What is Mbps & how is it different from MBps?

Yolisa Motha
Internet Provider Comparisons

Thought Mbps and MBps were the same thing?

You're not alone. In fact, some of the most googled questions by Americans on these acronyms are “is there a difference between Mbps and MBps”?  and “how many Mbps is a MB?”

We thought it'd be best if we cleared it up, so you’re in the know on the net.

Because when it comes to internet talk, HomeLinkd is fluent.

Understanding Mbps vs MBps

At first glance, these two terms look identical. But the small "b” and capital "B” makes all the difference.

What is Mbps?

Mbps stands for mega-bits-per-second and measures internet speed. You'll notice internet plans advertising Mbps speeds on their flyers or adverts —it's the crucial factor for internet quality.

What is MBps?

MBps, with a capital “B”, stands for megabytes-per-second. MBps is used to measure the rate at which a file is downloaded.

When a file is downloaded, it's physically stored in your computer. Think of how you could only take a “bite" into something "physical” —to help you remember.

Mbps = internet speed/ how quickly a page, game or video loads
MBps = the rate at which a PDF, JPEG or MPEG is downloaded

How does Mbps affect your internet and online activities?

Mbps is a key factor affecting your internet activity. The higher the Mbps of your internet plan, the faster a website or video will load.

For example, if your internet plan provides you with a speed of just 1 Mbps, a 20-minute YouTube video at 720p will load rather slowly. But if your internet is capable of speeds 100 Mbps or more,it'll play in real time with no lag or delay.

‍It's recommended that serious gamers or avid video streamers aim in the 100 -1000Mbps range for their internet speed.

And, if you’re wondering, “how many Mbps do I need?” —we’ve got a useful guide.

To find out the best internet speed for you based on your usage, read our article here:

Internet plans with Mbps

A lot of people ask, “what type of internet can I get with Mbps?”

The answer is —all broadband connection types.

Satellite, DSL, Cable, and Fiber all offer and advertise good Mbps speeds.

Out of the four, Fiber, Cable and DSL are the most popular and current.

That's because these offer the highest, most reliable Mbps.

Read more about these leading internet types here:

Compare internet plans and get a deal with Homelinkd

Internet speak can be complex. But with HomeLinkd as your guide, you'll get it in no time. We want you to make informed decisions and know what to look for, especially when it comes to internet speed.

Have a look at some of our best deals with great Mbps offerings here:

Written by:
Yolisa Motha
Senior Copywriter

Yolisa is a word artist who's on a quest to help businesses make an impact so powerful - it causes a ripple effect. If Yolisa isn't painting pictures with her words, you'll find her hiking up a mountain or soaking up the beach sun.

Discover the Best Plans for You

We have a wide selection of plans to choose from, so you can find and select the perfect one to suit your needs.

There's a deal for with fast, reliable and secure internet. With dozens of plans and bundle offer to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice.

CenturyLink is your trusted provider of internet, home phone, and TV services. Whether you're at home or on the go, CenturyLink offer fast and reliable internet.

Get fast speeds, more data, and bigger savings on Viasat's reliable home internet plans!

EarthLink offer high-speed internet that’ll always keep you connected whether you're streaming your favorite shows or video chatting with friends.

AT&T offer you a variety of options to get the high-quality services you require, including DSL, fiber optic and fixed wireless networks, streaming and satellite TV services, and extensive 5G coverage.

Frontier, a leading provider of high-speed internet, TV, and phone services, offer various plans to fit your needs and budget.