Is 1 gig internet good for 2 people?

Double the Fun, Double the Devices? Why 1 Gig Internet is (Probably) Overkill for Two.

The siren song of superfast internet is hard to resist. Gigabit speeds, promising lightning-fast downloads and lag-free streaming, are increasingly common. But for a two-person household, is 1 gig internet actually necessary?

The short answer? Probably not.

While there’s no denying the appeal of blazing-fast internet, most two-person households can easily get by with a less powerful – and often less expensive – plan. Here’s why:

Bandwidth Abundance: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps for households engaging in activities like streaming, video calls, and light online gaming. Gigabit internet offers ten times that speed! Unless you’re both simultaneously downloading massive files, streaming 4K content on multiple devices, and engaging in hardcore online gaming, 1 gigabit is overkill.

Real-World Usage: Think about your daily internet habits. How often are you pushing your current connection to its limits? For most couples, activities like browsing, social media, and streaming music don’t require massive bandwidth.

Cost vs. Benefit: Gigabit internet often comes with a premium price tag. Before committing, analyze your actual internet usage and compare plans. You might find that a 250 Mbps or 500 Mbps plan offers more than enough speed for a fraction of the cost.

Future-Proofing: This is where the argument for gigabit internet holds some water. As technology evolves and our reliance on high-bandwidth activities grows (think virtual reality and augmented reality), having that extra speed cushion can be beneficial.

The Bottom Line: While 1 gig internet is undoubtedly impressive, it’s not a necessity for most two-person households. Consider your budget, usage habits, and future needs before taking the plunge. You might find that a less powerful plan offers more than enough speed for a happier wallet.