Mbps, download and upload in plain English
Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). A “gig” plan is about 1,000 Mbps. Every plan has two numbers:
- Download speed is how fast data comes to you: streaming, loading websites, downloading games and apps.
- Upload speed is how fast data leaves your home: video calls, sending large files, cloud backups, livestreaming and posting videos.
The FCC’s benchmark for high-speed home internet is 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, and it used that same standard in its 2026 broadband report. Think of it as a sensible minimum for a typical home, not a target. Many households do well with more.
How much speed common activities use
Each activity only needs a few Mbps on its own. What adds up is how many things happen at the same time. Here are figures published by the services themselves:
| Activity | Speed it needs (per device) |
|---|---|
| Netflix in HD (720p) | 3 Mbps or more, according to Netflix |
| Netflix in Full HD (1080p) | 5 Mbps or more |
| Netflix in 4K Ultra HD | 15 Mbps or more |
| Zoom group call in 720p | About 2.6 Mbps down and 1.8 Mbps up, according to Zoom |
| Zoom call in 1080p | About 3.8 Mbps down and 3.0 Mbps up |
| Online gaming (playing) | Only a few Mbps, but low lag matters more than speed |
| Downloading a large game | As much as you have: faster plans finish in minutes instead of hours |
Figures are each service’s published recommendations and can change. Real use varies by app and settings.
How much speed by household
Use this as a starting point, then adjust for how your home really uses the internet:
- 1–2 people who browse, stream and check email: 100–300 Mbps is usually plenty, even with a TV streaming in 4K.
- 3–4 people with several streams at once and some gaming: 300–500 Mbps gives room for everyone in the evening rush.
- 5+ people, heavy gamers, or lots of smart-home devices: 500 Mbps to 1 Gig keeps big downloads from slowing everyone else down.
- Anyone working from home on video all day: focus on upload speed and reliability, not just the download number (see below).
A quick way to estimate: count the things your home does at the busiest time of the evening, such as two 4K TVs, one video call and a game download. Add up the speeds, then add some headroom for phones and smart devices in the background. If you often hit the limit of your current plan, one tier up is usually enough. Very few homes need multi-gig plans today.
Don’t forget upload speed
Many cable plans offer much less upload speed than download speed. That’s fine for streaming, but it can cause frozen video calls or slow cloud backups when several people upload at once. If you work from home, create videos, or back up lots of photos, look at the upload number on the plan’s FCC broadband label. Fiber plans usually offer upload speeds that match the download speed. Our fiber vs cable guide explains the difference in more detail.
Your Wi‑Fi can be the bottleneck
Paying for a faster plan won’t help if your Wi‑Fi can’t deliver it. Before you upgrade, check these:
- Router age. An older router may not reach gig speeds over Wi‑Fi. Ask your provider whether your equipment supports your plan’s top speed.
- Router placement. Put it in a central, open spot, up high and away from thick walls and the microwave.
- Big homes. A mesh Wi‑Fi system or an extra access point can fix dead zones better than a faster plan.
- Wired connections. For a desktop, game console or smart TV near the router, an Ethernet cable gives the most stable speed.
How to test the speed you’re getting
Run a speed test from a laptop or phone close to the router, then again from the room where you work or stream. Test at different times of day, especially in the evening when networks are busiest. If you’re far below your plan’s typical speed when connected near the router, restart the modem and router and contact your provider. Keep a note of the results, as they help if you need to ask for a repair visit.
Plans and speeds depend on your exact address. The easiest way to find the right fit is to tell us how your household uses the internet. A specialist will compare the speeds available from every provider at your address, for free.
Compare speeds from the providers at your address
Most of these providers sell several speed tiers. Tap one to see where it serves, or check your address and we’ll tell you which speeds are actually available on your street.
