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What internet speed do I need?
It depends on how many people are online at once and what they do. These figures are a useful everyday reference.
Guidelines by activity
Social media, messaging, and email: 3–5 Mbps.
HD video: roughly 5–8 Mbps per screen.
4K video: roughly 25 Mbps per screen.
Video calls: 3–4 Mbps download and upload.
Online games: they use little bandwidth, but need low, steady latency.
Add up the devices
Add up what everyone uses at the same time. A home with two people watching HD video and one on a video call needs roughly 25 Mbps.
For four or more people with several devices, 100 Mbps usually leaves comfortable headroom.
Test the speed you actually receive
Your plan’s advertised speed is a maximum. Over Wi-Fi, your device will usually receive less. Test in the room where you use the internet and compare it with your plan.
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