1 Gig Vs 2 Gig Internet: Do You Really Need 2 Gig Internet or Is 1 Gigabit Enough?

Let’s face it, we have all wanted to shift to a faster internet plan. With every new plan, we are on the lookout for a new and faster plan. I don’t know why but to tbh I think it’s a built-in feeling for all of us. 

Imagine this: You’re streaming your favorite show in crisp 4K resolution, your kids are gaming online with friends, someone else is on a Zoom call, and a smart home security system is running in the background—all at the same time. Does your internet ever feel stretched thin? 

As of 2023, nearly 41% of U.S. households had access to gigabit-speed internet, and many are wondering if doubling their speed is worth the cost. But if you already have a 1 Gigabit speed, then it can be a bit hard to decide whether to switch or not.

That’s why I have written this 1 Gig vs 2 Gig Internet blog. I will break down what 1 Gig and 2 Gig internet offer, explore real-world applications, and help you choose the best option. So, let’s start. 

1 Gig Vs 2 Gig Internet: Brief Details About Both Internet Speeds

What is 1 Gig Internet?

1 Gig internet refers to an internet connection that delivers download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, equivalent to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps). This is a significant step up from traditional broadband, which typically offers speeds ranging from 100 to 200 Mbps.

You might think that 1 Gig is slow, but that’s far from the truth. In fact, the FCC recognized any internet with 100 Mbps download speed as broadband. So, 1 Gig is 10 times faster.

What is 2 Gig Internet?

2 Gig internet doubles the speed of its predecessor, delivering 2 gigabits per second or 2,000 Mbps. This level of performance is aimed at high-demand users and large households with many connected devices.

Well, to be honest, this 2,000 Mbps speed is a bit overkill for most users and normally you won’t need it. 

Think of it this way. The average internet download speed in the USA is just 242.27 Mbps. 

Plus, most users may not fully utilize the additional bandwidth provided by a 2-gig plan. For instance, many activities, including streaming in 4K, only require 20-40 Mbps, indicating that the average household may not need the extra capacity that a 2 gig plan provides.

What Can You Do With 1 Gig And 2 Gig Internet Service?

The 1 Gig vs 2 Gig internet comparison comes down to how much data your household consumes and how many devices are connected simultaneously. To understand what you can achieve with these speeds, let’s examine their performance across various common internet activities.

Streaming:

1 Gig Internet:

• Performance: 1 Gbps internet is ideal for streaming high-definition and 4K content. The Federal Communications Commission recommends at least 25 Mbps for streaming 4K videos. With a 1 Gbps connection, you can stream 40 simultaneous 4K streams without buffering.
• Data Capacity: The average household streams 3-4 hours of content daily, and a 4K stream consumes around 7 GB per hour. A 1 Gig connection can handle this demand comfortably.

2 Gig Internet:

• Performance: While 4K streaming is no challenge for 1 Gig, 2 Gbps internet ensures a smooth experience for 8K streaming, which is becoming increasingly accessible. 8K video demands a connection of at least 50-100 Mbps per stream, so 2 Gbps provides a future-proof solution for multiple ultra-high-definition streams.
• Use Case: If your household frequently streams in multiple rooms or plans to adopt cutting-edge 8K TVs, 2 Gbps ensures zero interruptions, even with multiple users online.

Gaming:

Well, things get a little tricky here. 

While the speed requirement for a single player is just 3-4 Mbps, Gaming experts recommend getting at least a 25 Mbps connection.

So, a 1 Gbps connection is more than sufficient for multiplayer gaming in households with several players. Downloading large updates or game files is also efficient, with a typical 50 GB game downloading in under 7 minutes at full speed.

However, for gaming latency or ping is more important. As a telecom expert, I would say that any connection with a ping above 30 milliseconds is not worth it. 

• Typical Ping Times: With 1 Gbps fiber internet, ping times in ideal conditions can range between 7-14 milliseconds (ms) for home connections, depending on the quality of the ISP and network traffic. During off-peak hours, latency on an idle connection can dip even lower.
  
  • Real-world example: Gigabit Ethernet connections often have ping times of 1 ms or less to the nearest gateway. Users report average pings of 0.67 ms to their gateway in ideal settings.
  • Hybrid Fiber Cable (HFC) connections with DOCSIS 3.1 modems typically see 13 ms ping times under unloaded conditions, climbing higher during heavy usage like downloading or uploading.

• Loaded vs. Unloaded Connection: Even with gigabit speeds, latency can fluctuate under load. For instance:
  
  • A DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit connection might experience spikes in ping times during large uploads.
  • While better bandwidth ensures a smoother gaming experience, issues like jitter (variability in ping) can occur due to oversold ISP networks during peak hours.

Moving to 2 Gbps internet may not drastically lower your ping times because latency is less about speed and more about the network’s quality and routing. Even with 2 Gbps, the ping times are unlikely to be significantly better than the 7-14 ms range for gigabit fiber connections, especially during peak hours.

How Much Speed Do You Actually Need?

Determining the amount of internet speed you need depends on various factors, including the number of users in your household and their online activities.

