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Internet speed for HD and 4K: how much you need

● SHORT ANSWER

Allow about 5 to 8 Mbps for HD and 15 to 25 Mbps for 4K, per screen. Count the devices in use at the same time.

How we test ↗
HOUSEHOLD BANDWIDTH

Everything streaming at once

4K TV · 25 Mbps
4K TV · 25 Mbps
HD · 8 Mbps
Call · 4 Mbps
62Mbps
Example household · 4 simultaneous activities
Your home

Speed calculator

Add what your home uses at the same time. Adjust a count to see the total.

4K TVs25 Mbps each2
HD screens8 Mbps each1
Video calls4 Mbps each1
Gamers5 Mbps each0
YOU NEED ABOUT

62 Mbps


Combined demand before headroom. Leave spare capacity for other devices.
Per screen

What each thing needs

ActivitySpeed per screenShare of a 100 Mbps plan
SD video3 Mbps
HD video (1080p)5 to 8 Mbps
4K video15 to 25 Mbps
Video call3 to 4 Mbps each way
Online gaming5 Mbps; latency matters

Planning estimates. The service, picture quality and other devices can change what you need.

Your test

Download, upload and ping

↓ / Mbps

Download

How fast data reaches your screen. It matters most for watching a stream.

↑ / Mbps

Upload

How fast data leaves your device. Video calls need it in both directions.

↔ / ms

Ping

The time for a response. A smaller number means less delay.

Plans

Which plan size fits?

100 Mbps

One or two people

Check that the signal reaches each screen.

300 Mbps

A family

Extra headroom for simultaneous streams and calls.

500 Mbps

A busy home

Useful for multiple streams and large downloads.

1 Gbps

Heavy transfers

Consider wired equipment before paying for more speed.

FAQ

Questions

Is 100 Mbps enough for 4K?

It can be. One 4K stream typically needs far less than 100 Mbps. Count simultaneous screens and leave headroom.

Why is my speed lower on Wi-Fi?

Walls, distance, radio interference and the device itself affect the result. Compare a wired reading with one at your seat.