Tech

Choosing The Right Internet Speed For Your Household

There has been an ever-increasing demand for higher speeds thanks to gaming platforms and streaming services. This has made the task of finding the right internet speed a challenge. Many factors now need to be taken into account including online requirements of the entire family. This article will guide you in a step-by-step manner to ascertain the best speed for your needs and consequently gain you the best from your internet plan.

The need for speed (internet)

The popular streaming site Netflix recommends a connection speed of 5 Mbps for seamless streaming in HD resolution. However, increasing the resolution to 4K will need a minimum speed of 25 Mbps. The speed requirement is also dependent on the number of devices that are using the connection: the higher the devices, the higher the bandwidth needed! To put it simply, 2 to 3 users using the same connection to log onto the internet should be backed by a 100 Mbps speed minimum. It is always easier to opt for the highest speed being offered by the internet service provider but it does end up costing a lot more, and if these costs are not justifiable by the use it is a waste. It is always better to analyze your needs and compare the offers across various internet providers in order to select the best one out there, which maximizes your resources as well.

Checking the Speed of Internet Connections

A simple test on the internet can help analyze the speed which is currently being provided. It helps in checking that the speed being paid for is being provided. In case this is not true, a call to the ISP will be able to resolve speed issues! This helps in ensuring the correct use of currently purchased internet packages.

Internet speed recommendations

After carrying out an in-depth analysis of the currently available options, we have compiled a detailed list of available options and needs summarized as follows:

No of DevicesGeneral Online ActivitiesRecommendation of Download Speeds
1 – 2Basic Internet Surfing, Emailing, Social Networks, and Moderate level of StreamingUp to 25 Mbps
3 – 5Online Games, HD & 4K Video Streaming, and higher than normal downloads100 to 200 Mbps
5 +Online Streaming, Multiplayer Games, Live Streams, and heavy File Shares400 to 940 Mbps

How to explain 25 Mbps?

In order to under how fast 25 Mbps is, we need to understand what a person is capable to finish using this speed. It is the most preferred speed which is commonly purchased: a small household that hasmoderate internet usage a speed of 25 Mbps is sufficient. Some of the activities which can be easily done at this speed include:

  • Watching Netflix: streaming shows on 1080p resolution on up to 2 devices
  • Playing online games that have low ping rates and latency
  • No wait time when loading websites and pages

Therefore, an average of 3 to 4 people can complete their work on 25Mbps speeds. And considering that this is the most affordable one, it is a great choice for those who have basic internet usage. Most companies offer these speeds for $40 per month making it easy on the pocket and fast enough to fulfill basic needs.

The most affordable internet providers

There are many ISPs that provide great speeds at very economical rates, a few are listed below:

1.      Xfinity

The largest cable service provider in the USA, Xfinityis available in over 40 states including California, Florida, and Illinois. The company has an HFC Network Infrastructure which allows it to offer the fastest internet: 2,000 Mbps in some locations! Xfinity is the place to go if you are looking for quality internet at affordable rates! With Xfinity Internet prices you can find great bundles and deals

2.      Spectrum

The second largest internet provider in the USA covers 44 states and their best aspect is the fact that they have the most easy-to-understand pricing system! In addition, Charter Spectrum charges the same prices across all states for similar speeds, which makes it very easy for users to just shift their packages as they move across state lines and are not faced with hefty changes in prices. Spectrum also attracts its users by offering a whole host of additional benefits, which include super steady and fast speeds, unlimited data and downloads as well as 24/7 active customer support. The best part is a security suite, which protects you from all forms of fraudulent activities and viruses for the very reasonable price tag of US $ 49.99 per month for 12 months!

3.      AT&T

Providing internet services in over 21 states, AT&T is one of the recognizable brands on the internet. AT&T has the offering of fiber internet services. The price point of AT&T is also very attractive: the packages starts at only US $ 55 for a fiber connection for 300 Mbps speeds and they offer 1000 Mbps for only US $ 80 per month! This may be pricey but having a fiber internet connection ensures the connection runs on top conditions and does not lag. Fiber is the new game in the internet world but yet to be available in wider areas.

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