Nowadays, there are numerous home or business internet providers, and they all claim to have the best internet speed for gaming and streaming. What does it mean to have good internet speed? Let’s look at what it means to ensure you precisely have what you require.
Internet speed is one of the major factors that we check for when getting an internet package. This is in addition to the price which is the other major factor.
The internet speed is a bit tricky to evaluate. One of the major questions I see posted on this site comments is, “is 25 Mbps/ 600 Mbps good for gaming?” or “is 100Mbps fast?”
Possibly, you have tested internet speed at home or your business and got information on your upload and download speeds. You’ve also got information on latency problems, packet loss, connection issues, and other details.
All these issues determine whether your Internet Service Providers (ISP) are offering good internet speeds or not. Let’s look at internet speed.
How to measure internet speed
There are several online programs that can be used to measure internet speed. These devices however apply the following principles:
- What is the download speed of the internet connection per second? This measure evaluates the amount of data that can be downloaded in a given time for your internet.
Download speed is the most important factor in internet connections in most households. This is because the primary use of the internet in those households is for streaming TV, downloading/ streaming movies, streaming or downloading music, and browsing social media among others.
- What is the upload speed of the internet connection per second? The upload speeds are also an important factor in offices and some households. The upload speeds evaluate the amount of data that can be uploaded to the internet in a given time.
Upload speeds are important in activities such as video conferencing, uploading files into the server/ cloud, or gaming.
For both downloads and uploads, the internet connection speed is measured in bits per second (bps). This means the number of bits that are either transmitted or received each second.
However, as we use the internet, we transfer thousands or millions of bits per second, therefore we use units such as Kbps, Mbps, and Gbps.
Unit | Definition |
Kbps | 1000bps |
Mbps | 1000Kbps |
Gbps | 1000Mbps |
In most internet connections, the speed is in Mbps. The range is as low as 1mbps for very slow internet to as high as over 2000Mbps for ultra-fast internet connections. The faster packets are transferred from the internet to and from your computer or phone, the higher the Mbps.
What is a good internet speed in Mbs?
According to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) as from 2015, a good internet speed must have at least 25Mbps download speeds and 3Mbps upload speeds- these speeds are a definition of broadband internet connection. This thus determines if the internet speeds you are getting from your ISP is of good speed or not.
Selecting your ISP and internet package depends on what you would like to do with the internet. Your internet connection bandwidth is mainly influenced by the network requirements and infrastructure quality of your Internet Service Provider.
The bandwidth you sign up to is typically shared by every device in your home or business. It decreases as you add more gadgets. What of internet upload and download speed? Well, take a look!
Any speed above the broadband internet connection is ‘fast’ internet. The internet speeds can be affected by simultaneously using several devices on the internet or using the internet for internet-intensive activities. These activities are for example streaming in 4k, downloading a high definition movie, or gaming.
Some of the fast internet speeds include the following internet tiers provided by the Internet Service Providers like Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T among others:
- 100Mbps
- 200Mbps
- 300Mpps
- 400Mbps
- 500Mbps
- 600Mbps
- 1000Mbps
- 2000Mbps
You will require a modem and router compatible with these internet speeds. For example, you will need an excellent router for 200Mbps internet if you use that tier.
Very few internet service providers can provide internet speeds of above 1000Mbps. 2000Mbps is only available in select areas and is offered only by a few ISPs such as Xfinity.
Related posts: Is 200Mbps fast? Check this article to understand the application of 200Mbps internet for gaming, streaming, online meetings, downloads, and other activities. You will also get to learn which ISP will give you the internet plan. Alternatively, you can check “is 400 Mbps fast for gaming“?
What is a good upload speed?
A good upload speed is a minimum of 3Mbps as defined in broadband internet connection from FCC. These speeds meet the specifications of the minimum broadband threshold as specified by Federal Communication Commission (FCC).
However, for common upload activities, 10Mbps is the minimum definition of fast internet upload speeds. 10Mbps or more can be used for uploading large files or while uploading on several devices. For example, a Skype call uses 1.2Mbps for HD video calls.
Upload speed defines how fast files and other content can be transferred from your computer or phone to the web. The upload speed is commonly the next number that’s shown after the download speed. When compared to download speed, Many ISPs have lower upload speeds as compared to download speeds.
If you regularly share videos, pictures, and audio files, or if this is part of your business, you require a Good Upload Speed so that you don’t waste time.
In addition, if there are several users in the household or office uploading data at the same time, a higher upload speed should be considered. This is because the use of several devices at the same time reduces the upload speed.
