What is a Good Internet Speed? This is How Fast You Need for Streaming

what is a good internet speed

In this piece, we’ll tackle a common question for cord-cutters. Just what constitutes good internet speed?

There’s nothing more frustrating than endless buffering when you’re trying to watch your favorite show.

A slow internet connection impacts more than just your streaming experience. It can affect video calls, file sharing, online gaming, and more.

This brings us to a crucial question. What internet speed is sufficient for all your online activities?

Internet service providers (ISPs) offer various connection types to satisfy diverse needs. You have options like cable, satellite, DSL, and fiber-optic connections. It’s a massive leap from the old dial-up days of the ’90s.

A good starting point for figuring out the necessary speed is to consider your bandwidth requirements. However, several other things can influence network performance, which we’ll discuss in detail later.

Understanding Good Internet Speed Terminology

Let’s define some key terms that will help us better understand good internet speed.

What is Good Internet Speed - Terminology

Internet speed boils down to bandwidth. It’s the amount of data your ISP provides for uploading and downloading. The time it takes to upload or download depends on both file size and this bandwidth.

Bandwidth is measured in bits per second. We use Mbps (megabits per second) to represent internet connection speeds. It signifies how much of a file is downloaded or uploaded per second.

It’s easy to confuse a megabit with a megabyte, but they are distinct. A megabyte is eight megabits and describes file size, not speed. To download a 1MB file in one second, you’d need an 8 Mbps connection.

Downloading involves retrieving information from a website or device, while uploading sends data from your device to the internet. Both actions consume bandwidth.

For instance, streaming a non-HD video on YouTube requires roughly 2.5 Mbps for downloading.

hd

Uploading also consumes data, with the amount depending on the size of what you’re sending. Streaming only transmits content, it doesn’t store files on your device. That’s a key reason why streaming apps have gained such popularity.

Since we’re not downloading files, streaming requires less bandwidth. You might have noticed that streaming services offer various image resolution options. Video resolution means the number of pixels displayed on a screen.

It’s expressed in width and height, like “640 x 480”. This means the video is 640 pixels wide and 480 pixels tall. Essentially, 480 lines of pixels are stacked, each 640 pixels wide.

The more horizontal lines, the higher the quality. Here’s a breakdown of common video resolutions.

Pixel Size

Resolution

Quality

Recommended For

480 x 360 (360p) Low Definition (LD) Appears blurry on larger displays. Suitable for mobile devices and smartphones.
640 x 480 (480p) Standard Definition (SD) Offers decent clarity on smaller screens. Good for laptops and desktop computers.
1280 x 720 (720p) High Definition (HD) Provides a sharp and crisp viewing experience. Well-suited for laptops, computers, and TVs.
1920 x 1080 (1080p) Full High Definition (Full HD) Delivers detailed and very sharp visuals. Ideal for Smart TVs and large-screen devices.
4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) Showcases exceptional sharpness with lifelike colors and textures. Best experienced on Smart TVs and large-screen devices.

What Defines Good Internet Speed? Figuring Out What You Need

The most effective method to determine your internet speed is through an Internet Speed Test. It’s a straightforward process that gives you a clear picture of your connection’s capabilities.

To get started, simply open your web browser on any device – your iPhone, iPad, computer, it doesn’t matter. Type in iptvproviders.info/st and you’ll be taken to the test page.

From there, just hit the Start Test button. Wait a moment as it calculates your speeds, and you’ll get a detailed report.

For those looking to test their Fire TV or Firestick, TROYPOINT offers a handy resource. They’ve put together a concise guide that walks you through the steps. Alternatively, you can follow the visual instructions below, complete with screenshots to make it even easier.

Testing Your Internet Speed on a Firestick or Fire TV

1. Start from your Fire TV Device’s main menu. Navigate to the left using your remote to find the search function. Search for and then select Firefox.

select firefox

2. Look for Firefox under the Apps & Games section. Select it to proceed.

click firefox

3. Click the Download button to get Firefox onto your device. It’s a quick and easy download.

click download

4. Once the download is complete, click Open to launch Firefox. You are now ready to run the speed test.

click open

5. A prompt will ask about Turbo Mode. Choose to keep it enabled for optimal browsing speed. This will help the speed test run smoothly.

keep turbo mode enabled

6. Now, go to the address bar at the top of Firefox. Type in the following URL – make sure to get it exactly right: iptvproviders.info/st. Once you’ve entered it, click Next to load the page.

iptvproviders.info/st

7. Scroll down a bit on the page that loads. You’ll see a clearly marked “Start Test” button – click it to begin the speed test. The test will begin measuring your internet speed.

click start test

8. Give it a moment to run its course. Don’t interrupt the test while it’s calculating your connection speed.

wait for test to finish

9. Once it finishes, you’ll be presented with a summary of your speed test results. Take note of your download and upload speeds. This information will be helpful in determining if your internet is suitable for your needs.

view your speed test results

Millions of cord-cutters around the world are now opting for the Amazon Firestick. They like it for their streaming needs. It’s a well-liked media device.

