It has a maximum download speed of 1.5 mbps and maximum upload speed of 512 kbps
|
skip to main content
We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more. Show To keep your Zoom calls as close to crystal clear as possible, you'll need somewhere between 150 Kbps and 1.1 Mbps dedicated to this videoconferencing app. But you won't need the same speed for a group call compared to a one-on-one call with grandma. And even though that doesn't seem like a lot of internet speed, you'll still need an internet plan with at least 25 to 50 Mbps download speeds. Let's dig into the numbers and see if we can zoom in on the perfect internet speed for your video calls. Need a refresher on Mbps? No worries! Check out our guide to Mbps that explains what it means and how all those Mbps add up to your internet speed. Zoom internet speed requirementsAccording to Zoom’s website, these are the internet bandwidth requirements for different kinds of Zoom calls. For 1:1 video calling:
For group video calling:
For screen sharing only (no video thumbnail): 50–75kbps
For Zoom Phone: 60–100kbps Just for reference, here’s how data measurements break down:
We’ll spare you the maths and give you an idea of how much data Zoom uses per hour and per minute, rather than a per-second basis. I don’t know about you, but my Zoom conversations rarely last only a few seconds (though it would be nice if they did sometimes). Zoom data usage for a 1:1 meeting
On a 1:1 Zoom meeting, expect to use between 540 MB and 1.62 GB per hour, or somewhere between 9 MB and 27 MB per minute. To put those numbers in internet-speed terms, you’d want an internet speed between 150 kbps to 450 kbps to smoothly run a Zoom 1:1 call. Wait, that’s not much internet speed at all. It’s true that the internet and Wi-Fi speed needed for a Zoom 1:1 on its own doesn’t need a ton to run well, but keep in mind that your internet speed doesn’t just dedicate itself to Zoom calls. Your internet bandwidth has to allocate internet to all of your devices at once. If you're still in the dark, here's an easy guide on how much internet speed you need for different household sizes and activities. Zoom data usage for a group call
The bigger the Zoom meeting, the more data it uses. For every hour of a Zoom group call, you use between 810 MB and 2.4 GB, or somewhere between 13.5 MB and 40 MB per minute. You’ll need an internet connection of at least between 225 kbps and 670 kbps dedicated to the Zoom call. Keeping in mind that your internet bandwidth goes to all of your internet devices at the same time, here are some examples of other common data usages that probably are happening at your home. Data usage for common activities
Want the latest tech reviews, top picks, and deals? Not enough internet for Zoom calls?A laggy Zoom call sort of feels like a bad first date. You can’t really connect with each other, it feels awkward, and everyone just wants it to end. If your internet connection struggles maintaining a smooth Zoom call, it might be time to consider upgrading your internet. We recommend looking for internet plans with at least 25 to 50 Mbps download speeds. And if you need an internet service provider (ISP) recommendation, Xfinity and Verizon Fios Home Internet consistently show up in our reviews as some of the best internet providers out there.
 4.25 Download speeds 75–1200 Mbps Data effective 10/03/2022. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data effective 12/1/2020. Offers and availability vary by
location and are subject to change. Data effective 12/1/2020. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. But if Xfinity and Verizon Fios Home Internet aren't available in your area, you can use our easy internet search tool to compare internet plans near you. What if you don't want to worry about a monthly data cap? Check out our guide to learn about which internet providers have unlimited data options. Find better internet service in your area. Now that you know what internet speeds you need for Zoom, here are your next steps: Potentially use less data with a different video conferencing platform. How does Zoom rank among the best video conferencing platforms? Written by Catherine McNally Catherine has a degree in journalism and an MBA, and has spent the last 10+ years writing everything from Okinawa travel guides to stories on Medium. She’s been online since AOL CDs were a thing and is an unapologetic PC gamer. She believes the internet is a necessity, not a luxury, and writes reviews and guides to help everyone stay connected. You can also find her on Twitter: @CMReviewsIt. Related ArticlesWhat are download and upload speeds?The difference between download speeds and upload speeds can be explained in the following way: download speed refers to the rate that digital data is transferred from the Internet to your computer, while upload speed is the rate that online data is transferred from your computer to the Internet.
What is a fast upload speed?Upload speeds of 20 Mbps or higher are generally considered fast because they can easily handle the common upload activities of the average user.
What kind of download and upload speed does ADSL provide?Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) usually has speeds up to 1.5 Mbps, while cable internet can have upload speeds from 5 Mbps to 50 Mbps. For most online activities, even ADSL's 1.5 Mbps is more than enough for a smooth internet experience.
What is the average upload speed?An upload speed of 5 Mbps is enough for most households. Upload speed is used for fewer online activities and is not usually used on multiple devices at the same time.
|
