How Long Does It Take to Download a Game? Download Times by Internet Speed
By RSINC editorial team | Updated
A 100 GB game takes about 2 hours and 13 minutes to download at 100 Mbps, about 27 minutes at 500 Mbps and about 13 minutes on a full 1 Gig connection. Those are best-case times. Real downloads usually take longer because game servers, consoles and Wi-Fi rarely deliver your plan's full speed.
Compare the Starlink provider guide with our satellite internet comparison when weighing alternatives.
Download times by game size and internet speed
| Speed | 50 GB | 100 GB | 150 GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Mbps | 4 hr 27 min | 8 hr 53 min | 13 hr 20 min |
| 100 Mbps | 1 hr 7 min | 2 hr 13 min | 3 hr 20 min |
| 300 Mbps | 22 min | 44 min | 1 hr 7 min |
| 500 Mbps | 13 min | 27 min | 40 min |
| 1 Gig (1,000 Mbps) | 7 min | 13 min | 20 min |
| 2 Gig (2,000 Mbps) | 3 min | 7 min | 10 min |
The table assumes your connection runs at full speed the whole time. To work out your own number, multiply the game size in GB by 8,000, then divide by your speed in Mbps to get seconds.
Mbps vs. MB/s
Internet plans are sold in megabits per second (Mbps), but consoles and PC launchers often show megabytes per second (MB/s). A byte is 8 bits, so divide your Mbps by 8 to compare. A 300 Mbps plan tops out around 37 MB/s, and 1 Gig tops out around 125 MB/s.
Why real downloads take longer
- Game servers often limit each download, especially on launch days and big update days.
- Wi-Fi loses speed through walls. A wired Ethernet connection to your console usually helps most.
- Older consoles and slow hard drives can't always keep up with gigabit speeds.
- Other people streaming or downloading at home share the same connection.
Satellite and 5G home internet
Satellite and 5G home internet speeds vary with the plan, location and network demand. Use a recent measured download speed in the calculation rather than a provider's highest advertised number. Compare Starlink, Viasat and Hughesnet at your address, and check the plan's data allowance before downloading a large game.
Watch your data cap
A few large games and updates can use hundreds of gigabytes in a month. Scheduling overnight may help with congestion, but does not automatically avoid a data cap. Check your plan and our data caps guide. If you're shopping for a gaming plan, see our guide to internet for gaming.
For help comparing internet at your address, call RSINC at 1-877-697-2926 or compare local providers.
Reviewed October 29, 2026. Availability, prices and terms can change.