Upload and download speeds: What’s considered good?

If your internet is running slow, there are delays when you send an email, or you're experiencing lag or dropped calls when you FaceTime your friends, it may be because you don't have fast enough download and upload speeds.

A good download speed will ensure you can stream your favorite shows, browse the internet and receive emails without issue. Upload speeds are important for video chatting, uploading documents and sending emails. You'll want fast enough upload and download speeds to complete all your digital activities with little to no buffering or delay. Here's how download and upload speeds work and which ones to consider based on your internet usage.

What are download and upload speeds?

Both download and upload speeds are important for online activities, but here is how they differ.

• Download speeds: Measure how fast data is transferred from the internet to devices like your laptop, smartphone and TV. It determines how quickly you can receive information and is important for activities like streaming, browsing the internet and receiving emails.
• Upload speeds: Essentially does the opposite of download, measuring how fast data from your device is transferred to the internet. Attaching documents to emails, sending emails, video calling and uploading photos all depend on your upload speed.

What is a good download speed?

What you consider a good download speed will depend on your household's internet activities. Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps or Gig).1,000 Mbps is equivalent to 1 Gbps. 

Typically, download speeds of 50 to 100 Mbps are enough for most activities. But if you have multiple devices connected to the internet simultaneously, you may need more than 100 Mbps.

If you ...

• Game. Strategy games work fine with 50 to 100 Mbps, but MMP or combat games work better with over 100 Mbps.
• Stream TV. Netflix, Hulu and similar platforms need a minimum of 3 to 10 Mbps to stream. That said, if you have multiple devices running at the same time, or want to stream in 4K, you'll need faster speeds. If you use 10 or more devices at once, you might need 500 Mbps to over 1 GB to avoid lag or a poor picture.

What is a good upload speed?

As with download speeds, the upload speed you need will depend on how you and members of your household use the internet. An upload speed of 2 to 10 Mbps is usually considered good.

When it comes to streaming video or browsing the internet, upload speeds aren't as important as download speeds. However, upload speeds are significant when it comes to sending emails, video calling and uploading photos, videos and files.

If it takes forever to attach a file to your email or your video calls often drop mid-conversation, you can improve your upload speeds by switching your internet connection type. Fiber internet is a reliable option because upload speeds are equal to download speeds.

What affects my upload and download speeds?

Various factors can impact your upload and download speeds. If you're struggling to stream your shows or FaceTime, it may be because of your:

• Your home Wi-Fi plan. 
• Connection type (e.g., fiber, cable, 5G, satellite)
• Equipment, such as the gateway, modem or router. 
• The devices you are using and how many you are using simultaneously.
• Bad weather. 
• Network congestion.

Internet connection type

The kind of internet connection you use will be a big factor when it comes to how fast your download and upload speeds run.

• Fiber: 300 to 1,000 Mbps download speeds. 300 to 1,000 Mbps upload speeds.
• Cable: 50 to 1,000 Mbps download speeds. 10 to 50 Mbps upload speeds.
• 5G/Fixed wireless: 25 to 1,000 Mbps download speeds. 30 to 500 Mbps upload speeds.
• DSL: 10 to 100 Mbps download speeds. 1 to 3 Mbps upload speeds.
• Satellite: 12 to 150 Mbps download speeds. 3 to 5 Mbps upload speeds.

Internet equipment: Modem and router

If your modem or router is old or incompatible, you may experience slower upload or download speeds. Here's how they work:

• Modem: Maintains the connection between your home and your internet provider.
• Router: Directs internet traffic to your Wi-Fi devices.

Even on a high-speed internet plan, outdated equipment can negatively impact speeds. Consider getting a newer modem or router to improve your speeds. 

Your devices

Details like how fast your processor is, how much RAM the device has, or how much software it has can all impact how fast or slow your device works. You might be able to get your internet back up to speed by moving your devices closer to your router or adjusting your laptop's network settings.

How to test your download and upload speeds

A good way to check your download and upload speeds is by running a speed test. Speed tests are available online and measure your internet speed by sending data from your device to a nearby server.

Speed test results show your:

• Download speed.
• Upload speed.
• Ping rate/latency (the delay between a command and receiving a response on your device).
• Jitter (sudden changes in ping rate).
• Packet loss (data not reaching its destination).

If your speed test results are slower than the plan you are paying for, it may be because of internet throttling or network congestion. You can reach out to your provider about troubleshooting the issue and make them aware of the discrepancies.

Internet providers by download and upload speed

Here are the download and upload speeds of popular internet providers.

Download and upload speed FAQs

What is considered a fast download speed?

Gigabit and multi-gigabit internet offers the fastest download speeds, but you really only need that if you live in a home with 20 or more wireless devices. Typically, speeds of 100 to 500 Mbps suffice for streaming, gaming and working from home.

What is considered a fast upload speed?

A fast upload speed is 10 Mbps. If you want quick upload speeds, consider getting fiber internet. Fiber is the only type of internet connection that offers equal download and upload speeds.

How do I increase my download speed?

You can get faster download speeds by upgrading your plan, repositioning your router and minimizing congestion by disconnecting your other wireless devices from your home Wi-Fi.

How do I increase my upload speed?

Fiber internet is your best option to increase upload speeds. Unlike other internet connection types, Fiber internet provides the same speeds for downloads and uploads.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect