3 min readTo keep your Zoom calls as close to crystal clear as possible, you'll need somewhere between 150 Kbps and 1.1 Mbps dedicated to this videoconferencing app.
But you won't need the same speed for a group call compared to a one-on-one call with grandma. And even though that doesn't seem like a lot of internet speed, you'll still need an internet plan with at least 25 to 50 Mbps download speeds.
Let's dig into the numbers and see if we can zoom in on the perfect internet speed for your video calls.
Guide to using internet speed with Zoom:
According to Zoom’s website, these are the internet bandwidth requirements for different kinds of Zoom calls.
For 1:1 video calling:
For group video calling:
For screen sharing only (no video thumbnail): 50–75kbps
For Zoom Phone: 60–100kbps
Just for reference, here’s how data measurements break down:
We’ll spare you the math and give you an idea of how much data Zoom uses per hour and per minute, rather than a per-second basis. I don’t know about you, but my Zoom conversations rarely last only a few seconds (though it would be nice if they did sometimes).
On a 1:1 Zoom meeting, expect to use between 540 MB and 1.62 GB per hour, or somewhere between 9 MB and 27 MB per minute. To put those numbers in internet-speed terms, you’d want an internet speed between 150 kbps to 450 kbps to smoothly run a Zoom 1:1 call.
Wait, that’s not much internet speed at all. It’s true that the internet and Wi-Fi speed needed for a Zoom 1:1 on its own doesn’t need a ton to run well, but keep in mind that your internet speed doesn’t just dedicate itself to Zoom calls. Your internet bandwidth has to allocate internet to all of your devices at once.
If you're still in the dark, here's an easy guide on how much internet speed you need for different household sizes and activities.
The bigger the Zoom meeting, the more data it uses. For every hour of a Zoom group call, you use between 810 MB and 2.4 GB, or somewhere between 13.5 MB and 40 MB per minute. You’ll need an internet connection of at least between 225 kbps and 670 kbps dedicated to the Zoom call.
Keeping in mind that your internet bandwidth goes to all of your internet devices at the same time, here are some examples of other common data usages that probably are happening at your home.
Based on AT&T data calculator estimates. Amounts may vary.
(Need a refresher on Mbps? No worries! Check out our guide to Mbps that explains what it means and how all those Mbps add up to your internet speed.)
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A laggy Zoom call sort of feels like a bad first date. You can’t really connect with each other, it feels awkward, and everyone just wants it to end. If your internet connection struggles maintaining a smooth Zoom call, it might be time to consider upgrading your internet.
We recommend looking for internet plans with at least 25 to 50 Mbps download speeds. And if you need an internet service provider (ISP) recommendation, Xfinity and Verizon Fios Home Internet consistently show up in our reviews as some of the best internet providers out there.
Worried about data caps? What if you don't want to worry about a monthly data cap? Check out our guide to learn about which internet providers have unlimited data options.
Data effective 12/1/2020. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*For the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
Data effective 12/1/2020. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*w/Auto Pay + taxes. Equipment charges may apply.
But if Xfinity and Verizon Fios Home Internet aren't available in your area, you can use our easy internet search tool to compare internet plans near you.
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