What broadband speed do I need?
Broadband Speed Guide: What Speed Does Your Household Need?
Choosing the right broadband speed can mean the difference between seamless streaming and constant buffering. Our guide helps you find the perfect speed for your household’s needs.
Quick Tip
Add up the Mbps requirements for all devices that might be used simultaneously in your home to find your ideal speed.
Understanding Broadband Speeds
Mbps (megabits per second) measures how much data your connection can handle at once. Think of it like lanes on a highway:
| Speed | What It’s Good For |
|---|---|
| 10-30Mbps | Basic browsing, emails, single HD stream |
| 30-50Mbps | Working from home + 1-2 HD streams |
| 50-100Mbps | Families with multiple devices and streams |
| 100-300Mbps+ | 4K streaming, large file downloads, gaming |
Speed Recommendations by Household
Single Person Household
- Recommended: 30-50Mbps
- Perfect for: Browsing, video calls, single 4K stream
- Example: Working from home while watching Netflix
Couples & Small Families (2-3 people)
- Recommended: 50-100Mbps
- Perfect for: Multiple HD streams, online gaming, video calls
- Example: Two people on Zoom calls while another streams music
Large Families (4+ people)
- Recommended: 100-300Mbps+
- Perfect for: Multiple 4K streams, gaming, smart home devices
- Example: Teens gaming while parents stream 4K movies
Ready to Find Your Perfect Speed?
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Check Your Postcode NowSpeed Requirements for Specific Activities
| Activity | Minimum Speed | Recommended Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Web browsing | 1-5Mbps | 10Mbps |
| HD video streaming (Netflix, YouTube) | 5Mbps | 10Mbps |
| 4K video streaming | 25Mbps | 35Mbps |
| Video calls (Zoom, Teams) | 3Mbps | 10Mbps |
| Online gaming | 10Mbps | 25Mbps |
| Large file downloads | 10Mbps | 50Mbps+ |
Factors That Affect Your Speed
- Wi-Fi vs Ethernet: Wired connections are typically faster and more stable
- Router quality: Older routers may not support higher speeds
- Number of devices: More connected devices = more bandwidth needed
- Peak times: Speeds may slow during evening hours
- Distance from router: Walls and distance reduce Wi-Fi signal
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 100Mbps is generally sufficient for a family of four with typical usage (multiple HD streams, browsing, and video calls). However, if you have multiple 4K streams or heavy gamers, you might want to consider 200Mbps+.
Wi-Fi speeds are often slower than your broadband package due to: distance from router, walls/interference, older devices, or too many connected devices. Try using Ethernet for critical tasks.
Most smart devices use minimal bandwidth (1-5Mbps). However, having many devices connected simultaneously can add up. Security cameras use the most (5-10Mbps each for HD).