For instance, the FCC suggests that a connection delivering between 100 to 500 Mbps is sufficient for one to two people engaging in video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming simultaneously.

If you have multiple users or devices, particularly those that consume a lot of bandwidth, such as gamers or remote workers, a gigabit plan may be more appropriate. However, many households find that a 1 gig plan is more than adequate for their needs, as the average household uses around 564 Mbps in download speeds.

For Apartments And Small Homes:

1 Gbps is generally sufficient for:

• Streaming, gaming, and video calls for up to 10-15 devices simultaneously.
• Typical smart home setups with security cameras, smart TVs, and voice assistants.

For Large Homes:

2 Gbps may be more suitable if:

• There are over 25 connected devices, including IoT devices, security systems, and smart home hubs.
• You have a home office requiring consistent high-speed uploads and downloads.

What Equipment Do You Need To Access 2 Gig Internet?

One problem with 2 Gigabit internet is that it needs special equipment to work and in most cases can’t be accessed by your regular devices.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Modem/Router: A DOCSIS 3.1 modem or fiber-compatible equipment with support for 2 Gbps speeds.
• Ethernet Ports: Devices must have 2.5 Gbps or higher Ethernet ports for wired connections.
• Wi-Fi 6 Router: To ensure seamless wireless connectivity for multiple high-speed devices.
• Network Cables: Use Cat 6a or Cat 7 cables for optimal performance.

Why Am I Not Getting The Exact Speeds Promised On A Gigabit Plan?

So, let’s suppose you get the 1 Gig or 2 Gig internet service but not getting the promised speeds.

Well, you won’t be alone in this as one of the most common frustrations for internet users is realizing that their speed tests don’t always reflect the “up to 1 or 2 Gbps” speeds advertised by their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

There are many reasons for this. Let’s discuss some of them in more detail.

Network Congestion: Too Many Users, Not Enough Bandwidth

Your connection may slow down during peak usage hours (usually between 7 PM and 11 PM) when many users in your area are online. This is especially common in cable internet networks, where bandwidth is shared among neighbors. Fiber networks, which are not shared in the same way, tend to offer more consistent speeds.

Read our Internet Bottlenecks and Internet Rush Hour blog for more details. 

Outdated or Incompatible Equipment

The hardware you use to access the internet plays a major role in the speeds you can achieve.

• Modems/Routers: Older modems or routers may not support gigabit speeds. For example, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem supports up to 1 Gbps, but only under ideal conditions. To fully utilize gigabit speeds, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem or a fiber-optic gateway is essential.
  
• Ethernet Ports: Many older laptops or desktops have Ethernet ports limited to 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps, which caps your wired speeds even if your internet plan is faster. Devices with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports are required to access 2 Gbps speeds.
  
• Wi-Fi Standards: Wireless performance is typically slower than wired connections due to interference, distance, and device limitations. For example:
  
  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) can deliver speeds of up to 867 Mbps per stream.
  • Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) improves this to

Wi-Fi Limitations: Distance and Interference

Wi-Fi speeds are heavily affected by physical barriers (walls, floors) and signal interference from other devices.

• Real-World Impact:
  • Speeds drop by 10-30% for each wall or floor the Wi-Fi signal has to penetrate.
  • Interference from household devices such as microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones can reduce Wi-Fi performance by 50% or more in some cases.
• Pro Tip: To maximize gigabit performance over Wi-Fi, use a Wi-Fi 6 router and position it in a central location within your home.

ISP Throttling and Bandwidth Oversubscription

Another big issue why you might not get the advertised speeds is ISP throttling. 

Some ISPs intentionally slow down your connection during high-traffic periods, a practice known as throttling. This often occurs when users consume large amounts of data, such as streaming or gaming.

For more information on ISP throttling and how you can prevent it check out our detailed blog. 

Real-World Expectations: Gigabit Speeds

Here’s what you can typically expect from a 1 Gbps plan:

• Wired Connection: Speeds of 850-950 Mbps in ideal conditions, with minimal latency.
• Wi-Fi Connection: Speeds of 400-700 Mbps, depending on the router, device compatibility, and interference.
• Peak Hours: Speeds may dip to 500-700 Mbps due to network congestion.

What Is The Difference Between Fiber And Cable Gigabit Internet?

Fiber internet, known for its high-speed and reliable connection, uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data at gigabit speeds. It offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for activities that require extensive data transfer.

On the other hand, cable internet uses coaxial cables and typically provides high download speeds but slower upload speeds. While cable internet is widely available and can offer sufficient speed for most residential needs, fiber internet is preferred for its superior performance and consistency.

The decision between the two often hinges on availability, cost, and the specific internet use requirements of the household.

Get a more detailed fiber vs cable internet comparison in our latest blog. 

How to Choose Between 1 Gig and 2 Gig Internet?

Considerations for Choosing 1 Gig:

• You live in a smaller home or apartment.
• Your household has fewer than 10 connected devices.
• Most activities include browsing, 4K streaming, and occasional gaming.

