How Much Internet Speed Do I Need?

Below are some recommendations from OneLink USA on what speed is right for you.

What is a good internet speed?

A good download speed is at least 100 Mbps, and a good upload speed is at least 5 Mbps. With 100 Mbps, you can watch Netflix or YouTube, attend Zoom meetings, and play most online games on several devices at the same time. Some people can get away with fewer Mbps, and others need more. Use the information below to find the correct speed for you.

25 MPBS

  • Good for about 2 people and up to 5 devices, depending on what you do with them. With 25 Mbps, you can stream with one user.
  • 1–2 Devices
  • Checking Email
  • Streaming music- 1 Device
  • Streaming video- 1 Device
  • Searching on Google

50 MPBS

  • Good for 2–3 people and 5–7 devices. A speed of 50 Mbps can handle 2–3 video streams.
  • 5–7 Devices
  • Checking Email
  • Streaming music- 1 Device
  • Streaming video- 1 Device
  • Searching on Google
  • Video Calling
  • Online Gaming- 1 Device

100 MPBS

  • Good for 3–4 people and up to 10 devices. Most families would be covered with a 100 Mbps internet connection. Also allows for work-from-home capabilities.
  • 10 Devices
  • Checking Email
  • Streaming Video and Music
  • Searching on Google
  • Video Calling
  • Multiplayer Online Gaming

250 MPBS

  • Good for 4–5 people and 10–14 devices. A speed of 250 Mbps is perfect for remote learning.
  • 10–14 Devices
  • Checking Email
  • Streaming Video and Music
  • Searching on Google
  • Video Calling
  • Remote Learning
  • Multiplayer Online Gaming
  • Downloading Large Files

500 MPBS

  • Good for up to 20 devices. A speed of 500 Mbps is excellent for remote working as well as accessing large files and e-commerce websites.
  • 20 Devices
  • Checking Email
  • Streaming Video and Music
  • Searching on Google
  • Video Calling
  • Remote Learning
  • Downloading Large Files
  • Managing E-Commerce Websites

1 Gig

  • This is one of the fastest residential internet speeds available with unlimited possibilities. A good fit if you rely on incredibly fast internet for online gaming, your job, or simply because you want the best of the best
  • 20+ Devices
  • Checking Email
  • Streaming Video and Music
  • Searching on Google
  • Video Calling
  • Remote Learning
  • Multiplayer Online Gaming
  • Remote Working
  • Downloading Large Files
  • Managing E-Commerce Websites

Internet Speed Factors

Several factors should also be considered when testing internet speeds – especially for home offices and gaming where upload capacity for files and reaction times are particularly important. Along with upload speeds, latency, and location, another factor to consider is your Wi-Fi network. The average Wi-Fi speed you experience around your home will generally be anywhere from 20–5- percent below the advertised download speed due to wireless interference and fade as you move further from the router. 
For example, while 1 Gig of speed is good for 20 devices, not all 20 devices will be receiving a connection speed of 1 Gig. However, all 20 devices can handle the capabilities listed below the 1 Gig speed.
Think about it like an interstate: The limit is 70mph (the maximum speed), but if traffic, 3 cars (3 devices), are going 65mph (speed capability of each device), then you would have to slow down to 60mph as to not interfere or crash into them. The same concept works for internet traffic. If you add more cars (devices), then traffic slows down more. Some may move faster than others.

*Listed Internet speeds represent maximum speed capabilities and may vary based on many factors including website traffic and maximum bandwidth restrictions on customer-owned equipment.

Select the Perfect Speed to Fit Your Needs

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FAQ

According to data collected from our internet speed test, the national average internet speed is 42.86 Mbps. Of course, this average is always changing, and that number might not reflect your internet experience.

Mbps stands for megabits per second. Internet providers use Mbps to measure bandwidth. One megabit is a million bits, each of which is a single unit of data. When your internet speed is 25 Mbps, for example, that means your connection is capable of transferring 25 megabits of data per second. The faster your internet connection is, the more data you can get in a given timeframe.

Because tech language is different, a megabit (Mb) is not the same thing as a megabyte (MB). One megabyte is actually eight megabits. Bytes are usually used to refer to file sizes, while bits are used to discuss data transfer rates.

An internet speed of at least 25 Mbps is good for Wi-Fi. That will make sure that multiple people get adequate bandwidth on your Wi-Fi network while multiple devices are being used at the same time.

For larger households, a speed of 100 Mbps is even better. Generally, aim to get 25 Mbps download speeds for each person who uses your Wi-Fi. So if you live with three other people, 100 Mbps is perfect.