Here’s what each speed test metric tells you about your connection’s performance and how it affects your daily online activities:
Shows how quickly your device receives data from the internet. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
100 Mbps or more supports smooth gaming, HD streaming, and video conferencing.
Indicates how fast your device can send data to the internet. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
10 Mbps or more is enough for video calls, file uploads, and posting content online.
Measures the time it takes for data transmission to and from your device. It is measured in milliseconds (ms).
Under 20 ms ensures responsive gaming, smooth live streaming, and HD video conferencing.
Refers to the physical location of the server used for your speed test. Closer servers usually mean faster, more accurate results.
A unique numeric code that identifies your internet-connected device and its geographic location.
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The idea of a ‘good internet speed’ varies from household to household. It depends on the number of connected users and the type of online activities they do the most. A home with remote workers may need different speeds than the one focused on gaming, 4K streaming, or online content creation.
Here’s a quick overview of the speed ranges you need for different activities and households.
| Speed Range | Online Activities | Ideal Number of Users |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 5 Mbps | Basic web browsing, emailing & music streaming | 1–2 |
| 5 - 40 Mbps | SD video streaming, casual online gaming & social media posting | 3-4 |
| 40 - 100 Mbps | HD video streaming, multiplayer online gaming & downloading large files | 5–7 |
| 100 - 500 Mbps | 4K video streaming, remote working & smart home control | 8–10 |
| 500 - 1000+ Mbps | Cloud backups, competitive online gaming & content creation | 10+ |
Before running a speed test, try these simple tips to get faster, smoother connectivity, and say goodbye to slow downloads, choppy videos, and laggy gameplay.
Keep your router in an open, elevated spot, ideally in your living room, away from all physical objects and household appliances.
Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date to fix bugs, improve speeds, and enhance security.
Close unused apps and pause data-intensive activities to free up bandwidth for the online tasks that you’re currently doing.
Use an Ethernet cable for a stable, reliable, and direct connection, reducing signal interference and latency.
Note: See how your internet performs with our tried and tested tips. If you have any questions or experience issues with your connection, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts at LocalCableDeals.
Yes, a router can negatively impact your internet speed if it is old, placed in an enclosed space, has insufficient processing power, or uses outdated software. Upgrading your router and placing it in a central location inside your house can significantly improve your Wi-Fi signal strength and overall internet performance.
Fiber-optic internet is the fastest type of internet connection, offering symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps (depending on your provider). It transmits data as light signals through glass cables, providing fast, reliable connections with high bandwidth.
A 100 Mbps internet speed is sufficient for most online activities, including video streaming, web surfing, online gaming, video-calling, downloading files, sending emails, and working from home. However, the ideal download and upload speed for your household depends on your online activities and the number of connected devices.
To stream movies, series, and live events in 4K smoothly, you need a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps, especially if you’re streaming on a single device.
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