How much data do I need per month?

You need at least 600 GB of data per month to comfortably do a range of activities online.

How much data do I use per month?

On average, North American internet users consumed 536 GB of broadband data per month in 2021. That’s an 11% increase from the same time period in 2020.1 Trends show that internet users are consuming more internet data each year compared to the year before.

How much data does Xfinity give you per month?

Xfinity internet plans come with 1.2 TB of data per month. That’s plenty of data for most people.

Does Xfinity Wi-Fi come with unlimited data?

Xfinity Wi-Fi plans do not usually come with unlimited data, but you can add the Unlimited Data Option to your plan for an extra $30 per month. We recommend the Unlimited Data Option if you have gigabit or multigigabit speeds because gigabit plans often consume a lot more data than slower plans.

Why does Xfinity have a data cap?

Internet providers like Xfinity traditionally have data caps to prevent some internet users from overloading the network with too much internet activity. But data caps also give internet providers an excuse to make more money by charging extra fees for data overages and offering unlimited data as an add-on to internet plans.

What is internet data?

Internet data is the digital information and content you consume as you spend time on the internet. Data can be anything from a video stream to a video game file to The New York Times homepage. System upgrades also count as digital data. All of this counts towards your monthly data cap (if you have one).

A data cap is a usage limit enforced by an internet provider, dictating the maximum amount of internet you’re allowed to use per month. Internet providers usually call it a data limit, data usage, usage allowance, or “fair use policy.” Most internet providers offer a data cap of 1 TB per month, but some providers have unlimited data on all or some of their plans. Satellite internet providers have much lower data caps.

Writer

Peter Holslin

Peter Holslin has more than a decade of experience working as a writer and freelance journalist. He graduated with a BA in liberal arts and journalism from New York City’s The New School University in 2008 and went on to contribute to publications like Rolling Stone, VICE, BuzzFeed, and countless others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on covering 5G, nerding out about frequency bands and virtual RAN, and producing reviews on emerging services like 5G home internet. He also writes about internet providers and packages, hotspots, VPNs, and Wi-Fi troubleshooting.

Family using computers at kitchen table.

How Much Internet Data Do You Need?

by Chili Palmer and Peter Holslin | Apr 5, 2024 | Technology

Here’s a rundown of how to budget your data and get more data if you need it. We also give you recommendations for the best internet plans with unlimited data.

woman sitting at laptop at a cafe while drinking coffee

What Type of Internet Do You Have at Home?

by Peter Holslin | Apr 5, 2024 | Brand Guides

Find your internet connection type. Determine which connection type is best for you.

The Fastest Internet Providers in 2023

by Peter Holslin | Apr 5, 2024 | Brand Guides, Featured, Internet Speed Guides

The Internet Service Providers with the fastest high speed internet plans in the nation.

How to Choose an Internet Service Provider

by Peter Holslin | Apr 5, 2024 | FAQ, Provider Comparisons (Versus)

1. Find internet providers in your area.
2. Compare plans, pricing, speeds, and more.
3. Discover how much internet speed you need.
4. Test your current internet speed.
5. Know if you’re switching providers and cost of early termination.
6. Choose your internet provider.

birds eye view perspective of a woman sitting in a chair using a laptop while on the phone and using credit card

Best Cheap Internet Providers and Plans 2024

by Chili Palmer and Peter Holslin | Apr 2, 2024 | Brand Guides

Compare the best cheap internet providers and get affordable home internet from the top providers. Our comprehensive guide walks you through the best way to get cheap home internet.

CenturyLink vs. Mediacom

by Peter Holslin | Mar 27, 2024 | Brand Guides, Provider Comparisons (Versus)

We like CenturyLink the best because it has straightforward plans, Price for Life offers on DSL, and no annual contracts. CenturyLink also delivers the most affordable gigabit internet on the market—over a fiber network, no less.

CenturyLink vs. Optimum: Which Internet Provider Is Best for You?

by Peter Holslin | Mar 15, 2024 | Provider Comparisons (Versus)

Both providers have fast fiber and no data caps—but Centurylink has a simpler deal.

CenturyLink vs. Cox

by Peter Holslin, Rebecca Lee Armstrong, and Austin Aguirre | Mar 15, 2024 | Brand Guides, Provider Comparisons (Versus)

Choose CenturyLink for wide availability and affordable 1 Gig packages. Choose Cox for better budget pricing and more consistent speeds.

AT&T vs. CenturyLink

by Peter Holslin | Mar 15, 2024 | Provider Comparisons (Versus)

How does Centurylink compare to AT&T? Compare prices, plans, and internet speeds for these top internet providers.

AT&T vs. Cox: Which Internet Provider Is Best for You?

by Peter Holslin | Mar 12, 2024 | Provider Comparisons (Versus)

Get Cox for faster internet speeds. Get AT&T for superior TV service with DIRECTV and better customer service. When it comes to internet service, speed is a primary concern.

Verizon Fios vs. Cox

by Peter Holslin | Mar 12, 2024 | Provider Comparisons (Versus)

Verizon Fios Home Internet offers its Fios Gigabit Connection plan with near symmetrical upload speeds that’s great for those who want a top-of-the-line connection, while Cox offers the better budget packages that just get the job done.

Bandwidth vs. latency Ethernet switch board

Internet Speed vs. Bandwidth: What’s the Difference?

by Kevin Parrish and Peter Holslin | Mar 11, 2024 | Technology

The terms “speed” and “bandwidth” are often used interchangeably, but they’re slightly different in meaning. Here’s the breakdown.