What internet speed is right for your needs?

Have you ever wondered what internet speed is actually right for you? Many users feel confused when choosing between the different options available on the market. In this article, we’ll help you understand what speed you really need based on your browsing habits and how you use your connection.

Speed and latency: two key concepts

Before going into detail, it’s important to understand two essential concepts:

• Speed

• Latency

Internet speed refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted in a given period of time, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The higher this number, the faster you can download or upload files.

Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your device to the destination server and back. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms) and is especially important for real-time activities such as online gaming or video calls.

Once you understand these two concepts, it’s also useful to know how broadband works and why it offers much higher speeds for internet connections.

What upload speed is good?

Upload speed is crucial if you regularly share large files, livestream content or take part in frequent video calls. A good upload speed depends on your specific needs:

• Basic use (sending emails, occasionally uploading photos): 10–25 Mbps

• Moderate use (HD video calls, uploading videos to YouTube): 50–200 Mbps

• Heavy use (4K streaming, large cloud backups): 300 Mbps or more

• Professionals and content creators: 1 Gbps or more

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What download speed is good?

Download speed is what most people think of when they hear “internet speed”. It determines how quickly you can access online content, download files or watch streaming video.

Here’s a general guideline:

• Basic web browsing and email: 25–50 Mbps

• HD video streaming and moderate downloads: 100–300 Mbps

• 4K streaming and fast downloads: 300–600 Mbps

• Online gaming and multiple connected devices: 600 Mbps – 1 Gbps

• Heavy-use households with multiple users: 1 Gbps or more

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Broadband or ADSL: which technology is faster?

When it comes to speed, broadband clearly outperforms ADSL. Broadband can offer symmetric speeds (the same upload and download speed) of up to 10 Gbps in some cases, while ADSL is usually limited to around 24 Mbps download and much lower upload speeds.

If you’re interested, we go into more detail about the differences between broadband and ADSL in another article on our blog.

What internet speed should you choose?

Choosing the right broadband speed and plan depends on several factors. Let’s look at some common scenarios to help you decide.

What internet speed is right for you based on your needs?

To make things easier, we’ve prepared a table showing the approximate speed requirements for the most common online activities:

It’s important to remember that these speeds apply per device. In modern homes, where multiple devices are connected at the same time, speed requirements increase very quickly. For example:

• A family of four, each with a smartphone and a computer or tablet, already adds up to 8 devices.

• If you include smart TVs, speakers, thermostats or security cameras, it’s easy to reach 15–20 connected devices.

In these cases, to ensure a smooth experience for everyone, it’s recommended to multiply the speeds in the table by the number of simultaneous connections you expect.

100 Mbps

A 100 Mbps connection is generally insufficient for most modern households. While it can handle basic browsing and some streaming, it quickly falls short when multiple devices are connected or bandwidth-intensive activities are involved. For families or heavy users, this speed can become frustrating.

300 Mbps

With 300 Mbps, you’ll enjoy a smoother experience for most online activities. This speed can work well for a couple or a single-family home with moderate internet usage. It allows 4K streaming on one device, online gaming and faster downloads. However, it may struggle if several users are performing high-demand tasks at the same time.

600 Mbps

A 600 Mbps connection is considered the minimum recommended speed for a modern family. It delivers solid performance for almost any online activity across multiple devices. With this speed, a household can enjoy 4K streaming on several screens, lag-free online gaming, high-quality video calls and fast downloads — all at the same time.

Olin offers a 600 Mbps symmetric plan that lets you take full advantage of both upload and download speeds.

1 Gbps

With 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps), you enter the world of ultra-fast connections. This speed is ideal for homes with many connected devices, users who work with very large files or households that stream 8K content. A 1 Gbps connection ensures a smooth, uninterrupted experience even with multiple high-demand activities happening simultaneously.

Olin offers a 1 Gbps symmetric plan, perfect for the most demanding users who need maximum performance.

10 Gbps

10 Gbps connections represent the current peak of home internet speed. While it may be excessive for most users, it’s ideal for professional environments, creatives working with 8K video or homes with extremely high data consumption.

Olin is at the forefront of technology and offers plans of up to 10 Gbps in selected areas, preparing you for the future of connectivity.

Internet speeds have evolved rapidly in recent years. What was once considered fast may now be insufficient for many users. The key is finding the right balance between your needs and your budget.

When deciding what internet speed you need, think not only about your current usage but also about future needs. Technology moves fast, and what feels excessive today may become standard tomorrow.

The difference between 600 Mbps and 1 Gbps may not be noticeable for everyone, but if you use bandwidth-heavy applications or have many devices connected, you’ll definitely feel the improvement.

In short, the internet speed you need depends on your browsing habits, the number of connected devices and the type of online activities you perform. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Beyond speed, coverage and network stability also matter. At Olin, we use WiFi Mesh technology, which stabilises your internet connection and distributes the signal evenly throughout your home so it reaches every corner.

If you’d like to explore the broadband options Olin has for you, visit our website and find the plan that best fits your needs.

Remember: in today’s digital world, a good internet connection isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Choose the speed that lets you enjoy all your online activities without interruptions.

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