The Ultimate Guide to Internet Bandwidth Requirements

When deciding how much Internet speed or bandwidth you need, it is important to take into consideration which services and devices you use most. Some require more bandwidth than others, but it may not be as much as you think.

When thinking about your Internet speed, it helps to know the difference between upload and download speed. Upload speed refers to how quickly your connection can send data (i.e. uploading photos to Facebook or emailing files). Download refers to how quickly your connection can receive data (i.e. streaming videos or surfing the web). Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular services and how much bandwidth they require:

Streaming Video

Streaming TV shows, movies and other videos can be one of the most bandwidth-intensive activities. The amount of bandwidth required can vary depending on the service and what video quality you are streaming in.

  • Netflix – 3 Mbps download for SD and 5 Mbps download for HD
  • Hulu – 3 Mbps download for on demand content and 8 Mbps download for live TV
  • Amazon Prime – 1 Mbps download for SD and 5 Mbps download for HD
  • YouTube – 2.5 Mbps download
  • HBO Max – 5 Mbps download
  • Peacock – 2.5 Mbps download
  • Disney Plus – 5 Mbps download
  • ESPN Plus – 2 Mbps download
  • Sling – 5 Mbps download

Streaming Music

Streaming music requires very little bandwidth. Many music streaming services even allow you to download your music so that you don’t have to use your Internet when listening to music.

  • Spotify – 96 Kbps download
  • Apple Music – 256 Kbps download
  • Pandora – 150 Kbps download
  • Amazon Music – 500 Kbps download

Online Gaming

Playing games on an online server typically require a relatively small amount of bandwidth, but have requirements for both upload and download speeds.

  • Nintendo Switch – 3 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload
  • PS4 – 3 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload
  • XBox One – 3 Mbps download, .5 Mbps upload
  • Google Stadia – 10 Mbps

Home Security Systems & Camera

Wi-Fi based security systems and cameras constantly use your Internet speeds and need a good download and upload speed.

  • Nest – 150 – 4000 Kbps upload per device
  • Ring – 2 Mbps upload and download per device
  • SimpliSafe – Cameras require 0.75 Mbps – 2 Mbps upload per device

Video Conferencing

Since you are sending and receiving data when video conferencing, both your upload and download speed need to be sufficient.

  • Zoom – 2 Mbps download and upload
  • Skype – 1.5 Mbps download and upload

About unWired Broadband unWired Broadband is the leading rural Internet provider in California’s Central Valley. Founded in 2003, we currently cover over 14,000 square miles between Stockton and the base of the Grapevine. Our 150 tower sites are strategically located to cover the rural and underserved areas that have been ignored by DSL, cable and fiber carriers. To see if you can get unWired where you live or work, contact us today!