But, there are certain customers who do need speeds of this magnitude, including large households, regular streamers and tech nerds who’re constantly online.
Also, an avid gamer or someone who streams 4K content regularly will need high speeds. It’s important to keep in mind that performing all of these tasks means that you’ll need a massive amount of bandwidth because ultra-resolution media often comes in huge gigabyte sizes.
For instance, if you have a Gigabit Internet connection, then you can download large files in a matter of seconds or minutes, which would usually take you hours to download with a slower connection.
But you will have to shell out a significant amount for high speeds and even then, they may not be available in your area because they’re not necessarily prevalent.
Conclusion
As you can see, how much Internet speed you need depends on a few important details. This includes the number of people that are using the same network, the activities you use the internet for etc.
To keep it simple, always aim for a package with a minimum download speed of 25Mbps. That’s usually enough to deliver a decent quality experience. You should manage to stream and download content without experiencing any hiccups or buffering issues.
But if you want to a premium quality browsing experience where gaming as well as downloading and streaming content happens smoothly, then you might need a super-fast plan. These usually go for about $100 per month, more or less, depending on the provider.
Check this article on how to test internet speed on Firestick or Android TV to help yourself with an easy test.
How much Internet speed do you think you need based on your needs? Let us know in the comments section below. We love hearing from you!
