Best internet providers San Francisco, CA 2025
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San Francisco is a tech-forward city that’s online 24/7. Hundreds of thousands of the city’s residents work from home, stream high-definition TV, play games online, and depend on the internet for various services. Whether you live downtown or in a quiet suburban neighborhood, the importance of high-quality internet cannot be overstated.
I teamed up with the Cybernews research team to review and rank the top internet providers in San Francisco: AT&T, Xfinity, Verizon, HughesNet, and T-Mobile. Each provider offers unique features and perks — from AT&T’s high-end fiber-optic connections to T-Mobile’s adaptable wireless plans.
In this guide, I’ll detail each provider's pros and cons and provide insight into their speed, coverage, and pricing. I’ll also provide tips to help you avoid hidden fees and score the best deals.
Best 5 internet providers in San Francisco – shortlist
- Verizon – great for unlimited data plans
- AT&T – best provider for symmetrical speeds
- Xfinity – ideal for suburban neighborhoods
- HughesNet – best for areas with limited wired options
- T-Mobile – best provider for affordable 5G home plans
What to consider before choosing an internet provider in San Francisco
There are several things to consider when picking an internet provider in San Francisco, like speed, availability, and overall value. Here are some key things to examine before selecting a provider:
- Internet speed. San Francisco’s digital culture demands fast and reliable internet speeds. For example, if you stream in 4K, download multi-gigabyte files, or need smooth video conferencing, choose a provider offering download speeds of at least 200Mbps and 50Mbps upload speed. If you mainly browse the web and check emails, a 100/20Mbps connection will suffice.
- Availability. San Francisco has various types of internet infrastructure, from miles of high-power fiber wiring to 5G towers. Central areas, like SoMa and the Financial District, have access to ultra-fast fiber internet. On the other hand, in areas like Twin Peaks or Bernal Heights, cable or wireless internet may be more dominant. I recommend checking the options available in your neighborhood.
- Data caps. Some providers will slow down your streaming and download speeds if you exceed your data cap. However, most of the providers I review below either don’t have a data cap or have caps that only the heaviest users will exceed. For instance, some providers only cap usage after you consume 1TB. It’s important to note that while providers may not have data caps, your speeds may slow down during peak usage times in your area.
- Customer support. A minor internet outage in a bustling city like San Francisco can feel like a major disruption. Good customer support is essential in such situations, even if you want to ask a simple question. I recommend checking if your preferred internet provider offers 24/7 support and quick response times.
- Cost vs. value. San Francisco is an expensive place to live, but that doesn’t mean your internet plan has to burn through your wallet. The real value is what you get and how it matches your needs. For this reason, it’s not always advisable to go for the most expensive plan. Sometimes, a mid-tier plan is a better choice.
The best internet providers in San Francisco – our complete list
Below, I’ll break down my top five internet providers in San Francisco, highlighting their strengths, technical specifications, advantages, and disadvantages:
1. Verizon – best provider for unlimited plans and early switching benefits
| Connection type: | 5G |
| Max speed: | 1.2Gbps |
| Availability: | 56.9% |
| Price range: | From $25/month, Vix, Netflix, and Max free for the first year |
Verizon only offers 5G home internet on the West Coast. Its wireless plans come with multi-year price guarantees.
Speed and availability. Verizon’s 5G plans offer unlimited data with speeds of up to 1.2Gbps, so it’s great for streaming and gaming. While not as fast as AT&T and Xfinity’s fiber options, it’s suitable for everyday use.
Pricing. Verizon’s 5G plan costs $25/month when bundled with a mobile plan. The $35/month plan (bundled price) gives you better speeds and other perks.
User feedback. Bay Area users seem happy with Verizon’s 5G service. Some say they had to adjust the placement of their router to get better speeds.
2. AT&T – best provider in San Francisco for symmetrical speeds
| Connection type: | Fiber, 5G |
| Max speed: | 5Gbps |
| Availability: | 95.5% fiber, 44.9% 5G |
| Price range: | From $55/month, save 20% every month with eligible AT&T Wireless service |
I chose AT&T as the top internet provider in San Francisco thanks to its expansive fiber network and symmetrical speeds of up to 5Gbps in the city.
Speed and availability. AT&T is one of the fastest providers in the county. With speeds ranging from 300Mbps to 5Gbps, there’s a plan for every demand. Its 5G internet speeds range between 75 and 225Mbps
Pricing. AT&T plans start at $55/month for 300Mbps and go up to 5Gbps for $245/month. There are no contracts, equipment fees, or price hikes — for a year.
User feedback. Users say that AT&T delivers on its promise even in dense areas or underground locations. However, some say that reaching human customer support is difficult.
