The Ultimate Newbie's Guide to Internet Speeds
Though Internet Service Providers (ISP) advertise their services in terms of Mbps and Gbps, upload and download speeds don't mean much if you don't understand what they do. If you're just setting up your Internet for the first time, keep reading to learn about common Internet activities and how much bandwidth they take.
Online Gaming
Internet speed is a critical factor in both console and PC gaming. Local multiplayer gaming is less common, and even single-player experiences require upload and download speeds of at least 3 Mbps per gamer. If you're looking to expand your gaming system and aren't sure how much speed you need, take a detailed look at the Internet requirements for gaming.
Speed You Need: Look for upload and download speeds of 3–6 Mbps per gamer.
Streaming Video
Unlike gaming, where you have to keep up to compete, you can stream videos at several different speeds if you don't mind waiting for your movie to buffer. Standard definition video can stream successfully with download speeds of around 3 Mbps per streamer, but HD video streaming requires 5 Mbps download speeds. If you want to stream Ultra HD 4K content, you need download speeds of at least 25 Mbps.
Speed You Need: Video on social media requires download speeds of 3–6 Mbps per streamer, while streaming television and movies calls for download speeds of 3–25 Mbps.
Streaming Audio
If you're an audiophile, you'll be happy to know that streaming audio requires much less bandwidth than streaming video. Most streaming services offer high-quality audio that streams at 320 Kbps — in order to hear this clearly, you'll want download speeds of at least 1.5 Mbps. While this can add up over time if you have a data cap, music won't affect your total bandwidth much.
Speed You Need: Whether you're streaming music or podcasts, look for Internet download speeds of 1.5–5 Mbps per streamer.
Working from Home
If you will use the Internet to work from home, your upload speed will likely be more important than your download speed. If you're often backing up items on the Cloud or sending large files to multiple people, you likely need upload speeds of at least 1 Mbps and download speeds of at least 3 Mbps. If you also need capabilities like videoconferencing, you'll benefit from speeds of at least 15 Mbps.
Speed You Need: If your work from home requires minimal online activity, 3 Mbps is fine. Otherwise, look for speeds of 15–20 Mbps.
Videoconferencing
While there are many websites that offer videoconferencing services, Skype requires only 500 Kbps for high-quality video calls. However, HD videoconferences require at least 1.5 Mbps, and you need speeds of at least 2 Mbps if you want to videoconference with more than one other person.
Speed You Need: Depending on the quality you desire and how many people you want to video call, you need Internet speeds of 500 Kbps–8 Mbps.
Find Your Perfect Speed
With this information, consider your Internet needs and keep the following points in mind to find the best Internet speed for you.
Look for ISPs that offer the speeds you need. Consider purchasing an Internet plan that provides one or two Mbps more than you require — this will help provide a buffer if friends or family come to visit.
Remember that Internet speeds can fluctuate based on the time of day, type of Internet connection, and your physical location. Read the fine print of your agreement with your ISP to find out the minimum and average speeds it will provide you.
Make sure you purchase new equipment to match your new Internet service. If your modem or router is outdated, it may not be able to handle high-speed Internet.
After you set up your Internet service, test your speed regularly. If you aren't receiving the speeds your ISP agreed to, follow up with the company to make sure they correct the issue.
Consider your Internet use — keeping in mind how many people will use it at once — and use this information to decide on the best ISP and Internet plan for your home. Make sure your hardware can manage these speeds and you'll be well on your way to a great Internet experience, hassle and drama free.
