How Much Internet Speed Do I Need?

At some point, everyone has suffered from slow internet speeds for a particular task. Even more annoying is when the same internet sometimes works well for other functions yet gives you a tough time.

Sadly, this happens to every internet user, whether they use the Cox internet or any other high-quality connection. And it is not always an issue with the service so don’t rush into blaming them. The fact is that your service plan may not match your usage or need. So it is important you determine what is your usage and what speeds are required accordingly. The following guide will help you with precisely that: 

How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?

As mentioned earlier, even the best connections like Optimum internet can give you a hard time. And this only happens if the speed is not appropriate to the function you’re trying to perform. The following are the most common categories of internet usage and the speed they need: 

#1. Casual Web Browsing

If 1 to 3 people want to browse the internet, answer emails, and use social media, 5 to 25 Mbps of internet speed should be appropriate. It is also great for streaming live music and SD videos online. 

#2. Streaming HD Videos

HD videos and high-quality content require better internet speed and a more stable connection. So, 25 to 50 Mbps internet speed will work best for such tasks. Other than that, 1 to 3 people can also work from home, enjoy games, and stream music on this internet speed. 

#3. Streaming 4K Videos

If more people (2 to 4 users) are connected to the same internet and running 4K high-quality videos, you might need a bit of internet speed. For such situations, 50 to 100 Mbps internet speed should be ideal.  

#4. Running a Home Office

Home offices usually require better internet speeds. It is because more people are working in the office and connected to the same internet. They run 4K videos and use software and tools that might require a little more speed. Therefore, 100 to 500 Mbps speed for these home offices should be ideal for two to five users on the same internet. 

#5. Creative Professionals

People running a more extensive home office and creative professionals typically run heavier software and tools. And to operate well, they need better internet speeds. To be precise, an internet speed of around 500 to 1,000 MBPS should work well for 3 to 5 people, sometimes even more.  

3 Factors That Decide How Much Internet Speed You Need

There are three factors that determine how much internet speed you need. Let’s take a look at them:

#1. Number Of People Using the Internet

No matter how incredible of an internet connection you have, if there are way too many people using the same internet, the speed will fluctuate. So, when you get a connection, make sure you keep in mind the number of users you will have. For example, consider family members, friends who come over often, and employees who are part of your work-from-home setup. 

#2. The Devices Using the Internet

Apart from the user number, also consider the devices that are actively connected to the internet simultaneously. For example, suppose three people have two devices or gadgets each, and they are all connected to the internet at all times. In such a case, the number of users and the number of devices can be significantly different. 

#3. What You Do with The Internet

Remember the functions and tasks that you want to perform through the internet. As mentioned earlier, the internet speed requirements can vary for functions. For example, if you want to run 4k videos, 5 to 25 Mbps might not work well for you. You will need an entirely different internet speed to get a smoother experience. 

Importance of Knowing How Much Internet Speed You Need

You are probably thinking, why does it even matter if the internet speed is slightly different from these ideal recommendations? Well, the answer is pretty obvious and very straightforward: you won’t be able to get anything done! Many people are work-from-home employees, professionals who need to catch up on deadlines and respond to important emails quickly. For such individuals, a slow internet connection can be disastrous. Hence, it would be best if you choose your Internet speed wisely. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right internet speed is extremely important, and every good network service provides you the opportunity to make this choice. Even Spectrum internet offers various packages that give you different internet speeds. Hence, make sure you give this decision proper thought, so you don’t regret it later. Changing the internet speed and frequently subscribing to different packages can be a hassle. So, it’s better if you make the right decision in the first place!