3. Xfinity – best provider for multi-gig speeds in suburban neighborhoods
| Connection type: | Cable, Fiber |
| Max speed: | 10Gbps |
| Availability: | 97% |
| Price range: | From $19.99/month, $200 gift card for new customers on high-tier plans |
Xfinity (Comcast) offers value-packed cable plans and has the fastest fiber plans in the country. It’s a strong choice for tech-savvy households.
Speed and availability. Xfinity provides some of the fastest internet speeds in the US, ranging from 300Mbps to 10Gbps in select areas. Its fiber network covers most of San Francisco.
Pricing. Xfinity’s plans start at a low $19.99/month for cable speeds of 75Mbps (contract required), and prices go up to $300 for the 10Gbps fiber plan. The 6Gbps plan is much more widespread than the 10Gbps offer.
User feedback. User feedback was mixed. Many cited billing issues and significant price hikes as this provider’s biggest drawbacks.
4. HughesNet – best provider for remote areas in San Francisco
| Connection type: | Satellite |
| Max speed: | 100Mbps |
| Availability: | 100% |
| Price range: | From $49.99/month, $100 prepaid Mastercard via rebate |
HughesNet is a satellite-only internet service that covers the entire US. It’s best suited for very light internet usage.
Speed and availability. HughesNet's highest-tier plan offers speeds up to 100Mbps. However, latency and weather can impact its performance. The highest-tier plan combines satellite and wireless technologies to improve response times for gaming and video calls.
Pricing. HughesNet’s satellite internet plans start at $49.99/month and climb to $94.99/month for its low-latency plan. A two-year contract is required, and there’s a $400 early termination fee if you cancel within the first 90 days.
User feedback. Users generally regard HughesNet as a good provider when there are no other options. However, many reported inconsistent customer service and frequent speed throttling.
5. T-Mobile – best internet provider for 5G home plans in San Francisco
| Connection type: | 5G |
| Max speed: | 245Mbps |
| Availability: | 36.1% |
| Price range: | From $35/month, free Amazon Fire TV |
Like Verizon's, T-Mobile’s 5G home package is easy to set up, but it’s slower. With that said, T-Mobile’s promotional deals are superior, including a free Amazon Fire TV, a $150 virtual prepaid Mastercard, or a free Blink security package.
Speed and availability. T-Mobile’s speeds typically range from 72Mbps to 245Mbps, depending on signal strength. Although its availability is around 36.1%, central city areas near a 5G tower might see speeds over 400Mbps on its top plan.
Pricing. T-Mobile’s plans start from $35/month with a mobile plan. Its highest-tier plan costs $55/month and includes perks like Paramount+ and Hulu.
User feedback: Bay Area users like that T-Mobile has no hidden fees. However, some said they reverted to previous providers after experiencing slower speeds than expected.
Comparison of the best internet providers in San Francisco
I’ve extracted key information about all the San Francisco internet providers above and put them in this easy-to-digest table to allow you to compare them at a glance:
| Provider | Max speed | Connection type | Starting price | Data caps |
| Verizon | 1.2Gbps | 5G | $25/month | No |
| AT&T | 5Gbps | Fiber, 5G | $55/month | No |
| Xfinity | 10Gbps | Cable, Fiber | $19.99/month | No |
| HughesNet | 100Mbps | Satellite | $49.99/month | Yes (throttling after Priority Data is used up) |
| T-Mobile | 245Mbps | 5G | $35/month | No |
How we tested and ranked these internet providers
Below, I’ll break down how we evaluated the best internet providers for San Francisco to give you a clear understanding of how we created our top list. The key categories we assessed are performance, value, and reliability.
Speed and reliability. Internet speed can make or break your streaming, gaming, remote work, or content creation experience. So, we examined real-world performance data, customer feedback, and independent reports to confirm whether providers deliver the promised speeds. San Francisco’s infrastructure creates unique challenges, so we focused on reliability as much as speed. The providers we chose perform well in the dense urban areas and quiet corners of the city.
Pricing. Paying a fair price for the internet is possible, especially when discounts and promotions are involved. We reviewed official provider plans and limited-time promotions online, including the fine print on fees, promotions, contracts, and price changes. We factored in costs over time and looked for plans with no hidden fees or annual commitments.
Customer support. Responsive support makes your experience so much better. Therefore, we assessed each provider's customer support options and service quality using real-world user feedback. We sought to find legitimate reviews from individuals who used these internet providers.
Coverage and availability. It’s important to understand that not all internet plans offer the same coverage. We examined official coverage maps to determine each provider’s reach in San Francisco and their performance in other parts of California.
How to find internet deals and promotions in San Francisco?
Finding the best internet deals and promotions in San Francisco can be tricky, but I’ll share some valuable tips to guide you. Generally, it’s best to start by exploring the official websites of major providers such as AT&T, Xfinity, and Verizon.
