Ask yourself these questions when choosing your Internet speed:
What do you use the Internet for?
If you often watch movies and stream 4K content, download big files, take part in videoconferences, or play online video games, you need more speed than others using the Internet primarily to check their email, browse online, access social networks, or listen to music. This is especially true if several of you are doing these things on several different devices at the same time.
How many people use the Internet at the same time?
Do a quick calculation, averaging 25 Mbps per person to cover the basic needs of each member of your household. A family of four can get by with 100 Internet for basic use, or opt for 500 Internet if the entire family is often connected at the same time, if you require more bandwidth for your online activities, or if your number of connected devices increases, as a result of home automation equipment, for example.
How many connected devices are running simultaneously?
Count the number of connected devices and smart objects in your home, including phones, tablets, computers, printers, watches, fitness trackers, TVs, IPTV terminals, wireless speakers, video game consoles, voice-activated speakers, cameras, locks, lights, thermostats, outlets, switches, etc. These devices may not consume a lot of bandwidth individually, but the more you use simultaneously, the higher Internet speed you need.
Select the best Unlimited Internet speed for you based on your answers
Internet GIGA
Download speed up to 940 Mbps
Upload speed up to 50 Mbps
- No longer having to worry about Internet speed, the number of people and devices connected at the same time, the type of activities performed simultaneously, or the home automation equipment capacity for your smart home.
500 Internet
Download speed up to 500 Mbps
Upload speed up to 50 Mbps
- Simultaneously connect multiple devices for various uses
- Stream audio and video content
- Perform multiple simultaneous downloads
- Play multiplayer video games
100 Internet
Download speed up to 100 Mbps
Upload speed up to 30 Mbps
- Stream 4K content across multiple screens
- Play video games online
- Quickly download and share large files
- Work collaboratively online
60 Internet
Download speed up to 60 Mbps
Upload speed up to 10 Mbps
- Stream music and HD videos across multiple devices
- Download large files
- Browse the web
- Work online and attend videoconferences
What is your current Internet speed?
A simple and free speed test allows you to determine your Internet access performance by measuring the speed at which data is sent and received.
Internet speed made easy
Mbps
Internet speed is expressed in terms of Mbps (megabits per second). This is used to measure your bandwidth—the amount of data that can be transferred every second you are online.
Downloading
Download speed (transferring data from a server to you) is important for downloading files, loading websites, watching videos, or streaming music, for example.
Uploading
Upload speed (transferring your data to a server) is important for sending emails, transmitting files, making live video calls, or playing video games, for example.
The more people doing high-bandwidth activities simultaneously on a given network, the lower the Internet speed available for each connected device. The amount of megabits per second (Mbps) needed depends on how you use the Internet and how many people and devices are connected simultaneously in your home.
Create your own Internet + TV or TV App plan
Now that you have selected the Internet speed that suits you best, add a TV or TV App plan to enjoy rich, diversified content on all your screens!
FAQ about Internet speeds
Depending on the type of content you stream, the required speed may vary. For example, listening to music on Spotify requires less speed (0.32 to 0.64 Mbps*) than streaming a movie.
Streaming for most standard-definition videos requires at least 3 Mbps, while 4K videos streamed on Ultra HD–compatible computers or devices require at least 25 Mbps.
Here are some examples of minimum recommended speeds* depending on the desired viewing quality:
Netflix
- Standard : 1 Mbps
- HD : 3 to 5 Mbps
- 4K : 15 Mbps
YouTube
- Standard : 3 Mbps
- HD : 7 Mbps
- 4K : 25 Mbps
Remember that if other people and other devices are connected and active while you stream, the required Internet speed increases proportionately.
For an optimal online gaming experience, it is recommended to have a minimum speed of 25 Mbps per console or computer. However, big gamers will tell you that the more you have, the better, and some even recommend 100 Mbps per console. Discover more on our best Internet for gaming.
In addition to the download and upload speed, the ping time (the speed at which your device gets a response after sending a request) and latency (the time between your manual action and what happens on the screen) are other factors you need to consider.
Here are some examples to guide you on the minimum recommended* speeds depending on the type of console used:
Nintendo Switch
- Download: 3 Mbps
- Upload: 1 Mbps
PlayStation 5
- Download: 5 Mbps
- Upload: 2 Mbps
Xbox One
- Download: 3 Mbps
- Upload: 0.5 Mbps
PC or MAC
- Download: 3 to 6 Mbps
- Upload: 0.7 to 1 Mbps
It depends on what type of work you do and the number of people teleworking or online at the same time.
If you regularly download and upload large files and take part in videoconferences, a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps is recommended if you’re the only person working from home.
Here are some examples of minimum recommended speeds* for different types of telework:
- Google Hangouts : 2.6 to 4 Mbps
- Microsoft Teams : 1 to 4 Mbps
- Skype : 0.2 to 4 Mbps
- Zoom : 0.6 to 4 Mbps
- Email : 1 Mbps
- Web browsing : 3 to 5 Mbps
- Social media: : 3 to 10 Mbps
Does the Internet speed you selected not meet your needs? You can change your Helix Internet plan online anytime. To increase or decrease your current Internet speed, simply log in to My Account and follow the steps for making changes to your services.
The location of your Helix Fi gateway also affects your Wi-Fi signal. Choose a location that is central to the rooms where you use Wi-Fi and make sure it is free of interference from other devices.
Learn more about selecting the right gateway location
GIGA Internet, with download speeds of up to 940 Mbps, is suitable for multi-family homes with up to 10 people consuming lots of bandwidth at the same time. For example, it allows up to 50 4K movies to be viewed simultaneously on Netflix, or even up to 100 4K videos on YouTube.*
Conditions*
* This data is approximate and subject to change without notice.
Internet speed recommendations
This data is approximate and subject to change without notice.
The speed of your Internet plan may vary according to your technical configuration, technological environment, Internet traffic, servers, simultaneous use of third-party apps via your TV service (if applicable), personal use, and other factors.
For optimal download and upload speeds, your devices must be the latest generation, and a combination of wired and wireless equipment may be required.