When figuring out how much you’ll spend on the internet, you’ll quickly discover that the price goes up based on the speed you choose. The faster the connection speed is, the more expensive the plan will be. However, for many users, you can likely get away with a plan that offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps. But is 100 Mbps classified as a fast internet speed, and is it fast enough for your needs? Here’s what you need to know.
Is 100 Mbps Fast Internet Speed?
100 Mbps is considered a relatively fast internet speed. It’s faster than standard DSL speeds through your existing phone line but far slower than the fastest fiber optic internet plans available. Think of the speed as just fast enough to support the average internet user’s needs without giving you anything more than just what you need.
Related: What is a Good Internet Speed? Beginner’s Guide
What You Can Do with a Connection That’s at Least 100 Mbps
As mentioned before, 100 Mbps internet connections are fast enough to accommodate most internet users’ needs without trouble. But what does that mean in practice? These are a few fun things you can do with this type of internet.
Game
100 Mbps connection speeds are typically fast enough for most online games, provided you only play on a few devices simultaneously. If everyone in your household plays the same game at the same time or tries to watch TV while gaming, you may need faster speeds.
Stream Videos and TV
These connections are fast enough to let you stream live TV and high-definition videos all day, every day, without trouble. You’ll even be able to stream on multiple devices without your shows buffering constantly.
Surf the Internet
If you’re a casual internet user, 100 Mbps speeds will be more than adequate. You’ll find that web pages load quickly, images display in high resolutions, and GIFs load easily. You may even find that these speeds are greater than you truly need.
Have Video Calls
For remote workers who spend a good amount of time on Zoom calls with their co-workers, supervisors, and clients, high-speed internet is a must. Internet connections with speeds of at least 100 Mbps are great for video calls across all platforms. In addition, you’ll experience less downtime and fewer interruptions during your meetings than you’d get with slower speeds.
Listen to Music
If you’re an avid music lover, you’ll find it easy to stream music on whatever platform you prefer. 100 Mbps connection speeds are fast enough to deliver high-definition audio to your speakers and let you avoid buffering in the middle of your favorite songs.
Related: Best Internet Plans for Streaming TV Shows and Movies
Your Speeds Depend on How Many Devices You’re Using
Though 100 Mbps is considered fast internet, the speeds you’ll see throughout the day can vary depending on the activities you’re engaging in and the total number of devices connecting to your internet at any given time. The more devices you have connecting to your home’s internet simultaneously, the more your connection will likely slow down. Why? Because you’re using more of your connection’s capacity at once.
When multiple devices use the internet at once, they’re effectively competing for the connection. This can result in slower speeds.
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How to Tell if 100 Mbps Is Fast Enough for You
Ultimately, the exact speed you’ll need to stay connected without dealing with buffering or slow web pages depends on several factors. There’s nothing wrong with needing higher speeds, but you should know how to tell if 100 Mbps speeds are fast enough for you and your household. Here’s what your household should keep in mind as you shop for the best internet package.
Think About Your Usage
Before committing to a 100 Mbps plan, consider how you use your home’s internet and how often you let your devices connect to it. If you use the internet for video calls, streaming TV shows, work, and gaming, a 100 Mbps plan is likely the slowest plan you’ll want to consider. Higher speeds will let you do more at once with fewer interruptions.
Consider How Many Devices You Use
The total number of devices you connect to your internet at once can impact the speeds you experience. The more devices you use, the higher the risk is that you’ll end up clogging your internet and slowing the connection down. Typically, if you have ten devices or less connected to the internet at once, 100 Mbps should be fast enough. However, if you connect more than ten devices or try to stream high-definition video on all your devices simultaneously, faster internet may be a better choice.
Understand Your Patience Levels
The slower your internet is, the longer it will take for you to download movies, images, and other files. So before you choose a plan, think about how patient you’re willing to be when downloading files, streaming movies, and using the internet. If lightning-fast load times aren’t a priority and you’re willing to spend a minute or two downloading larger files, 100 Mbps plans will be perfect for your needs.
Ready to see how fast internet speeds can improve your streaming quality? Compare our plans and find the right speeds for your needs.
There Are Faster Speeds Available
100 Mbps internet plans are plenty fast for most users. However, they’re not the fastest plan available. Users can now get internet service with super-fast speeds of up to 1 gigabyte down. These faster plans are perfect for those who don’t want to wait for files to download or stream 4K video all day.
If you’re unsure which speed is right for your needs, think about how your current plan meets your needs. For example, are you struggling to load web pages? Has your usage changed since you signed up for the plan? Do you have speeds of less than 100 Mbps consistently? If so, a faster plan may be a better option.
Related: Slow Internet Driving You Crazy? Try These Solutions
Find the Plan That Works for You
100 Mbps internet plans are usually fast enough for most residential customers, but that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect plan for every internet user. Consider how you use the internet and think about whether your existing plan is too slow. If it is or you see your usage changing, upgrading to a plan with speeds of at least 100 Mbps is a great idea.
Ready to make slow internet a thing of the past? Sign up for service today!