Providers frequently update their discounts and limited-time offers. If you’re moving to a new neighborhood, visit the provider’s website and enter your address to check for coverage and newcomer deals.
You can also sign up for the providers’ newsletter to get information about deals before it goes public. Timing is key when hunting for the best prices. There are usually unique discounts during holidays or major events.
Bundling is a great way to save money. Pairing your internet and TV or mobile plan can reduce prices by tens of dollars per month while also giving you free streaming subscriptions or free hardware.
Also, don't hesitate to negotiate if you’re already a customer. Providers don’t want to lose loyal customers, so feel free to inform them about better rates from competitors or ask questions about your subscription.
What is the cheapest internet provider in San Francisco?
Currently, the most affordable internet provider in San Francisco is Xfinity, with its promotional $19.99/month plan. This plan offers download speeds of up to 75Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5Mbps. The price usually rises after one year and may require a 12-month contract.
For an even cheaper deal, and if you’re eligible for income-based programs, Xfinity Internet Essentials can cost as little as $10/month. These plans offer up to 50Mbps download and 5Mbps upload speeds, and the price does not rise. However, you must meet a public assistance program criteria to qualify for assistance plans.
For a little more per month, Verizon’s regular $25/month 5G plan comes with perks and benefits that low-income programs don’t have. With Verizon’s plan, you can enjoy speeds of more than 300Mbps, but it's only accessible in a mobile bundle.
What is the fastest internet provider in San Francisco?
The fastest internet providers in San Francisco include Xfinity, AT&T, and Sonic. However, Sonic’s fiber internet plan is the service that gets the most praise from users. Sonic offers only one 10Gbps fiber plan in select Bay Area locations. It is nearly 40 times faster than the national median fixed broadband speed.
The plan has no data caps or contracts and costs a fixed rate of $50/month if you use your own router or rent one from Sonic at $20/month. Sonic is far more affordable than competitors like Xfinity and AT&T, which charge up to three times more.
Sonic's 10Gbps plan has symmetrical download and upload speeds, making it a powerhouse for 4K (even 8K) streaming, competitive online gaming, and multi-gig file uploads. If it’s available in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to opt for Sonic. Users have
A final word on the best internet providers in San Francisco
Choosing the best internet provider in San Francisco depends entirely on your location and needs. However, AT&T is my top pick, thanks to its symmetrical speeds (up to 5Gbps), extensive coverage in San Francisco, and no data caps or contracts.
AT&T is a reliable option for most households. It’s more than satisfactory for gamers, remote workers, and streamers. It also offers a good balance of perks and benefits.
If you need a practical and cheap option, Xfinity’s budget-friendly plans start at $19.99/month but note that prices rise after the first year. I recommend you opt for its mid-tier plan.
Sonic's 10Gbps plan offers the fastest available speeds in select Bay Area locations, and its price is unbeatable at just $50/month. Meanwhile, don’t overlook T-Mobile and Verizon’s 5G home internet, which provides flexibility and simplicity for renters or lighter users.
I highly recommend that you check the availability of your desired plan in your neighborhood. This way, you can see which option best suits your needs.
FAQ
What is the most reliable internet provider in San Francisco?
AT&T is the most reliable provider in San Francisco. It boasts over 95% coverage for fiber connections and about 45% for its 5G home plans. AT&T focuses on reliability with its high-speed, symmetrical fiber and 5G plans. Users say it delivers even in hard-to-reach areas.
Are there any fiber internet providers in San Francisco?
Yes, there are several fiber internet options in San Francisco. They all offer equally fast download and upload speeds. For instance, you can choose from AT&T Fiber, Sonic, and Xfinity. With AT&T, you can get up to 5Gbps, while Xfinity and Sonic’s top plans reach up to 10Gbps.
Which internet provider offers the best customer service?
Sonic stands out among the internet providers available in San Francisco for its customer service, according to user reviews. Many said they could easily reach human engineers to talk about any issues. Besides Sonic, AT&T and Verizon are also long-standing, reliable providers that know how to deal with customers.
Can I get no-contract internet plans in San Francisco?
Yes, you can get no-contract internet plans in San Francisco. Most providers in this article — except HughesNet — offer month-to-month billing with no long-term commitments. No-contract plans are great for renters or those who want the freedom to switch providers. For instance, Verizon offers up to $500 to help cover early termination fees when switching to its service.
Which provider offers the best value for high-speed plans?
By far, Sonic offers the best value for high-speed plans in San Francisco. This provider provides 10Gbps speeds for $50/month. This plan is significantly cheaper than any other high-speed fiber provider in San Francisco, and users consistently praise the service.
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