What is a good internet speed for home use in Australia?
Understanding internet speeds and which one is right for your home.
In today's digital world, having a fast and reliable internet connection is essential for everything from working remotely to streaming movies and playing online games.
Naturally, with so many variables and internet plans and speeds available, it can be difficult to determine what speed is best suited for your household. Understanding how internet speed works and what you need for different activities will help you make an informed decision when choosing an nbn plan.
The ideal speed for your home depends on several factors, including the number of connected devices, the types of activities you engage in, and the quality of your wi-fi network.
Understanding internet speed
Internet speed refers to how quickly data is transmitted over your connection, typically measured in megabits per second (mbps). A higher speed allows for faster downloads, smoother video calls, efficiently working from home and better gaming performance.
Broadband is generally defined as internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up. Different countries have varying minimum speed requirements for what is considered broadband. For instance, the federal communications commission (FCC) in the U.S.A. Defines broadband as having a minimum download speed of 100 mbps and an upload speed of 20 mbps. In australia, broadband speeds are typically categorised based on the NBN speed tiers, with the most popular being nbn 501.
When considering internet speeds for your home, it's essential to understand the current landscape, both locally and globally. Australia's average internet speeds are behind those of leading countries, such as singapore and south korea, and ranks as 82nd for fixed broadband speeds2.
Meanwhile, singapore’s average download speed forfixed broadband is 285.02 mbps2. In Australia, the average download speed for fixed broadband is 66.59 mbps2.
Measuring internet speed
Download vs. Upload speeds
When evaluating an internet plan, you’ll come across two key metrics: download speed and upload speed.
Download speed determines how fast data is received from the internet to your device. It affects activities such as streaming, web browsing, and downloading files.
Upload speed determines how fast data is sent from your device to the internet. It impacts tasks like video calls, online gaming, and uploading files to cloud storage.
Mbps explained
Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (mbps). A higher number means a faster connection. For example, an NBN 50 plan offers a maximum download speed of 50 mbps, which is suitable for most households.
Typical speed ranges for home use
Home internet speeds generally fall into the following categories:
Basic (under 25 mbps) – suitable for single users with minimal browsing and light streaming.
Standard (25-50 mbps) – ideal for small households that use the internet for streaming, video calls, and casual gaming.
Fast (50-100 mbps) – recommended for families with multiple users streaming in HD or 4K, gaming, and working from home.
Superfast (100-500 mbps) – best for large households, heavy users, and those needing ultra-low latency for gaming or video conferencing.
The more speed, the better
Having more internet speed is beneficial for several reasons:
Reliability and performance: faster speeds ensure smoother video streaming, better video conferencing quality, and faster file transfers. This is particularly important for remote workers and students relying on cloud-based applications.
Support for multiple devices: with more devices connected to the internet at home, higher speeds are necessary to prevent slowdowns. This includes smart tvs, gaming consoles, and iot devices.
Future-proofing: as technology advances, applications like 4K streaming, cloud gaming, and virtual reality require higher speeds to function optimally.
Good internet speeds for common activities
Different online activities require different amounts of bandwidth. Selecting the right plan ensures you get a smooth experience without buffering or lag.
Web browsing and email
Basic internet activities like reading emails, browsing social media, and online shopping do not require high speeds. A connection of 5-10 mbps is usually sufficient for these tasks.
Streaming video (SD, HD, 4K)
Streaming quality depends on your internet speed.
Standard definition (SD): requires at least 3 mbps.
High definition (HD): needs around 5-10 mbps per stream.
Ultra HD / 4K: requires 25 mbps or more per stream for smooth playback.
If multiple people in your home are often streaming at the same time, a higher-speed plan is recommended.
Online gaming
For a smooth gaming experience, a low-latency connection is just as important as speed. While most online games only require 5-10 mbps of download speed, upload speed and latency (measured in milliseconds) are crucial for reducing lag. A connection with at least 20-50 mbps is ideal for competitive gaming.
Video calls and conferencing
Platforms like zoom, microsoft teams, and google meet require a stable connection.
