A reliable and stable internet connection is essential now that our lives are so interconnected. When choosing home internet services, your budget, speed requirements, and usage patterns will play a role in your decision. It’s easy to be swayed by lofty promises and pushy sales tactics, but it’s just as simple to save money. Below, we’ll show you how to find the fastest internet in your area.

Choosing the Fastest Internet Package

When looking for the best internet speeds, most people default to the fastest and costliest plans available — but that’s not always necessary. To find the right internet speed, consider the following factors.

Number of Devices: While the figure may change with time, it’s best to estimate that each person in your household will have three to five devices. With such an estimate, you’ll have enough bandwidth for computers, phones, gaming consoles, and other smart tech.

Usage Patterns: If you plan to surf the web, watch YouTube videos, and send instant messages, a lower-speed plan will be good enough. If you work from home, stream high-definition content, or do any online gaming, though, you need more speed. In these cases, it might be beneficial to consult resources like Internet Monster to help you find the best plan tailored to your needs.

We’ll get into these factors in greater detail below, but for now, keep them in mind when evaluating internet options.

Streaming Speeds

If you use streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix, you’ll need a fast internet connection. Most streaming providers offer UHD and 4K video, which have varying bandwidth requirements. For streamers, a connection of 100 Mbps (megabits per second) is a great starting point.

Speeds for Gaming

Online gaming is fun, but it’s bandwidth-intensive. If you’re an avid gamer, you know how long it can take to download huge update files. While PlayStation, PC, and Xbox stores have optimized downloads, extra internet speed is handy. For most gamers, a speed between 150 and 200 Mbps is sufficient. These speeds leave enough room for large downloads, gaming, and other devices.

I Have Multiple Devices. Why Is That Important?

The number of devices on your network won’t slow it down proportionally, but the chosen speed is how fast the network transmits data—no matter how many devices are connected. The more devices are on your network, the slower each device will work, because there’s only so much bandwidth to share.

Am I Getting What I Pay For?

The simplest way to see if you’re getting the speed you pay for is to perform a speed test. There are a few options, some of which are more effective than others. Ookla’s Speedtest is one of the most popular, and it’s relied upon by users around the world.

As important as speed test results are, it’s crucial to remember that they don’t always equate to action on the part of an internet service provider. Most plans are sold at speeds “up to” the advertised number, which means you’re not guaranteed to get the maximum speed every time.

WiFi and Internet Speed

The speed of a wired internet connection significantly affects WiFi quality, as does the hardware used. Learn which type of WiFi your equipment supports and the speeds it offers. If you don’t have the right equipment, you’re not getting the maximum value from your internet service.

Get Connected

These are just a few factors to consider when choosing an internet service package for your home. By comparing packages to your usage patterns and budget, you’ll find fast, yet affordable internet service.