Most of us connected to the internet often ponder upon the thought “what is the best internet speed”. This thought crosses our minds every time we face lags or disruptions. This happens when too many users are connected to a single connection.
Whatever the instance may be, knowing the best internet speed is like running into a maze. The answer depends upon various factors such as tasks, type of connection you have, the area you’re living in, etc.
We’re going to see what the best internet speed is for some of these factors, giving you insights into making an optimal choice. So let’s get started:
Best Internet Speed – Connection Type
We’re kicking things off by giving insights into the best internet speed based on connection types. Internet service providers or ISPs offer different connection types such as:
- Fiber optics
- DSL
- Phone cable
- Coaxial Cable
- Fixed wireless
- Satellite
Several reputed ISPs such as Windstream Internet specialize in offering multiple connection types. However, they’re now focusing on fiber optics since it’s the fastest mode among the others listed above.
Fiber optics allows for transmitting data faster than other connection types. This happens via fiber optic cables that transfer data with up to 10 Gbps. Compared to other connection types that can reach up to 300 Mbps or below.
When it comes to knowing what is the best internet speed based on your connection type, you can say it’s fiber optics.
Best Internet Speed – Area Of Living
The area of living matters a lot. You need to ensure that the internet connection you’re opting for is available in your area. Fiber optics is only available in urban areas and ISPs are working competently to expand their services to as many states as possible.
On the other hand, DSL, cable connections, and fixed wireless internet are available in rural areas. Whereas satellite connectivity and phone cable connection are available in remote locations. Again, fiber optics has the best internet speed among these.
However, what’s the use of such speed when no ISP is offering the service in the area of your living? In this case, using a fixed wireless internet or DSL internet is most recommended. Though you’ll not enjoy fast-speed internet, it’s the best internet speed you’ll get based on your location.
A DSL connection can reach up to 100 Mbps and so does a fixed wireless internet. However, a fixed wireless internet works on the idea of line-of-sight between the access point and the receiver.
The access point sends wireless signals to the receiver installed at a maximum distance of 10 miles. The receiver, which is connected to an internet modem, catches these signals bringing connectivity. However, any obstruction between the access point and the receiver can disrupt internet connectivity.
Best Internet Speed – Usage/ Activity
Perhaps this is the most sorted query. Users want to know what the best internet speed for different tasks is. Whether it’s gaming or surfing, watching 4K videos, or data transferring over great lengths, every task requires a different internet speed, which we’re about to find out:
Best Internet Speed for Gaming
Whether you’re playing multiplayer solely or competing in competitive gaming, having lags is no excuse for losing. The gaming community constantly brings insights into this matter since specs for running some high-end games such as Read Dead Redemption 2, GTA V, etc. have gone high.
Now with multiplayer modes integrated, it does require high-speed internet. Most gamers often regard 20 Mbps or below internet connection as a danger zone since it’s prone to lags. However, gaming manufacturers recommend at least 3 Mbps for gaming.
That is when you’re not playing high-end games or participating in competitive gaming. Plus, if you’re streaming your gameplay, you’ll need a 25-50 Mbps internet connection, depending upon the game you’re playing and the quality of your streaming. So, recommending the best internet speed for gaming isn’t possible here as everyone has priorities.
Best Internet Speed for Surfing Online
Surfing online, working, sending emails, watching videos, etc. are some of the most commonly performed tasks. What’s amazing is most people often use the internet for staying connected with online social media.
That doesn’t take much data and the best internet speed for surfing online would be 5 Mbps. It’s enough for carrying out above mentioned tasks. However, the user must be limited to such tasks only.
Best Internet Speed For File Sharing
File sharing is mostly referred to as sharing information from one system to another, particularly between servers placed remotely. Since remote connectivity needs a strong internet connection to avoid disruptions during the process, having 100 Mbps is the best internet speed for file sharing.
However, this again depends upon the type of files you’re sharing and the location of the remote server or the system that you’re sharing with. It’s important since you don’t want to host an entire organization’s database just on a 100 Mbps file sharing server.
Best Internet Speed For 4K Videos
From bandwidth to download and upload speed, you need to figure out these factors before you stream in 4K. For instance, watching a 4K video with a 25 Mbps connection is good. However, if you’re streaming in 4K while gaming along with other activities and multiple devices connected, 25 Mbps won’t cut it.
Plus, you also need to consider the fact that 4K video, running it, or streaming it consumes a great amount of data. To give you an idea, watching Netflix’s 4K video consumes 7 GB of data/hour. Keeping this in mind, you need to make sure:
- Your internet connection is stable enough to stream/ play 4K videos as well as handle other tasks
- Your data provider doesn’t place a data cap, reducing your speed or expiring your data (which will result in overcharging)
Closing Thoughts
Well, there you go! Now you know what the best internet speed for various tasks and connection types is. Considering these, you’d surely be making an optimal choice while choosing your data plan. Also, get in touch with your internet provider to discuss the best package as per your requirements to avoid any hassle later.