The low price is appealing. The side-loading capabilities open a world of possibilities. Your streaming options become limitless.

Many Firestick buyers are looking to “jailbreak” it. They want access to movies and TV shows. Live TV and more are also on their wish list.

TROYPOINT created an in-depth jailbreak tutorial. It grants access to tons of content, all for FREE.

How to Jailbreak a Firestick

What is Good Internet Speed for Me?

Let’s figure out the right internet speed for you. First, we need to determine your internet speed. Then, we can determine the type of service package to support your network.

Choosing the right internet package depends on many things. Gamers, for example, need higher bandwidth, especially if they download games.

Streaming movies requires a faster connection, too. Sharing large files and lengthy conference calls also benefit from higher speeds.

But maybe you just surf the web and send emails. If so, you don’t need super-fast speeds. You can probably get by with a basic internet package. It should be enough for your needs.

Consider your online activities when choosing an internet speed. There are several things to keep in mind.

  • General web browsing and email use
  • File, music, and game downloads
  • File sharing
  • Streaming movies using Cinema APK and Kodi
  • Online gaming
  • Video conferencing

Here’s a helpful guide for internet download speeds:

Download Speed

Ideal for Resolution Type

Great for

Ideal for streaming

Also best for

1 Mbps LD to SD Standard web surfing

Emailing without large attachments

Social media browsing

Mobile audio and music streaming on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music

SD video on Xbox, Vudu

Standard voice and HD video calling on Skype
2.5 Mbps to 3 Mbps 480 SD File sharing

Playing online games on Xbox, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch

SD video on Netflix

HD video on Hulu, YouTube, Xbox

Group video calling on Skype for up to 3 participants
6 Mbps 720p HD Online gaming HD video on Netflix, Hulu, Vudu Video conferencing
8 Mbps 1080p HD Instructor-led online classes

Playing games on Fortnite

HD video on Netflix

Live streaming on Hulu

Group video calling on Skype for up to 3 people
25 Mbps 4K Ultra HD Downloading HD movies and Torrents

Long web conferencing

Ultra HD video on Netflix Cloud file-sharing for very large files

What is Good Internet Speed – Estimated Download Times

Download times can be unpredictable. Downloading a document, movie, or torrent file? The time it takes depends, in part, on your internet speed.

We can estimate download times based on the speed. These estimates assume ideal network conditions. The factors listed above won’t affect the connection.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Using a torrent website or application? You need a VPN. Without it, your IP address is visible, which is a security risk. Protect yourself with IPVanish.

Prefer downloading torrents to streaming? TROYPOINT created a list of the Best Torrent Sites. Check it out to get started.

Estimated Download Time

Type of File File Size 1 MB 3 Mbps 6 Mbps 8 Mbps 25 Mbps
Basic Webpage 1 MB 5 seconds 2 seconds 1 second 1 second 1 second
Spotify song 4 MB 22 seconds 11 seconds 5 seconds 4 seconds 1 second
SD movie 1.75 GB 2 hours and 47 minutes 3 hours and 34 minutes 41 minutes and 45 seconds 31 minutes and 19 seconds 10 minutes
720p HD movie 4.5 GB 7 hours and 9 minutes hours and minutes 1 hour and 47 minutes 1 hour and 20 minutes 25 minutes and 46 seconds
1080 HD movie 15 GB 23 hours and 51 minutes 11 hours and 55 minutes 5 hours and 57 minutes 4 hours and 28 minutes 1 hour and 25 minutes

The image below displays the average download speeds you’ll need for streaming.

NOTE: It’s worth remembering that this image only gives you estimated download speeds. Other things can affect the speed you need to stream what you want. These can include things like the device you’re using, your internet service provider (ISP), and other stuff.

download speeds for streaming

What is Good Internet Speed – Upload Speeds

To figure out what counts as good internet speed, you also need to consider upload speeds. They’re almost as crucial as download speeds.

When you’re saving files to the cloud or making video calls, a solid network connection is key. Think Skype, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp.

You wouldn’t want to spend ages waiting for your files to save on Dropbox, right? Or show up blurry to your buddies on a Google Hangouts call?

