Mbps

Also called: megabits per second

Megabits per second — the unit internet speed is sold in. Eight megabits equal one megabyte, so a 100 Mbps connection downloads about 12.5 megabytes per second.

The bits-versus-bytes distinction is why a "100 Mbps" line does not download a 100MB file in one second. Providers advertise in bits; file sizes are in bytes.

For most households, 50–100 Mbps is comfortable for several people streaming and working simultaneously. Above roughly 300 Mbps, extra speed rarely changes anything a typical household notices.