How Many Mbps Do I Need?

How many megabits per second, or Mbps, you need depends on how you use your internet connection. Most people are good with an internet speed range of 10–15 Mbps, but if you’re going to do heavy lifting like gaming or streaming with multiple devices, you’ll want more.

Think of it this way, the more Mbps you have, the faster your internet speed will be—and the smoother it will feel, which is really what counts.

You can get internet speeds as fast as 1000 Mbps, or you can get as slow as 3 Mbps. It all depends on how much your internet service provider offers, how much you want to spend, and how much internet speed you need.

Let’s give you an idea of how much Mbps you need for different stuff.

Let’s take a look at the main Mbps options and find out what will work best for you.

Is 3 Mbps fast?

If you only plan on doing the most basic of internet activities, you can get by with 3 Mbps.

For example, with 3 Mbps speeds, you can watch Netflix in standard definition. You can check Facebook and watch YouTube—but don’t expect either to look amazing or be super responsive. Only the patient and frugal should opt for the 3 Mbps option.

Is 10 Mbps fast?

In the 10 Mbps range, you can comfortably stream in high definition on Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, and basically whatever streaming service you want to use. For gamers, you should experience relatively lag-free performance.

If you want higher quality streaming, or share your internet connection with another person, 10 Mbps can be a good fit.

Is 25 Mbps fast?

We’ve entered the Ultra HD streaming zone. If you have an eye for quality and want to stream in style, 25 Mbps is your minimum choice for maximum internet quality. Just know that if you’re sharing that internet connection with multiple people, your stream might sometimes dip into standard definition.

Is 50 Mbps fast?

At 50 Mbps, you can do all the essential internet activities (HD streaming, getting in internet arguments, and online gaming). Plus you can share the connection with 3–4 other people without it feeling clunky. You can download high-resolution photos in seconds and HD videos in just a few minutes. Fifty Mbps is pretty fast.

Is 60 Mbps fast?

Sixty Mbps will be pretty similar to 50 Mbps, but just a little smoother and more reliable. This is a perfect option if you’re adding another person to your living situation, or if you’re finding that your internet is just a step too slow. You should be able to stream, game, and online shop without any problems.

Is 100 Mbps fast?

With 100 Mbps, you can do a lot more than just play PUBG and binge-watch. This is the internet speed we’d recommend if you run an e-commerce or internet-based business. Likewise, if you want to stream and create YouTube content, you’ll want an internet speed in the triple digits.

Is 150 Mbps fast?

If you’re a business owner who needs to provide reliable internet for a whole building, 150 Mbps could be the right fit for you. Or if you’re a user who just wants super responsive speeds and quick downloads (for you and all of your roommates), you can enjoy all of that with 150 Mbps.

Let’s just put it this way—with 150 Mbps, your internet speed will never keep you from what you want to do.

Is 1000 Mbps fast?

Yes. Yes, it is. You can download pretty much anything in either seconds or minutes. You can expect the best quality in streaming and the smoothest online gaming experiences. You can also expect 1000 Mbps of internet speed to cost you a real pretty penny.