Download Speeds vs. Upload Speeds: What's the difference?

Download speed refers to how long it takes for your internet service provider (ISP) to transmit information—such as text messages, photos, music, web pages, or files—from their server to your device, be it a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Upload speed, on the other hand, measures the reverse process—how much data per second it takes to send information from your computer back to your ISP’s server. Uploading a TikTok video, hopping on a Zoom call, and playing online games are just a few examples.

Typically, download speeds matter more than upload speeds, as most of us download more than we upload. Consider your social media habits. Unless you are an Instagram influencer or an avid vlogger, you likely consume more social media (download) than you create (upload). To meet these needs, internet providers deliver faster (or equal) download speeds. For the lucky half of the U.S. with access to Fiber (also referred to as fiber broadband), upload and download speeds will be symmetrical, meaning equal in strength.

Your internet plan provider will list the maximum amount of data it will transmit per second for both downloads and uploads in your given plan, and your download speed is often part of your plan name. For example, my AT&T plan is called Internet 300, and it delivers an advertised 300Mbps in downloads (truthfully, it’s often slightly faster!).

If your current internet speeds just aren’t cutting it for your daily needs, that’s a good indication that it’s time to upgrade to a faster plan.

How does internet speed work?

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Your internet speed reflects how much data your internet connection transmits over a period of time—specifically, one second. Data transmits between a server and your connected devicealong different connection types—cable wire, satellite, or fiber-optic cables. Most speeds are measured in megabits (one million bits) per second, written as Mbps. Some slower connections are measured in kilobits (one thousand bits) per second (Kbps). 

Internet speed depends on several factors, including your type of connection, your internet plan, and the equipment you have. Your options will be dependent on the internet service providers in your area. 

Your download and upload speeds are also affected by your bandwidth, or the maximum amount of data your internet connection can transmit at a given moment. The more devices using your internet, the more crowded your bandwidth will be. Think of it like a garden hose, and your data is the water that travels through it. The larger the hose, the more water that can get through at a given time and at a faster rate. Similarly, when you have more bandwidth, you can download and upload more data more quickly.

What download and upload speeds do I need?

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The average 8-10 device household (two adults and some change) should be good with download speeds at or above 100Mbps and upload speeds at or above 10Mbps. In this scenario, multiple devices can be downloading or uploading at the same time, as in one person streaming the latest episode of Abbott Elementary while their partner FaceTimes their mother-in-law. Of course, if you have a larger household with even more devices, including laptops, tablets, and virtual assistant devices (such as Amazon Echo), you may need faster wireless speeds.  

The best way to choose the right internet speed for your household is to consider your common online activities. Larger files and data-heavy services take longer to download. If you’re an online gamer who constantly live-streams, or you work in video editing and are constantly uploading large files, you may need faster speeds.

It’s important to reiterate that any advertised download and upload speeds are the maximum threshold available—your internet isn’t guaranteed to reach those max speeds all the time. Keep this in mind when shopping around for high-speed internet.

Here are a few generally recommended internet speeds for some common online activities. You can also jump over to our guide to choosing the right internet speed for you.

How to check your internet speed

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The best way to determine your current download and upload speeds is to run a speed test. Use our internet speed test tool to quickly figure out how fast your internet is currently running.

Try to do your test when most members of your household are home and using their devices—that way, you’ll get an accurate reflection of how fast your downloads and uploads really are during peak usage in your home. Additionally, test in different areas of your home to test the reach of your speeds.

How to increase your internet speed

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You may need to increase your speeds if you’re noticing internet lagging, dropped video calls, long buffer times, or spotty streaming. Before upgrading or changing your internet plan, try optimizing your speeds with these helpful tips.

• Reset your router by powering it on and off. This should always be the first line of defense (and is usually the best fix).  
• Clear your cache. The more you browse, the more web data is stored on your device in a place called your cache, causing potential slow-downs. Follow our guides for clearing the cache on your Android and iPhone. Or visit Google for devices like your laptop. 
• Move your router to another area. A central location is best. 

If you’re still experiencing less-than-ideal speeds, it might be time for an upgrade to a faster internet plan. Use our internet comparison tool to review different internet plans and providers in your specific area. You can even filter by your preferred download speed.

To get you started, here are some of the most popular high-speed internet plans currently available.