Originally Posted On: https://www.earthlink.net/blog/how-much-internet-speed-do-i-need/

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need? Find the Right Internet Speeds

Internet speed is an essential factor to consider when choosing an internet service provider. With most people’s lives relying heavily on internet usage, it’s important to choose the right speed to fit your lifestyle. But how do you narrow down the speed for your needs? Let us help guide the way.

How Do You Use the Internet?

The first step in calculating your bandwidth is figuring out what you use it for. Different internet activities need varying levels of upload and download speeds, so it’s important to consider your usage.

For instance, basic activities such as email, social media, and online shopping don’t require high internet speeds. However, tasks such as streaming movies, gaming, and online fitness classes require more data. You’ll need higher speeds to experience those without lag.

Additionally, the number of devices connected to the internet also determines the internet speed required. If you have multiple household members working or schooling from home, you’ll need at least 100 Mbps or more.

Business internet typically needs three to four times the speed of residential internet to support a full office. The internet speed options for home and business vary, with business internet service typically priced higher than residential.

How Much Speed Is Just Right?

According to speedtest.net, the average internet connection speed in the US is 242.27 Mbps download and 36.19 Mbps upload.

• Casual Browsing (Emails, light usage): Less than 25 Mbps.
• Streaming (Netflix, Hulu in standard definition): At least 25 Mbps.
• High Demands (Video games, 4K streaming, large file downloads): Much higher speeds, particularly faster upload rates, are required.

If you are often playing video games, HD or 4K streaming, and downloading large files, you’ll need much higher speeds. This is especially true for your upload speed.

Fiber internet offers the utmost reliability and performance for households with high demands. Its dedicated connection ensures that peak traffic hours won’t impact your performance. Fiber also supports gigabit speeds, providing seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming—even for multiple users.

What Type of Internet do You Need?

The best internet connection depends on your location, budget, and speed needs. Here’s a closer look

• DSL (1 to 100 Mbps): Budget-friendly and works via existing phone lines. Suitable for light browsing and small households.
• Cable (10 to 1,000 Mbps): Great for faster speeds where few options exist. Works via a coaxial cable but may slow during peak hours.
• Satellite (12 to 100 Mbps): Ideal for remote areas but can be costly. High latency may cause delays.
• Wireless Home Internet (25 to 300 Mbps): Cellular networks provide flexible speeds, making this a solid option in areas with good mobile coverage.
• Fiber Internet (100 Mbps to 5 Gigs): Fastest and most reliable option available. Fiber’s symmetrical speeds ensure equally fast upload and download rates, making it ideal for gaming, video calls, and large file-sharing.

Troubleshooting Slow Internet

If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, here are some tips to get higher speed internet:

1. Check Your Internet Plan – Slow internet speeds may mean it’s time to upgrade your current internet plan.
2. Restart Your Router – Restarting your router can sometimes fix slow internet speeds.
3. Check Your WiFi Signal Strength – Make sure your router Wi-Fi router is placed in a central location in your home. Keep it away from walls or obstacles that can interfere with the Wi-Fi network. If you’re experiencing issues, get closer to your router.
4. Upgrade Your Router – If your router is outdated, you may need to upgrade to a newer model that supports faster speeds. You could also invest in WiFi extenders which can expand your network’s reach, improving WiFi signal strength.
5. Clear Your Cache – Clearing your cache and cookies can sometimes improve internet speed.
6. Limit Background Activity – If you have multiple devices connected to your network, limit background activity. Avoid automatic software updates or file syncing, which can slow down your internet speed.

Understanding Internet Speeds

Your internet speed consists of several factors: upload, download, and latency. To get the best understanding of your internet speed, knowing these terms is important.

Upload speed – Upload speed is the rate your devices can send data to the internet. Common ways you use your upload speed would be sharing pictures on social media, video conferencing, or online gaming.

Download speed – Download speed is the rate your devices receive data from the internet. Some of the main uses of download speed include browsing the internet, playing music, and gaming.

Latency – Latency is how long it takes for a small amount of data to travel from your device to a server and back. High latency can cause lag in video streaming, pages loading, or online games.

How Much Mbps Do I Need?

The best internet speed options for you depend on your usage and the number of devices connected to your network.

If you have several internet users at home, you’ll need at least 100 Mbps to accommodate your activities. However, if you’re using large amounts of data with streaming, online games, movies, music, or large files, you may need gigabit-speed. If you’re not sure if it’s time to make the switch, read our 11 signs it’s time.

What Internet do I Need to Work from Home?

If you’re working from home, you should prioritize internet speed, reliable connectivity, and data. Just like we’ve stated before, what you do for work will determine what internet type and speed you need.

Regardless of what your day-to-day looks like for remote work, you need at least 100 Mbps. Keep in mind that this is the minimum speed we recommend. Most remote work requires large data downloads and uploads, as well as video calls, which will require higher speeds.

If all you’re doing is answering emails and researching online, you can settle for satellite internet, which can reach speeds of 100 Mbps. However, this may not be your most reliable choice. Satellite internet is highly affected by weather and outages are common.

But, if you’re living and working in a rural area, it might be your only option. Consider wireless home internet for rural remote work if there are cell towers around your home.

Are video calls and file sharing a large part of your day? Wireless home internet and fiber internet are better options. You’ll reach faster speeds on these internet types, though you might have data limits with wireless home internet depending on your plan.

Where to Get Fast Internet

The type of internet service and the speed you can get will depend on your location. Budget is also a factor you need to consider. The availability of internet service providers in your area will also affect your choices.

Research the options available in your area and compare plans and pricing to find the best fit for your needs.

Did you know EarthLink is the largest provider of internet in the United States? It’s likely EarthLink Internet is available in your area. But if not, we’ll help you find an internet provider.

Find High-Speed Internet Near Me

Finding the Best Internet for You

In summary, choosing the right internet speed is essential to meet your online needs.

If you’re looking for the fastest and most reliable internet service, EarthLink Fiber Internet is right for you. With speeds up to 5 Gigs, unlimited data, and no throttling, you can enjoy everything you love without interruption.

Don’t just take our word for it—run a free internet speed test and see how your current connection compares to our high-speed fiber internet.

With this test, you can get a quick and accurate measurement of your internet speed and determine if you need an upgrade.

Elevate your internet connection with EarthLink Fiber today and experience the difference for yourself. With the fastest and most reliable internet service, you can do everything you love online with ease.

Key Takeaways

• Internet speed is essential for performance—choose your plan based on usage and number of connected devices.
• Light activities like browsing and email need under 25 Mbps, while streaming, gaming, and remote work often require 100 Mbps or more.
• Fiber internet delivers the fastest, most reliable connection with equal upload and download speeds perfect for households with high demands.
• Internet types vary: DSL, cable, satellite, wireless home internet, and fiber each serve different needs based on location and budget.
• EarthLink Fiber offers high-speed internet with no throttling, no data caps, and exceptional reliability.
• Call 866-618-0414 today to get started with EarthLink.