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What Internet Speed Do I Need? Choose the Best Internet

Date Published:  March 10th, 2020Date Updated:  November 14, 2023

In today’s world, internet speed is an essential factor to consider when choosing an internet service provider. With many activities and jobs relying heavily on internet usage, it’s important to choose the right speed to fit your lifestyle.

In this blog post, we’ll answer questions such as:

Check out our internet speed breakdown below.

How Do You Use the Internet?

The first step in choosing the best internet bandwidth is figuring out what you use it for. Different internet activities require varying levels of upload and download speeds, so it’s important to consider your usage.

For instance, basic activities such as email, social media, and online shopping don’t require high internet speeds. However, tasks such as streaming movies, gaming, and online fitness classes require more data. You’ll need higher speeds to experience those without lag.

Additionally, the number of people in a household also determines the internet speed required. If you have multiple household members working or schooling from home, you’ll need at least 100 Mbps or more.

Business internet typically requires three to four times the speed of residential internet to support a full office. The service plan options for home and business vary just as widely, with business internet service typically priced higher than residential.

group of business employees looking and computer with internet what internet speed do you need

How Much Speed Is Just Right?

If you primarily use the internet to browse or check social media, you may need less than 25 Mbps. Companies like Netflix and Hulu suggest speeds of at least 25 Mbps for streaming videos. But that’s just for standard definition on one device at a time.

If you enjoy data-consuming activities such as video games, HD streaming, and large file downloading, you’ll need much higher speeds.

If this sounds like your household, fiber internet is your best internet option. Fiber internet not only provides the fastest speeds but also has the most reliable internet service. Fiber internet has a dedicated connection — meaning peak internet traffic hours won’t affect you.

What type of internet do you need?

The type of internet service you need depends on your location, budget, and your required internet speed. Here are some common types of internet services available around the U.S.:

  • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) – Using your existing phone lines, this internet provides speeds ranging from 1 to 100 Mbps.
  • Cable – This type of internet uses a coaxial cable and provides speeds ranging from 10 to 1,000 Mbps. Cable internet is a good option if you have limited options and want faster speeds.
  • Satellite – An option for households in remote areas that don’t have access to other types of internet. Satellite internet has speeds ranging from 12 to 100 Mbps, but it can be expensive.
  • Wireless – Options such as wireless home internet and fixed wireless use cellular networks to provide internet access. These options can provide speeds ranging from 25 to 300 Mbps. They’re great choices for those who live in areas with good cellular coverage.
  • Fiber – Fiber optic internet uses light to transmit data, providing speeds ranging from 100 to 5,000 Mbps. Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable internet service available.

How to get high-speed internet?

If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, here are some tips to get higher speed internet:

  • Check Your Internet Plan – Slow internet speeds may mean it’s time to upgrade your current internet plan.
  • Restart Your Router – Restarting your router can sometimes fix slow internet speeds.
  • Check Your Wi-Fi Signal – Make sure your router Wi-Fi router is placed in a central location in your home. Keep it away from walls or obstacles that can interfere with the Wi-Fi network.
  • Upgrade Your Router – If your router is outdated, consider upgrading to a newer model that supports faster speeds. Or invest in Wi-Fi extenders which can expand your network’s reach at home.
  • Clear Your Cache – Clearing your cache and cookies can sometimes improve internet speed.
  • Limit Background Activity – If you have multiple devices connected to your network, limit background activity. Avoid automatic software updates or file syncing, which can slow down your internet speed.

What is the best speed for home internet?

The best speed for home internet depends on your usage and the number of devices that are connected to your network.

If you have several internet users at home, you’ll need at least 100 Mbps to accommodate your activities. However, if you’re consuming large amounts of data with streaming, online games, movies, music, or large files, you’ll need gigabit-speed.

What internet do I need to work from home?

Remote workers should prioritize their internet speed, connectivity, and data. Just like we’ve stated before, what you do for work will determine what internet type and speed you need.

Regardless of what your day-to-day looks like for remote work, you need at least 100 Mbps. Keep in mind that this is the minimum speed we recommend, as most remote work requires large data downloads and uploads, as well as video calls, which will require higher speeds.

If you’re answering emails and need a decent connection, you can settle for satellite internet, which can reach speeds of 100 Mbps. This may not be your most reliable choice, as satellite internet is highly affected by weather and outages are common. But, if you’re living and working in a rural area, it might be your only option. Consider wireless home internet for rural remote work if there are cell towers around your home.

Are video calls and file sharing a large part of your day? Wireless home internet and fiber internet are better options. You’ll reach faster speeds on these internet types, though you might have data limits with wireless home internet.

If at any time you’re required to have the fastest, safest connection available to work from home or constantly downloading large files, you’ll need fiber internet. Not only will you notice the difference in speed, but you’ll experience less outages compared to any other internet type.

Where to get fast internet?

The type of internet service and the speed you can get will depend on your location. Budget is also a factor you need to consider. The availability of internet service providers in your area will also affect your choices.

Research the options available in your area and compare plans and pricing to find the best fit for your needs. Did you know EarthLink is the largest provider of internet in the United States? It’s likely EarthLink Internet is available in your area. But if not, we’ll help you find an internet provider that is.

Find High-Speed Internet Near Me

Call 866-618-0414

Finding the best internet for you

In summary, choosing the right internet speed is essential to meet your online needs.

If you’re looking for the fastest and most reliable internet service, EarthLink Fiber Internet is the way to go. With speeds up to 5 Gigs, unlimited data, and no throttling, you’ll be able to do everything you love online without any interruptions or slowdowns.

Don’t take our word for it, though. Try our free internet speed test to see how your current internet speed stacks up against our high-speed fiber internet. With our test, you can get a quick and accurate measurement of your internet speed and determine if you need an upgrade.

Elevate your internet connection with EarthLink Fiber today and experience the difference for yourself. With the fastest and most reliable internet service, you can do everything you love online with ease.

Call today 866-618-0414.