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Skype requires different bandwidths depending on the type of call. For best performance, check out the following information.
How much bandwidth do I need for calls?
For best performance, we recommend the following minimum and recommended download and upload speeds.
Call type |
Minimum download
/ upload speed |
Recommended download
/ upload speed |
Calling |
30kbps / 30kbps |
100kbps / 100kbps |
Video calling /
Screen sharing |
128kbps / 128kbps |
300kbps / 300kbps |
Video calling
(high-quality) |
400kbps / 400kbps |
500kbps / 500kbps |
Video calling
(HD) |
1.2Mbps / 1.2Mbps |
1.5Mbps / 1.5Mbps |
Group video
(3 people) |
512kbps / 128kbps |
2Mbps / 512kbps |
Group video
(5 people) |
2Mbps / 128kbps |
4Mbps / 512kbps |
Group video
(7+ people) |
4Mbps / 128kbps |
8Mbps / 512kbps |
Skype uses 0-4kbps on average if you are not making any calls while logged in. An average Skype call uses between 24 and 128 kbps.
Tips for better Skype calls?
Most internet connections should support audio calls. If you are experiencing issues with your video calls because of a lack of bandwidth, we recommend that you:
- Ensure that other internet-using applications, such as music and video, are closed.
- Any file transfers in progress will be canceled.
You may need to increase your bandwidth if this doesn’t solve your problem. You can find out more about your download and upload speeds by contacting your Internet Service Provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum bandwidth required for Skype?
It is recommended that you use a bandwidth of 300 kbps for simple video calling. In order to make that call in high quality, you need at least 500 kbps. It is recommended that you have at least 1.2Mbps (Megabits per second) of bandwidth for HD video. With 1.5 Mbps, you can be sure of good quality.
How much bandwidth does a Skype call use?
As for Skype, the company uses only about 270MB of data per hour for one-on-one video calls on the standard quality setting when making one-on-one video calls. In terms of high quality streams, the consumption will increase to up to 450MB per hour and in terms of HD streams, to 1.35GB per hour.
Which uses more bandwidth, Zoom or Skype?
When Zoom is set to its highest settings, it requires 3.8Mbps up and 3Mbps down for high definition calls, whereas Skype recommends 1.5Mbps (up and down) for high definition calls. Zoom does not activate 1080p resolutions by default, which is the only difference.
How much bandwidth does Skype for business need?
A minimum of 1 Gbps must be supported by each server’s network adapter in a Skype for Business Server topology.
Does Skype use a lot of bandwidth?
As Skype runs in the background of the computer, it uses very little bandwidth at all even though it is running in the background. It should be noted, however, that if a user is making an audio or video call, Skype can use up to 4 mbps of bandwidth, which is a significant amount of bandwidth over the course of a month if a user is making an audio or video call. Every 20 minutes, Skype will consume about 2.5 MB if the speed is set at 30 kbps.
All images and contents credit goes to support.skype.com