What is the average internet upload speed

This is what most people in the US have. But there are other options: "Basic" service will go from 3 to 8 Mbps download speed, while "advanced" service will exceed 25 Mbps that's also defined as "fast internet" by the FCC. Be aware that internet providers may have different standards for upload versus download speeds. Download speeds tend to be higher, so that's what you'll see advertised. Research both download and upload speeds to figure out your best option.

For reference, the FCC sets the minimum upload speed for fast internet at just 3 Mbps. Upload speeds usually range from 1 Mbps to 15 Mbps. To figure out which what sort of internet speeds you'll need, you need to be aware of how you're using the internet, and how that breaks down in the grand scheme of things:.

Light use: You only use the internet for basic things like email, reading news, basic video, voice calls, and music streaming. Moderate use: You use all the things included in the "Light" use category, as well as one of the following — streaming HD video, multi-party video conferencing, online gaming, or telecommuting.

High use: You do all of the things included in the "Light" use category, and more than one of the "Moderate" uses. If you plan on moderate use, you're likely going to want to go with those average speeds in the 12 to 25 Mbps range. If your household consists of a single user on one device at a time, and you fall into the moderate use category, you could probably get away with basic service speeds.

On the other hand, if you have four or more users or devices at a time, or you frequently stream 4K video or transfer large files, you'd probably want to upgrade to advanced service speeds.

But even if you stick to a particular usage category, you may still wish to go for more speed to gain more freedom in the way you use the internet. The larger your download speeds, the more noticeable the change in your experience will be. So if you're stuck between two options that are only a difference of say, 10 Mbps, you probably won't see much difference between the two.

But if you were to go with a fiber-optic connection, you may find speeds ranging in the to 2, Mbps area, so the difference will be considerable. Our experts recommend Mbps download speeds—but if you have lots of devices, you may need even faster internet. Jump to the answer for your internet speed question: What are good internet download speeds? What does Mbps mean? What are good internet upload speeds? What is the difference between download and upload speeds?

What are slow internet speeds? I pay for fast internet speeds, but my Wi-Fi still seems slow. What can I do? How can I boost my Wi-Fi in a big home? What is my download speed? What is a good download and upload speed? What is a good internet speed Mbps? The higher Mbps your download speeds, the faster your internet is. Not happy with your download speed?

Enter your ZIP code to see what other plans and speeds are available in your area. Please enter a valid zip code. To find out the upload speeds for an internet plan, you may have to ask. Is your internet speed too slow? We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.

To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Fixed broadband speeds are getting faster, thanks to infrastructure upgrades that are allowing internet service providers to offer faster and cheaper packages.

The average U. For this report, Ookla measured internet speeds from million tests initiated by 26 million unique users.

Broadband speeds are getting more important as internet connectivity becomes more integral to daily life and to the overall economy. Web giants like Google and Facebook as well as media companies like Netflix and Hulu rely on fast internet speeds to do business. Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment: to empower through understanding.

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