The table below shows you the amount of time you will take to upload a video/ document with the various internet speeds to the cloud or server:
Desktop Upload Times: Size vs Speed | ||||
Upload Speed | 10 MB | 100 MB | 500 MB | 1 GB |
56 Kbps | 35.7 min | 6 hr | 30 hrs | 59.5 hrs |
256 Kbps | 7.8 min | 1.3 min | 6.5 hrs | 13 hrs |
512 Kbps | 3.9 min | 39 min | 3.3 hrs | 6.5 hrs |
3 Mbps | 0.65 min | 6.5 min | 32.5 min | 1.1 hrs |
10 Mbps | 12 sec | 2 min | 10 min | 20 min |
100 Mbps | 1 sec | 12 sec | 1 min | 2 min |
200Mbps | 0.5 sec | 6 sec | 30 sec | 1 min |
500Mbps | 0.16 sec | 2 sec | 14 sec | 24 sec |
600Mbps | 0.13 sec | 1.7 sec | 11.7 sec | 20 sec |
1000 Mbps | 0.08 sec | 1 sec | 7 sec | 12 sec |
2000 Mbps | 0.04 sec | 0.5 sec | 3.5 sec | 6 sec |
What is a good download speed?
A good download speed is any internet download speed that meets the broadband internet connection threshold set by the Federal Communications Commission. This speed is a minimum of 25Mbps.
Download speeds refer to how fast you can download content from the internet to your computer or phone. With a higher download speed, you can stream videos without interruption.
You can also download large files and other media content within a short time. The download speed can however be affected by the simultaneous use of many devices in your household.
However, depending on the use, lower internet speeds can also be enough for you. The following are the activities that can be done comfortably at lower internet speeds:
- 2-4Mbps: This is good enough for casual Web surfing activities like reading mail. This may not be enough to stream standard-definition movies.
- 4-6Mbps: This internet speed is good for Web surfing. It is slow in downloading videos but can be used to stream standard-definition movies.
- 6-10Mbps: This speed is excellent for Web surfing activities. It can be used to stream a 720p high-definition movie.
- 10-20Mbps: It is good enough to stream a 1080p high definition movie. It can also be used to make fast downloads.
- 0ver 20Mbps: This is often good for several applications and also downloading high definition movies or streaming it. It can also be used by several devices simultaneously.
You can for example use this bandwidth calculator to know the right speed for your activities. This will enable you to get the right speed for your home.
What is a good download speed for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi network speed is determined by its quality. Like many kinds of computer networks, Wi-Fi supports diverse performance levels. This depends on the technology standards.
For Wi-Fi, the same internet specifications listed above for a fast internet service apply.
Best Internet Speed for Gaming and Streaming
Live video streaming configuration must meet two main requirements. The first is hardware that’s sufficiently powerful to process video encoding in real-time and also operate video games in high settings at the same time. The next requirement is a good upload speed.
You can download all the hardware required for streaming on a suitable computer or smartphone. It’s more difficult to achieve a Good Upload Speed for Streaming and Gaming.
Before you call your ISP to find out more about bandwidth, you must, first of all, know the upload speed needed for gaming and streaming. Unluckily, this is among those questions that don’t have an exact answer.
Good upload speed for streaming is one that you can stream the desired content to your chosen platform without major problems. It should be able to deliver your content in a quality that will at least not be a disadvantage to you.
It should also not make you a less competitive streamer. Therefore, anything between 672 kbps to 61.5 Mbps is good. Let’s have a look at the internet speed required for gaming.
What Internet Speed Do I Need for Gaming?
What Mbps do I need for gaming?
Generally, the higher the number of Mbps that you need, the more stable your game experience will be. For example, a high-speed broadband connection may be necessary for a 4K gaming experience because the more data that can be sent at once from your browser to your GPU (graphics processing unit) through an internet connection, the better.
The difference between Mbps and download speed is not as important as it is with streaming video or online payments — where you want a fast connection to ensure that everything is processed smoothly and quickly.
However, there are some games where throughput is less important than stability and security: For instance, if you’re playing an FPS game like Doom 3 or Half-Life 2, you may not need as much throughput as for something like Call of Duty.
Download speeds, upload speeds, and latency for gaming
Getting the Best Internet Gaming Speed is important if you’re a normal gamer and you would like to make the most out of your internet package. This avoids delays and ensures that you relish multiplayer video games.
