Opening any internet service online means coming across certain terms such as MBPS and GBPS. Have you ever wondered what these terms mean or what significance they hold in the world of digital data? We simplified this information just for you! Dive deeper and find meaningful information regarding the battle of Mbps vs Gbps.
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MBPS VS GBPS EXPLAINED:
We use a word in everyday life, whether talking to friends, family members, or colleagues – data. But how we can access that data is overlooked. Let us jump into how the data is made accessible and who are the silent players behind our seamless access to digital files. First, we will look into the difference between Mbps and Gbps to get a better idea about which one may be better for your family or business.
MEGABYTES:
Like any other measuring metric, digital data is also measured through different metrics. Megabyte falls under the category of measuring metrics for photos and videos. If we break down megabytes into further units of measurement then 1 megabyte is equal to 1 million bytes or 1,000 kilobytes. Now if we look at the format of a standard photo, the storage capacity is 2 to 5 megabytes or 2,000 to 5,000 kilobytes, a video is equal to 100 to 200 megabytes or 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 kilobytes, and most mobile apps take up to a few Megabytes to install and run on phone.
*1 megabyte = 1000000 bytes / 1000 kilobytes
GIGABYTES:
Gigabytes are a larger unit of measurement when the digital data takes up larger storage space, such as certain files, software, or documents that can’t be stored in the phone. If we look at the conversion metrics of gigabytes then 1 gigabyte is equal to 1 kilo megabytes or 1 billion bytes. Gigabyte is one step ahead of megabyte as it is used for the total storage space of devices like smartphones, hard drives, or USBs.
*1 gigabyte = 1073741824 bytes / 1000 megabytes
| Streaming Apps | Bandwidth per device | Bandwidth for 5 Devices | Internet Provider Suitable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | 25 Mbps | 500 Mbps or 1 Gbps | Google Fiber |
| Amazon Prime | 25 Mbps | 90 Mbps or 1 Gbps | AT&T |
| Hulu Live TV | 16 Mbps | 80 Mbps | Spectrum |
| Apple TV | 8 Mbps | 40 Mbps | Xfinity |
WHY ARE GIGABYTES SO IMPORTANT?
- 1 Gig for $70/month
- 3 Gig for $100/month
- 8 Gig for $150/month
Every internet package you look at offers GBPS packages – wondering why? Let us walk you through the importance of the gigabytes in everyday life. Nobody likes lagging between a movie and high latency while playing FIFA on Xbox. Sometimes it gets frustrating when you can’t access a file because of insufficient space in the phone or computer.
That is when we realize how important gigabytes are. Whether you have a big household or you are running a business, gigabytes are just as important in the digital world as breathing is in real life.
To further understand the significance of the gigabytes we will break it down into the uses in households and businesses.
| Usage | For Household | For Business |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | If you are working at home, smartphones, laptops, and computers utilize a lot of storage space for files like heavy photos or files. Devices like gaming consoles also use a huge amount of storage space for heavy games. With gigabyte storage, it is easier to store more without the stress of losing any significant data. | Businesses often produce or generate heavy files or run substantial applications. Apart from this, customer data or confidential information is also stored which requires a huge amount of data. What gigabytes do is, they help the businesses store their important information and financial reports, etc. leaving sufficient space for more. |
| Media Consumption | When it comes to media consumption in the household, we often download movies or series on Netflix or Amazon Prime. We also download photos or videos on our smartphones to view them or download songs to listen to whenever we want. This is all possible with the gigabytes our phone storage is made from – gigabytes. Thanks to gigabytes in our phones and internet that make uninterrupted streaming and gaming online possible. | When it comes to media consumption in businesses, a lightning-fast internet is highly important. Sometimes working on special software also requires a substantial amount of data and space on PCs. Faster internet options and larger storage capacity are always made possible through gigabyte storage and internet options. Gigabytes help in better installation, providing more space for the applications to run. |
| Backup & Security | In any household, where gigabyte storage helps in storing substantial information, backup is also a necessary part. With all the data and history stored, gigabytes provide users with backup and security of their data. If any photo, video, or file is misplaced, gigabytes help restore the important documents. | In businesses, complying with data protection regulations is a must. The data generated by the companies is backed up and important information is confidentially stored. Since ample space and the fastest internet are required for such uses, multiple service providers offer businesses and small-scale companies gigabytes that are sufficient enough for all their requirements. |
| Multiple Users | Nowadays, every member of the family has their own devices running on the internet. If you live in a large household, multiple users generate a lot of data and require more internet consumption. Gigabytes here provide an ample amount of internet speed and enough storage that is sufficient for every member of the household. | A business, of course, requires an ample amount of storage and internet per employee. Collaborations cloud storage and software are also being used. In this case, gigabytes play a significant role in meeting every worker’s requirements whether it is for storage, running heavy software, or demanding a fast internet connection. |
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HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND COMPARISON
A large-scale business or a big household always requires a speedy connection to ensure smooth streaming or working. We listed a few internet service providers that offer you Faster internet options to suit all your needs.
