Good upload speed for working from home
For one person on video calls, an upload speed of about 10 Mbps is a comfortable target. Add more for each person who works at the same time and for large file syncing, and leave room for dips.
- One HD video call commonly uses only about 1 to 4 Mbps of upload.
- Add up everything that uploads at once, then add about 25 to 50 percent headroom.
- Test while a call is running, because an idle speed check can hide the problem.
The short answer: upload targets by work setup
Download speed gets the attention, but video calls, screen sharing and file uploads all depend on upload. The targets below are typical ranges that include some headroom. Your own numbers may differ.
| Work setup | Typical upload target |
|---|---|
| One person, video calls only | About 5 to 10 Mbps |
| One person, calls, screen sharing and cloud file syncing | About 10 to 20 Mbps |
| Two people working at the same time | About 20 to 35 Mbps |
| Three or more people, or heavy uploads such as large video files | Often 35 Mbps or more |
A federal benchmark adopted in 2024 describes broadband as 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up. That is a policy definition, not a work-from-home requirement, and the figure can change. Use it as a rough reference only.
Why one video call uses less than you think
One HD video call commonly uses about 1 to 4 Mbps of upload. The exact amount depends on the call service and the quality setting. In a group call, you only send your own video and audio, so a big meeting doesn't multiply your upload.
Screen sharing can add a little more, especially if you share moving video. Cloud syncing and backups are the real upload hogs. They will take whatever speed is unused, which can starve your call.
How to add up uploads when several people share your connection
Count what could run at the same moment, not what runs on average. Then add headroom, because real speeds dip.
- List each person on a video call and give each about 3 Mbps.
- Add about 3 Mbps for anyone sharing a screen.
- Add about 5 to 10 Mbps for any file sync, backup or large upload you can't pause.
- Add the upload from other uses, such as a game console updating or a camera that sends video to the cloud.
- Raise the total by about 25 to 50 percent for headroom.
For example, two people on calls (about 6 Mbps), one screen share (about 3 Mbps) and one sync (about 10 Mbps) comes to about 19 Mbps. With headroom, a target of roughly 24 to 29 Mbps makes sense. You can read more about the wider setup in our guide to internet for working from home.
Why your plan's upload speed may not match what you get
Advertised upload speeds are usually maximums, not promised rates. Many plans give much less upload than download. Plans with equal upload and download speeds aren't offered at every address.
Several things can pull your real upload below the number on your plan:
- Weak Wi-Fi between your device and the router
- Busy hours when many neighbors share the same line
- An old modem or router
- Background uploads you forgot about
Before you judge your plan, ask your provider:
- What is the typical upload speed on this plan, as shown on its broadband label?
- Is the upload speed shared with other customers on my line?
- Are there plans with higher upload at my address?
- Is there any data cap or slowdown after heavy use?
How to test upload speed while you're on a call
An idle speed check shows how your line performs when nothing else is running. A call shows what happens under load. Use a wired connection for one test and Wi-Fi for another, so you can tell the two problems apart.
- Start a normal video call with your usual camera and sharing settings.
- Have others in the home do what they usually do at that hour.
- Open the call's network or quality panel, if it has one, and watch for dropped video or rising delay.
- Run a speed test for a short time, ideally near the end of the call, and note the upload result.
- Repeat at different times of day and write down the results.
Our speed test guide covers the basics. If calls stutter even when upload looks fine, the cause may be delay or jitter. See latency, ping and jitter explained.
What to do if your upload speed is too low
- Pause cloud syncing and backups during work hours, or schedule them for the night.
- Lower the video quality setting in your call service.
- Connect your work computer to the router with a cable.
- Restart your modem and router, and ask your provider whether your equipment is current.
- Check your router for settings that give priority to calls over other traffic.
- Ask your provider about higher upload tiers or other connection types at your address, and compare the answers with what other providers say they offer at your ZIP code.
If your results stay far below your plan's typical speed, keep your test notes. They give your provider something specific to check.
Common questions
How much upload speed do I need for video calls?
One HD video call commonly uses about 1 to 4 Mbps of upload, depending on the call service and quality setting. A target of about 5 to 10 Mbps leaves room for screen sharing and small dips.
Is 10 Mbps upload enough for working from home?
For one person on video calls, often yes. It gets tight if large files sync during calls or someone else at home is uploading too.
Is 20 Mbps upload good enough for two people working from home?
It's often enough for two people on calls with screen sharing. If both of you sync large files at the same time, you may want more or you may need to schedule those uploads.
Why does my video stall on calls when my download speed is fast?
Video calls depend on upload, delay and a steady connection, not just download. A low upload speed, busy Wi-Fi or background uploads can make your video stutter even when downloads test fast.