Considerations for Choosing 2 Gig:

• You need faster upload speeds for remote work or creative tasks.
• Your family uses over 15 devices, including smart home gadgets.
• You require the fastest possible speeds for 8K streaming or competitive gaming.

How Much Does Gigabit Internet Cost?

The cost of gigabit internet varies significantly based on several factors, including your location, the type of connection (fiber or cable), the service provider, and the additional perks bundled with the plan.

1 Gigabit Internet: Costs and Features

1 Gbps plans are the more common and affordable option for high-speed internet users. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

• Monthly Cost:
  
  • Prices for 1 Gbps internet typically range from $60 to $100 per month in the U.S., depending on the provider and whether fiber or cable infrastructure is used.
  • Promotions: Many ISPs offer introductory rates, such as $70/month for the first year, which may increase to $90 or more after the promotional period ends.
• Typical Inclusions:
  
  • Unlimited data (though some cable ISPs still impose data caps of 1.2 TB per month).
  • Free equipment like modems or routers in some cases.
  • Access to Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems for an additional fee.
• Examples:
  
  • AT&T Fiber: $80/month for 1 Gbps with no data caps and equipment included.
  • Spectrum Internet: $89.99/month for 1 Gbps, with a free modem but a potential data cap.

2 Gigabit Internet: Costs and Features

2 Gbps plans are less widely available and cater to households with higher demands. Here’s a breakdown:

• Monthly Cost:
  
  • Prices for 2 Gbps plans typically range from $80 to $150 per month, depending on the provider and availability in your area.
  • Fiber vs. Cable: Fiber-based 2 Gbps plans are generally more consistent and reliable than cable but may also come with a slightly higher price tag.
• Typical Inclusions:
  
  • Symmetrical speeds (fiber), meaning equally fast uploads and downloads.
  • Premium equipment like Wi-Fi 6E routers and multi-gigabit modems, often included in the price.
  • Perks such as free installation, priority support, or waived activation fees.
• Examples:
  
  • Google Fiber: $100/month for 2 Gbps, with a high-performance router included.
  • Verizon Fios: $84.99month for 2 Gbps, with symmetrical speeds and unlimited data.

Cost Comparisons: 1 Gbps vs. 2 Gbps

When deciding between 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps, consider the price-to-performance ratio. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Feature	1 Gbps Internet	2 Gbps Internet
Price Range	$60–$100/month	$80–$150/month
Speeds	Up to 1,000 Mbps	Up to 2,000 Mbps
Upload Speed	35 Mbps (Cable) / 1 Gbps (Fiber)	Symmetrical on Fiber (2 Gbps)
Equipment	Basic modem/router	Premium multi-gig equipment
Best For	Small to medium households	Large homes, tech-heavy users

Bundled Costs and Additional Fees

When evaluating the cost of gigabit internet, it’s important to account for hidden fees and add-ons that can affect your overall expenses:

• Installation Fees:
  
  • Most ISPs charge a one-time fee for professional installation, ranging from $50 to $150. Some waive this fee as part of promotional offers.
• Equipment Rental:
  
  • Monthly modem and router rental fees average $10 to $15 unless you own your equipment. Premium hardware for 2 Gbps plans may be included or cost more.
• Data Caps and Overages:
  
  • Some cable ISPs impose data caps (e.g., 1.2 TB/month) on gigabit plans. Exceeding the cap may result in overage fees of $10-$50 per 50 GB.
  • Fiber plans typically offer unlimited data, providing better value for heavy users.
• Promotional Periods:
  
  • Many ISPs offer lower rates for the first 12-24 months, after which prices increase by $10-$30 per month.

Is the Cost of Gigabit Internet Worth It?

The value of gigabit internet depends on how much speed your household truly needs. Consider the following:

• Cost Per Mbps:
  
  • On average, 1 Gbps plans offer a cost of $0.06 to $0.10 per Mbps, while 2 Gbps plans average $0.05 to $0.08 per Mbps, making the latter slightly more cost-effective for the speed.

1 Gig Vs 2 Gig Internet: Best Internet Service Providers In The USA

AT&T

• 1 Gig: $80/month with unlimited data.
• 2 Gig: $145/month, includes Wi-Fi 6 router.
• Key Features: Reliable fiber infrastructure, low latency.

For more details on plans and pricing read our AT&T fiber internet review blog.

Google Fiber

• 1 Gig: $70/month.
• 2 Gig: $100/month with symmetrical speeds.
• Key Features: No data caps, excellent customer service.

Verizon Fios

• 1 Gig: $64.99/month.
• 2 Gig: $84.99/month in select markets.
• Key Features: Consistent speeds, and extensive coverage.

Check out more plan details on our Verizon Fios review blog. 

Wrapping Up: Is 2 Gig Home Internet Worth It

For most residential users, 1 Gbps is more than enough to support streaming, gaming, and multiple devices. However, if you’re in a tech-heavy household or require exceptional speeds for professional or personal use, 2 Gig speed offers unparalleled performance.

Suggested Content:

• Best 8 Gig Internet Providers
• Spectrum 1 Gig Internet
• AT&T Vs Google Fiber
• Verizon Fios 1 Gig

Frequently Asked Questions