What broadband speed do I need?

The Sun

5 days ago

Although some internet providers offer broadband download speeds well over 1,000 Mbps, not everyone needs such blistering speeds.
Depending on your household, and the number of connected devices, you may hardly notice the difference if you chose a slower connection instead.
Monthly prices for broadband at different speeds can vary significantly, so opting for a slightly slower connection could save you money.
However, it's essential to select a connection that meets your needs.
Below, we explain what speed might suit your home.
What is broadband speed?
Broadband speed refers to the rate at which data is transmitted over your internet connection.
When you stream Netflix or join an online Zoom call, your device downloads data, and the speed at which this occurs is known as the download speed.
Likewise, there is also an upload speed. When you upload and send data across your broadband connection – like sending photos via WhatsApp - the rate at which this information is transmitted is known as the upload speed.
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What download and upload speed do I need?
This largely depends on your household's internet usage, and the number of devices connected to your broadband.
Gaming and video streaming tend to require greater download speeds than sending an email.
Likewise, regularly uploading folders full of videos to the cloud will be quicker with a faster upload speed.
But if your home only uploads small attachments via email then there isn't a great significance on a fast upload speed.
What is the average broadband speed in the UK?
According to Ofcom, the communications regulator, the average maximum download speed across the UK was 223 Mbps last year. Compared to 2023, that's a 53 Mbps increase.
This is well above what Ofcom and the government considers a 'decent' broadband connection – which stands at a download speed of 10 Mbps and an upload speed of 1 Mbps.
If you don't have the technology in your area to accommodate decent broadband speeds then you might have the right to request an upgraded connection.
If you're looking for a new broadband provider, we list some of the best broadband deals here.
For Sky specific deals, make sure to read this article.
What broadband speed do I need for streaming?
The broadband speed you need for streaming depends on the number of people in your household and the resolution of the shows that you're streaming.
Providers like Netflix and BBC iPlayer have outlined their minimum speeds, but don't forget that they're just the minimum.
You shouldn't aim for them as an average. If there are two or more people streaming at once in your household, you'll need a connection well above these minimum speeds.
With that in mind, Netflix says that it needs a connection of at least 3 Mbps for its services at 720hp resolution to run.
But if you wish to watch something in ultra-high definition (which is 4K), you will need a speed of at least 15 Mbps.
Other streaming services require similar bandwidth connections.
Disney Plus needs a connection of at least 25 Mbps to run its shows in 4K. Meanwhile, BBC iPlayer requires 5 Mbps for its best quality.
What broadband speed do I need to work from home?
Working from home won't likely be as intensive as online gaming or streaming.
However, if you're constantly on video calls throughout the day then you'll need a reliable connection with a decent speed.
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Microsoft says its Teams function needs anything between 0.1 Mbps and 4 Mbps to function properly – with a lot depending on what you'll be using.
An audio call without video needs 0.1 Mbps while if you share your screen you'll need the full 4 Mbps.
Other services, such as Google Meets, have the same connection requirements.
What is a good internet speed for gaming?
The best internet speed for regular gaming will typically be faster than what is required for video streaming.
Like companies that offer streaming services, gaming companies offer information about the minimum connection speeds required to play their games.
Remember that these are just the minimum, and you may need a higher speed.
For example, if someone in your home is streaming an ultra-high-definition Netflix show and you want to play a high-speed game, you'll need speed, like a fibre connection, to play.
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Xbox requires a connection of 3 Mbps, but they say that the better your connection, the better your gaming experience.
PlayStation says it needs broadband speeds anywhere between 5 Mbps and 38 Mbps.
Typically, a 5 Mbps connection will only be able to run its cloud gaming services, and a 15 Mbps connection will run this at a 1080hp resolution.
Meanwhile, 38 Mbps will allow you to stream games at 4K resolution.
What is a broadband speed guarantee?
When you sign a contract with your broadband provider, it'll include a broadband speed guarantee.
This is a promise that, at the very least, it'll offer a set download and upload speed.
If it fails to offer these speeds, then you need to get in touch with your broadband provider and ask for them to rectify the issue.
If it isn't rectified in a certain timeframe, normally 30 days, then you can leave your contract penalty free.
Providers like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT all offer broadband speed guarantees.