Last updated: April 2026. Prices are estimates based on current Canadian rates and vary by region, address, and promotions.
Calculate Your Internet Needs
Answer these questions about your household:
Your Recommended Internet Plan
Why this speed?
Providers to compare in your area:
How the Calculator Works
The calculator estimates your household bandwidth needs based on how many people, devices, and activities compete for your connection at the same time:
Base speed: 25 Mbps per person in the household.
Work from home: +25 Mbps per person (video calls need consistent upload and download).
4K streaming: +10 to 50 Mbps depending on number of simultaneous streams.
Gaming: +10 to 50 Mbps for latency headroom and game downloads.
Buffer: ×1.2 to account for peak-hour congestion and connected devices.
Speed Recommendations Explained
| Speed Range | Best For | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| 50–75 Mbps | 1–2 people, light use | Email, browsing, HD streaming on 1 device |
| 100–150 Mbps | 2–3 people, moderate use | HD streaming, video calls, light gaming |
| 200–300 Mbps | 3–4 people, heavy use | Multiple HD/4K streams, gaming, 2 people WFH |
| 500 Mbps | 4–5 people, very heavy use | Multiple 4K streams, competitive gaming, 3+ WFH |
| 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) | 5+ people, power users | Everything simultaneously, large file transfers |
If you work from home, upload speed matters as much as download speed. Fibre internet offers symmetrical speeds (same upload and download), which is better for video calls and cloud backups than cable. See our internet type comparison for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am between two speed tiers?
Go with the higher tier. The price difference is usually $10–20 per month, and you will avoid frustration from buffering. It is easier to downgrade later than to deal with slow internet now.
Can I save money by downgrading?
If the calculator recommends a lower speed than your current plan, you could save $20–40 per month. First, test your current speed and monitor your usage for a week to confirm you do not need what you are paying for. Then see our guide to lowering your internet bill.
Does upload speed matter?
Yes, especially if you work from home. Video quality on Zoom and Teams depends on upload speed. Fibre internet (Bell Pure Fibre, TELUS PureFibre) offers symmetrical speeds, which is ideal for WFH. Cable internet has much lower upload speeds—often 10–50 Mbps even on gigabit plans.
Are these prices guaranteed?
Prices are estimates based on current 2026 rates and vary by region and promotions. Always check the provider’s website for current pricing at your address. Most providers increase prices by $2–5 per month each year.
What if I live in a rural area?
If cable and fibre are not available at your address, Starlink satellite internet is often the best option for rural and remote Canada. Fixed wireless and 5G home internet from regional providers can also work in some areas.
Can I use this for business internet?
This calculator is designed for residential use. Businesses should consider higher speeds, dedicated connections, and business-class service with SLAs. See our business internet advice hub.