diff --git a/src/net.cpp b/src/net.cpp
index 5f9942c9d..de8f8184a 100644
--- a/src/net.cpp
+++ b/src/net.cpp
@@ -1675,8 +1675,8 @@ void CConnman::ThreadOpenConnections()
             if (nANow - addr.nLastTry < 600 && nTries < 30)
                 continue;
 
-            // only consider nodes missing relevant services after 40 failed attempts
-            if ((addr.nServices & nRelevantServices) != nRelevantServices && nTries < 40)
+            // only consider nodes missing relevant services after 40 failed attempts and only if less than half the outbound are up.
+            if ((addr.nServices & nRelevantServices) != nRelevantServices && (nTries < 40 || nOutbound >= (nMaxOutbound >> 1)))
                 continue;
 
             // do not allow non-default ports, unless after 50 invalid addresses selected already