Is 200 Mbps Fast? Choosing Your Internet Speed 

Ever wonder if increasing your internet plan speed would make your online life easier?

With so many options for internet packages available today, it can be hard to figure out exactly what speed you need. In this guide, we’ll break down what 200 Mbps means, and whether it’s just right, too much, or not enough for your household. In other words, is 200 Mbps fast enough for you, or not?

Understanding Internet Speeds and Bandwidth

Most internet plans will include a speed number followed by Mbps, which stands for megabits per second. This refers to the maximum rate at which data can pass over your internet connection.

Higher numbers mean faster speeds.

25 Mbps/3 Mbps is the current minimum standard for broadband internet. However, the FCC has just launched the initial stages of an inquiry that would eventually establish a new standard of 100 Mbps/20 Mbps for high-speed internet [2].

To put it simply, 200 Mbps equates to 200 megabits (or 25 megabytes) of data per second. Compared to average speeds, 200 Mbps is very fast. However, your internet speed requirements depend on how much simultaneous usage typically occurs in your home.

Are We Talking Download, Upload, or Both?

The biggest difference you’ll find between plans that are called “200 Mbps” is whether that plan is 200 Mbps download speed or 200 Mbps symmetrical speeds, meaning both download and upload speeds are 200 Mbps.

Symmetrical speeds will only come with a fiber plan. And if you can get fiber, you are very lucky indeed, because 200 Mbps for both your upload and download speeds will give you a lot of power and bandwidth.

But there’s good news for cable internet subscribers too. Even though your cable internet plan won’t have the fast upload speeds of fiber, you’ll still have pretty good upload speeds. In most cases, your upload speed will be between 10-35 Mbps for a cable internet (HFC) plan that has 200 Mbps of download speed. And believe it or not, 10-35 Mbps upload speed is a lot of capacity. Even more upload speed will be coming to cable soon when the DOCSIS 4.0 standard rolls out [3].

The only difference you might notice is in your upload speed for extremely large files such as video or graphics. And of course, 200 Mbps upload speed is always going to be preferable if you have a large number of devices in the house, just to give you some wiggle room.

 

200 Mbps Internet Speed in the Real World

What does 200 Mbps translate to in real-world internet use?

That level of speed offers enough bandwidth for activities like smooth 4K/HD streaming on multiple TVs and devices at once. You’ll also enjoy online gaming with little lag, quickly downloading/uploading large files, and seamless video calls and teleconferencing.

For perspective:

The FCC defines broadband as a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.

Median download internet speed in the US was around 213 Mbps as of 2023, according to Ookla Speedtest.net [4].

Gigabit speeds of up to 1000 Mbps are becoming more common for households with many connected devices and heavy usage.

Is 200 Mbps Considered a Fast Internet Speed?

Given what you can do with it, 200 Mbps is considered very fast internet.

But remember that speed tiers up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gig) and even 2000 Mbps (2 Gigs) are available for many high-demand households today, in both cable and fiber internet.

So, while 200 Mbps is fast, it’s not the maximum speed currently offered. The needs of your household and the number of users online at once will determine if 200 Mbps is “fast enough” for you in real-world conditions.

 

Factors That Influence Perceived Internet Speeds

You also have to consider factors beyond advertised internet speeds that can influence performance. For example, outdated networking equipment, congested wireless networks, and network throttling during peak usage times can make your connection feel slower. Optimizing your home network and hardware for today’s high bandwidth applications is important to maximize speed.

Types of internet connections also play a role. Broadband cable internet and fiber-optic internet typically offer faster speeds and lower latency than DSL or satellite internet. So, weighing your infrastructure options is important when evaluating plans. But the fact is, DSL and satellite internet simply will not give you 200 Mbps speed with today’s technology. Both DSL and satellite are more common choices in rural areas where cable and fiber can’t reach.

Activities Suitable for a 200 Mbps Internet Connection

In general, a 200 Mbps internet connection provides enough bandwidth for activities like:

• Smooth streaming of 4K/HD video on multiple TVs and devices
• Online gaming with minimal lag
• Quickly downloading/uploading large files
• Seamless video calls and teleconferencing
• Remote work, video calls, and cloud usage with no buffering

 

For households with only light streaming and browsing needs, 200 Mbps might be overkill. But it can provide headroom for busier homes using the internet for entertainment, business, and remote work/learning.

The other thing you may need to consider is that 200 Mbps may be the lowest speed your provider currently offers. 200 Mbps is sometimes the first-tier plan if you have coverage from a big fiber or cable provider. And if that’s the case, go for it! You’ll probably get a pretty good deal from most fiber or cable ISPs at that speed.

200 Mbps from a fiber provider is often cheaper than 20 Mbps from a DSL provider. It’s an unfortunate reality that DSL markets are often not very competitive. Because there’s less competition, DSL prices are higher.

How Much Speed Does Your Household Really Need?

Determining your household’s internet speed needs depends on the number of users and devices typically online at once. For perspective, average internet speed requirements are:

• Basic browsing & email: 5-25 Mbps
• Streaming HD video: 25+ Mbps
• Video conferencing: 30+ Mbps
• Online gaming: 50+ Mbps

For households with many heavy internet users, a connection up to 200 Mbps may be warranted. But for lighter needs, 100 Mbps or lower is likely sufficient. Evaluate your typical simultaneous usage to find the sweet spot for your home.

For example, a family of four may find a 200 Mbps plan perfectly adequate even for multiple devices streaming. But 6 college roommates who are all streaming in 4K HD and gaming simultaneously may want a 500 Mbps plan instead.

 

Comparing Providers for a 200 Mbps Internet Plan

If you decide that 200 Mbps is the right internet speed for your household, the final step is comparing providers’ offerings to find the best value. Look for plans that offer:

• Reliable connections with minimal congestion during peak times
• Competitive pricing and any bundled features like whole-home Wi-Fi
• No data caps, throttling, or network management
• Strong customer service and technical support

Shopping around is the best way to maximize your return on a 200 Mbps internet investment. Avoid automatically opting for the fastest speed available, and instead look for the best fit based on your household’s needs and budget.

Key Takeaways on 200 Mbps Internet Speed

While 200 Mbps internet may seem blazing fast compared to average speeds, real-world performance depends on your family’s usage patterns.

For most households, 100 Mbps or lower is often sufficient speed. Evaluate your needs, and if you determine 200 Mbps is required, focus on providers with reliable connections and competitive pricing to maximize your plan’s value.

Fitting Your Speed to Your Need

Getting the right internet speed for your household is about more than just choosing the fastest number. Take time to understand your family’s usage, then compare speeds and prices here on CompareInternet.com. Just a little time with our convenient comparison tools and reviews could save you a lot of money in the long run. Enter your zip code to see detailed plans and prices in your area.

Sources

[1] FCC.gov. “2015 Broadband Report."

[2] FCC.gov. “Inquiry to Increase Minimum Broadband Speed."

[3] FierceTelecom.com. ‘Fierce Fundamentals: DOCSIS 4.0"

[4] SpeedTest.net. “Global Index."

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