This not only means you can download a file much quicker, but you will be able to stream higher quality video and audio. The more bits per second you have, the faster you can download. So to recap bits (b) for broadband speed, and bytes (B) when talking about file sizes and download caps.įor a more detailed explanation, visit our dedicated guide to bits and bytes.ĭownload speed is the pace at which data (websites, apps, music, etc.) is transferred to you. If your broadband download speed is eight megabits per second (8Mbps) then the connection is capable of transferring 1 megabyte (1MB) of data per second.
It's an important distinction because while broadband speed is almost always shown as bits per second, file sizes (such as songs, pictures, or videos) and broadband data allowances are described in bytes. The simple rule is if there's an uppercase B (KB, MB, GB) then it's bytes, while a little b (Kb, Mb, Gb) is referring to bits. In the context of broadband, bits are used to tell us the speed at which data is transferred while bytes show data size or capacity. A bigger number means a faster connection.Gb is faster than Mb, and Mb is faster than Kb.If you’re interested in learning more about the technical jargon, we’ve got a breakdown of what it all means below.īut for the purposes of comparing and buying broadband, there are two key points you need to know: You may also be lucky enough to have the option of broadband with speeds of gigabits per second (Gbps/Gb), though this accounts for a small percentage of broadband services. Kb is most commonly used when talking about upload speeds. Though a small minority of premises - especially those in rural areas - may find their download speed is so slow it’s measured in Kb rather than Mb. The vast majority of home broadband speeds you’ll see when choosing a broadband package will be megabits per second (Mbps/Mb) or Kilobits per second (Kbps/Kb).
#What is good download speed how to#
In this guide, we’ll explain what broadband speeds mean, what broadband is available, and how to tell if a package has a good broadband speed for your requirements.Ĭompare deals How are broadband speeds measured?īroadband speed is measured in bits per second (bps). This tells us how quickly data is transferred to or from your home broadband. And then there are upload speeds, bits and bytes, speed tests, fibre, cable, and many other technical terms. But it’s not always clear what speed you need. Among many other things, it impacts what you can do with the broadband service, how long it takes to finish a download, your streaming video quality, and how many people can use the connection at the same time.Īll internet service providers (ISPs) quote broadband download speed as a major part of their advertising. Alongside price, speed is one of the critical factors to consider when choosing a broadband deal.