What is the average internet connection speed

Upload speeds of 10 Mbps or higher are generally considered fast internet speeds for upload because they can easily handle the common activities of the average user. For example, Skype recommends upload speeds of 1. Uploading a large file, like MB file document, should take less than 10 minutes with a 10 Mbps upload connection.

Download speeds less than 25 Mbps are too slow to be considered broadband. With these speeds, users may experience buffering when streaming video, difficulty connecting multiple devices and other internet connectivity issues.

However, these are minimum speed recommendations and do not account for connecting multiple devices or other factors that may slow your internet speeds. Regardless of the internet activity, dial-up is considered slow internet because it can only offer speeds up to 56 kbps. DSL is the most common internet service type with speeds lower than 25 Mbps. Some cable internet services offer slow speeds as a low-cost internet option but are often capable of providing much higher speeds for a higher monthly cost.

Fixed wireless is a popular internet solution in rural areas. It uses broadcast towers to transmit and receive internet signals. Depending on provider and location, speeds can vary between Mbps, but tend to be on the slower end.

An internet speed test will give you a good idea of whether or not you have the necessary speeds for your household. For best results, take the speed test with a wired connection. Try these helpful hacks to improve your internet speed. Or if you just want more bang for your buck, check out providers near you with more speed for the price. Rather chat? Give us a call: Pro Tip: For best results, use an Ethernet cord to connect your router or modem directly to your device before you run the test.

If you have slow internet, there may be other internet providers in your area that offer faster speeds. Or, your current internet provider may offer plans with higher speeds.

File sizes for things like music, movies and pictures vary, but a movie can range from 1 to 7GBs depending on the length and picture quality.

Keep in mind, upload speeds from internet providers are often significantly lower than download speeds. Some fiber-optic providers, however, do offer upload speeds comparable to their advertised download speeds.

These download and upload times are estimates, based on a constant speed. As mentioned above, there are many factors, such as the number of connected devices and types of internet activities performed, that can affect internet speeds and the time it takes to perform a given task. Shop internet providers, plans and speeds in your area with our internet experts.

David joined the Allconnect team in , specializing in broadband and TV content. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more. Read bio. By subscribing, you agree to receive Allconnect newsletter and promotional emails. Your privacy is important to us. Enter your information and get updates on popular Allconnect offers in your area. Why do we ask for your address? As technology becomes more advanced and networks are improved, these numbers are expected to continue to grow.

For , Monaco claimed the broadband speed title with download speeds of However, once the focus switches to mobile connectivity the list switches, with United Arab Emirates taking the top spot with Smaller countries tend to have an advantage when increasing internet speed, as making the necessary infrastructure upgrades is a slower and more daunting task in larger countries though China's mobile networks seem to be covering the country's massive area quite well.

For example, the United States has only the 15th-fastest mobile speeds at Internet Speeds By Country But if you were to go with a fiber-optic connection, you may find speeds ranging in the to 2, Mbps area, so the difference will be considerable.

Fiber-optic internet is also less susceptible to slowdowns, so you may also want to factor that into your decision. For you. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Good Subscriber Account active since Shortcuts. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.

It often indicates a user profile. Log out. Smart Home. Social Media. More Button Icon Circle with three vertical dots. It indicates a way to see more nav menu items inside the site menu by triggering the side menu to open and close. Devon Delfino. There is no one "good" internet speed, but you'll likely need a download speed of at least 12 megabits per second Mbps to browse the internet comfortably. Generally, internet speeds can be divided into three categories: basic, average, and advanced.