- The ideal Internet speed depends on your job, with some requiring faster speeds than others.
- The NBN in Australia recommends at least 25 Mbps for working from home.
- 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?
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?
A good Internet speed depends on how you use the Internet for work. Some jobs require faster upload and download 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 ideal. We suggest a minimum of 50 to 100 Mbps for download speeds and at least 10 Mbps for uploads, especially if you need to send large files online.
If you're only doing light tasks like video calls, streaming, or simple file sharing, 25 Mbps may suffice. However, if you have multiple people or devices sharing the Internet, or if you're a YouTuber, graphic designer, or frequently on video calls, you’ll want faster speeds to avoid frustration with slow connections.
Is 50 Mbps enough for working from home?
For solo use, 50 Mbps can be enough for light tasks like forwarding cat videos or watching a couple of TV episodes in your downtime. You can even share the connection with one other person as long as neither of you are handling large files or doing heavy streaming.
However, if there are three or more people using the Internet or if you're working with large files like PDFs or videos, you'll need to consider upgrading to 100 Mbps or more.
Is 100 Mbps good for working from home?
Yes, 100 Mbps is typically sufficient for video calls, browsing, and sending files. It also allows for streaming shows and videos in your off hours, even if others in your household are gaming or watching videos at the same time.
For larger households or families with multiple devices connected, 200 Mbps is a great option. This speed is perfect for smart homes and power users who stream, game, and work online. If you’re unsure how much speed you need, you can consult a guide or use a speed test to check your current plan's performance.
What kind of Internet do I need to work from home?
To work effectively from home, it’s important to know how much Internet speed you need and find the right service provider to support your tasks.
When choosing a new Internet service provider (ISP) for remote work, look for fast, reliable download and upload speeds and at least one terabyte (TB) of data per month to handle your online activities.
Key terms to know:
- Download speeds: This measures how quickly you can access content online. Higher download speeds help websites, video streams, and emails load faster.
- Upload speeds: This measures how fast you can send data online. Faster upload speeds ensure smooth video calls and quick file uploads.
- Data: Everything you do online uses data. Streaming and downloading large files consume the most. Most ISPs provide at least 1 TB of data per month, with some offering unlimited data.
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 |
| 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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