How Much NBN Speed Do You Need?

Choosing the right NBN speed can feel like deciphering a secret code. You see numbers flying around—25, 50, 100—and it’s not always clear what they mean for your daily internet use. Don’t worry because it’s probably the case, too, for many people. And that’s why we’re here to help you pick the perfect NBN plan based on the speed you need.

Understanding Mbps

Before you go looking for the best NBN plans Sydney has to offer, let’s start with the basics. Mbps stands for megabits per second, which is essentially the speed limit of your internet connection. The higher the Mbps, the faster you can download movies, stream shows or upload photos.

How Many People are Online?

The number of people using the internet at once significantly impacts the speed you need. Needless to say, a single person browsing emails won’t require as much power as a household streaming movies, gaming online and uploading large files simultaneously.

• 1-2 people – If you live alone or with one other person, a basic NBN 25 plan (around 19-25 Mbps) should be sufficient for most browsing, emailing and even some light online gaming.
• 3-4 people – With more people vying for internet access, a step up to the NBN 50 plan (around 42-50 Mbps) is recommended. This provides a buffer for multiple devices streaming or downloading without lag.
• 4+ people – Do you have a big family or a household with heavy internet users? You might need the NBN 100 plan (around 90-100 Mbps) or higher. This ensures smooth sailing for everyone, even during peak usage times.

What Do You Usually Do Online?

The activities you do online also play a role. Here’s a quick guide:

• Social media and browsing – If you just do basic web browsing, checking emails and social media, you won’t require high speeds. An NBN 25 plan should suffice.
• Streaming – Streaming SD or HD videos works well with NBN 25, but 4K requires a minimum of NBN 50 for uninterrupted viewing.
• Gaming – Online gaming demands consistent speed. For casual gamers, NBN 50 is okay. However, serious gamers should consider NBN 100 or higher for competitive play.
• Uploading files – Uploading large files like photos or videos is faster with higher Mbps. If you do this frequently, consider NBN 100 or higher.

Don’t Forget About Data Usage

If you have a problem understanding Mbps and data allowance, the former is about speed and the latter is about quantity. Downloading large files or streaming constantly can eat through data quickly. Check your plan’s data allowance and consider upgrading if you’re a heavy user.

Future-Proofing Your Choice

Technology keeps evolving, and the internet needs to grow with it. If you’re still unsure on what to get, a good rule of thumb is to opt for a slightly higher Mbps plan. This way, you can save yourself from the hassle of upgrading later. What this means is that you must also consider your future internet usage patterns before deciding on a plan.

The Final Verdict

Ready to choose the right NBN plan for your household in Sydney? Hopefully, our tips can prove helpful. Remember to consider the number of users, your typical online activities and your data usage habits. A little planning goes a long way and may even save you a great deal of time, money and frustrations in the future!