Upload Speed Test
Upload bandwidth determines how quickly you can send data—crucial for video calls, livestreaming, file sharing, and cloud backups. This guide explains how to measure upload speed accurately, interpret results, and fix common bottlenecks.
For a full check (download, upload, ping, jitter, packet loss), use the Check Internet Speed Test.
How to run an accurate upload test
- Prefer Ethernet. If using Wi‑Fi, connect to 5/6 GHz and stay close to the router.
- Close background uploads (cloud backup, photo sync, file sharing) on all devices.
- Disable VPN/proxy during the test—they add overhead and can slow uploads.
- Pause OS/app updates and game updates.
- Run tests at different times (peak and off‑peak) and average the results.
Tip: While measuring upload, observe ping and jitter. If latency spikes a lot, you’re likely experiencing bufferbloat.
Understanding your results
- Upload (Mbps): Maximum sustained upstream throughput.
- Jitter (ms): Stability of latency; lower is better for calls/streams.
- Latency under load: How much ping increases while uploading; large spikes hurt real‑time apps.
Recommended upload by activity
| Activity | Recommended Upload | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HD video calls (1 stream) | 5–10 Mbps | Lower jitter/ping matters as much as Mbps |
| Multi‑party HD calls | 10–20 Mbps | Headset + stable uplink recommended |
| 1080p livestreaming | 10–20 Mbps | Use CBR; leave 20–30% headroom |
| 4K livestreaming | 25–50+ Mbps | Powerful encoder + strong uplink |
| Cloud backups (regular) | 20–50+ Mbps | Schedule off‑peak; throttle to avoid bufferbloat |
| Large file uploads | 20+ Mbps | Ethernet preferred |
If your upload graph is bursty or drops to zero intermittently, suspect Wi‑Fi interference, router CPU limits, or ISP shaping.
Why upload is often slower than download
- Asymmetrical plans (cable/DSL) allocate less upstream spectrum than downstream.
- Wi‑Fi uplink is more sensitive to interference and device radio limits.
- ISP upstream congestion at local nodes (evenings) can cap real‑world upload.
Fiber connections are typically symmetrical, offering much higher and more stable upload speeds.
Improve your upload speed and stability
- Use Ethernet when possible. On Wi‑Fi, prefer 5/6 GHz, choose a clear channel, and keep line‑of‑sight.
- Enable SQM/QoS on your router to tame bufferbloat; set upload bandwidth to ~85–95% of your measured max.
- Stop background uploads during calls/streams; schedule cloud backups overnight.
- Update router firmware; consider upgrading old routers/modems.
- If plan‑limited, upgrade to a higher upstream tier or switch to fiber if available.
Check latency under load (bufferbloat)
Run a ping test while uploading. If ping increases by >50–100 ms, interactive apps will feel laggy. SQM/QoS (cake/fq_codel) can dramatically improve responsiveness even without changing your ISP plan.
Learn more in Ping Test and our Blog.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Upload slow only on Wi‑Fi? Test on Ethernet to isolate wireless issues.
- Only slow at peak times? Likely congestion—compare off‑peak results.
- VPN active? Disable to test direct path performance.
- Cloud backup running? Pause or throttle it.
- Router CPU high? Reduce concurrent tasks or upgrade hardware.
FAQs
Why are my video calls choppy even with “enough” upload?
High jitter and latency under load can break calls even when Mbps looks fine. Enable SQM/QoS and leave headroom.
Do I need the same upload as download?
Not necessarily. Many use cases are download‑heavy, but creators, remote workers, and smart‑home users benefit from higher upload.
Can my ISP throttle uploads?
Some ISPs shape upstream during congestion. Compare at different times and contact support if off‑peak is fine but peak is consistently poor.