How Much Internet Speed Do I Really Need?

There’s nothing more frustrating than watching a show on Netflix and having it constantly stop to buffer or downloading a PDF only for it to take forever to open. Remote workers especially know the struggle of having a Zoom call lag or having a call drop in the middle of a conversation. That said, if it’s not opening fast enough for your liking, then it could be because you don’t have the proper internet speed.

Ahead, find out what internet speed you really need, the different packages available, and get tips from broadband and IT experts on how to choose a speed that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Common Internet Speed Packages

When it comes to figuring out internet speed packages, there are a few common ones you’ll encounter. For example, Verizon Fios offers 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gig and 2 Gig, whereas Optimum offers 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gig. The speeds and packages offered will vary based on the provider and your location.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Really Need?

300 Mbps

According to Kevin Nanns, an IT technician and co-host of The Art of Network Engineering podcast, 300 Mbps is the most common speed and is what the majority of American households need. “You can stream, game, and have video calls without much trouble,” he adds. “If you’ve got a household with four people, each with multiple devices streaming, gaming, and working, then you’re going to need around 300 Mbps.

Additionally, this is great for remote workers who need to take calls, send emails, and use the internet during the day.

500 Mbps

Larger households, whether that’s roommates or family members, would benefit more from an internet speed of 500 Mbps. “Multiple people can stream HD video, play online games, and video call at the same time,” Nanns tells Family Handyman.

Whether you have teenage children who can’t stop scrolling through TikTok or a spouse who is always watching Netflix or Hulu, this is the perfect speed for most households.

1000 Mbps

Also known as 1 gig, this is more than most households need, according to Nanns, unless you have more than 10-20 users. “The real advantage comes from increased upload speeds (especially on fiber) and the ability to handle multiple 4K streams, large file uploads, and video conferencing without breaking a sweat,” he says.

According to Reviews.org, with 1,000-2,000 Mbps, a 10GB file can be downloaded in as little as 80 seconds for reference.

Multiple-person households can opt for a 1000 Mbps plan; however, it’s considered more appropriate for small businesses that use the internet often for their daily operations and don’t want to worry.

2 Gig

According to Nanns, unless you’re a tech whiz or have an office you’re trying to run, you probably won’t find a need for 2 Gigs. Here, we start getting to speeds for tech enthusiasts or office-sized spaces with a number of devices (20+ users) trying to connect and browse simultaneously.

FAQ

How much internet speed do you need for streaming?

The internet speed needed for streaming depends on what you’re streaming and the quality you want. “For HD streaming, you’ll need 5-10 Mbps per stream,” Nanns says. “If you’re streaming in 4K, you’re looking at 25 Mbps or more per stream.”

According to Nanns, if multiple people in the house are watching different things, you’ll want to multiply that speed accordingly, otherwise, someone’s gonna buffer and there will be some tension between people.

How much internet speed do you need for a smart TV?

Similar to above, the smart TV itself doesn’t really hog bandwidth outside of streaming, so you’ll want to follow the same recommendation of 5-10 Mbps per stream and 25 Mbps or more per stream if you’re watching in 4K.

How much internet speed do you need for video calling?

Video calling is very popular these days, so you want to make sure your router and internet speed are up to par so your calls aren’t dropping or lagging. “Aim for 3-5 Mbps per video call, and if you’re in a multi-person Zoom or Teams meeting, I’d recommend at least 10 Mbps to avoid freezing mid-conversation,” Nanns says. But speed isn’t the only factor here. Low latency and stable upload speeds are just as important. The quality of your connection sometimes means more than the speed here.

How much internet speed do you need for gaming?

Gamers know the importance of having the best keyboards, headsets, and Wi-Fi. “With modern games, it could go as high as needing 100 Mbps for each device,” Nanns says. “However, when it comes to video games, speed matters less than latency and stability as any kind of spike or packet loss will cause a lot more damage than slower speeds.”

About the Experts

• Kevin Nanns is an IT technician and co-host of The Art of Network Engineering podcast who has worked in the field for the last 15 years. He currently has a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and is a networking and IT content creator with over 200k followers across TikTok and Instagram; email interview, Feb. 10, 2025

The post How Much Internet Speed Do I Really Need? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: How Much Internet Speed Do I Really Need?