How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?

With increasing demands from online streaming, gaming, and skyping, knowing how much internet speed is required is not an easy question to answer. The faster your internet speed is, the more you will have to pay each month, and no one wants to waste their hard-earned money on the bandwidth that they do not even use. 

So, how much internet speed do you really need?

According to The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), if you are a household with multiple users, your internet speeds should be at least 12 Mbps to 25 Mbps. However, it also depends on how you use the internet. For instance, if a family of three individuals uses the internet for basic web surfing and emailing, then they certainly do not need to sign up for a high-speed internet plan. On the other hand, if a family of two uses the internet for extensive online gaming, then they do need to subscribe to a high-tier internet plan that comes with incredible speeds and preferably unlimited data.

A Quick Overview of Internet Speed Requirement

Here is an overview of the speed that is required and the speed that we recommend:

According to Netflix, you need 5 Mbps of internet speed to stream movies and TV shows in HD and 25 Mbps of speed to stream 4K Ultra HD content. However, multiple devices require more bandwidth. Therefore, if you were planning to connect more devices to your network, you would have to upgrade your internet plan for faster speeds. Gigabit plans work best for a household with multiple users as they allow greater bandwidth and data consumption. 

How to Calculate Your Current Internet Speed?

If you are already subscribed to an internet service but are not sure about the speed of the connection, then you can use online speed calculators to measure the speed that you are currently receiving. Tools like Speedtest.net and Fast.com are known for delivering the most accurate results, which is a good way to estimate the speed that you actually need. 

Internet service providers often urge you to buy plans that offer greater speeds because they cost more and generate more revenue for them. Many users fall for this trap and they end up paying more than they should. Therefore, always figure out your internet usage before signing up for a plan. If you are a moderate internet user, buy a plan that offers 6 to 15 Mbps of internet speed. On the other hand, if you are an avid online gamer or a movie lover, then you should go for a plan that transmits at least 35 Mbps of internet speed.

How fast is 35 Mbps?

A 35 Mbps internet plan is neither too fast nor is it too slow. For a household of two to three individuals, 35 Mbps is enough because you can easily stream movies on Netflix and YouTube in 1080p resolution without any trouble. In addition to this, you can also play online games on one or two devices and visit webpages without waiting for them to load. However, this usage is only limited to two or three devices at max. If you plan to connect more devices, then you should probably consider a plan that delivers 100 to 200 Mbps of internet speed. In case, you are looking for a reputable provider that offers commendable internet speeds, we highly recommend Spectrum Internet because it comes with amazing internet speeds, 24/7 customer support, and on top of that, unlimited data. Moreover, the provider offers premium facilities to its subscribers including free access to nationwide hotspots and different options to avail bundled packages. 

If you are finding it difficult to understand how fast is 35 Mbps speed then refer to the table below and you will get a firm hold of how internet speeds are categorized:

Final Words

It is safe to conclude that 25 to 35 Mbps of internet speed is considered to be an average requirement for most households in the US. So, to answer the question, how much internet speed do you need, we like to say at least 25 to 35 Mbps. If your provider is not delivering the promised speeds, there are numerous other options available in your area. Simply log on to Local Cable Deals and find the best internet plans available in your area. That is all for today, stay tuned for more interesting updates.