Guide to the best internet options for your needs

Imagine trying to binge-watch a show or join an online meeting, only to be interrupted by buffering or dropped connections. Frustrating, right? With most of us relying on the internet for everything from entertainment to telecommuting, choosing the right internet plan has never been more important.

Part of picking the right internet service plan involves understanding the connection speeds we need for both our personal and business needs. To help you make the best choice, we'll guide you through understanding internet speeds and explore the different types of internet available. Let's dive in!

Fast internet connections: What does it all mean?

When we talk about internet connections, what are we really referring to? And how does the internet work to deliver data at different speeds? In simple terms, your connection involves data moving back and forth between your device and the Web. Whether you're browsing, watching videos or sending emails, data is constantly being uploaded and downloaded. The faster your internet speed, the quicker this data transfer happens.

Internet speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps). Mbps measures how many megabits can be downloaded or uploaded in one second, while Gbps is simply a higher capacity unit, with one gigabit equaling 1,000 megabits.

Mbps is typically used the most, with Gbps reserved for extremely fast connections. Put simply, though, the higher the number, the faster your internet connection.

Download and upload speeds

The two types of speeds you need to pay attention to are download speed and upload speed.

Download speed refers to how quickly data from the internet reaches your device, which is essential for activities like streaming videos or downloading files. On the other hand, upload speed measures how fast data moves from your device to the internet, which is important for tasks like phone calls, videoconferencing and sharing files.

For example, if you're streaming a movie, you'll need a strong download speed to avoid buffering. Meanwhile, a good upload speed will ensure your footage during video calls is clear and smooth.

So, what speeds are required for different tasks? Here is a rough guideline of speed ranges for common activities, from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

And here's how fast you need your upload speed to be for certain activities:

What else affects your internet speed requirements?

Besides the activities you do online, the number of users and types of devices accessing your home internet at the same time also affect the speed you'll need. It's essential to consider the simultaneous internet usage of everyone in your household, as well as every connected device or appliance. You may find you need a faster internet plan to avoid slowdowns during those times when everyone and every connected device is demanding its share of your internet bandwidth.

The FCC has a helpful chart. Unlike calculating data usage at home, which focuses on the total amount of data you use over the course of a month, figuring out the speed you need is more about the peak usage. For example, if at your household's busiest time, three users are streaming 4K video and you have a security camera that uploads footage 24/7, you would need a speed of at least 79 Mbps to avoid any buffering or lag.

In short, the more devices and activities happening at once, the more speed you'll need to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Want to know your current service's performance? Use our Internet Speed Test to test how fast your internet connection is.

Understanding the different types of internet connections

When looking for internet options, you'll often come across the acronym ISP and may wonder, "What does ISP stand for?" It simply means "internet service provider," the company that provides you with access to the internet.

Broadband internet is the key offering of ISPs, but what exactly is "broadband" internet? In short, it's a high-speed internet connection that's always on-unlike dial-up, which required users to "dial in" through a modem each time they wanted to connect. Granted, the adjective "high-speed" can be a bit vague. Internet that was described as "high-speed" back in 1998 would be considered a snail's pace by today's standards. In March 2024, the FCC revised its benchmark for high-speed broadband to download speeds of 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of 20 megabits per second. So, technically speaking, any internet service that falls below these speeds no longer qualifies as broadband.

Each type of internet connection comes with its own advantages and limitations. Keep in mind that equipment, speeds and prices will vary depending on the providers in your area, but here is a breakdown of internet options with estimates to help you compare the different options:

1. Cable internet

Available to more than 82 percent of U.S. households, cable internet is currently the most common type of internet connection. This type transmits data through the same coaxial cables used for cable TV. The main downside is that cable internet is more susceptible to slower speeds and congestion due to shared bandwidth.

• Equipment needed: Coaxial cables, cable modem, internet router, Ethernet cable
• Speed range: 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps for download, 5 to 50 Mbps for upload

2. Fiber optic internet

Fiber internet uses long, thin fibers of glass or plastic to transmit data as light signals and offers the fastest speeds. It's ideal for heavy internet users or smart homes, though availability is currently limited, with only 51.5 percent of U.S. households having access.

• Equipment needed: Fiber optic cables, clamshell, optical network terminal, fiber optic router or gateway, Ethernet cable
• Speed range: 200 Mbps to 20 Gbps (both download and upload)

3. DSL (Digital subscriber line)

DSL internet uses existing analog copper phone lines to transmit data, making it vulnerable to obsolescence as major telecoms transition to newer technology. DSL is slower than cable or fiber internet, especially in areas far from the provider's central location.

• Equipment needed: Telephone line, DSL modem, DSL router, telephone jack, telephone plug, Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi® range extender, adapters
• Speed range: 5 to 120 Mbps for download, 1 to 20 Mbps for upload

4. Fixed wireless internet

Fixed wireless uses radio signals from a nearby cell tower to connect you to the internet. A direct line of sight between your receiver and the nearest tower is required, meaning any obstacles in between may disrupt or block your connection. Still, because you don't need ground-laid infrastructure, this option has been popular in locations that aren't reached by wired broadband.

5G internet is only available in areas with 5G infrastructure, which is currently limited to select cities and regions.

• Equipment needed: Antenna, router, CAT5 cable, surge protector, possibly a mesh router to reach remote areas in your home
• Speed range: 25 Mbps to 1 Gbps for download, 5 Mbps to 500 Mbps for upload (Average speeds may fluctuate during peak hours because of network congestion.)

5. Satellite internet

Satellite internet is an important internet option because of how accessible it is, particularly for those in remote areas. As the name suggests, this type of internet connection uses satellites to transmit data rather than ground-laid infrastructure, so it can be installed virtually anywhere. However, the service tends to be pricey, can be affected by weather and has higher latency than other internet options, making it less ideal for activities like gaming and videoconferencing.

• Equipment needed: Satellite dish, internet modem, Wi-Fi router
• Speed range: 5 to 220 Mbps for download, 2 to 20 Mbps for upload

Choosing the best internet option for you

When it comes to choosing the best internet option, it's crucial to match your choice with your needs. Whether you're streaming movies, working from home or gaming, the speed and type of connection you pick should align with your lifestyle.

Take the time to evaluate factors like usage habits, number of devices, speed requirements and budget when determining the type of internet you need. Remember, faster isn't always better if you don't need it, but having adequate speed is essential to avoid frustration.

And of course, do your research to understand what's available in your area. If you're in one of the most connected cities in the U.S., you're likely to have access to a high-speed option like fiber optic internet. For those in more rural areas, satellite internet might be a better fit. Once you understand your unique needs and evaluate your options, you can choose the internet service provider that works best for you.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.