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand internet upload speeds:

Upload Speed

Great for

0.1 Mbps Skype audio calls
Pandora radio
0.3 Mbps Standard Skype video calls and screen sharing
0.5 Mbps Online gaming on Xbox
1 Mbps Online gaming on Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Wii
1.5 Mbps Minimum upload speed for Netflix
Skype HD video calls
2 Mbps Basic gaming
SD video streaming
4 Mbps HD video streaming.
Online gaming
6.5 Mbps YouTube Standard Frame Rate for 720p
10 Mbps YouTube Standard Frame Rate for 1080p.
Long video conferences

Keep in mind that for online gaming, latency is also important. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to a server. Gamers need to keep latency below 20 ms. This helps avoid noticeable lag.

If you primarily use the internet for browsing social media and web content, high internet speed may not be a necessity.

For online classes, a download speed of 8 Mbps should suffice. This is enough for tasks like uploading papers, downloading videos, and chatting with classmates.

But if you’re a fan of streaming the latest movies and TV shows in high definition or 4K, you’ll need a faster connection. Consider an internet service that provides at least 25 Mbps in download speed.

To explore available options, check with your local internet service provider. They’ll have information on the different internet packages and services suitable for your household.

Factors Affecting Good Internet Speed

fiber connection

When your ISP advertises speeds “up to” 25 Mbps, it’s essential to understand that this isn’t a constant guarantee. You can verify your actual speed by conducting an internet speed test. .

Various factors can influence network performance and lead to slower speeds.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Many ISPs focus on the connection speed between themselves and the subscriber. They often don’t fully disclose the limitations of their overall connection quality. The advertised speed, typically phrased as “speeds of up to,” represents the maximum achievable speed. However, this speed can be impacted by external influences like network demand from other users.

Number of Devices Connected

wi-fi connections

Connecting too many devices to your Wi-Fi router at the same time can cause interference. This is often due to an uneven distribution of the network load, impacting router performance. To maximize network power while streaming, minimize the use of other devices on the same connection. This will help maintain a buffer-free streaming experience

Network traffic

Internet speed can slow down when numerous subscribers share the same ISP connection. This often leads to noticeable performance degradation.

Time of day

Internet speed fluctuations throughout the day are common. You might experience slower speeds during peak hours, typically in the evenings. This slowdown is because servers become overloaded as more users access websites and online services after work.

Internet server location

Download speeds can be affected by the distance data travels. When data has to pass through multiple servers before reaching its destination, it can consume more bandwidth and result in slower downloads.

Router placement

The location of your router plays a role in Wi-Fi performance. Obstacles like walls can hinder the wireless signal’s reach. Additionally, appliances that emit radio signals can interfere with router performance. For the best streaming experience, position your primary streaming device close to the router.

Network equipment

Outdated or low-quality network equipment can also impact your internet speed. Factors like a weak computer processor, an old device, incorrect equipment configuration, and poor-quality cables can all contribute to slower speeds. Consider a Firestick Ethernet Adapter if you think outdated equipment is causing slow downloads.

If you are experiencing slow download speeds due to outdated equipment, you may want to look into a Firestick Ethernet Adapter.

Type of Connection

When it comes to home internet, fiber broadband offers the fastest and most reliable service. It outperforms DSL broadband and satellite connections in terms of speed and consistency. However, it’s worth noting that mobile broadband has significantly improved in recent years. To determine the best option for your needs, discuss the various connection types available with your ISP.

VPN Connection

Using a VPN, like IPVanish, adds a layer of security by routing your online traffic through an encrypted tunnel. However, this can introduce variations in your internet speed. Factors such as the distance between your location and the VPN server, as well as server bandwidth limits, can influence speed. If you’re a VPN user who streams content, certain tips can help enhance performance.

For those who use a VPN when streaming, there are a few tips that can help boost performance.

Follow the links below to learn how to improve your VPN speed on any device.

How to Improve VPN Speed
VPN Protocols Guide

In addition, some of the apps that you would want to download are restricted by the Amazon App Store since they are unverified.

However, you can side-load them into your device without using the official app distribution method with the help of a VPN for Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube.

Bandwidth Needs of Online Activities

Engaging in multiple online activities simultaneously can strain your internet connection. Activities like video calls, movie sharing, and online gaming consume significant bandwidth. Doing these at the same time can impact both your download and upload speeds.

TV Receivers, Game Consoles, Smart Appliances

Devices and appliances that rely on high-speed internet can compete for bandwidth. Your internet speed can be affected if multiple devices are trying to access the internet simultaneously. For instance, a jailbroken Firestick allows you to install applications not available in the Amazon App Store. This means you’ll require more bandwidth to run those apps effectively.

Choosing the Right Internet Speed for Your Needs

Slow internet speeds can be a significant source of frustration. It can lead to longer download and upload times, buffering while streaming, and lag during online gaming or video calls. Understanding the factors that can affect your internet speed is crucial. This knowledge, combined with an awareness of your online activities, will empower you to choose the best internet plan from your ISP. Selecting a plan that aligns with your needs will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable online experience.

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