What Mbps means and how much speed you actually need
Mbps stands for Megabits per second. It measures how much data your internet connection can download or upload per second.
The higher the Mbps, the faster your internet connection. For example, 100 Mbps is faster than 50 Mbps, meaning you can download files, stream videos, and browse the web more quickly.
Receiving data from the internet to your device. Used for streaming, browsing, downloading files, and loading web pages.
Sending data from your device to the internet. Used for video calls, posting photos, cloud backups, and live streaming.
| Activity | Minimum | Recommended | Ideal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email & Browsing | 1 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| SD Streaming | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| HD Streaming | 5 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| 4K Streaming | 25 Mbps | 35 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Video Calls (HD) | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Online Gaming | 3 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Working From Home | 10 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Smart Home (10+ devices) | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
Measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better. Gaming needs <50ms for responsive gameplay. Video calls work best under 100ms.
Variation in ping over time. Lower is better. Important for video calls and gaming. Aim for <30ms jitter for smooth performance.
Often slower than download on cable/DSL. Fiber offers symmetrical speeds (same up/down). Important for video calls, cloud backups, and content creators.
See how your current connection measures up and find faster options in your area