What broadband speed do you need?
A fast, reliable broadband connection is vital for a quality broadband service. Here’s all of the information you need on broadband speeds in Ireland.
What is the average broadband speed in Ireland?
With an average download speed of approx 103Mbps, up from 76Mbps in 2023, Ireland currently ranks 40th in the world for speed according to Cable.co.uk.
But faster, full-fibre networks like SIRO with speeds of up to 2,000Mbps are being rolled out all the time.
Watching videos, playing games and downloading music are all impacted by your broadband connection speed.
There’s two different speeds to measure:
- Your download speed: which is how quickly you can download content like websites, emails and stream video and music online.
- Your upload speed: which is how quickly you can upload data, for example sending emails or backing up files to the cloud.
What is a good download speed?
The faster your broadband speed the better, as you’ll be able to carry out all of your online tasks much quicker with a fast, reliable broadband connection.
If you’re not happy with the speed of your broadband, it may be worth choosing a broadband package that better fits your household needs.
What is a good upload speed?
Uploading things like pictures, or attachments on emails will only need a speed of about 1Mbps, but a quicker upload speed will mean you can complete these tasks more quickly and reliably.
Live streaming, Zoom and other video-calling programs need upload speeds between 2 and 5Mbps for best quality.
What broadband speed do you need at home?
The broadband speed you need depends on how many people live in you home and what they’re using the internet for. Some common online activities and the speeds they require include:
| Activity | Speed required | |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming online | At least 10Mbps | |
| Downloading movies quickly | Around 50Mbps | |
| Streaming movies in UHD | At least 25Mbps | |
| Checking/sending emails | 1-5Mbps | |
| Using social media | 1-5Mbps | |
| Watching Netflix in HD | At least 5Mbps | |
| Making a Skype video call | Around 3Mbps | |
| Streaming music | Around 2Mbps |
Each activity in isolation doesn’t require high broadband speeds, but if different people are all connecting to devices at home, then you’ll need a higher speed.
To get approx speed needed, simply add these numbers by the amount of people online. So if there’s gamer, a zoom call and someone watching NetFlix HD, you’ll need at least 18 Mbps.
If you require fast broadband, your best option is a fibre or part fibre broadband connection.
If fast broadband is not available in your area you may still be able to get a good, reliable connection with ADSL or satellite broadband.
How to check your broadband speed
A broadband speed test can tell you exactly what your upload and download speeds are - and it’s quick and easy to do with the Switcher.ie Broadband Speed Test.
In order to get the most accurate result, before you run the speed test you should:
- Exit all other programs: including games, background programs and open windows completely
- Cancel any downloads: including any streaming radio, music players or video
- Turn off wireless appliances: like baby monitors and cordless doorbells
- Turn off any devices: that are connected to the internet or router
You should run the test a few times, at different points in the day, to get an overall idea of your speed.
Fo the most accurate reading of the speed coming into your home, you can connect to the router with an ethernet cable, rather than using WiFi.
How to improve slow broadband
If you are unable to make the switch to faster broadband, there are several things that can help to improve your slow connection.
Our guide to slow broadband walks you through the checks you can make and offers tips depending on whether you connect via WiFi or directly by wired connection.
Does your download allowance matter?
Your download allowance is separate from your broadband speed. Your plans download limit is the maximum amount of data you’re permitted to download per month, including pictures, movies and music.
The size of the files will determine how much of your allowance you use when downloading or streaming. For example, a song might be about 3Mb, while an HD movie could be several gigabytes.
If you have a plan with a download limit, you’ll need to be careful when you’re downloading or streaming content because any data you use above your allowance could incur a charge.
What is unlimited broadband data?
Most broadband plans now offer unlimited broadband data. It’s advisable to opt for an unlimited plan if you:
You can use as much data as you like for the same price each month, or up to the maximum limit set out in the fair usage policy.
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