If you’re a passionate gamer or you do it part-time, you’ll find everything you require to get the best experience in gaming all the time, as well as several troubleshooting tips. Although every game and console has diverse requirements, three factors have effects on game lag. These are:
- Download speed
- Upload speed
- Latency
When determining how much bandwidth you require, you need to know the value of all these three for a total gaming experience.
What is a Good Upload Speed for Gaming?
Good internet upload speeds for gaming are usually higher than any other activities because you’re sending information constantly from your gaming gadget to the server when playing.
You require a faster upload speed to send huge files or utilize video chat to communicate with other team members. Ensure you have upload speeds of more than 1 Mbps.
To achieve these speeds, you will require an excellent modem for gaming and a compatible gaming router.
What is a good download speed for PS4 and Xbox 1?
PS4 Download Speed
Your online connection is crucial when it comes to online gaming. It not only has to be safe but also has to be quick, particularly if you’re playing on ps4. Internet speeds differ depending on the ISP.
However, players can still find a few things to make sure that they play at optimal speeds on their consoles. If one of you is both a PC and console player, then you know that many games have low system requirements list.
This list shows the minimum connection speed at which you can operate the game’s online services. PlayStation games differ slightly because the console already meets the minimum requirements.
Games must meet minimum requirements to be on the PlayStation platform. Fortunately, there are some PlayStations that have low minimum requirements. You only need an Internet Download Speed of 3 Mbps.
With today’s standards, this speed is very low. Nowadays the average PS4 Download Speed is 19Mps. Therefore, every game should run well at an average internet speed. Although speed is a crucial factor when gaming online, you should focus on ping as it’s a real issue.
You can use the recommended routers for PS4 to achieve these speeds for excellent performance in your gaming.
Xbox One Download Speed
When downloading an app or a video game on the Xbox 1 console, it can be slow and exasperating. Typically, huge file size with multiple modern titles mainly contributes to slow download speeds on Xbox 1.
However, there are some other factors that can cause a single download to take a couple of hours or even the whole day. Here are several of the most efficient methods to speed up video games download on Xbox 1 console:
Close Games and Apps to speed up Downloads
Video games and apps usually download in the background on Xbox One. This is a handy feature that allows you to watch videos on Netflix or YouTube or play a game while purchasing downloads.
If you do other activities when downloading something in the background, it can slow down the Internet Speed Needed for Gaming and Streaming, particularly when online connectivity is required.
The best way of speeding up downloads on Xbox One is by quitting all apps and games. It’s good to try out this method with all the best games and apps on the home screen of your Xbox One.
Internet Connection on other gadgets should be disabled
If other gadgets in your home, like a laptop, smartphone, or computer use a similar internet connection to your Xbox One, this can lead to slow download speeds. For a faster download of a video game or app, disconnect all the other devices from the internet for the entire download duration.
The other Xbox One Downloads should be paused
When you download numerous apps and games simultaneously, this slows down the download speed on an Xbox One. Auspiciously, stop the other downloads so that your favorite games or apps download fast.
Use a Wired Connection to Download Faster
Wired internet connection often offers upload and download speeds that are faster than using Wi-Fi, although the latter method is expedient.
All you have to do is connect one end of the best gaming Ethernet cable to your internet router and the other end to the port on the back of the console.
How to find the right Mbps for gaming
There are a lot of different Mbps needed for gaming. It can be pretty difficult to find the right one for your specific needs, so it’s important that you do your homework. Your first step is to figure out what Mbps is necessary for gaming. After all, since games are made with a variety of different devices, they require different speeds. So let’s take a closer look at Mbps and how to find it.
As with any other technology, most gaming consoles have a bandwidth requirement. The amount of bandwidth required depends on the type of game you’re playing; some games need more bandwidth than others. For example, some HD videos require faster internet connection speeds than others.
If you’re looking to play online multiplayer games in your home or office, then you should check out the requirements for your modem to see if it meets those requirements. If not, then use an Ethernet cord instead and connect your console directly to the modem via a USB Type-A cable.
What is a Good Internet Speed for Streaming? – is 400 Mbs good for Streaming?
For you to stream many videos in a resolution that’s within the accepted range, you generally require an internet speed of not less than 3 Mbps. Several streaming services recommend faster speeds. Sometimes you may have a fast internet subscription but slow streaming, this is a reason for everyone to worry.
The table below shows some of the streaming services and their suggested speeds. Take a look!
Netflix
The following are the recommended speeds for streaming on Netflix. Kindly note that the package that you have enlisted for will determine the video type you get on your devices.
