What Are Good Upload and Download Speeds?
Get practical benchmarks for “good” internet speeds for streaming, gaming, video calls, and remote work.
Understanding Download, Upload, and Latency
Download speed measures how quickly you can receive data from the internet, while upload speed measures how quickly you can send data. Both are typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
Latency, often measured as ping time in milliseconds, reflects how long it takes for a small packet to travel to a server and back. Jitter and packet loss also affect perceived quality for interactive applications.
Recommended Speeds for Common Online Activities
For basic web browsing and email, 5–10 Mbps download is often sufficient for a single user. HD streaming services may recommend 5–10 Mbps per stream, while 4K streaming can require 15–25 Mbps or more per stream.
Online gaming generally needs modest download and upload bandwidth but benefits from low latency and jitter. Video calls work best with at least 3–5 Mbps up and down per active HD stream, especially when multiple participants share a connection.
Household and Remote Work Considerations
In multi-user households with several devices streaming, gaming, and attending video meetings at once, total bandwidth requirements add up quickly. A 100–300 Mbps connection is common for busy homes, while heavy upload users—such as streamers or remote workers sending large files—benefit from higher upstream rates.
Ultimately, “good” speeds depend on how many people share a connection and what they do online. Use speed tests at different times of day to see whether your actual performance matches your plan and needs.