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.

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. Fifty Mbps is pretty 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.

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.

Home » Internet Service

Is 100 Mbps Fast?

Not sure what internet speed is fast? Find out how 100 Mbps download speeds stack up.

By Catherine McNally

Editorial Lead, Internet & Gaming

November 17, 2021

3 min read

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Last Updated: several months ago

Heads up!

Grande Communications now goes by the name Astound Broadband, powered by Grande Communications. You'll see other brands, like RCN and Wave Broadband, also adopting the name change.

Don't worry about any changes to services right now, and we will keep our reviews updated to match any changes that might pop up.

By US standards, 100 Mbps is fast. To compare, you need only 25 Mbps download speeds to have high-speed internet.¹

Along with 100 Mbps, here are a handful of common internet speeds and some answers on whether they’re fast—or not.

8 best internet service providers in the US

Provider	Price	Download speed	Data cap	Details
Xfinity Internet	$19.99–$80*	75–1200 Mbps	1.2 TB–Unlimited	View Plans
Verizon Fios Home Internet	$49.99–$119.99†	300–2048 Mbps	Unlimited	View Plans
CenturyLink Internet	$30–$70‡	100–940 Mbps	Unlimited	View Plans
AT&T Internet	$55^	75–100 Mbps	1 TB–Unlimited	View Plans
Viasat Internet	$30–$169.99°	12–100 Mbps	12–150 GB	View Plans
Cox Internet	$49.99–$109.99**	100–1000 Mbps	1.28 TB	View Plans
Spectrum Internet®	$49.99–$89.99††	300–1000 Mbps	Unlimited	View Plans
Astound Broadband, powered by Grande Communications	$25.99–$59.99‡‡	400–1200 Mbps	Unlimited	View Plans

Data effective 12/06/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

* Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.

† Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees

‡ Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply.

^ Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.

° Offer available to new qualifying customers. One-time standard installation fee may be due at checkout. Minimum 24-month service term required. Equipment lease fee is $12.99/mo. Taxes apply. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.

** Prices exclude taxes, surcharges, usage-based charges, certain equipment, and other fees or charges, which are subject to change.

†† For the first 12 months.

‡‡ Includes $10 discount for 12 months w/ ebill & autopay. Experienced speeds may vary. Excludes surcharges and fees. New residential customers only.

Internet speeds not cutting it? Look for a new ISP in your area.

Stuck with slow internet?

Is your internet service so slow you’re about to lose it while you wait for the next episode of Paw Patrol to download before your toddler has a meltdown? Here are 10 easy ways to speed up your internet without calling your ISP.

And if your internet still doesn’t put the pedal to the metal, we’ve got recommendations for the fastest internet providers in the US.

Is 3 Mbps fast?

No, 3 Mbps is not fast by modern standards. But 3 Mbps is fast enough for basic internet activities like asking Google about the weather or checking your email. You might even be able to stream Netflix in standard definition.

The thing is, your videos won’t look that great and your computer won’t seem very responsive. Only the patient and frugal should opt for the 3 Mbps option.

Most people should be getting much faster speeds than this, but if you're stuck in the single-digit speeds, it may be time for an upgrade, even if you live off the grid. Take a peep at our review of rural internet providers to see your options.

Is 10 Mbps fast?

No, 10 Mbps still doesn’t fall into the “fast internet speeds” range.

But if you’ve got 10 Mbps download speeds, you can stream Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in high definition. And gamers should be okay as long as you’re not engaging in player-versus-player combat or playing first-person shooters.

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Is 25 Mbps fast?

Yes, 25 Mbps is considered high-speed internet by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). With these speeds, you can stream HD videos—and maybe even sunbathe in some delicious 4K graphics.

Is your internet faster than 25 Mbps?

An easy way to find out what internet speed you’re actually getting is to take an internet and Wi-Fi speed test. Our free speed test tool checks your current download speed, upload speed, latency, and more.

Take a Free Internet Speed Test

Is 50 Mbps fast?

Yes, 50 Mbps is fast as long as you don’t share your internet with more than one or two other people.

With 50 Mbps download speeds, you can stream in HD or 4K, game, and even do a little work from home.

Is 60 Mbps fast?

Likely, 60 Mbps won’t feel much faster than 50 Mbps, but both speeds are fast by US standards. It’s still not recommended to share a 60 Mbps internet connection with more than two other people, especially if you enjoy streaming in 4K or need to work from home.

Did you know 60 Mbps is the national average speed?

When looking at 2019 speed test data, we found that the average speed across the entire US was 57.2 Mbps. If your internet speeds aren't this fast, you don't have to settle for below-average internet. Compare internet providers in your area to see if there's a better fit.

Is 100 Mbps fast?

Yes, 100 Mbps is fast. You can share 100 Mbps download speeds with two to three other people and still enjoy a PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds match or binge-watch Schitt’s Creek on Netflix.

We recommend at least 100 Mbps if you run a home office or internet-based business, or if you’ve got your own bit of internet stardom thanks to your YouTube channel.

Is 150 Mbps fast?

Yes, 150 Mbps is fast. You might bump your internet speed up to 150 Mbps if you own a small business and need to keep a handful of employees online.

For home, 150 Mbps speeds are a great match for sharing your internet connection with three or four other people who all love gaming and streaming as much as you do.

Is 1,000 Mbps fast?

Absolutely, 1,000 Mbps is fast. Also called gig speeds, 1,000 Mbps internet lets you download pretty much anything in seconds or a couple of minutes.

You’ll get the best possible video quality while you stream, and your gameplay won’t suffer if you and four other roommates hop into a World of Warcraft raid together.

Now that you know 100 Mbps is fast, check this out next.

Find the speediest internet providers near you.

See which internet providers clocked in with the fastest speeds.

5 Fastest ISPs in the US

Sources

Written by

Catherine McNally

Catherine has a degree in journalism and an MBA, and has spent the last 10+ years writing everything from Okinawa travel guides to stories on Medium. She’s been online since AOL CDs were a thing and is an unapologetic PC gamer. She believes the internet is a necessity, not a luxury, and writes reviews and guides to help everyone stay connected. You can also find her on Twitter: @CMReviewsIt.