What is a reasonable download speed? There will be no fixed number!

Sep 13, 2022 - Views: 1767

Rating:4.7 - 51Votes

Many users still wonder what is a reasonable download speed

How much speed do they need to have smooth casual online activities such as watching movies, and playing games?

In fact, there will not be a specific number for the above question. 

Actual download speed will depend on many different factors. 

Find out together now!

What is a good download speed?

What is a good download speed?

Some information about download speed

What is Mbps download? 

This download speed is the actual speed that your network packet can download at the time of testing, the unit is Mbps. 

This is the speed when downloading any content from the network to the computer.

What is download speed?

What is download speed?

Generally, most online activities consume downloading data. 

That’s also why you often see download speed is much higher than upload speed.

Some common virtual activities take up downloading data including:

  • Download files from the internet 

  • Play online games

  • Online shopping

  • Watch Netflix movies

  • Stream videos and music

  • Surf websites

  • ….

How to check download speed?

The download speed test will help you know exactly what download speed your service provider offers you. 

MySpeed, Speedtest Ookla, FAST, … are common names for free online download speed test tools. 

They allow users to run only one test but receive full results of ping, download speed, and upload speed.

Through that, you are able to have a complete picture of your network connection. 

Is it fast or slow? Now, they can have a conclusion.

However, many people think it’s so complicated to take a speed test, right?

No, it doesn’t.

Follow stupid-simple steps below to get your internet results.

Step 1: Go to google.com and search MySpeed (gospeedcheck.com).

Visit the website of MySpeed.

MySpeed

Step 2: On the main homepage of MySpeed, users can see a big circle “Go”.

Click it to start the test.

the main homepage of MySpeed

Step 3: Wait for seconds for the ping test, download test, and upload test to finish.

Note that Ping speed is measured in milliseconds (ms).

Download and Upload are displayed in megabits per second (Mbps). 

Download and Upload

From that, you will have to make your own judgment about the number that the test results return. 

However, the actual download speed is fast or slow depending on the requirements of each individual user. 

What is a reasonable download speed?

The average download speed of 10-15 Mbps is enough for the user to have a good experience. 

However, if the job requirements are higher with large download files, this number is still somewhat limited.

What is a decent download speed? 

In fact, a speed ​​from 15-30 Mbps is enough for a family of 2 - 5 members to use. 

Speeds of 30-50 Mbps are quite fast, and speeds of 50 Mbps or more are considered fast.

What is a good download speed?

What is a good download speed?

Some broadband providers offer very high download speeds, sometimes exceeding 900Mbps. 

But you don't really need such a high download speed for your daily online activities. 

To do all the things you normally do online, a download speed of around 40Mbps should be enough.

Streaming video content in standard display quality requires 3Mbps, but streaming 4K will require download speeds of up to 25Mbps. 

Surfing social media, another popular online activity, requires only a minimum speed of 3Mbps. 

But note that these are the minimum requirements, so they may not provide the smoothest online experience.

Download speed for streaming

Download speed for streaming

If you're a gamer, you'll want to download games to your console. 

These files can be quite heavy, averaging 30 to 50GB. 

So if you don't want the download to take all day, you'll need a faster connection.

The same can be said for Ultra HD movies. 

What's better than sitting on the sofa, picking up your Ultra HD movie, and downloading it faster? 

With a 10Mbps connection, the same download will take more than 2 hours.

Each household has a different reasonable download speed that is based on their needs.

If you are still confused about good internet speed, take some simple guidelines below:

Internet Speed

Users Supported

Speed Summary

25 Mbps

1-2

Basic

100 Mbps

3-4

Average

200 Mbps

4-5

Fast

500 Mbps

5+

Very Fast

1,000 Mbps

5+

Gigabit

When Do Internet Speeds Slow Down?

Normal download speed and even upload speed will depend on the package you register with your internet service provider.

The actual speed depends on many other factors.

Internet users can experience slow internet performance when:

  • Where you live: Your devices are far from your router, as a result, your wifi signal will be weaker.

  • Peak hours: When you’re online at peak hours, many users are connecting to the same network as you. There is not enough bandwidth and the slow download speed is understandable.

  • Quality of electronic devices such as your desktop computer, modem, router, laptop, or tablet.

Device quality impacts the downloading speed

Device quality impacts the downloading speed

  • Depending on the type of internet service you have, your ISP's network demand at any given time, and the number of people using it - can also affect your download speed.

  • Download speeds can also vary depending on your connection type - cable, fiber, satellite, DSL, or mobile network.

  • Others: wifi interferences, router position, background applications,....

How to speed up download speed FREELY?

After getting the answer of “whats a decent download speed?”, you realize your connection is being slow.

So, what can you do?

How to speed up download speed?

Let’s take a look and try out effective but FREE tips to increase download speed:

Speed up download speed

Speed up download speed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the internet speed requirements for video streaming?

Netflix and similar services recommend 5 Mbps or higher per device for HD streaming and 15 Mbps or higher for 4K Ultra-HD streaming. 

Streaming services automatically adjust video quality to match your internet connection speed.

2. What Good Download Speed Do I Need for Gaming?

If no one else in the house is using up your bandwidth, the minimum internet speed requirement for gaming is usually 4-8 Mbps. 

Unfortunately, slower internet plans like these may not provide you with the upload speed you require for a consistent good experience.

A 25 Mbps internet plan is recommended for smooth gaming if you are the only one at home. 

However, speed isn't the only factor in gaming; ping and latency also play a role.

3. What is considered “slow” internet?

If no one else in the house is using up your bandwidth, the minimum internet speed requirement for gaming is usually 4-8 Mbps. 

Unfortunately, slower internet plans like these may not provide you with the upload speed you require for a consistent good experience.

A 25 Mbps internet plan is recommended for smooth gaming if you are the only one at home. 

However, speed isn't the only factor in gaming; ping and latency also play a role.

Conclusion

The article will help you understand what is a reasonable download speed. For download speeds that suit your individual needs, choose an internet provider that meets your maximum speed requirements to avoid paying for bandwidth you won't be using.

Rating:4.7 - 51Votes

2 Comments

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    Stella Walker

    My internet download speed on Speedtest.net is 48Mbps. However, when I browse, it is very slow. What might be a reason for slow connection?

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      MySpeed

      Their are multiple reason for slow internet. If you are connected to a wifi , make sure all the connected devices are not downloading anything, make sure that you are near your wifi router, etc.

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