They’re very different, but you need both for a successful internet connection
What Is Download Speed vs. Upload Speed?
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When we say “internet speed,” we mean two different speeds: download and upload speeds. Both work together when you’re online.
But what’s the difference? What does each do? And what’s the ideal download speed and upload speed for your internet service provider?
Sit tight because we’re about to answer all those questions and more.
Guide to download vs. upload speed:
Is your Wi-Fi too slow for your needs? Look for high-speed internet in your area.
What is download speed?
Download speed is how fast data travels from the internet to your devices. That data may come in the form of news articles, streaming live sports, YouTube clips, Netflix shows, video games, and anything else you access during your time on the interwebs. It also includes files you download to your hard drive, like apps or PDFs.
What affects download speed?
A good download speed is at least 100Mbps . Your needed internet speed may vary depending on variables like household numbers and favorite online activities. If you’re live streaming a sporting event in 4K, you’ll need a faster download speed than if you’re watching “Charlie the Unicorn” on 720p video.
But achieving top speed isn’t always possible, even with an excellent internet plan. A lot of things can affect your download speeds, including the weather (not joking).
Here’s a sample of things to look out for:
- Type of internet connection (fiber vs. cable vs. DSL)
- Bandwidth (number of devices using your network)
- Age of devices used
- Interference from Bluetooth devices and other wireless networks
- Service provider outages
- Equipment malfunctions
- Bad weather
- Projected download speed of your home internet
If you’re curious about your home Wi-Fi download speed, try our speed test.
See your download speed with our internet speed test.
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Which internet service providers have the fastest download speeds?
Getting a good download speed isn’t just the luck of the draw. You can purposely pick a service in your area that offers fast internet speeds.
We suggest considering these top providers.
Internet providers with fastest download speeds
Data as of 04/05/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*
Plus taxes and fees. Upload/download speed and device streaming claims are based on maximum wired speeds. Actual Internet speeds are not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hardware and software limitations, latency, packet loss, etc.
†
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
‡
Prices w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Terms apply. Not available in all areas.
^
Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees
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Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
While the listed speed isn’t guaranteed (some are often slower while some are actually faster), advertised download speeds are a good metric to consider when choosing an internet provider.
What is upload speed?
Upload speed is the opposite of download speed: how fast data travels from your devices to the internet.
For most internet users, upload speed doesn’t matter much. But suppose you’re a professional photographer who constantly uploads high-quality photos, a YouTuber who publishes an hour-long vlog every week, or anything that might require a good upload pace. In that case, fast upload speed will matter.
What affects upload speed?
According to our research, your upload speed should be at least 5Mbps. We know—that’s so little compared to download speed, but you don’t need much upload speed to have a good online experience.
Upload speeds can be affected by the same issues that affect download speeds.
If you want to know what kind of upload speed you’re getting, again, try the Reviews.org speed test.
See your upload speed with our internet speed test
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Which internet service providers have the fastest upload speeds?
Like with download speed, you can shop for a fast upload speed.
It’s nice to have symmetrical internet (also known as symmetrical speed), which is where your download and upload speeds are the same. But that’s hard to find, so you’ll more likely end up with a connection that has a much faster download speed. Again, for most people, that should be just fine.
Here are the top providers we recommend for fast upload speeds. You might notice some differ from the fast download speed providers—one doesn’t guarantee the other.
Internet providers with fastest upload speeds
Data as of 04/05/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
*
Plus taxes and fees. Upload/download speed and device streaming claims are based on maximum wired speeds. Actual Internet speeds are not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hardware and software limitations, latency, packet loss, etc.
^
Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees
**
Prices exclude taxes, surcharges, usage-based charges, certain equipment, and other fees or charges, which are subject to change.
°
Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
FAQ
Being able to increase your internet speed without switching providers might sound too magical or too technical to be real (depending on your background), but there are actually a few easy things you can do.
Check out our guide for speeding up your slow internet.
A good download speed starts around 100Mbps, but an ideal download speed is subjective based on circumstances. The internet speed that’s perfect for a single person who lives alone and works in a high-rise won’t cut it for a family of six with a parent who works from home.
We think 5Mbps is an excellent upload speed. Of course, you can always go higher (and most providers do).
When it comes to gaming, you can typically have a semi-slow upload speed as long as you have a fast download speed.
Whatever upload speed you use on a day-to-day basis should work great for playing video games.
To learn more, read What Is a Good Internet Speed for Gaming?
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