The internet has become one of the most wanted utilities in almost every home on the globe. This is because it facilitates everyday tasks like commuting, shopping, socializing, and studying, unlike any other technology.
Since this technology is monumental, homeowners often attempt to subscribe to the most powerful internet plan possible. Thinking that subscribing to faster speeds may lead to an overall luxurious internet experience.
However, we are here to tell you that you do not necessarily need to invest in an expensive internet plan to make the most of the internet. It is possible to enjoy a smooth web experience with relatively slower speeds as well.
Factors to Consider
Before we discuss how much internet speed you need at home, you need to look at a few other factors that contribute to a network’s performance. Here they are:
Speed vs Bandwidth
Upload and download speeds are not the only two factors contributing to a desirable connection. There are other important factors as well that are equally important. And among those is the network’s bandwidth.
People often confuse internet speed with internet bandwidth which, in fact, are two different things. Think of the internet as a highway where the data being transmitted are the vehicles, and the bandwidth is the number of lanes available. So, even if the speed of the transfer can be fast, it is of no use if there are no more lanes to use.
Number of Devices Connected
The number of devices connected to a single network also plays a pivotal role in the network’s performance. If multiple devices are connected to the same network, lesser bandwidth would remain to support the speedy transmission of data. Thus, you would want to disconnect all idle and unnecessary devices from the network to enjoy the maximum performance of the internet.
How Much Speed Do You Need at Home?
While internet service providers may try to convince you to subscribe to the fastest internet plan at their disposal, the smart thing to do is otherwise. A faster internet connection can definitely help you to enjoy larger simultaneous connections and enjoy luxuries like 4K streaming. However, if your internet plan has a large bandwidth, even plans with slower speeds may be more beneficial as compared to those with smaller bandwidths.
The need for download and upload speed depends upon the type of internet activity that you engage in. Here is an approximation of how much internet speed you would need for different internet activities:
- Checking email -> Minimum 1 Mbps -> Recommended 1 Mbps
- Browsing -> Minimum 3 Mbps -> Recommended 5 Mbps or more
- Social Media -> Minimum 5 Mbps -> Recommended 10 Mbps or more
- Streaming HD video -> Minimum 5 Mbps -> Recommended 10 Mbps or more
- Streaming 4K video -> Minimum 25 Mbps -> Recommended 35 Mbps or more
- Online Gaming -> Minimum 5 Mbps -> Recommended 25 Mbps or more
Internet Service Providers That Can Help
There are several internet service providers serving across the United States. Among them are very few ISPs that can truly deliver on their promise and create a smooth internet experience in your home. Here are a few:
AT&T
AT&T internet is among the elite ISPs in the United States. All AT&T internet plans are fully equipped to handle all kinds of connectivity needs in almost every scenario. This service offers both fiber-optic and wireless internet in the country, and you can benefit from either of them depending on the region you are living in. All the plans offered here come with ample bandwidth and significant data allowance to cater to your internet needs.
Spectrum
Spectrum is another internet service provider that offers a hybrid fiber-coaxial network for its consumers. This means that the consumers can access a network that is a combination of fiber-optic and coaxial cables. In addition to offering significant bandwidth and speeds, the service provider also offers low-income support to provide internet access to the financially weak. Though, one would have to qualify for their low-income criteria first.
Xfinity
The third ISP that you could opt for is Xfinity. This internet service provider offers not only amazing bandwidth and speeds, but you may access all of them in amazing bundles along with a TV subscription. Thus, allowing you to enjoy two amazing services at relatively cheaper rates.
On a Final Note
Wanting to subscribe to faster internet speeds is understandable. But you also have to understand that you might be paying for speeds that you are not even using. So, do go through your internet plan once again to see whether you are paying for unused speeds.