Upload and download speeds: What’s considered good?
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Key takeaways
- Download speeds are more important for most online activities, such as browsing and streaming. Upload speeds are important for video calling and uploading files or photos.
- A good download speed is at least 100 Mbps, while a good upload speed is 2–10 Mbps.
- Use a speed test to discover your current download and upload speeds. Your internet connection type, equipment and number of devices all impact your upload and download speeds.
- Improve speeds by optimizing your Wi-Fi setup with updated equipment, or consider upgrading or switching your internet plan.
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 more important because most online activities rely on them. Upload speeds are used when transferring files, like uploading photos to the cloud.
| Uses download speed | Uses upload speed |
|---|---|
| Web browsing | Performing a Google search |
| Streaming video | Uploading media, including video chats |
| Downloading a game | Making actions w/in games |
| Receiving email | Sending email |
What is a good download speed?
Internet speeds of 50–100 Mbps are sufficient for most online tasks, but a good download speed for you varies based on internet use.
- Depending on your internet activities and how many devices you connect at once, you may need a faster speed than 100 Mbps.
- Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (GB or Gbps). 1,000 Mbps is equivalent to 1 GB.
- The best speeds for gaming depend on the type of game. Strategy and turn-based games need less speed (50–100 Mbps); MMP or combat games work better with faster speeds (over 100 Mbps).
- Netflix, Hulu and similar platforms need a minimum of 3–10 Mbps to function, but real user experience reveals the optimal speed for streaming is often much faster — as high as 500 Mbps to over 1 GB, especially if you have 10 or more devices running simultaneously.
What is a good upload speed?
An upload speed of 2–10 Mbps is considered good.
- Like download speeds, the best upload speed for your home depends on your particular internet usage.
- Most online tasks do not rely heavily on upload speed to function.
- Operations that use upload speed include sending emails, video calling, and uploading files, photos or video to social media or other platforms.
- How to improve upload speed: For faster uploads, consider the type of internet connection. Fiber internet is the best choice since upload speeds are equal to download speeds.
What affects my upload and download speeds?
If you need to know how to increase upload speed or download rates, identifying which factor is slowing down your connection is key to getting faster internet.
Factors that affect upload and download speeds include:
- 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 (e.g., laptop, cell phone)
- Inclement weather.
- 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
Outdated or incompatible equipment can limit bandwidth and maximum speeds.
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 negatively impact 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 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 internet speed by sending data from your device and a nearby server. It uses these details to determine the speed and reaction time of your internet transfers.
Speed tests can tell you:
- Packet loss (data not reaching its destination).
- Download speed.
- Upload speed.
- Ping rate/latency (the time delay between performing a command and receiving the response on your device).
- Jitter (sudden changes in ping rate).
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.
| Provider | Download speed range | Upload speed range | Starting price range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T♱ | 300–5,000 Mbps | 300–5,000 Mbps | $55–$245/mo. |
| CenturyLink** | 200–940 Mbps | 200–940 Mbps | $50–$75/mo. |
| Cox | 100–2,000 Mbps | 5–35 Mbps | $35–$150/mo. |
| Spectrum♱♱ | 100–1,000 Mbps | 20–35 Mbps | $30–$70/mo. |
| T-Mobile | 87–415 Mbps | 55 Mbps | $50–$70/mo. |
| Verizon Fios | 300–2,300 Mbps | 300–2,300 Mbps | $49.99–$119.99/mo. |
| Xfinity | 50–6,000 Mbps | 10–6,000 Mbps | $9.95–$299.95/mo. |
Disclaimers
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
**Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line.
♱Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.
♱♱Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
Download and upload speed FAQs
What is considered a fast download speed?
An internet speed of at least 100 Mbps is considered a fast download speed for light internet use with few devices. Gigabit or 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?
An upload speed of at least 10 Mbps is considered fast, which is what you will receive with most cable internet plans. Otherwise, 5G upload speeds are between 30–50 Mbps, satellite internet uploads are around 3 Mbps and DSL averages 1 Mbps uploads. For internet users needing 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.
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