How to Compare Internet Upload Speeds

Learn how to accurately test and compare your internet upload speeds to ensure your connection meets your streaming and remote work requirements.

1. Isolate the connection. Disconnect all secondary devices from your router including smartphones, tablets, and streaming sticks. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to the router's LAN port to bypass Wi-Fi interference.
2. Select a standardized test. Open your browser and navigate to a provider-neutral speed testing site such as Speedtest by Ookla or Fast.com. Ensure you use the same testing platform for both your current connection and any alternative service to maintain parity.
3. Initiate the upload test. Click the Go or Start button to begin the diagnostic. The tool will first measure download, then cycle to upload speed; wait for the upload metric to stabilize before recording the final number in Megabits per second (Mbps).
4. Perform multiple iterations. Run the test at least three times at different intervals, such as morning, mid-day, and evening. Calculate the average of these results to identify any significant fluctuations or service degradation during peak usage hours.
5. Evaluate against service tier. Log into your internet service provider's customer portal or review your latest billing statement to find your advertised upload speed. Compare your tested average against this number to verify if you are receiving the service bandwidth you are paying for.