Wondering what a good download and upload speed is?

You’re not alone if you’re wondering what a good download speed is or what counts as a good upload speed.

In 2024, the FCC updated its standard for high-speed broadband to 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads.

So, what actually constitutes good download and upload speeds? In this article, we’ll answer this question and more.

What is download speed?

Download speed refers to how quickly you can receive data from the internet on your computer, phone, and other devices. With slow download speeds, it takes longer to stream videos or songs, update software, and receive files via email and other messaging apps.

Fast download speeds, on the other hand, help you stream content smoothly and download files quickly. That means no (or minimal) buffering, lag, or resolution issues while watching your favorite movie or making a video call.

Download speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Specifically, it indicates how many millions of bits of data can be transferred each second. The more megabits per second, the better.

If you don’t know an internet provider’s minimum download speed before signing up, you risk a frustrating internet experience in the future.

What is upload speed?

Upload speed is how quickly you can send data or information to the web from your computer, phone, and other internet-enabled devices. You may send data to the web when uploading files or communicating with others via video calls, live streams or voice calls.

Since upload speed is just as important as download speed, you shouldn’t overlook it while shopping for an internet provider. Otherwise, you risk facing trouble communicating with others via the internet or uploading large files to save online. For example, if live streaming or making video calls with a slow upload speed, viewers may experience poor quality video and audio on their end.

Now that we’ve clarified upload and download speeds, let’s explore what makes a good upload speed and download speed.

What’s a good download speed?

According to the FCC, 100 Mbps is the standard for a good download speed. But for many users, this 100 Mbps may not be enough for download speeds.

It may well be sufficient for small households with one or two internet users performing basic tasks, like e-mail, or shopping. But if you have several devices simultaneously connected to your internet service your 100 Mbps download speed may drop, negatively impacting everyone’s internet experience.

Further, 100 Mbps download speeds may not support smooth streaming of high-definition content or high-quality video conferencing or gaming. It can also mean long waits when downloading large files. Again, this is more likely if you have multiple users on your internet plan.

So, if your home has multiple heavy internet users who love streaming in 4K or playing video games, 100 Mbps isn’t your answer to what is a good download speed. Instead, choose an internet service with download speeds over 100 Mbps. For example, Kinetic Fiber Internet offers Gig and Multi-gig download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps with 99.9% network reliability.

That level of download speed means multiple users can stream high-definition videos, play online games, and perform other internet activities at the same time. Even though such activities require downloading large amounts of data in real time, users won’t notice a significant drop in internet performance.

What’s a good upload speed?

Upload speeds of 10 to 20 Mbps can be sufficient for the basic internet needs of single users or small households. But the FCC recommends a minimum upload speed of 25 Mbps. At that speed, sending emails, and making basic voice and video calls shouldn’t be a problem.

However, if you have a larger household with at least three heavy internet users, 20 Mbps upload speeds may not be enough. Why? Multiple users uploading videos, sharing large files, gaming, or making conference calls simultaneously will share that 25 Mbps upload speed. This drags down each user’s upload speed, leading to slower internet, lags, glitches, and other issues.

So, what’s a good upload speed?

A good upload speed is one that can keep up with your household’s needs as it grows. With Kinetic Fiber Internet, you get symmetrical upload and download multi-gig speeds. This is typically more than enough to support several high-bandwidth app users without a noticeable drop in internet quality.

What affects upload and download speeds?

The weather, network congestion, router placement, and other factors can disrupt your internet download and upload speeds.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what can cause bad download and upload speeds.

• Number of Connected Devices

  : Multiple devices running on the same internet network can cause congestion. The congestion overburdens your internet bandwidth, leading to slower download and upload speeds. These speeds will worsen if users simultaneously perform activities that consume a lot of bandwidth, such as streaming in 4K and gaming.

• Extreme Weather

  : Heavy rain, snow, and other severe weather events can disrupt satellite and wireless internet connections. However, fiber-optic internet connections are more resistant to such weather conditions.

• Router (Gateway) Quality and Placement

  : The farther you are from your router (Gateway), the slower your internet speed will be. Also, lower-quality routers typically provide poorer internet speeds.

• Internet Service Plan

  : Your service plan may limit your download and upload speeds. Also, some internet service providers deliberately slow down download speeds during peak usage periods.

Fortunately, you can circumvent these challenges and optimize your home internet speeds by simply choosing the right internet service provider. With Kinetic’s high-speed internet and whole-home Wi-Fi setup, for example, you’ll enjoy fast download and upload speeds on every device, in every room.

What upload and download speeds are best for me?

You now know what a good download speed is but figuring out a good internet speed for your unique needs can be a bit more complicated. If you’re working from home, emailing, and watching YouTube, Gig speeds for download and upload should be enough. That’s because these aren’t bandwidth-heavy tasks.

But if you have three to five internet users who stream videos, game online, attend online classes, or regularly make video calls, you may need multi-gig speeds. Anything less may cause significant drops in internet performance during peak use periods.

Households with multiple heavy internet users who simultaneously perform high-bandwidth tasks will probably need download and upload speeds above 300 Mbps. For example, 2 Gbps speeds mean multiple people in your home can simultaneously stream in 4K or 8K, play multiplayer online games, and make video calls without noticeable lag.

Prevent disruptions by future-proofing your home with an internet service plan that can support your needs as they grow or change. That way, you’ll always have reliable internet speeds — no matter how many people are connected to your Wi-Fi.

Enjoy fast upload and download speeds with Kinetic.

Get internet download and upload speeds up to 2 Gbps with Kinetic Internet. Our fiber service delivers wireless high-speed internet with 99.9% network reliability, when you need it the most. Enjoy fast internet throughout your home with our FREE professional Whole Home Wi-Fi Set Up Service.

Surf, stream and video conference in the highest definitions — with no interruptions or data caps. We also offer state-of-the-art internet security that ensures your online safety against malware, phishing, ransomware, and more.

Stop limiting yourself. Take the first step toward faster, better internet for your home with Kinetic today.

What Is a Good Download vs. Upload Speed? FAQs

What should your download and upload speed be?

It depends on your internet usage. If your small household uses the internet for emails, music streaming and social media, 300 Mbps should be adequate. However, households with multiple heavy web users will need at least 1 Gbps to enjoy fast and reliable internet.

Is 500 Mbps upload and download good?

Yes, 500 Mbps is a good upload and download speed for a small to mid-sized home. It should provide enough bandwidth for several internet-connected devices, enabling smooth HD or 4K streaming, large file downloads, and online gaming.

99.9% Service Availability: As measured by Windstream from March 2023 to January 2025. Kinetic service reliability is calculated by dividing Available Customer Hours by Total Customer Hours, excluding planned maintenance, emergencies (like hurricanes, winter storms, floods), and other uncontrollable events.