Video Type | Recommended Speed |
Standard Definition | 3 Mbps |
HD Videos | 5 Mbps |
HDR or 4K | 25 Mbps |
Hulu
Type of Video Streaming | Recommended Speed |
HD on mobile gadgets | Between 2.5-7.5 Mbps |
Computer web browser at home | 12 Mbps |
YouTube
Type of Video | Suggested Speed |
Standard Definition | 3 Mbps |
HD in a single device | 7 Mbps |
HD on numerous devices | 13 Mbps |
Internet speeds of 400 Mbps or even more are often viewed as fast internet as they can perform numerous online activities for many users simultaneously and the service won’t be interrupted.
What is a Good Internet Speed for 4k streaming?
For 4k video streaming on your laptop or in devices that are Ultra HD enabled, you require at least 25 Mbps. Several streaming services recommend faster speeds.
You can use the routers for live streaming top picks to achieve these speeds for streaming at your home.
Is 100Mbps fast for streaming?
Internet Speed for Streaming Twitch
You’ll have a better experience streaming on Twitch if you have a faster internet connection. Twitch suggests upload speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps for transmitting a stream.
However, this depends on the type of connection and location. Fiber-optic and wired internet connections usually have advanced or symmetrical download and upload speeds. Satellite internet downloads and uploads and DSL speeds differ significantly.
What is a Good Internet Speed Test?
If you have a slow internet connection, the first step is usually to measure its performance using an internet speed test. A Good Internet Speed Test can indicate exactly how much bandwidth you presently have.
Internet speed tests are proof enough that you are getting bandwidth from your Internet Service Provider that you pay for or not. The tests also help in determining if your ISP is reducing bandwidth.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is 6 Mbps fast enough for gaming?
Yes, 6Mbps is fast enough for gaming, but is not the best! An internet connection for gaming should have at least 3Mbps download speeds for online gaming on Xbox One, PS4, and other gaming consoles. This will be enough for single-device gaming. Therefore, 6Mbps internet will be fast enough for gaming when you are using a single device on your network. It is important to also ensure that you have an upload speed of more than 0.5Mbps and a ping (latency) of less than 150 milliseconds.
For the best performance, you can connect your gaming console/ machine to the router or modem router using an Ethernet cable.
Is 100 Mbps fast enough for online gaming?
100Mbps is fast enough for gaming and connecting a few devices if the connection is stable and reliable. As discussed above, online gaming requires a minimum of 3Mbps download speed and 0.5Mbps upload speed with a Ping of less than 150 milliseconds. Therefore, with a 100Mbps internet plan, it will be good for you to be able to enjoy your online gaming. However, if you have multiple devices, the speed may not be enough since all the devices share your internet connection.
What is good WiFi speed?
Good Wi-Fi speed is dependent on the activities you want to carry out on your internet. As discussed above, there are different speed requirements for every activity in your home. For example, if you want to have enjoyable gaming, you need to have at least 25Mbps WiFi speed which is also good for 4K streaming. If you have multiple devices, you will require a faster Wi-Fi speed for seamless use of the devices.
Is 25 Mbps good for gaming?
25 Mbps is good for gaming but the higher the speed, the better the experience. However, it may not give you the best experience if you have multiple devices. For most gaming machines, 19 Mbps is the bare minimum required for good gaming. So 25 Mbps is good for gaming! If you gave multiple devices, ensure you get at least 100 Mbps for lag-free gaming.
How many Mbps do you need for gaming?
To ensure the best heavy gaming experience for multiple devices you need gigabit internet. However, you can have 1-2 light gamers on 50 Mbps, 3-5 multi-player gamers on 50 to 250 Mbps, and over 5 multi-player gamers on 250 to gigabit internet.
Conclusion
While determining the internet tier on your ISP that will serve your needs, it is good to explore all the above. Depending on the devices and activities being carried out in your home, what is a fast internet speed in Mbps?
Select an ISP depending on your internet needs so that you can avoid signing up to slow connections. If you download content or frequently share files, go for Higher Download and Upload Speeds to relish the services.
There are several routers and modems that can be used to ensure you get fast internet speeds in your home as per the internet tier that you have subscribed to.
As you travel internationally or within the country, you may also need to get a travel router or a MiFi device to access good internet speeds. There are several MiFi devices that we recommend for travel that will make you feel as if you are at home.
To access the internet at home at any speed, you require a modem, a router, or a modem/ router combo. The router and modem compatibility with your internet service provider should always be checked before buying the modem. For example, there are a number of modems that are compatible with Spectrum internet.