What is a good internet speed?
A "good" speed depends entirely on what you do online and how many devices are connected. Generally, 25 Mbps is the minimum for a modern household, but many thrive with 100 Mbps or more.
Internet speed by activity
Basic browsing and email
Checking your inbox, reading news, and light social media scrolling require very little bandwidth.
Streaming high definition (HD)
Standard HD streaming on platforms like YouTube or Netflix works well at these speeds for a single device.
Streaming 4K ultra HD
To enjoy crisp 4K resolution without buffering, you need at least 25 Mbps per active stream.
Online gaming
While speed matters, gaming relies heavily on low latency (ping). Most games only use 3-5 Mbps of bandwidth.
Working from home and video calls
High-quality video conferencing on Zoom or Teams requires stable download and upload speeds.
Downloading large files
If you frequently download large software packages or games, higher speeds significantly reduce wait times.
How much speed do you really need?
Match your household size to the recommended bandwidth.
Perfect for light streaming and general browsing.
Ideal for families with multiple students or remote workers.
Best for smart homes with 4K streaming and heavy gaming.
Why your results might vary
Your speed test result is a snapshot of your network at a specific moment. Several factors can influence the numbers you see:
Hardware limitations: Older routers or devices with slow processors can't handle Gigabit speeds.
Distance from router: WiFi signals weaken as they travel through walls and furniture.
Background usage: Other devices streaming or updating in the background will lower your available speed.
Pro tip: Use ethernet
For the most accurate test and the fastest possible connection, use a physical Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to your router. WiFi is convenient, but it rarely reaches the full potential of your internet plan.