What Is A Good Download and Upload Speed?

Want to get more out of your home internet?

In today's increasingly virtual world, everyone needs an Internet connection with fast speeds. However, it's confusing to understand how download and upload speeds are calculated and exactly how much speed you need. Simply signing up for any Internet plan won't suffice. You might be overpaying for a speed you don't need, or not utilizing the plans available to you. As a consumer, it is important to understand the amount of Mbps (megabits per second) you require to get the most out of your Internet service provider. Furthermore, words like download speed and upload speed can easily be misconstrued. Download and upload speeds will impact your overall experience and can leave you with an inadequate or extreme plan that doesn't suit your needs. Our guide will break down download speeds and upload so you can easily determine what speeds are right for you.

Download speed represents the speed at which your Internet connection is able to receive data from the Internet. It is recommended that a household has at least 10 Mbps per person for download speed. This speed is great for basic Internet use, like emails and surfing the Internet. However, most Internet users are now working remotely as well as streaming video and music. In this case, 25 Mbps per person is recommended. Download speed is very important for downloading files, photos, videos, and music. As we spend more time on the Internet each day, a fast download speed is paramount for an enjoyable experience. Learn more about your download speed using Optimum’s speed test.

Upload speed is the speed your Internet connection requires to send data from your device to another device or to the Internet. Upload speeds are pertinent for video chats, downloading large files, or live streaming video. It’s also critical for those who rely on cloud storage and frequently send large files over the Internet. 25 Mbps is a good standard for upload speeds, but if you are frequently sending data then consider a fiber-optic connection to increase your speed even more. Just like download speeds, you may also learn what your own upload speed is using Optimum’s speed test. Or test using our speed test widget below.

The main reason for sluggish upload speeds, when compared to your download speed, is your actual Internet plan. As mentioned above, most Internet service providers, except for fiber optic plans, usually come with a max upload speed that's one tenth of the download speed. If you choose an Internet plan with a download speed of 50Mbps, you can expect your upload speed to peak at speeds of around 5Mbps.

How can you fix this? The smartest thing you can do is learn the maximum upload speeds provided by your Internet service provider before signing up. The best way to get an answer is through your provider's customer service representative so you can ask questions as you go and be sure you are getting a clear answer.

You can also simply upgrade to a faster plan, one with a faster Internet connection. You will not only get much quicker upload speeds but an improvement in download speeds as well. Switching to a fiber optic plan can also solve this problem. Fiber has the ability to support the required bandwidth for near-consistent download and upload speeds.

When experiencing problems with downloading with your high-speed Internet connection, the first thing you need to do is check your device. You need to make sure your device is not malfunctioning, or the website you are visiting isn't facing issues of its own. To check those, you will need to connect your Internet to multiple devices and websites. If the slow download speed is only happening with a singular device or website, this means that your device or browser has an issue.

Technology can easily become overloaded, which results in problems with speed and connectivity. Another way to troubleshoot your download speed is to restart your devices, including your computer, router, and modem. To reboot your devices:

• Unplug them from their power source for at least 10 seconds.
• Reconnect each device to the power outlet and turn them on again.
• Allow your devices to stabilize again and check the speed of your Internet.

Suppose your Internet connection has proven to be working fine. Ensure that the location of your router allows all your devices to receive a full, strong signal. In that case, your router is likely being contested by multiple devices, or its location makes it hard for you to connect to WiFi. Lastly, it is suggested to password-protect your WiFi connection so your neighbors can't take advantage of it, leaving you with a slow connection.

Are you getting everything you need from your home internet?