With remote working, 4K streaming, smart home devices, and always-on connectivity, one question pops up more than ever: What WiFi speed do I really need? The answer depends on how you use the internet – and how many people or devices are sharing your connection.

At WiFi Man, we believe in clear, no-nonsense advice to help you make the best choices for your home or business WiFi. Let’s break it down.

What Is WiFi Speed, Really?

When people talk about WiFi speed, they usually mean internet download speed – measured in megabits per second (Mbps). This is how fast data travels from the internet to your device.

There’s also upload speed (sending data, like uploading videos or Zoom/Microsoft Teams calls) and latency (delay time, crucial for gaming and video calls), but let’s focus on download speed for now.

How Internet Speed Affects WiFi Performance

While your WiFi network distributes the signal throughout your home, it’s your internet speed that determines how fast that signal actually delivers data. Think of WiFi like a motorway, and your internet speed as the number of lanes available – if your speed is too low, no matter how good your WiFi setup is, everything still crawls. Even the best WiFi routers can’t fix a slow internet connection. That’s why it’s crucial to match your WiFi setup with an internet plan that supports your household’s usage.

Basic WiFi Speed Guidelines (Per User)

Here’s a quick guide for how much speed you need per person or per device:

• Email, browsing, social media: 1 – 5 Mbps
• HD streaming (Netflix, YouTube, etc.): 5 – 10 Mbps
• 4K streaming: 25 Mbps
• Online gaming: 3 – 10 Mbps (but low latency is more important)
• Video calls (Zoom, Teams, etc.): 3 – 6 Mbps
• Remote work/cloud apps: 5 – 10 Mbps
• Smart home devices: Minimal, but they add up

Multiply that by the number of people or devices using your network at the same time. For example, a household of four streaming HD content and attending video meetings may need at least 50–100 Mbps.

Common Home Scenarios

What About Upload Speeds?

If you work from home, livestream, send large files, or use video conferencing, upload speed matters. Aim for at least 10 Mbps upload if you’re regularly on video calls or transferring files.

Is Faster Always Better?

Not necessarily. There’s no point paying for a 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) connection if your devices or WiFi setup can’t handle those speeds. A poorly placed router or outdated device might bottleneck your connection.

That’s where WiFi Man comes in – we specialise in getting you the right internet connection, optimised WiFi setups, smart home integration, and real-world performance, not just numbers on paper.

Tips to Maximise Your Current WiFi Speed

• Place your router centrally in your home
• Upgrade old routers and equipment
• Use wired connections for high-demand devices (like gaming PCs)
• Separate smart devices on a guest or IoT network
• Avoid channel interference – especially in dense areas like London flats

Need help with your WiFi?

Choosing the right WiFi speed is about balancing budget, usage, and hardware. For most homes, a 100 Mbps connection with a well-set-up WiFi network will feel fast, smooth, and reliable.

Still unsure? Let us help. Whether you need a whole-home WiFi upgrade, want to eliminate dead zones, or need support for smart devices, WiFi Man is here to make your connection seamless, get in touch today!