How much internet speed do I need?| Off-Topic Discussion forum |

mtn MegaDork
9/9/15 1:05 p.m.

I'm shopping for internet. How much speed do I need? The most intensive stuff that we'll be doing is netflix+facetime+web browsing (i.e. GRM) at the same time. That will be the MOST and very very rare.

Can I get by with the 6mbps that Uverse is offering? Do I need the 75 with comcrap?

GameboyRMH GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/9/15 1:09 p.m.

75 is crazy fast, way more than you need, but 6 is pretty low...a Neflix HD stream alone would use almost all of that. You couldn't run a Facetime call at the same time.

Grtechguy MegaDork
9/9/15 1:19 p.m.

I would say 12MB minimum at this point.

Swank Force One MegaDork
9/9/15 1:19 p.m.

The 6mbps through UVerse will rarely even be that high with the garbage routers they supply. Not adequate. I have the 18mbps with UVerse and it's ok, but i distinctly remember having faster internet a decade ago.

BrokenYugo MegaDork
9/9/15 1:24 p.m.

You probably want 10-15Mbps (HD/720p Netflix is 5) to do that comfortably, that means picking a plan offering at least double that.

scardeal SuperDork
9/9/15 1:25 p.m.

For the scenario that you're stating, my intuition says you want around 20 megabits/s.

mtn MegaDork
9/9/15 1:29 p.m.

Noted, stepping it up to at least 18mbps. Thanks!

HiTempguy PowerDork
9/9/15 1:36 p.m.

All internet is the same speed. You are shopping for a wider road, not a faster speed limit

Joshing aside, people WAY overestimate their DL requirements unless there are multiple users at once, usually because the limiting factor is not your internet but the servers you are trying to reach that have limited upload capabilities.

15mbps is 1.8MBps. There are VERY few instances you will EVER use 1.8MBps of bandwidth unless you are torrenting. 1.8MBps is like 4 720p youtube videos/netflix streaming at once.

Robbie MegaDork
9/9/15 1:40 p.m.

Totally unrelated: I rarely have problems with speed, but frequently have issues with continuity of service. I have had multiple different ISPs, type of delivery (cable vs uverse), and multiple different places all with the same outcome. When it is working, it is plenty fast regardless of what I am doing. However, it will drop randomly for minutes at a time, sometimes multiple times per day, sometimes once a week, and then come back. Infuriating.

If ISPs could offer a plan that was pay based on percentage up time vs pay based on speed, I would take the pay for percentage up time.

I'm sure there is a reason they don't structure their plans like that though. /rant.

scardeal SuperDork
9/9/15 1:41 p.m.

From Netflix:
0.5 Megabits per second - Required broadband connection speed
1.5 Megabits per second - Recommended broadband connection speed
3.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for SD quality
5.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for HD quality
25 Megabits per second - Recommended for Ultra HD quality

RealMiniNoMore PowerDork
9/9/15 1:42 p.m.

FWIW, I've got the max AT&T/Uverse has to offer. Occasionally, Netflix/Plex will buffer, especially if I try surfing the Web at the same time.

scardeal SuperDork
9/9/15 1:44 p.m.

Bandwidth Used By Popular Services said: Apple FaceTime calling full screen uses 1.0Mbit/s up and download speeds per person in a conversation to provide unbuffered and uninterrupted conversations. FaceTime for Mac supports video calls up to 720p.

Toyman01 GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/9/15 2:32 p.m.

We get 17-20 at the house. That's enough to stream netflix as well as have 4 computers online without noticeable drag.

G_Body_Man UltraDork
9/9/15 2:44 p.m.

We have 25. It's nice to have, as all 5 of us are usually on simultaneously.

szeis4cookie Dork
9/9/15 3:18 p.m.

I've been happy with Comcast's 15 down/5 up. Bringing my own cable modem and router to the party has helped immensely with that happiness.

Fueled by Caffeine MegaDork
9/9/15 3:43 p.m.

25 is nice. Ultra HD on Netflix is nice, but not needed.

madmallard Dork
9/9/15 3:50 p.m.

i can get 1080p out of youtube through a 6... they all over estimate a good %25 for padding.

imo, most people will not notice any speed differences until they torrent, or stream video once you get to 3 megs.

SyntheticBlinkerFluid MegaDork
9/9/15 7:09 p.m.

I'd suggest 25 Mbps, but 18 should be sufficient.

1988RedT2 MegaDork
9/10/15 9:44 a.m.

More is always betterer.

T.J. MegaDork
9/10/15 9:48 a.m.

I have to pay a bit extra to get 20 Mbps. I am jealous that you at least have the option to chose between multiple providers. I have a single choice for broadband internet at the house. Take it or leave it.

chandler PowerDork
9/10/15 5:47 p.m.

all of it

asoduk HalfDork
9/10/15 10:11 p.m.

I have 3. We stream a lot. It's not the best, but it works. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Youtube, gaming, VPN for work.

Brett_Murphy GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/11/15 4:52 p.m.

I have a 17.7 measured at Speed Test, and it's fine for streaming Nextflix and running a MOBA game at the same time. Trying to do multiple Nextflix streams, Hulu, and Sirius internet radio all at the same time can get a bit sketchy.