Not just for gamers: The broadband speeds you really need in 2025

July 8^th is National Video Game Day! And whether or not that information means anything to you, it gives us the perfect excuse to answer a big question we often hear from customers: “Do I really have the broadband speed I need?”

As our homes fill up with more connected devices, like games consoles, streaming sticks, smart speakers, security cameras and so on, the demands on our broadband grow. Whether you’re a gamer, a Netflix fan, a remote worker, or someone who just wants smooth browsing, the right speed can make all the difference.

But the choice isn’t always obvious. It’s easy to end up with more speed than we’ll ever use, or not quite enough when we really need it. That’s why getting the right speed isn’t just for gamers. However you use your broadband, it’s smart to check if you’d benefit from a speed boost… or whether you need one at all.

Why broadband speed matters (for everyone)

For gamers, the right speed can mean the difference between success and failure. For remote workers, crystal-clear video calls that never drop and smooth file transfers are all-important. And for families, it’s keeping everyone happy when mum’s watching 4K movies, dad’s streaming DIY videos, and the kids are doing their homework (and definitely not playing!) online.

And that last point is perhaps most important. Because the ideal speed doesn’t just depend on what you’re doing online, but also on how many devices (and people) are using your connection at the same time.

So how much speed do you really need?

Let’s break this down by the things you (and everyone else at home) might be doing:

• Gaming: For most online games, about 5 Mbps per device is probably enough. That might sound lower than you expected, but smooth gaming is less about raw speed and more about having a low ping (ideally under 50ms) and a rock-solid connection. Where speed does matter is in downloading games or big updates. Modern game downloads can easily exceed 100 GB in size, and the longer that download takes, the longer you’re waiting to play your game.
• If you’re game streaming (using services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW) you’ll need a lot more speed, usually at least 25 Mbps for 1080p and 45 Mbps for the smoothest 4K streaming. That’s because instead of playing a game installed on your device, you’re streaming the entire experience over the internet (like you would with a Netflix movie).
• Streaming: If you’re streaming in HD, you’ll need about 5-10 Mbps per stream. For 4K Ultra HD, that jumps to around 15-25 Mbps+ per stream. So if there are three people watching something at the same time, that could be 75 Mbps or more just for TV and films.
• Working from home: Video calls on Zoom, Teams or Google Meet typically use around 2-3 Mbps up and down per call. If you’re uploading large files though, you’ll want more speed than that to keep everything running smoothly. And if you’re connecting to a remote network for access to your work files and applications, a faster connection is a must.
• Smart home devices: Most smart gadgets (lights, plugs, speakers, thermostats) use very little speed on their own – often less than 1 Mbps each. But if you’ve got security cameras, video doorbells, or anything else streaming live footage, those devices can use a lot more bandwidth.
• Browsing and social media: Everyday web browsing, shopping, or scrolling social media requires very little broadband speed. If that’s all you’re doing online, you’re probably ok with about 1-5 Mbps per device.

Do you need more (or less) than you think?

Now here’s the info that most speed guides tend to skip: those speed numbers are for one device, doing one thing, in perfect conditions. But that’s not the way that most of us use our broadband in real life.

Maybe you’re gaming and watching a YouTube stream at the same time. Perhaps you’re streaming the football while browsing on your iPad. Or maybe you’re taking an important video call while uploading an important file. And if you have a busy household, all relying on a smooth broadband connection?

When you’re doing multiple things at once, all those ‘little’ demands can quickly add up. And that’s why even with a ‘fast’ connection, you might sometimes notice slowdowns.

When it comes to real-word use, faster isn’t always better. But if you’re noticing buffering, slow uploads and downloads, or you just want to future-proof your home, a speed boost might be for you.

With Zen, upgrading is easy. Our friendly, people-first team can help you choose the perfect package for your life – no pressure, just good honest advice. Plus, with our award-winning service and reputation for reliability, you know you’re in safe hands.

Check out what speeds are available at your address, and if you’re ready to discuss a speed boost, give us a call.