Home internet

The right connection doesn't start with the price

Which speed and connection technology suit your household? Work that out first – then compare the tariffs available at your address.

Updated: 30 August 2026 Reading time: 6 min Tim Jungeblut Editorial methodology

To make a sound choice, you need three answers: what is available at your address, how does your household use the internet, and what will the contract actually cost over its term?

The order that makes the comparison work

First check availability at your specific address. Then set a realistic speed range, and only after that compare the total costs. This way you filter out offers that look cheap but don’t fit technically or financially.

Clarify availability and connection type
Plan for simultaneous use in your household
Compare costs over 24 months rather than individual monthly prices

Speed is not the only measure of quality

For video calls and gaming, stability, upload and latency matter too. In households with several people, demand comes mainly from activities happening at the same time. A high nominal maximum speed is of little help if the connection on site is unstable.

In this section

5G at home

Assess 5G and LTE tariffs for home use realistically: reception where the router sits, data limits, throttling and router costs determine everyday performance.

DSL

Before signing a DSL contract, check which data rate is realistic on your line: line length, upload, router costs and the product information sheet at a glance.

DSL or cable

Choose between DSL and cable using four criteria: available data rate, upload and latency, costs over the contract term and the technology in your building.

Fibre or cable

Cable often delivers high download speeds, fibre better upload and more consistent performance. How to decide when both are available.

Fibre

Before signing a fibre contract, find out whether the fibre reaches your flat (FTTH), the building (FTTB) or only a street cabinet – and what the installation will cost you.

Cable

Cable internet often delivers high download speeds. Check the load in your network segment, the upload, the router standard and the price after the discount period first.

Moving home

Plan your internet connection for a move in good time: check the new address, notify your provider, get the activation date confirmed and avoid paying twice.

Internet comparison

Compare internet tariffs for your address with technology, minimum term and total costs in view – the Verivox calculator only loads once you allow it.

Frequently asked questions

How many Mbit/s does a household need?

As a rough guide, 50 Mbit/s is often enough for one person with normal use. With several people, simultaneous streaming or large uploads, 100 to 250 Mbit/s is often the more sensible range. What matters in the end is how you actually use it.

Should I always choose fibre?

If a full fibre connection is available on reasonable terms, it offers plenty of headroom for the future. Installation costs, contract term and your actual needs should still be part of the decision.

Selected sources

Your next steps

Speed-Advisor

Calculate a realistic bandwidth range in Mbit/s from your household size and simultaneous use – instead of paying permanently for performance you don't use.

Technology check

Find out whether you should check fibre, DSL, cable or 5G first at your address – prioritised by your living situation and your requirements.