What is considered fast download speed? The fastest type of internet

What is considered fast download speed? Fast internet speeds are what many online users want. But do you know “what is a fast download speed?”? In this post, we will show you how different a fast download speed can make as well as give you an understanding of a fast download speed. 

What is considered fast download speed?

Fast download speeds: Why do they matter?

Speaking of download speeds of 15-25 Mbps, you might not realize a noticeable difference between them. 

However, with a 200 Mbps download speed, it can give a big change to your internet experiences.  

To have an idea of how important we should try to get the fastest download speed, read the example below.

Time to download a 4GB file at different speeds

As you can see, at 1000 Mbps, you can download a 4GB file in 34 seconds, while it takes more than 9 hours to download if the download speed is 1 Mbps. 

So, the heavier your file is, the higher the download speed should be to ensure fast download time.

Take a look at the following table to learn more about the importance of a good download speed:

Activities	Download time (at 500 Mbps)
Downloading a music album	14 seconds
Downloading a 2-hour movie (SD quality)	3 minutes
Downloading a 2-hour movie (HD quality)	11 minutes
Downloading a 2-hour movie (Ultra HD quality)	53 minutes
Downloading a PC or console game	2 hours
Downloading a mobile application	5 seconds
Downloading a high-quality photo	<1 second
Downloading a web page or email	<1 second

Data from kenstechtips.com

Well, at 500 Mbps, it just takes you 3 minutes to download a 2-hour movie in SD quality.

So great, right?

Fast download speed is essential, but what is considered a fast download speed exactly? 

Move the next part to find the answer.

What is a fast internet download speed?

What is a good download speed? 

According to the FCC, a good download speed is 25 Mbps, and a good upload speed is 3 Mbps. 

These speed rates are sufficient for the basic online demand of each individual. 

However, in fact, we might need much higher than that due to several factors impacting the internet speed (wifi interference, number of devices or users, etc.) 

What are fast download speeds? It is said that a 100 Mbps download speed can be called a fast rate because internet users can do multiple online activities at once without lag or interruptions. 100 Mbps allows users to:

• Uses 3-5 devices simultaneously. 

• Streams videos in HDR or 4K HD.

• Games online with multiple players. 

• Works and learns remotely.

What is fast download and upload speed?

What are fast download speeds? 

It is said that a 100 Mbps download speed can be called a fast rate.

It’s because internet users can do multiple online activities at once without lag or interruptions. 

100 Mbps allows users to

• Use 3-5 devices simultaneously.

• Stream videos in HDR or 4K HD.

• Play games online with multiple players.

• Work and learn remotely.

How to check if my download is fast?

As mentioned earlier, a fast download speed is about 100 Mbps.

So, the problem here is how to know what your current download speed is.

In today’s post, we’ll provide you with a commonly used method, which is using a third-party website.

Using it, you can not only know your download speed but also your ping rate.

Speedtest by Ookla, Speedofme, Fast.com, etc are popular.

However, MySpeed is our choice due to its simplicity and being ad-free.

MySpeed at gospeedcheck.com

To use it, just follow this 3-step guide:

• Step 1: Access MySpeed at https://gospeedcheck.com/ 

• Step 2: On the screen, click on the “GO” button

• Step 3: Get the result

Below is an example of a speed test result using MySpeed.

MySpeed test’s result

So easy, right?

Now, let’s move on to how to get a fast download speed!

Which type of internet provides the fastest speeds?

Fast download speeds are great. 

To get the fastest rates, you need to choose the right internet type. 

There are many types of Internet, but DSL, Satellite, Cable, and Fiber are among the most popular.

DSL (direct subscriber line) 

It is the least expensive of the four options. 

It runs through your phone line and is rather steady. 

However, the quality degrades as you move away from your ISP's data center.

DSL

Cable

Cable internet is the most widespread type in the United States.

Also, most companies will package it with TV and phone services. 

It is less impacted by distance and more stable than DSL.

Cable

Satellite 

It is the most sluggish of the four. 

It necessitates the installation of a satellite dish on your property. 

It is also highly influenced by local weather patterns. 

However, if you live in a region with no alternative internet options, it can get you connected.

Satellite internet

Fiber

Fiber (also known as FiOS) is the newest and fastest type of internet connection.

However, it is available in fewer areas than any other internet type - even users in major cities may be out of luck.

Fiber Internet

For other types of Internet and its speed range, refer to the following information:

Internet type	Speed range
Cable	Up to 100 Mbps
Dial-up	Up to 56 Kbps
DSL	Up to 200 Mbps
Fiber-optic	Up to 2,000 Mbps
Fixed wireless	Up to 100 Mbps
Satellite	Up to 100 Mbps

Source: https://www.mymove.com/internet/what-internet-speed-do-i-need/ 

Which Internet providers provide the fastest speeds?

In addition to the Internet type, the Internet service provider (ISP) also plays an important role in whether your download speed is fast or not.

For the best result, you’d better consider both before registering for any Internet plan.

You can consider some of the most popular cable or fiber-optic internet service providers such as AT&T, CenturyLink, Cox, Frontier Fiber, Optimum, etc.

In fact, some of these ISPs provide speeds ranging from 940 to 1,000 Mbps in certain places. 

For instance, Xfinity is presently the only service offering download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps. 

Thus, it’s likely you have many options for fast download speeds.

Here is our summary of the fastest Internet providers of 2022.

Check them out!

Providers	Download speed (Mbps)	Monthly cost
Xfinity	50 Mbps - 2,000 Mbps	$45.00 and up
Mediacom Internet	60 Mbps - 1000 Mbps	$29.99 and up
AT&T Internet	0.8 Mbps - 940 Mbps	$55.00 and up
Verizon Internet	300 Mbps - 940 Mbps	$39.99 and up
Frontier Internet	Up to 940 Mbps	$32.99 and up

Source: https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/internet-providers/high-speed-internet 

How to choose the right internet equipment to get a fast download speed?

A smart initial step is to find the proper ISP and Internet type.

However, inspecting your equipment is crucial.

It's also something over which you have far more power.

A modem is required regardless of the sort of internet you use.

This is the gadget that converts internet signals into computer-readable formats.

Besides, if you intend to use WiFi or connect to more than one device, you will also require a router.

This gadget transmits Wi-Fi signals, letting devices connect to the internet without the need for a direct connected connection.

A router

Three elements must be considered for the fastest internet speeds:

• First, you own your equipment rather than renting it from your ISP

Renting equipment from your ISP may result in reduced speeds and additional expenses.

• Second, you have a separate modem and router, not a single device that does both

Although router-modem combos are convenient, they are slower than individual equipment. 

• Third, connect a device using an Ethernet cable if possible

A wired Ethernet connection is quicker than Wi-Fi due to less interference.

Also read: What is a good Steam download speed?