- The ideal Internet speed depends on your job, with some requiring faster speeds than others.
- The NBN in Australia recommends at least 50 Mbps for remote work
- Learn which speeds will help you to avoid slow Internet and delays.
Have you recently swapped your 9-to-5 job for remote work, only to find your Internet isn't keeping up? One thing is certain: fast, reliable Internet is crucial for staying productive. Whether you're catching up on emails, attending virtual meetings, or streaming for work, having the right Internet speed can make a huge difference.
No need to stress. We're here to help you figure out the download speed that suits your work tasks, streaming preferences, and the number of devices connected to your Wi-Fi.
What is a good Internet speed?
The ideal Internet speed for your remote work tasks depends on how you use the Internet. Some jobs require faster speeds than others, so it’s important to choose a plan that suits your specific work-from-home needs.
For most remote workers, 100 Mbps is the sweet spot. However, we recommend at least 50 to 100 Mbps for download speeds and 10 Mbps for uploads, especially if your role involves sending large files.
If you’re working with smaller files, attending video calls, or just browsing, 25 Mbps might be enough. But if your household has multiple people or devices sharing the Internet, or if you're a content creator, graphic designer, or frequently involved in video conferencing, you'll need faster speeds to avoid slow connections and lag.
Is 50 Mbps enough for working from home?
For lighter tasks, such as checking emails, streaming shows, or light browsing, 50 Mbps can be sufficient for remote work. This speed works well for one or two people using the Internet, but if there are more people or heavy usage, like large file transfers or online meetings, you’ll need to consider a higher speed.
For heavy users or large households, upgrading to 100 Mbps or more will ensure smooth performance, especially when multiple devices are connected to the same network.
Is 100 Mbps good for working from home?
Yes, 100 Mbps is ideal for remote work. It’s fast enough for most tasks, including video calls, browsing, sending files, and streaming your favourite shows during downtime. Even if multiple people in your household are streaming videos, gaming, or working online, 100 Mbps is a good balance.
If you have a smart home, or if your household includes multiple devices like smart TVs, tablets, and laptops, 200 Mbps might be more suitable for seamless connectivity. This speed is also great for power users who need consistent Internet for remote work and entertainment.
What kind of Internet do I need to work from home?
To work effectively from home, you’ll need to consider the Internet speed required for your tasks. Make sure to choose an Internet service provider (ISP) that offers fast, reliable download and upload speeds, and provides enough data to handle your remote work needs.
When selecting an ISP, check for:
- Fast download speeds: This helps websites, video streams, and emails load quickly.
- Good upload speeds: Essential for smooth video calls and file transfers.
- Sufficient data: Most ISPs offer 1 TB of data per month, but if you need more, some providers offer unlimited data plans.
Recommended download and upload speeds for remote work apps
| App | Download speed | Upload speed |
| Zoom | 10-25 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Slack | >1 Mbps | >1 Mbps |
| Skype | 1.2 Mbps | 1.2 Mbps |
| Cisco Webex | 2.5 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Microsoft Teams | 2-5 Mbps | 2-5 Mbps |
| Google Hangouts Meet | 3.2 Mbps | 1.8 Mbps |
For file transfers on platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer, small files need 1–5 Mbps, while large files require 25 Mbps.
Even though the speed requirements for remote work apps are lower than what many plans offer, if multiple people are using the Internet at once, you’ll need more speed to keep everything running smoothly.
Should remote workers use a VPN?
Yes, remote workers should consider using a VPN. A VPN enhances your security, privacy, and anonymity while you work from home. It helps protect against malware attacks and keeps your personal information safe by hiding your location from potential hackers.
However, it's important to note that using a VPN can slow down your Internet connection. The extent of this slowdown depends on your original Internet speed, the distance to the VPN server, and the specific VPN service and encryption method you choose.
Final tips for improving your work-from-home Internet connection
Here are some tips to help troubleshoot and enhance your Internet speed.
Upgrade your plan
If your current Internet isn’t sufficient for Zoom calls, consider upgrading your plan or switching providers with Compare Broadband. Our free, reliable service gets you the answers that you need about your work-from-home Internet needs without waiting around.
For reliable video calls, we recommend a minimum speed of 25 Mbps. However, if you run a home office, having more bandwidth will ensure everything runs smoothly. Check out our guide for tips on calculating the right speed for your needs.
Consider your cables
If you want to improve your connection without upgrading, try using an Ethernet cable. While Wi-Fi is convenient, it can weaken with distance or obstacles between your device and the router. An Ethernet connection usually provides the fastest speeds.
What else can you do if your Internet is slow? Besides contacting your Internet service provider (ISP), consider these steps:
- Restart your router: This can resolve memory issues that might be causing slowdowns.
- Upgrade your router: If your router is outdated, investing in a newer model can significantly enhance your Internet speed. If you need help choosing one, check out our top recommendations.
Contact Compare Broadband
Still on the fence about what to do with your Internet speed when working from home? Give our Aussie-based team a call now. We can walk you through your options and help you to determine what your needs are when speed is concerned. Call now on 1300 764 000.
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