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1000 Mbps is fast for gaming, but you may not need it

Last Updated on March 19, 2024
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If you are wondering how fast 1000 Mbps internet is, then we have put together a detailed guide for you right here. 

Now, to answer the main question in a second – yes, a 1000 Mbps speed is very fast; it allows multiple devices to have speedy connections and will help future-proof your home or business. To give you a better idea, as per Statista, a 1000 Mbps speed is 20 times faster than the global average of 50 Mbps.

Now, nobody would say no to an ultra-fast internet connection, but not everyone needs it. Only a few internet service providers can boast that they can provide gigabit speed downloads, but it usually comes with a hefty price tag and fiber optic cables needing to be installed in your area. Choosing this type of internet speed is only for those who truly need it. 

However, if you think that a 1000 Mbps internet connection will serve you well, then let’s take a look at what download speeds it can offer, what type of activities you can do with it, and how fast it really is. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.

Quick Answer

To answer the main question quickly, a 1000 Mbps (also known as 1 Gigabit) speed is quite high. It is especially good for those who want to download and send large files, like downloading a 200GB game. Of course, streaming 4K videos on multiple devices won’t be a problem at all. Plus, if you have a smart home system, you can keep all the devices connected. The only downside here is the cost, which will likely be high. And 1000 Mbps might be an overkill for basic internet activities.

How fast is 1000 Mbps, and what can you use it for?

These days, 1000 Mbps as an internet speed can be too fast for casual usage. Whether you want to use it for personal or professional reasons, a 1000Mbps internet speed plan can be high-speed. However, if you constantly have to receive and send large files or have multiple devices connected, then you will find that the lightning-fast upload and download speeds will come in handy.

This kind of internet may be overkill for small and larger households; internet experts suggest a 100-200 Mbps internet connection is enough. Even if the connection is divided among 10+ devices, a 100-200 Mbps internet connection plan has more than enough bandwidth to cater to them all.

How fast is 1 Gbps or 1000 Mbps plan for downloading?

An internet speed of 1000 Mbps is extremely fast and should be capable of downloading large files, applications, and games in the blink of an eye. However, to put things into perspective, here are some rough download times for different file sizes, which may vary due to various factors.

File typeThe time it will take to download
500 MB music album 4 seconds 
2.5 GB 1080p video20 seconds 
5 GB HD movie40 seconds  
50 GB game 6 minutes 40 seconds
1 TB file2 hours 13 minutes
We used the Omni Download Time Calculator for these estimates.

Is 1000 Mbps good for gaming?

The minimum requirement for online gaming is 3 Mbps, and for a decent experience, 10 Mbps internet speed is recommended by most Internet Service Providers.

That said, 1000 Mbps should be more than enough to handle any gaming, and it almost leans into the territory of overkill. One thing to keep in mind is that this connection should deliver great download and upload speeds – ping or latency is mostly dependent on the distance between you and the server. The less the distance is, the lower your ping is; however, sending more packets of data per second should provide an edge in gaming.

As far as downloading modern-day titles is concerned, which are easily anywhere from 50 GB to 200 GB, this internet speed should make quick work of them. The recent title, Modern Warfare 3, has 180 – 190 GB file sizes. Meaning that you could download it in under 30 minutes.

Is 1000 Mbps good for streaming?

Streaming sites provide content in high resolutions, such as 4K. So, to ensure you get the best viewing experience – it’s important to have a high-speed internet connection that can handle it without breaking a sweat.

Streaming sites such as Amazon Prime Video state that internet speeds of 3Mbps are enough to watch HD movies (720p) without buffering. Plus, as per Netflix, you need 15 Mbps speed to watch 4K content. This means that having internet with 1000 Mbps download speeds should be more than enough to handle streaming, even with other devices downloading and uploading content or playing games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1000 Mbps good for uploading?

It is estimated that upload speeds are generally 10% of the download speed; this means you will still have a 100 Mbps upload speed. If you are constantly sending large files over the internet, then this will make data transfer extremely fast and stress-free. Of course, this speed may fluctuate depending on your ISP or type of connection.

For streamers and YouTubers, this means that you should be able to enjoy uninterrupted, seamless streams, upload large files over different platforms quickly, and do other demanding tasks on the side – all on the same connection.

Is 1000 Mbps overkill?

For most people, 1000 Mbps is probably overkill, as even 40 Mbps or 100 Mbps should be able to handle causal internet activities such as streaming, using social media, gaming, and more. However, depending on your usage, it might be the right fit for you. For example, if you have a large family or business or are working in any other domain with many devices connected to the same connection, this internet speed should shine in that case. The reason is that this should have enough bandwidth to cater to different activities on multiple devices without compromising performance.

How many users can use a 1000 Mbps internet connection plan?

A 1000 Mbps can easily be divided between 1-80 devices simultaneously for multi-purpose use. This connection speed would suffice all kinds of internet needs. All users will have an undisruptive division of the connection with smooth functionality and faster speeds. For a good router that can handle all of these devices, read our guide on the best multi-device routers.

Is it worth getting 1000 Mbps internet?

Whether getting a 1000 Mbps internet plan is worthwhile or not depends on your usage. For instance, if you have a large house and many people using the internet at once, then a 1Gbps plan can give you speedy simultaneous connections. Further, if you stream high-resolution content, download large files, or are a gamer who wants the best speeds, then 1000 Mbps may be worthwhile.

Conclusion

After considering all the factors and use cases, it shouldn’t be surprising that 1000 Mbps is super-fast and should be able to handle anything you throw at it. These high-speed Internet connections look appealing with their unrivaled performance, but they come at a cost, and for normal Internet usage, a 1000 Mbps plan is overkill.

That said, if you plan on doing bandwidth-intensive tasks such as online gaming, streaming 4K content, having multiple Spotify streams, working on projects, and uploading and downloading heavy files – simultaneously – then this internet connection should prove beneficial.

However, there are other options that come in between. So, if you’re interested in an option that packs a punch while being more affordable, we’ve covered just how fast 500 Mbps is too. Additionally, to get the most out of a 1000Mbps internet speed plan, you will need a modem that can handle it. We recommend checking out our guide for the best gigabit modems for the best picks.

Bradley is a long time tech enthusiast and gamer, first picking up a controller at the age of 3. Nowadays, he enjoys finding the best deals and helping out fellow enthusiasts. When he's not at the co