Speed guide
Internet Speeds Explained: What Mbps and Gbps Actually Mean
6 min read · Updated January 2026 · Independent editorial from BroadConnectNow
What Is Mbps?
Mbps stands for megabits per second, the standard unit for measuring internet speed. A plan advertised at 200 Mbps can theoretically transfer 200 million bits per second.
Gbps means gigabits per second. One gigabit equals 1,000 Mbps.
Download vs. Upload Speed
Plan advertisements usually emphasize download speed. Upload speed matters when you send data: video calls, cloud backup, live streaming, and large-file uploads.
Cable plans are asymmetric — upload is much slower than download.
A 500 Mbps cable plan may provide only 20–35 Mbps upload. Fiber plans often provide matching speeds.
A 500 Mbps cable plan may provide only 20–35 Mbps upload. Fiber plans often provide matching speeds.
How Much Speed Does Your Household Need?
| Activity | Minimum download | Recommended upload |
|---|---|---|
| HD streaming (1 device) | 5–10 Mbps | — |
| 4K streaming (1 device) | 25 Mbps | — |
| Video call | 10 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| Online gaming | 25 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| Smart-home device | 1–5 Mbps each | — |
| Large file transfers | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps |
Household Size Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Mbps do I need for streaming?
Netflix recommends 15 Mbps for 4K. A household with multiple streams should plan for additional bandwidth.
What speed is needed for working from home?
For video conferencing, plan for at least 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload per person.
Is 100 Mbps enough?
For one or two people with typical streaming and browsing, 100 Mbps is usually sufficient.
Find Plans at the Right Speed
Use our calculator or compare plans directly.