Are your upload speeds too slow? Here’s why and how to fix it
When it comes to internet use at home, we definitely rely more on download speeds than upload speeds. Still, your upload connection serves many purposes, allowing you to shop online, post videos to social media, make video calls, and play online games. When your upload speeds aren’t optimal, these tasks can be frustrating or downright impossible.
Do a few good speed tests to see what upload speeds you get. If the speed is less than 20 Mbps, your connection is not technically considered broadband and may not meet your needs.
Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to improve your upload speeds. As a bonus, these tips can also improve your download speed for a better overall connection. (For more information, see the best place to place your router to speed up your internet and our choices for the best wifi routersthe best mesh routers and the best wifi extenders.)
Read more: Best internet providers for 2024
Have you signed up for slow upload speeds?
Unless you have fiber optic internetyour upload speeds will be significantly slower than your download speeds. Most cable, DSL And satellite internet providers don’t even advertise upload speeds, partly because they are so much slower.
For example, Spectrum Internet speeds are advertised as up to 500 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps. It is suggested that these are download speeds, but what about your upload speeds? You’ll have to dig a little deeper – like checking the fine print or calling customer service – to discover that the upload speeds for these plans are 20 Mbps and 35 Mbps respectively.
Most cable internet providers, including Cox, Optimal And Xfinityhave similar upload speeds and don’t display them nearly as prominently as download speeds. The same goes for DSL and satellite internet, where upload speeds can be so slow that they aren’t even considered broadband (less than 3 Mbps).
How to fix an internet plan with slow upload speeds
The best thing you can do is know what the maximum upload speeds of a particular provider or plan are before you sign up. As mentioned above, you may have to read through the fine print or plan details to find them. Don’t sign up for a plan with upload speeds that don’t meet your needs if other options are available.
If you already have internet service where the upload speed is slower than you would like or need, consider upgrading to a faster plan. It’ll probably cost a little more each month, but you might find the improvement in upload speed (and the boost it gives your download speeds) worth the extra cost. Again, make sure you research what your new upload speeds will be before upgrading to a new plan.
Switch providers is another option, especially as a fiber optic service from providers such as AT&TBorder Fiber, Google Fiber or Verizon Fios is available. Fiber optic technology supports the bandwidth required for symmetrical or nearly symmetrical download and upload speeds. So if you sign up for one 300 Mbps planyou can expect download and upload speeds of around 300 Mbps over a wired connection.
Using Wi-Fi may reduce upload speed
Wi-Fi is an alternative to a wired connectionnot its own separate internet service. If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, you can expect download and upload speeds to be slower than what your provider sends to your home.
Range and signal barriers can also cause problems when using Wi-Fi. The further you move from your router, or if you move to a different room or floor, your upload speed may slow.
Depending on the quality of your equipment and how far you are from your router, using Wi-Fi can slow your speeds by 50% or more.
Read more: Best WiFi Routers of 2022
How to fix slow upload speeds over Wi-Fi
A wired Ethernet connection almost always gives you a faster, more reliable connection. Try using a wired connection if you need fast, stable upload speeds for an important meeting or school project.
Obviously a wired connection isn’t always practical and Wi-Fi is much more convenient, so Wi-Fi is often the only option. Some ways to improve your Wi-Fi connection include: restarting the router, move to a better placeby moving the antennas (if applicable) or moving closer to the router.
An equipment upgrade is also an effective way to improve your Wi-Fi speeds. If you’re not sure where to start with purchasing a new router, consult our list of the best wifi routers. And for better Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the home, consider upgrading to one dual band mesh router system.
Running multiple upload tasks will reduce speeds
Just as too many connected devices can affect your download speed, uploading too many devices at once can slow down your upload speed.
Only limited bandwidth is available. If multiple uploads occur at the same time, they compete with each other. In the case of upload speeds, which are often significantly slower than download speeds, it only takes a few devices to disrupt the upload speed.
For example, Zoom may require upload speeds of 3 Mbps or higher for a clear, reliable connection. If you’re making multiple video calls at the same time, over Wi-Fi, your upload speeds may not be able to keep up with the demand.
How to fix a clogged upload bandwidth
While simultaneous meetings or class participation may be unavoidable, try to space out meetings and limit the number of connected devices where possible.
In addition to strategically scheduling meeting times to accommodate everyone in your household, make sure your router is set to broadcast the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. There is likely to be less noise on your 5GHz band, allowing for better connection quality and faster upload speeds.
Additionally, upgrading your internet plan or provider to one with higher maximum upload speeds ensures there is plenty available.
Data caps and limited upload speeds
Believe it or not, uploading files and participating in video calls contribute to your monthly data usage, just like downloading files or streaming TV. Depending on your carrier, exceeding your data limit may result in throttled speeds for the remainder of your billing cycle.
How to fix slow upload speeds
If you have a monthly data limit, it’s best to monitor your activity throughout the billing cycle to avoid going over it. Most providers have an app and/or website that allows you to keep track of your data usage.
HughesNet allows customers to purchase additional data tokens or blocks of data that return their upload and download speeds to normal until the end of the billing cycle or until the added data is used up. Viasat doesn’t offer this option, but most may offer a higher data limit than HughesNet depending on the plan you choose.
The best option is of course to opt for one internet provider without data limit or at least one that won’t reduce your speed if you go over your limit. However, you still want to keep an eye on your data usage, as excessive data usage could violate your service term agreement, which could lead to service interruption.
Looking for more ways to improve your internet connection? Visit the CNET internet hub page for more articles on everything related to your home internet service. And for more tips and tricks for around the house, be sure to check out our CNET Home Tips section.
