When most people shop for Internet plans, the first number they notice is download speed — how quickly you can stream, browse, or grab files from the web. But in today’s connected world, upload speed is just as important. Whether you’re on video calls, gaming, or sharing files, upload speeds can make or break your online experience.
In this guide, we’ll explain what upload speed is, why it matters, and what counts as “good” depending on what you do online.
1. What Is Upload Speed?
Upload speed is the rate at which data travels from your device to the Internet. It’s measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
Every time you:
- Send an email with an attachment
- Post a video to TikTok or YouTube
- Back up photos to Google Drive or iCloud
- Stream live on Twitch
- Join a Zoom call
…you’re using your upload speed.
Scenario: You might have blazing-fast downloads for Netflix, but if your upload speed is too low, your video calls freeze and your voice cuts out. That’s the difference between download and upload speeds in action.
2. Why Upload Speed Matters
A lot of everyday activities depend on solid upload performance:
- Smooth video calls: Zoom, Teams, and Meet all require steady uploads to keep audio and video crisp.
- File sharing: Uploading a presentation or large PDF should take seconds, not minutes.
- Online gaming: Fast uploads send your moves to the game server instantly — lag happens when uploads are weak.
- Content creation: Posting high-quality videos or livestreaming demands strong upload bandwidth.
- Cloud storage & backup: Auto-syncing photos, videos, or work documents is seamless only with decent upload speed.
In short: download gets the spotlight, but upload speed is what keeps you visible and heard online.
3. What Is a Good Upload Speed for Different Activities?
The “right” upload speed depends on how you use the Internet. Here’s a breakdown:
- 1–5 Mbps → Browsing, email, social media posting.
- 5–10 Mbps → One-on-one video calls, basic work-from-home setups.
- 10–20 Mbps → Gaming, group video calls, frequent Zoom/Teams meetings.
- 20–30 Mbps → Content creators uploading videos, multiple people in video calls at once.
- 30+ Mbps → Livestreaming, large-file transfers, households with many simultaneous users.
Scenario: If your household has two kids gaming online while you’re in a work meeting and your partner is uploading photos, you’ll want at least 20 Mbps upload to keep things smooth.
For households like this, check out NetJOI Internet plans designed for families, gamers, and creators.
4. How to Test Your Upload Speed
The best way to know if your upload speed is “good” is to test it.
- Use tools like Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
- Run the test a few times during peak hours for accuracy.
- Compare the results to what your ISP promises in your plan.
If you consistently see lower numbers than advertised, it might be a sign that your provider is under-delivering.
Scenario: A customer paying for 10 Mbps upload but regularly seeing only 2–3 Mbps will struggle with video calls. That’s when it’s time to upgrade or switch providers.
For help running a speed test, check out our Support page.
5. How to Improve Upload Speeds
If your upload speeds feel sluggish, there are a few things you can try before changing providers:
- Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi: Wired connections are always faster and more stable.
- Restart your modem/router: Simple, but it can fix temporary slowdowns.
- Limit background uploads: Cloud backups, security cameras, or file-syncing apps can hog bandwidth.
- Upgrade your plan: If your needs have grown (remote work, kids learning online, content creation), a bigger plan with higher uploads may be necessary.
Ready to see what’s available? Check availability now.
6. What Upload Speeds NetJOI Offers
At NetJOI, we design our plans around real-life use cases, not just flashy download numbers.
- 150 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload: Great for families, streaming, and light creators.
- 300 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload: Perfect for households with gamers, remote workers, and regular video calls.
- Gigabit download / up to 30 Mbps upload: Ideal for creators, livestreamers, and households that do everything online.
All plans include:
- Locked-in pricing (no surprise increases).
- No contracts (switch when you want).
- Service-versary rewards (celebrate milestones with discounts).
- Friendly, small-team support — no endless call-centre loops.
See all Internet plans here.
7. Final Word: Choose Upload Speeds That Fit Your Life
A “good” upload speed depends on what you do online. If you’re mostly browsing, you can get by with 5 Mbps. But if you’re gaming, streaming, or working from home, aim for at least 10–20 Mbps — and creators should target even more.
The bottom line: don’t let poor uploads hold you back.
At NetJOI, our plans are built to keep both downloads and uploads steady, reliable, and frustration-free.
Check availability today and find an Internet plan with upload speeds that actually work for your life.
FAQs About Upload Speed
Why is my upload speed slower than my download speed?
Most ISPs design plans this way because downloads are used more often. But for modern households, uploads are becoming just as critical.
Is 10 Mbps upload speed good?
Yes, for video calls, light gaming, and file sharing. But if multiple people are uploading at once, you’ll want more.
What upload speed do I need for Zoom?
Zoom recommends at least 3 Mbps upload for HD video calls. Group calls with multiple participants benefit from 5–10 Mbps or higher. For more details, see our guide on how much data Zoom uses.
Do I need to buy new equipment?
Most providers, including NetJOI, supply modems and can walk you through setup. Just check our Support page and return your old provider’s gear to avoid fees.