| SERVICE PROVIDER | CONNECTION TYPE | PLANS OVER 1000 MBPS | INTERNET PLAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fiber | Fiber-Optic |
|
Explore More! |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber-Optic |
|
Explore More! |
| Optimum | Fiber-Optic |
|
Explore More! |
| Windstream | Fiber-Optic | Kinetic Internet by Windstream 2 Gig in $169.99/month only | Explore More! |
BOOST YOUR ACTIVITIES WITH HIGH-FREQUENCY INTERNET: BENEFITS OF GIGABIT PLANS!
STREAMING VIDEO:
Although megabit plans are significant for streaming videos, when high-quality video is under question all you need is a gigabit internet plan for seamless streaming. Movie streaming apps like Netflix and amazon prime require gigabit internet for 4K seamless video streaming.
VIDEO CHAT:
When it comes to video chatting, not only does it require the fastest download speed, but also the quickest upload speed. Gigabit cable internet has the right amount of download and upload speed to support uninterrupted video chatting.
ONLINE GAMING AND STREAMING:
When it comes to video chatting, not only does it require the fastest download speed, but also the quickest upload speed. Gigabit cable internet has the right amount of download and upload speed to support uninterrupted video chatting.
MEGA VS. GIGA: WHO WINS THE RACE!
In many households, the consumption of the Internet is less than compared to a large family. Where Gigabit internet plans offer consumers unlimited options, it also becomes an excessive bill for small families. Buying gigabyte plans also proves to be hefty when it is not being used to its full potential. Hence, for consumers who do not require big connection plans, MBPS proves to be much more beneficial, being a pocket-friendly package.
However, when we talk about businesses, then MBPS packages are useless since every employee requires excessive connectivity to work seamlessly with no lagging. For office use, gigabyte internet plans are way more significant as compared to MBPS.
Choosing internet plans all depends on what kind of digital data you are consuming and how much internet speed per second it requires. Before committing to a gigabyte internet plan for your family, first consider what kind of data is being consumed by each family member. If you’re a gamer or streaming videos in a medium household, choosing Mbps for streaming and gaming will be a good choice as compared to committing to gigabyte plans. This ensures that you are not paying hefty amounts without even using the plan's full capacity.
For cost-effectiveness in businesses, you can commit to gigabyte plans that some internet service providers offer. Buying the connection plans in bulk not only ensures cost-benefit ratios but also some promotional offers. Find out more about your internet speed metrics or which plan suits you the best only on Cables Finder.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
- WHAT IS THE KEY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MBPS AND MB?
When measuring the amount of data stored, the term MB is used; however, when measuring the speed of data transfer, MBPS is used. MBPS stands for megabits per second, which is used for internet connection speed. MB stands for Megabyte, which you can see when downloading a video, audio, or photo on your phone or a file on your laptop.
- WHICH INTERNET PACKAGE IS SUITABLE FOR PRO GAMERS?
For pro gamers, a fast internet connection is essential to avoid buffering or lag. A 1-gigabit internet plan offered by internet service providers such as Google Fiber, Verizon Fios, or Windstream is a good choice for gamers for seamlessly playing and streaming game on platforms like Twitch.
- WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR STREAMING HIGH-QUALITY DATA?
If you’re living in a small household or working from home, a 500 MBPS plan is suitable for all your needs. However, if you are looking for business plans, subscribing to GBPS internet plans from Google Fiber, AT&T, or Verizon is the right choice.
- WHAT EFFECT MBPS HAS ON THE INTERNET SPEED?
MBPS refers to Megabits per second and is used to measure internet speed. Hence, it affects bandwidth and network congestion according to the plan being used. If you are using a megabit plan in a huge household, then the lag between video chat and downloading will be greatly affected. However, an MBPS plan is perfect for small-scale families, is budget-friendly, and matches all requirements.