What is 1 gigabit internet? Is it worth the cost?

Gigabit internet (1 GB) has extremely fast download speeds of 1,000 Mbps. Although having the fastest internet possible might sound like a good idea, you don't want to overpay for speeds you don't need. Most streaming platforms, like Netflix, fuboTV and Disney+, only require speeds of five to 10 Mbps to stream in high definition. If you simply browse the internet, work from home or stream movies, you likely don't need a high-powered, gigabit internet plan.

That said, many major providers offer gigabit packages. And if you live in an ultra-connected home, it may be worth looking into these plans. We'll break down what they are and if you need them.

What is gigabit internet?

Gigabit internet is a type of high-speed internet connection that runs at a speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), which equals 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps). The FCC requires minimum download speeds of 100 Mbps to be considered broadband service. That means 1 gigabit is 10 times faster than the minimum requirements for broadband.

Do gigabit speeds really make a difference?

The type of internet speed you need depends on how you use the internet and how many devices are connected in your home. The FCC updated its guidelines in March 2024 to require broadband service download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps.

You may not need a gigabit internet package. For streaming live TV, browsing the internet or gaming, the new FCC minimum requirements of 100 Mbps are likely fast enough. But it does depend on how many devices you have connected to your internet simultaneously.

Streaming providers like Disney+, YouTube TV and Sling TV only require 25 Mbps per device to stream in 4K high definition. So if you have two televisions in your household for multiple family members, you'll want at least 50 Mbps to stream in 4K. But you may need to increase that number if you also work from home or have more devices that connect to the internet, like a Ring camera.

Advertised vs. actual speeds

Although 1 GB internet is faster, remember that advertised internet speeds are measured in a best-case scenario. In reality, internet connections can be impacted by a variety of factors, like power outages, internet throttling and your router location.

Before deciding to upgrade your internet, run an online speed test. Make sure you use a variety of speed tests to get your average internet speed, and do it multiple times throughout the day. This will ensure you get the most accurate measurement.

Do you need 1 GB internet?

If your household has fewer than five people and 20 connected devices, speeds of 100 to 500 Mbps should suffice.

Scenarios that may merit 1 GB of internet include households with:

• Two or more people who work remotely. 
• Competitive gamers.
• Several simultaneous streaming devices.
• Larger-than-average square footage. 
• Supporting 20+ wireless devices

Fiber gig speeds vs. cable gig speeds

The type of internet connection you have makes a difference in the reliability and consistency of your gigabit plan. Cable internet and fiber internet gigabit plans don't vary in price too much, but fiber typically provides a better value overall. 

This is because fiber uses a dedicated connection, meaning it has a single line running to your home, which means you aren't competing with other users in your area. Cable internet connection is shared, so it may slow down here and there, depending on how many people are online in your local vicinity.

Fiber and cable also have different upload capabilities, with Fiber offering faster upload speeds.

Where can you get gigabit internet?

Gigabit internet availability varies by location. It's typically more widely available in cities and suburban areas. Rural areas may have local fixed wireless or 5G internet providers with speeds of 1 GB or more. Check your current provider's website to see if they offer GB internet. Below is a table of providers that offer gigabit internet.

How much is gigabit internet vs. other options?

The average monthly price for 1 GB internet is about $75 a month, based on the top 11 internet providers that provide speeds of 1 GB or more. Some providers offer multi-gig plans (2 GB and up), which are more expensive, typically a range from $100 to $300 a month. 

Is gig internet really worth it?

Whether gig internet will be worth it for your home depends on what you need from your internet service. It drastically depends on your individual situation.

If you live in a moderate or ultra-connected home and have 15 to 20+ connected devices...

Gigabit internet may be beneficial. It'll improve your speeds when more people are online at the same time, and you'll be able to stream without lag. That means multiple household members can take video calls, scroll TikTok, game and stream TV at the same time without buffering.

If you live in a light to moderate-connected home and have less than 10 connected devices...

You might not need gig internet, especially if you're an infrequent user. Gigabit internet isn't as affordable as other plans and you don't want to be overpaying for an internet speed that you aren't making use of.

Frequently asked questions

How fast is gigabit internet?

Gigabit internet has download speeds of 1,000 Mbps. The FCC requires download speeds of 100 Mbps for broadband service. That means gig internet is about 10 times faster than regular broadband.

How much does gigabit internet cost?

Gigabit internet costs an average of around $75 per month, but cost varies by provider, plan and location.

What is a gigabit?

A gigabit is a unit of measurement to define internet speed. One gigabit is the same as 1,000 megabits.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe and Hannah Whatley, Allconnect