Most people are overpaying for speed they don't need — or underpaying for speeds that leave them frustrated. This guide matches real usage to real speeds so you can make a confident decision.
Starting prices vary by location and provider. Check your address for exact availability.
| Activity | Per Device / Stream | 100 Mbps | 1 Gig | 2 Gig+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD Streaming (1080p) | 5–8 Mbps | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4K Streaming (Netflix, YouTube) | 15–25 Mbps | 1–2 streams | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Unlimited |
| Video Conferencing (Zoom/Teams) | 3–5 Mbps up/down | 1–2 calls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Gaming | 3–6 Mbps + low ping | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Game Download (100 GB) | — | ~2 hrs | ~14 min | ~7 min |
| Remote Work / VPN | 10–25 Mbps sym. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smart Home (10+ devices) | 1–5 Mbps each | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud Backup / Large Uploads | Requires symmetrical | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4K Video Editing Upload | 50+ Mbps upload | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Adjust the sliders to match your household — we'll tell you what speed tier you actually need.
Cable internet gives you fast download but slow upload. Fiber is symmetrical — same speed both ways. If you video call, upload files, or work from home, symmetrical speeds change everything.
Your router is often the real bottleneck, not your plan. Even a 1 Gig fiber line will feel slow through an old router. Invest in a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system to get the speeds you're paying for.
"Up to 1 Gig" is a ceiling, not a promise. Cable networks share bandwidth in your neighborhood — speeds drop at peak hours. Fiber lines are dedicated, giving you consistent speeds day and night.
Not every speed tier is available at every address. Fiber availability is expanding rapidly — but coverage maps are often wrong. The only way to know for sure is a real address check.
A lot of households are on 1 Gig plans when 500 Mbps would be more than enough. Conversely, others are on 100 Mbps cable paying $90/month when fiber 1 Gig is available for $50.
Most fiber providers now offer month-to-month pricing with no annual contract required. You can switch without penalties. We'll tell you which providers in your area have contract-free options.
We check every provider at your exact address — fiber, cable, fixed wireless — and show you what's available at what price. No obligation.
Check My Address →Free service · No commitment · Response in under 15 minutes
Or call/text: 903-423-0380