A good Mbps definition will change with the user’s needs and requirements. Different types of activities will require different Mbps internet connection for optimal performance and experience.
For web surfing: A good internet speed for simple web surfing should not require anything above 2 Mbps to 5 Mbps. That’s because activities such as simple browsing require very little bandwidth.
For video streaming: Users looking to stream video content may require a faster Mbps internet connection. For standard video streaming an internet connection from 10 Mbps-20 Mbps should suffice. Of course, the exact Mbps required for a good experience will depend on the quality of video streaming and the length of a streaming session. Streaming an SD video consumes around 12 MB of data and a 4K version of the same video consumes around 100 MB. This means users need to have an internet connection that’s seven to eight times faster for comfortable 4K streaming. In terms of numbers, Mbps comes to 60 Mbps – 150 Mbps. Getting such speeds is no longer a problem as internet service providers in the U.S. regularly offer internet connections close to 1,000 Mbps.
For Multiple Users: A good Mbps number for an internet connection should, again, change if there are multiple devices in the household or office. Going by what the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends, 25 Mbps is required for four or more devices. 12 Mbps is required for two devices connected to the same network with heavy usage. If the network has four or more devices and all the devices want a comfortable experience while streaming 4K resolution video content, then a 100 Mbps internet connection is a good target to aim for.
For Gaming: Gamers will have a higher set of Mbps requirements for an internet connection. Console manufacturers recommend that gamers should have at the very least 3 Mbps download speed and around 1 Mbps of upload speed. At such speeds, gamers will not be able to engage seriously in any online video game though. This is why internet service providers like AT&T say gamers need a 50 Mbps connection at the very least with 10 Mbps upload. Xfinity, another internet service provider, recommends internet connection over 300 Mbps for the best online gaming experience.
For Working From Home: Finally, people working from home also need a fast enough connection to not only upload and download documents but carry out team meetings via applications such as Zoom and Google Meet. According to Zoom, people working from home should aim for a 3 Mbps internet connection at the very least.