Do You Have a Need For Speed?
Figuring out how much internet speed you really need can be confusing. To make sense of terms like Mbps, bandwidth, and latency, check out our first blog post on internet-related terms first. Then, dive into this post where we’ll break down what speed you need for streaming, gaming, and everything in between.
How Much Speed Do Different Activities Need?
Not all online activities need the same amount of speed. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to stay frustration-free:
Streaming Video:
SD (Standard Definition): 3 Mbps
HD (High Definition): 5 Mbps
4K Ultra HD: 25 Mbps
Swift-Tip: Got a family of streamers? Add up these speeds for every TV in the house to avoid buffering battles.
Online Gaming:
3-6 Mbps download, less than 1 Mbps upload.
Latency matters! Look for a low ping (under 20ms) for smooth gameplay.
Swift-Tip: Gamers, plug into Ethernet for the ultimate lag-free experience.
Video Calls:
Standard: 1 Mbps
HD: 3-6 Mbps
Swift-Tip: Tired of pixelated faces on Zoom? Close unnecessary apps to free up bandwidth.
Web Browsing/Email:
1 Mbps
Swift-Tip: Even the slowest plans can handle basic browsing—no need to overpay!
Smart Home Devices (per device):
1-2 Mbps
Swift-Tip: Got a house full of gadgets? Make sure your router can handle the load.
Working from Home:
Basic tasks: 3-10 Mbps
File uploads/video calls: 25 Mbps
Swift-Tip: Multiple video calls at once? You’ll need extra speed to keep the peace.
How Much Speed Does the Average Household Use?
Every household is different, but here’s a general rule of thumb:
Start with a baseline of 25 Mbps.
Add 5 Mbps per additional person or device using the internet.
Example:
Family of 4:
2 people streaming HD: 10 Mbps
1 gaming: 6 Mbps
2 smart devices: 4 Mbps
Total = 20 Mbps minimum.
Swift-Tip: Always plan for the heaviest use case. A little extra speed now can save a lot of headaches later!
Common Misconceptions About Speed
“Faster is Always Better”
Sure, fast is great—but speeds beyond what you use won’t make Netflix load faster or emails send quicker.“Wi-Fi Speed Equals Internet Speed”
Your Wi-Fi’s performance depends on your router and placement. Weak signal? Your internet plan might not be the problem.
Swift-Tip: Position your router centrally and away from walls for the best Wi-Fi signal.
Tips for Optimizing Your Internet Speed
Use Ethernet for Stability: Wi-Fi is convenient, but a wired connection is faster and more reliable.
Upgrade Your Router: Old routers can bottleneck even the fastest internet plans.
Disconnect Unused Devices: Extra devices sap bandwidth, even when idle.
Choose the Right Plan: Don’t pay for speeds you don’t use, but don’t settle for too little, either. Of course, you're better to overshoot than undershoot when it comes to internet speeds.
Swift-Tip: Call us for a free speed assessment—our friendly team at Swift-Net can help you pick the perfect plan!
Conclusion
When it comes to internet speed, it’s all about balance. Too little speed, and you’re stuck with buffering nightmares. Too much, and you’re paying for speed you don’t need.
Still unsure what’s right for you? Reach out to Swift-Net, and we’ll help you build a plan that’s just right for your household’s needs. That’s what we call business smart, family friendly internet!