published: 25th July 2022 updated: 16th June 2026
You might have noticed when buying broadband that typically only one number is advertised – the download speed. If you only pay attention to the download speed, you’re missing half of your connection which could have serious consequences for your overall digital experience, particularly if you opt for a provider that has significantly lower upload speeds than the advertised download speed! Naturally, this might lead you to question if upload speed is important if it’s not advertised.
If you’ve ever experienced lag on an important video call, or your game freezing in the middle of an important 1v1 battle, then you need better upload speed.
We’ll run through what upload speed is, if it’s important and some tips to improve your upload speed if it’s causing issues for you.
is upload speed important?
Yes, without a doubt, upload speed is definitely important for a smooth online experience. When you’re using the internet, chances are you’re not just downloading things; you’re also uploading data or sending requests from your device. That’s why it’s important to consider the upload speed your internet provider offers as it plays a big role in how seamless everything feels.
who is upload speed important for?
home workers
Lumbar support chair? Check. Ergonomic keyboard. Check. Reliable broadband connection? Maybe not… And if that’s the case, it might be time to check your upload speed!
When we think of a productive remote working setup, we often forget to consider the internet connection which is the most essential part of it, whether it’s screen sharing, video calling or uploading to cloud servers.
Upload speed ensures you don’t freeze mid-sentence on a video call or that your files upload quickly to the cloud – particularly important if multiple colleagues are working from the same document in real time.
For the best experience working from home, consider a wired broadband connection direct from your router if possible.
content creators
After hours of filming and editing, hitting “publish” on your content should feel like the easy part but it can quickly become the most frustrating step if your upload speed isn’t up to scratch.
Whether you’re a professional YouTuber, an aspiring TikToker, photographer, or someone who loves sharing high-quality photos and videos, download speed usually isn’t the issue here – it’s all in the upload speed. On a slow upload connection, you could be waiting hours to get a single HD video online. With a faster upload speed, that same file can be live in minutes or even seconds!
It’s not just about posting finished content either. It’s likely you’re also working with heavy raw footage which means chances are you’re relying on cloud storage too. Waiting around for files to sync or upload – or even failing because of network congestion – can really show down your workflow.
For those content creators live streaming on Twitch or YouTube, upload speed matters even more so you have peace of mind knowing that your stream isn’t going to lag or dropout, keeping your audience engaged in real time. Upload speed is especially important if you’re online gaming and live streaming at the same time! That’s a lot of pressure on your download and upload speed! An unwatchable experience won’t grow your audience.
Don’t let upload speed stall your productivity.
power users
If a high-tech smart home ecosystem is your pride and joy, or you have an exceptionally busy household with lots of gadgets, your broadband is operating in an ‘always-on’ reality. It’s working around the clock to ensure security cameras and smart devices are doing what they’re programmed to do at the time you expect them to at all hours of the day. Unlike gaming or home working, which are intentional activities, your power user home could be experiencing a ‘bottleneck’ that means your devices aren’t performing the way they should be.
A great example is an interactive doorbell. If there’s a noticeable delay between the video feed and your audio conversation, it’s a clear sign your broadband is struggling to keep up with the demands on your upload speed.
Without a good upload speed, you might find that it’s much more hassle to seamlessly interact with your devices.
how to improve your upload speed?
wired connection
If you’re looking to improve your upload speed, consider hardwiring your console or desktop to your router using an ethernet cable. This is the absolute best way to ensure you’re getting the fastest download and upload speeds.
upgrade your broadband service
Choosing a broadband provider that can handle faster speeds will mean you can enjoy a faster upload speed. And if you’re ready to switch, it’s time to consider upgrading to a full-fibre connection. Full-fibre broadband utilises light signals to send and receive data faster and more reliably.
The best way to improve your upload speed is to opt for an internet provider that offers symmetrical broadband speeds so that you get the same upload and download speeds. This is only available on full-fibre networks like toob’s. This is the best solution to improve your upload speed as it also future proofs your home demand to keep up with the growing number of devices throughout your house.
If this article has helped you realise just how important upload speed is, it might be time to tackle your upload speed headache. Remember: when choosing your broadband make sure to specifically check download and upload speeds, rather than just the advertised speed. Or, opt for a symmetrical speed broadband provider like us – toob!
If you want simple, transparent broadband, check out our latest home broadband deals.
