Do I need 2 gig internet? (and what is it good for?)

2 gig internet is a fast internet connection and is capable of transferring 2000 megabits per second. A single gigabit contains 1 million bits, meaning 2 gig internet transfers data at 2000 million bits per second. 2 gig internet is also called “2000 Mbps internet”, “2G internet” or “2 Gbps internet”.

A 2 gig internet connection will allow you to:

• Connect twelve to twenty users and their devices performing high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
• Access cloud services and learning platforms across multiple devices and users.
• Create a home network of smart devices or home automations.
• Stream HD, 4K or 8K content across multiple devices or users.
• Play MMORPG games, or VR and AR games on console, mobile and PC.
• Download large files much faster compared to 600 or 1000 Mbps speeds.

Most people consider download speeds when choosing internet plans, but upload speeds are also important for tasks like large file uploads, video conferencing and online gaming. Keep in mind that internet speeds also vary based on your network traffic, device performance and WiFi speeds.

2 gig internet is much faster than 1 gig. If you choose a 2 gig internet plan, you’ll be doubling your bandwidth so you can connect more devices and engage in more data-intensive activities simultaneously.

If you’re trying to choose between 1 gig and 2 gig internet, you should consider your specific internet habits, the number of connected devices and whether or not you’ll engage in high-bandwidth activities. If you are a tech-heavy user with significant internet demands, a 2 gig connection will help to future proof your household.

While 1 gig internet is a great internet speed, 2 gig internet can help resolve any bandwidth limitations when many high-demand applications are running at once.

However, if you’re in a location where 2 gig internet is still being established but want more bandwidth than 1 gig offers, look into 1.5 gig internet as a solution.

2 gig internet is fast enough for most households with twelve to twenty simultaneous users and their devices. However, whether or not the speed is fast enough for your home will depend on the bandwidth consumed by each user and their devices.

Here’s a breakdown of what a 2 gig internet connection can handle:

Some online games only require speeds of up to 25 Mbps per person per device. However, competitive players will want to have at least 100 Mbps available at all times.

2 gig internet provides enough internet speed for gaming in homes with multiple users across different devices.

With a 2 gig internet connection, you’ll be able to:

• • Download large games or updates very quickly. For example, with a 2 gig internet connection, a 10GB file can be downloaded in 40 seconds. With a 100 Mbps internet connection, the same file would take over 13 minutes to download.
  • Game online across multiple PCs, consoles or other gaming devices.
  • Download small, medium and large games, as well as version updates.
  • Stream 4K or 8K video on platforms like YouTube or Twitch. If you’re a serious gamer who plays and streams in 8K, you’ll want 2 gig internet speeds.

In addition to a great internet plan, consider investing in a dedicated gaming router to optimize your speeds, reduce latency and create high-quality streaming experiences.

Learn more: How to stream full-time as a college student.

2 gig internet is perfect for streaming HD, 4K and 8K content, as well as VR and AR streaming.

Generally, platforms like Netflix require 30 to 50 Mbps to watch shows in 8K quality. 4K VR and AR streaming can demand up to 400 Mbps of bandwidth.

With a 2 gig internet connection, you will be able to stream:

• • 4K videos and high-fidelity music across multiple devices and users.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) experiences.
  • High-quality gameplay videos to an online audience on YouTube or Twitch.
  • High-quality video and audio to viewers on social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram.

The number of people and devices in your home determines the quality of your streaming. If you’re still worried about bandwidth, consider speeds higher than 2 gig.

If you’re deciding whether or not a 2 gig connection is enough for your apartment, consider the number of people, devices, and internet habits.

Generally, 2 gig internet in a large apartment should provide enough speed for a family to game, stream, work from home and access online learning simultaneously.
 
If you’ve just moved, find out how to set up internet and WiFi in a new apartment.

In most cases, large homes hold more people, personal devices and smart devices.

A 2 gig connection can host multiple users and devices, including cameras, HVAC systems, smart lights and other WiFi-enabled tech.

However, regardless of your speed tier, a sudden surge in users, devices or integrated tech could slow your internet speed.

In addition, large houses may contain dead zones with poor internet coverage, such as hallways, balconies or stairways. If you’re worried about dead zones, consider using a mesh system to expand coverage.

Astound’s Whole Home WiFi expands WiFi coverage, reduces signal interference and optimizes the performance of your wireless devices. Moreover, mesh WiFi routers are flexible, modular and moveable. Want more coverage throughout your home? Just place an eero where you want a connection.

Learn more: How to set up your internet in a new home

Determining the worth of 2 gig internet depends on your personal preferences, the number of users and devices in your home, as well as your online activities.

Average households have more than 25 devices tied to one single network in their home. These devices can be smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, home security systems, appliances or game consoles.

If each of those devices is using at least 50 Mbps, for example, your bandwidth use may be as high as 1250 Mbps (1.25 Gbps). Faster internet speeds will give a better, richer online experience that fits your lifestyle and needs.

You might want to upgrade to a faster internet speed, like gigabit internet speeds, if you experience any of these issues:

• • Network congestion.
  • An increase of users in your household.
  • An increase of devices in your household.
  • Frequent buffering when streaming.
  • Long loading times when streaming.
  • Latency or lag while gaming online.
  • Slow uploads or downloads.
  • Internet connectivity issues.
  • Poor video or audio call quality.
  • Failure of smart or IoT devices.

Make sure to perform regular speed tests to understand the speed your ISP is providing, and optimize your WiFi regularly. You’ll improve your network’s performance, minimize channel interference and rebalance your device load.

If you still don’t see improvement, it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster internet speed.

If your devices are upgraded to the latest version and are 2 gig speed enabled, then your devices will be able to receive 2 gig internet.

Smartphones allow you to check WiFi speed capabilities within their network settings. To check for yourself, visit the manufacturer’s website or read the manual. Search for “WiFi” and “Network Settings”.

You won’t be able to connect to the 2 gig internet connection if you have older devices with outdated hardware or network interface cards.