Standard video calls: need at least 2 mbps upload/download speeds.
HD video calls: require around 5 mbps upload/download speeds.
If multiple people in your home are on video calls at the same time, choosing a plan with at least 50 mbps ensures smooth performance.
File downloads and uploads
Downloading and uploading large files, such as videos or software updates, requires higher speeds. A connection with at least 50-100 mbps download speed and 20 mbps upload speed is recommended for those who frequently transfer large amounts of data.
Factors affecting home internet speed
Number of connected devices
More connected devices mean more bandwidth usage. In fact, the average home is expected to have 25 connected devices in 2025. Smart tvs, printers, smart appliances, solar, home security, and more are joining laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles on the list.
More than ever, the majority of households will need a higher speed tier to avoid slowdowns for their daily activities.
Types of online activities
Certain activities consume more bandwidth than others. Streaming in 4K, downloading large files, and cloud-based applications require more speed than simple web browsing or messaging apps.
Wi-fi signal strength
The placement of your router and the quality of your wi-fi network affect speed. Walls, electronic interference, and outdated routers can weaken signals, leading to slower speeds and connectivity issues.
Network congestion
During peak hours, internet speeds can slow down due to high demand. Some NBN providers offer better evening speeds, so it’s worth checking the average peak-hour performance of different isps.
Recommended speeds for different household sizes
Single users
A basic plan with 25 mbps is usually enough for light browsing and occasional streaming.
Small families (2-3 people)
For households with two or three people using the internet for streaming, gaming, and work, a plan with 50-100 mbps is recommended.
Large families (64+ people)
With multiple people streaming, gaming, and working from home, an nbn 500 plan ensures a stable connection.
Heavy internet users
Households that need ultra-fast speeds for 4K streaming, large file downloads, and low-latency gaming should consider exetel's 500Mbps plan (Typical evening speed 500/40Mbps) or nbn 1000 plans.
Choosing the right internet plan
Assessing household needs
Before selecting an internet plan, consider how many devices will be connected and what activities require the most bandwidth.
Understanding nbn speed tiers
NBN offers different speed tiers, from nbn 12 (basic speed) to nbn 2000 (gigabit speed). The right plan depends on how much bandwidth your household requires. Generally, 500 mbps* is the sweet spot between the best price and the performance needed for most households.
Comparing plans and providers
Each internet service provider (ISP) offers different pricing, contract options, and customer service levels. Reading reviews, ACCC and regulator reports and checking evening speeds can help you choose a reliable provider.
Optimising your home internet speed
Router placement and configuration : Placing your router in a central location, away from walls and electronic devices, can improve wi-fi performance.
Reducing interference : Using a wired ethernet connection instead of wi-fi for gaming and streaming can provide more stable speeds
Upgrading equipment : Older routers may not support higher speeds. Investing in a modern router with dual-band or mesh wi-fi technology can significantly enhance your connection.
Future-proofing your internet connection
As technology evolves, demand for higher bandwidth continues to grow. Emerging technologies like 8K streaming, smart homes, and virtual reality will require faster speeds, so choosing a high-speed plan now can help future-proof your home.
Selecting the right internet speed for home use depends on your household size, online activities, and the number of connected devices. A higher-speed plan is ideal for families, gamers, and remote workers, while smaller households may do well with lower-tier options.
Understanding mbps, download/upload speeds, and network factors can help you choose the best NBN plan for your needs, ensuring a smooth and reliable internet experience for years to come.
Reference
Bradstock, E. (2025) What is a good internet speed?, Canster Blue. Available at: https://www.canstarblue.com.au/internet/good-internet-speed/ (Accessed: 16 October 2025).
Talwar, R. (2024) Six million times faster: A new internet speed record - and how Australia compares, SBS News. Available at: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/six-million-times-faster-a-new-internet-speed-record-and-how-australia-compares/3ezzqj0ve (Accessed: 16 October 2025).
* We do not yet have sufficient performance data to calculate the Typical Evening Speed. Based on maximum speeds, actual speed may vary.
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