Compare typical online activities with the minimum download speed (Megabits per second, or Mbps) needed for adequate performance for each application. Additional speed may enhance performance. Speeds are based on running one activity at a time.
For household broadband needs, use our Household Broadband Guide to compare minimum Mbps needs for light, moderate and high household use with one, two, three or four devices at a time (such as a laptop, tablet or game console).
For more information on broadband speeds, see our Measuring Broadband America report.
These numbers are rough guidelines and are not based on surveys or experiments conducted by the FCC. You should use your best judgment when choosing your broadband service.
| Activity | Minimum Download Speed (Mbps) |
| General Usage | |
| General Browsing and Email | 1 |
| Streaming Online Radio | Less than 0.5 |
| VoIP Calls | Less than 0.5 |
| Student | 5 - 25 |
| Telecommuting | 5 - 25 |
| File Downloading | 10 |
| Social Media | 1 |
| Watching Video | |
| Streaming Standard Definition Video | 3 - 4 |
| Streaming High Definition (HD) Video | 5 - 8 |
| Streaming Ultra HD 4K Video | 25 |
| Video Conferencing | |
| Standard Personal Video Call (e.g., Skype) | 1 |
| HD Personal Video Call (e.g., Skype) | 1.5 |
| HD Video Teleconferencing | 6 |
| Gaming | |
| Game Console Connecting to the Internet | 3 |
| Online Multiplayer | 4 |
Printable Version
Broadband Speed Guide (pdf)