What is a Good Download Speed? How to Get The Most from Your Fibre Broadband

Most of us use the internet every day, in fact, you’re using it right now. But despite our daily need for broadband, we often don’t know the answer to some of the most simple and important questions about our daily needs like, what is a good download speed? Or what download speed do I need?

What is download speed?

Before we delve into the ideal download speeds, let's clarify what it means. Download speed refers to how quickly data travels from the internet to your device, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps) for full fibre broadband connections. Simply put, the higher the download speed, the faster you can download content from the web.

What download speed do I need?

Everyone’s needs are different, and usually depend on multiple factors. If you’ve come here wanting to know what is a normal download speed, the UK median average download speed in March 2023 was 69.4 Mbps according to Ofcom. Thanks to continuing efforts to expand the UK’s fibre network, these speeds are increasing year on year.

If you want to know what is a decent download speed, or even what are the best download speeds for internet, you might want a bit more than the UK average. To decide what speeds suit your needs, you’ll need to consider how many people are connected to your home Wi-Fi and how many devices use your bandwidth at once?

If your household has a number of connected users with multiple devices, Hey!Broadband has multiple packages suitable for higher usage households, from our Megafast (400mbps) to our Gigafast (900mbps). Faster download speeds like the Gigafast 900 will have you covered, whatever your needs, without breaking the bank.

What is a good download speed?

An important thing to consider, is not just what your broadband needs are right now, but also how to prepare your home for any future additions whether it be smart home appliances that are becoming more and more popular or remote working that requires reliable and fast internet speeds. If you need to rely on a stable and fast internet connection for working from home; file sharing and online calls, then anything above 100Mbps will ensure that you don’t run into any delays.

Another benefit of opting for full fibre broadband from Hey!Broadband is that gigafast speeds are available at low costs. So even if your current needs are minimal, you can set yourself up for any future changes on our Gigafast 900Mbps.

What is a good download speed for gaming?

If you or anyone in your household is a gamer, it’s definitely worth investing in faster download speeds. Gaming is one of the biggest strains you can make on your home Wi-Fi, and when it’s your leaderboard ranking on the line, every megabit matters. Online gaming requires a robust and speedy internet connection to ensure a smooth and responsive experience.

Thanks to fibre broadband technology using plastic and glass cables, this means that there is lower latency thanks to the data being transmitted at much faster speeds than traditional copper cables. Latency refers to the time it takes for the data to travel to and from the game server so a lower speed means that your reaction times aren’t delayed by your internet connection.

Modern games, especially multiplayer ones, depend heavily on real-time data exchange: good upload and download speeds help with this specifically. With full fibre broadband, you have symmetrical upload and download speeds so there’s no interruptions. Lag, or latency, can significantly impact gameplay, making the difference between victory and defeat in fast-paced, competitive environments. Higher download speeds contribute to quicker game updates, faster loading times, and an overall more stable connection, reducing the risk of annoying interruptions during crucial moments.

What is a fast download speed?

Anything over 100Mbps is considered to be a fast connection but as we have more devices with 4k streaming capabilities, online gaming as well as working from home, sometimes it pays to upgrade your home internet speed.

Nowadays, gigabit connections (up to 1Gbps download and upload speeds) are the top end of full fibre broadband speeds and are becoming more and more accessible as the rollout of fibre cables continues. A gigabit connection is the fastest commercially-available option and is more than enough for the majority of users, even among heavy-use households.

Understanding your download speed need is essential for getting the best from your internet experience. Whether you're a casual user, a busy household with multiple devices, or an avid gamer, knowing the right speed ensures smooth streaming, seamless work calls, and uninterrupted gaming sessions. Don't settle for less—evaluate your current and future requirements to choose the best plan for your household.