What is a good internet speed?

Before determining what makes an internet speed ‘good,’ let’s go over some broadband basics.

Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), which indicates how much data your internet connection can transmit each second. The amount of data your connection can send or receive per second will affect the performance of everything you do online, from loading web pages to streaming videos in high definition (HD).

• Download speed: This measures the speed that data is transferred from the internet to your device. It’s important for activities like downloading files, streaming content and browsing the web.
• Upload speed: Upload speed refers to how quickly data is sent from your device to the internet. Activities that require a good upload speed include sending files, video calls and online gaming.

A “good” internet speed will allow you to access the web and access consistent performance, even during busy periods. The exact speed you may need may depend on how you’re using the internet. 

For example, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) uses four labels for broadband plans, each representing a different level of internet use and comes with a download speed that people should expect during busy periods: 

Source: ACCC

Different activities require different minimum speeds for the best performance. For example, streaming platforms like Netflix recommend at least 5 Mbps for Full HD quality and 15 Mbps for Ultra HD streaming. 

Here's a breakdown of some recommended speeds for popular online activities:

• Web browsing and email: 1-5 Mbps
• Social media: 3-10 Mbps
• HD video streaming: 5-10 Mbps
• Online gaming: 10-25 Mbps
• 4K video streaming: 25-35 Mbps
• Heavy downloading/uploading: 50+ Mbps

Understanding these requirements can help you decide which internet speed tier is right for you.

The NBN provides a range of speed tiers to cater to different needs and budgets. The main options available to Australian residential addresses include:

• NBN 12: Download speeds up to 12Mbps, uploads up to 1Mbps
• NBN 25: Downloads up to 25Mbps, uploads up to 5Mbps
• NBN 50: Downloads up to 50Mbps, uploads up to 20Mbps
• NBN 100/20: Downloads up to 100Mbps, uploads up to 20Mbps
• NBN 100/40: Downloads up to 100Mbps, uploads up to 40Mbps
• NBN 250: Downloads up to 250Mbps, uploads up to 25Mbps
• NBN 1000: Downloads up to 1000Mbps, uploads up to 50Mbps

From NBN 12, suitable for light usage, to NBN 1000, designed for very heavy usage or large households, understanding these options is key to selecting a plan that meets your needs.

Selecting the ideal internet speed isn't one-size-fits-all; it’s based on a range of factors, including the number of users and devices in your home, your online activities, and the peak usage times in your household. Generally, the more people in your home - or the more intensive your usage - the faster your speed should be. 

NBN Co offers some insights into choosing the right speed, but as a general guide, very light users may want to look at NBN 12. NBN 25 can be a good basic option for couples or individuals with average speed needs, while small families and heavier users should consider NBN 50 or faster. Large households, and serious downloaders and streamers, may need NBN 100 and up for a buffer-free experience.

Even with a suitable internet plan, several factors can affect the actual speeds you experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your connection.

• Opt for a wired connection: Ethernet connections tend to be more reliable and faster than Wi-Fi.
• Upgrade your router: Newer routers are designed to handle faster speeds, and usually offer a wider signal range.
• Find the right router spot: Place your router in a central location in your home, away from obstacles such as walls.
• Limit background downloads: Closing unnecessary applications, and disabling auto-updates or downloads, means there’s more bandwidth available for the activities you’re focused on.
• Run regular speed tests: Speedtest tools allow you to monitor your internet speed to ensure you’re getting what you’ve paid for.

Whether you’re using the NBN, 5G, or other types of broadband, a good speed is essential for a good internet experience. By understanding what a good internet speed looks like for your family’s needs, you can take steps to find the right plan and home setup.