Different online activities require different internet speeds and bandwidth. Typically, about 90% of online activities rely on download speeds (as opposed to upload speeds) for smooth streaming, surfing and more. Read on to learn more.
Internet speed: how much speed do I need for different online activities?
How much download speed do I need?
Take a look at the chart below – it’ll provide an estimate of how much download speed your online activities (like gaming or streaming) need on a connected device (like a phone, tablet or laptop).
While one online activity on one device may not require much download speed, your home’s internet connection will need to support all the connected devices in your home that are online at the same time, including smart home devices and applications running in the background, like computers and gaming consoles downloading automatic software updates.
Speed snapshots:
- Basic surfing and checking emails require very little download speed.
- Streaming music, video calls and gaming require more speed to download the larger file sizes.
- 4K video streaming and gaming requires the most speed to support higher video resolution.
| Online activity | Typical download speed required per device* |
| Emails and web surfing | 0.5 to 1 Mbps |
| Music streaming | 1 to 2 Mbps |
| SD video streaming | 2 to 3 Mbps |
| Video calls and gaming | 3 to 5 Mbps |
| HD video streaming | 5 to 25 Mbps |
| 4K video streaming and gaming | 25 to 50 Mbps |
*Speeds may vary based on file size and quality.
Keep in mind: When you run a speed test on your device, the results you get are specific to:
- Your device’s make and model
- Whether you’re currently running other apps on that device
- Whether other devices in the home are online at the same time
- Whether you are doing the test over WiFi vs. a wired connection.
- Your device’s distance from your Gateway.
- Obstructions between your device and your Gateway while running the test.
- Interference from neighbouring devices.
Learn how to easily test your WiFi connections and optimize your speed.
How much upload speed do I need?
For everyday usage of the following online activities, the typical upload speed required is between 1 Mbps to 5 Mbps per connected device.
- Video calling:
- Skype recommends 1.5 Mbps for HD video calling. Visit the Skype Support page to learn more.
- Live video streaming: Even for HD video quality live streaming (720p), only 1.5 Mbps to 6 Mbps is required for popular platforms:
- Facebook Live recommends 3 to 6 Mbps. Visit the Facebook Help Center to learn more.
- YouTube recommends between 1.5 Mbps and 6 Mbps. Visit the YouTube Help page to learn more.
- Gaming:
- Twitch recommends 3 Mbps to 6 Mbps. Visit the Twitch support page to learn more.
- Home security cameras:
- Rogers Smart Home Monitoring Live Video Streaming Service requires 0.2 Mbps
- Google Nest requires 0.8 Mbps to 4 Mbps for uploading video from your camera to the cloud. Visit the Google Nest Help page to learn more.
- Data backups: These typically run in the background, aren’t time-sensitive and simply use the amount of upload bandwidth available without a specific minimum requirement.
As your internet needs grow, you can optimize your internet speed and WiFi with these tips. You can also upgrade your Ignite Internet package here.