Choosing a broadband speed

The right speed depends on what your household does online at the same time, not simply the biggest number on a package. Video calls, streaming, gaming and large downloads all compete for capacity.

Download and upload are different

Download speed affects receiving video, pages and files. Upload speed matters when sending large files, making video calls or publishing content. Package speeds are usually advertised as averages, not a personal guarantee.

Think beyond the headline

Distance from the router, building materials, Wi-Fi congestion and the device itself can affect the experience. Latency—the delay before data starts moving—also matters for calls and interactive games.

What an address check can tell you

A provider may give an address-specific estimate after checking your home. Availability is not the same as a promise of in-home Wi-Fi performance, so ask what the estimate represents before comparing packages.