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Lisa Iscrupe,Hannah WhatleyAllconnect
Published 10:04 am ET Jun 10
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What are download and upload speeds?
Download and upload speeds measure how quickly data is transferred between the internet and your devices, such as laptops, tablets and cell phones. Download speeds are the more important of the two since the majority of online activities use download speeds. Upload speeds are used when you transfer files to the internet, such as uploading photos to the cloud.
What is a good download speed?
What you consider a good download speed can vary depending on your internet activities and how many devices you connect at once. Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (GB or Gbps). Generally, a speed of 50–100 Mbps is sufficient for virtually all normal online tasks, from web browsing to video conferencing. However, the best speeds for gaming or the optimal speed for streaming might be higher, especially if you have 10 or more devices running on home Wi-Fi simultaneously.
What is a good upload speed?
Like download speeds, a good upload speed depends on your particular internet usage. Usually, an upload speed of 2–10 Mbps is more than enough since most online tasks do not rely on upload speed to function. Operations that use upload speed include sending emails, video calls or uploading files, photos or video to social media or other platforms.
If you often depend on upload speed for your daily activities, consider the type of internet connection you use. A fiber internet provider will be your best choice since the upload speeds will match the download speeds and be significantly faster than cable, 5G or satellite internet.
What affects my upload and download speeds?
Factors that affect upload and download speeds include your internet plan, connection type and equipment, such as the gateway or router. Other elements that occasionally impact upload and download speeds are your devices, weather or network congestion.
Internet connection type
The type of internet connection you have is the biggest factor in determining your download and upload speeds. The following table displays the general upload and download speeds for each internet connection type.
| Connection type | Download speed range | Upload speed range |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 300–10,000 Mbps | 300–10,000 Mbps |
| Cable | 50–1,000 Mbps | 10–50 Mbps |
| 5G / fixed wireless | 25–1,000 Mbps | 30–500 Mbps |
| DSL | 10–100 Mbps | 1–3 Mbps |
| Satellite | 12–150 Mbps | 3–5 Mbps |
Internet equipment: Modem and router
A modem establishes the connection between your home and your internet service provider (ISP), while a router directs internet traffic to your Wi-Fi devices. The specs on both of these devices are crucial in getting the best speeds. Even on a high-speed internet plan, outdated equipment can limit bandwidth and maximum speeds. Upgrade to a newer modem or router to ensure you get optimal speeds.
Your devices
The specifications of your devices affect peak upload and download speeds. Details like the how fast your processor is, how much RAM the device has, or how much software it has can all influence how fast or slow your device operates. Optimizing your laptop’s network settings and positioning your devices near the router can speed up a slow internet signal.
How to test your download and upload speeds
Use a speed test to test your internet parameters. A speed test measures your upload and download speed by sending data from your device and a nearby server. Some speed tests also calculate data such as ping rate, jitter or packet loss. Altogether, these details determine the speed and reaction time of your internet transfers.
What to do if your speed test results differ from your plan
Here are some steps to take if your speed test results are slower than your Wi-Fi plan.
- Try these troubleshooting tips to get faster internet.
- Use these suggestions to fix a nonfunctioning Wi-Fi connection.
- Consider switching internet plans or providers. While this is the most extreme solution, sometimes it can be the only way to overcome network congestion or internet throttling.
Internet providers by download and upload speed
Simplify your search for the best upload and download speeds with this table of several best internet providers. Compare download and upload speeds and starting price ranges in the following table.
| Provider | Download speed range | Upload speed range | Starting price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300–4,700 Mbps | 300–4,700 Mbps | $55–250/mo. | |
| CenturyLink | 200–940 Mbps | 200–940 Mbps | $50–$75/mo. |
| Cox | 100–1,000 Mbps | 5–35 Mbps | $35–$110/mo. |
| Spectrum | 300–1,000 Mbps | 10–35 Mbps | $49.99–$79.99/mo. |
| T-Mobile | 72–245 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $60/mo. |
| Verizon Fios | 300–2,300 Mbps | 300–2,300 Mbps | $49.99–$109.99/mo. |
| Xfinity | 50–6,000 Mbps | 10–6,000 Mbps | $9.95–$299.95/mo. |
Download and upload speed FAQs
What is considered a fast download speed?
Between 25–100 Mbps is generally considered a fast download speed for light internet use and few devices. For medium internet usage and 10–20 devices, up to 1 GB speeds are considered fast enough. Multi-gig internet may be the best download speed option for the most connected homes with frequent gaming and streaming.
What is considered a fast upload speed?
Upload speeds of 10 Mbps are regarded as fast because this is the baseline upload speed for most cable internet plans. 5G upload speeds are usually between 30–50 Mbps, Satellite internet upload speeds are around 3 Mbps, and DSL is the slowest at 1 Mbps upload. For internet users who need the maximum upload speeds, fiber internet is the only connection with upload speeds that match the download speeds.
How do I increase my download speed?
To get a faster download speed, optimize your home Wi-Fi by moving your router to a central location, or consider upgrading your modem and router to a newer version. Disconnect extra devices from Wi-Fi to free up additional bandwidth. Lastly, upgrade your internet plan to a faster speed or switch to a different internet provider.
How do I increase my upload speed?
The options for increasing your upload speed are similar to those for increasing your download speed. However, since most internet connection types have slower upload speeds, the best way to significantly increase your upload speeds is by switching to a fiber internet connection with symmetrical upload and download speeds.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com
Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.
Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
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