How Much Internet Speed Do I Need?
Most households need between 25 and 100 Mbps. The right number depends on what you do online and how many people use the connection at the same time. Run the NetQ speed test first so you know what you actually get.
Speed needed per activity
| Activity | Approx. speed per device |
|---|---|
| Web browsing and email | 1–5 Mbps |
| HD video streaming (1080p) | 5–8 Mbps |
| 4K streaming | 15–25 Mbps |
| Video calls (Zoom, Meet, Teams) | 2–4 Mbps up and down |
| Online gaming | 3–10 Mbps, but low ping matters more |
| Large game or software downloads | The faster, the better |
Recommended speed by household
1–2 people: 25–50 Mbps.
3–4 people: 50–100 Mbps.
5+ people or heavy use: 200 Mbps or more.
Do not forget upload speed
Upload matters for video calls, live streaming, cloud backup and sending large files. Many plans have much lower upload than download, so check both numbers.
Speed is not the only factor
A fast plan can still feel slow if your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your ping is high. Move closer to the router or use a cable to see the difference. Learn more in What is ping and jitter?
Run the speed testMore guides
How much internet speed do I need?
What is ping and jitter?
Why is my Wi-Fi slow?