Best Internet Providers in San Francisco, California for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in San Francisco, CA
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 336.61 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 250.83 | Mbps |
| Latency | 11 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 324.95 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 248.75 | Mbps |
| Latency | 10 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 265.48 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 39.34 | Mbps |
| Latency | 22 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in San Francisco, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
Living in San Francisco means navigating its famous hills, microclimates, and sometimes unpredictable internet service. While the city’s reputation as a global tech hub suggests cutting-edge connectivity, locals know the experience can vary block by block. Fiber coverage has expanded across much of the city, but some older buildings and dense neighborhoods still depend on cable or fixed wireless connections.
Whether you’re streaming a movie in the Sunset, running a startup in SoMa, or working remotely from the Mission, fast, reliable internet is essential. But who provides the fastest download speeds in SF? According to Speedtest data collected between July and December 2025, AT&T Fiber leads in the city with median download speeds of 336.61 Mbps, followed closely by Sonic at 324.95 Mbps. Across the city, the typical household experiences a median download speed of 284.16 Mbps, enough to handle streaming, gaming, and remote work on multiple devices.
When choosing a plan, think about how your household actually uses the internet. For most households of three to four people watching a moderate amount of streaming video and performing simpler work-from-home tasks such as emailing, Slack, Zoom, etc., a 300 to 500 Mbps plan is more than enough. But for creators, tech professionals, or large households, gigabit speeds and strong upload performance make a noticeable difference.
How to Pick the Right Internet Provider in San Francisco
Here are some practical tips:
Check Your Address
Many ISPs tout citywide coverage, but the reality is more complicated (like if your building isn’t wired for fiber). Use provider lookup tools or Speedtest’s zip code breakdowns to verify.
Consider More Than Speed
Reliability, customer support, and data caps matter just as much. Many fiber plans, for example, include unlimited data and no equipment rental fees. Watch out for plans that include data caps and extra charges.
Think About Uploads
If you send large files, stream on Twitch, or make frequent video calls, symmetrical upload/download speeds (only offered by fiber) are a game-changer.
Match a Plan to Your Needs
Don’t pay for 1 gigabit if you’re just browsing or streaming a few hours a night. On the flip side, don’t skimp if you’re running a business from home.
Read the Fine Print
Promo rates often expire after 12 months. Check for hidden fees, contracts, or equipment rentals that inflate the total cost.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in San Francisco, CA
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, San Francisco reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 284.16 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 59.11 Mbps |
| Median latency | 10 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | AT&T Fiber (336.61 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISP | Xfinity and AT&T (both 96% coverage) |
ISP Speeds in San Francisco
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- AT&T Fiber: San Francisco’s fastest provider with 96% coverage. Downloads of 336.61 Mbps, uploads of 250.83 Mbps, and latency around 11 ms. Residents in newer or renovated buildings are most likely to have fiber access.
- Sonic: Local fiber provider with 43% coverage. Downloads of 324.95 Mbps, uploads of 248.75 Mbps, and latency around 10 ms. Known for customer service and transparency, with coverage strongest in the Mission, Richmond, and Inner Sunset neighborhoods.
- Xfinity: The most widely available cable provider with 96% coverage. Downloads of 265.48 Mbps, uploads of 39.34 Mbps, and latency around 22 ms. Sufficient for most families and shared apartments, though upload speeds lag behind fiber.
- Spectrum: Cable service covering 33% of the city. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
- Unwired Ltd: Fixed wireless covering 79% of the city. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available, but it offers flexible wireless plans without physical line installation.
- Etheric Networks: Fixed wireless covering 61% of the city. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available. A practical alternative for hillside homes or buildings without wired infrastructure.
- Verizon 5G Home Internet: Covers 57% of San Francisco. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Covers 36% of the city. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
San Francisco Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
California
Home Internet in San Francisco
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in San Francisco is $44.57 per month, based on entry-level plans from major providers including Xfinity ($40), Spectrum ($30), AT&T Fiber ($34), Sonic ($49.99), and Verizon 5G Home Internet ($35). While some fiber options deliver impressive performance, monthly rates can rise quickly with speed upgrades or bundled packages.
Top Internet Providers in San Francisco
AT&T Fiber
- Type: Fiber, IPBB, 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 5,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Households needing high upload speeds for work or creative projects
- Availability: 96%
- Price range: $34–$255/month
AT&T Fiber is widely available throughout San Francisco and delivers the city’s fastest upload and download speeds, with a real-world median of 336.61 Mbps down and 250.83 Mbps up. Residents in newer or renovated buildings are most likely to have fiber access, while others may rely on AT&T’s slower IPBB service.
Sonic
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 10,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Users who want local service and top performance
- Availability: 43%
- Price range: $49.99–$69.99/month
Locally based Sonic is known for customer service and transparency. It posts a median download speed of 324.95 Mbps and uploads of 248.75 Mbps, with advertised symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps in certain areas. Coverage is strongest in the Mission, Richmond, and Inner Sunset neighborhoods, but availability can vary block to block.
Xfinity
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 200 Mbps upload
- Best for: Households prioritizing affordability and reliability
- Availability: 96%
- Price range: $40–$70/month
Xfinity covers nearly all of San Francisco and offers plans starting at $40 per month. Real-world speeds average 265.48 Mbps down and 39.34 Mbps up, sufficient for most families and shared apartments. Upload speeds lag behind fiber, but Xfinity remains a dependable, citywide option.
Spectrum
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 35 Mbps upload
- Best for: Budget-conscious households in covered areas
- Availability: 33%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Spectrum covers about a third of San Francisco with cable service at competitive entry-level pricing. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market.
Unwired Ltd
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 300 Mbps download / 25 Mbps upload
- Best for: Residents in coverage gaps or rentals
- Availability: 79%
- Price range: $55–$175/month
Unwired Ltd covers large portions of the Bay Area, including much of San Francisco, offering flexible wireless plans that don’t require physical line installation.
Etheric Networks
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps
- Best for: Homes without access to wired internet
- Availability: 61%
- Price range: Contact provider for pricing
Etheric Networks uses fixed wireless to reach parts of the city where cable or fiber may not be feasible. It’s a practical alternative for hillside homes or smaller multi-unit buildings without wired infrastructure.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps download / 75 Mbps upload
- Best for: Renters who want plug-and-play service
- Availability: 57%
- Price range: $35–$75/month
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet provides fast speeds where its signal is strongest, particularly in lower-density areas. Performance can fluctuate depending on network congestion and building density.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download / 56 Mbps upload
- Best for: Smaller households seeking simple setup
- Availability: 36%
- Price range: $50–$70/month
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet is a strong option for renters or those without access to fiber or cable. Plans are contract-free and include equipment, though speeds can vary based on location.
Satellite Internet Options in San Francisco
Most San Francisco households won’t need satellite internet due to strong wired and wireless coverage. But for residents in areas underserved by terrestrial providers, satellite may fill the gap.
- Starlink: Max speeds up to 350 Mbps / 35 Mbps; $59–$165/month
- Viasat: Max speeds up to 150 Mbps / 3 Mbps; $69.99–$119.99/month
- Hughesnet: Max speeds up to 100 Mbps / 5 Mbps; $39.99–$119.99/month
FAQs
Who has the fastest internet in San Francisco?
AT&T Fiber offers the highest median speeds in the city at 336.61 Mbps download, according to Speedtest user data. Sonic is a close second at 324.95 Mbps.
Who offers the cheapest internet plans in San Francisco?
At the time of this writing, Spectrum starts at $30 per month, offering the lowest entry-level pricing in the city. AT&T starts at $34 and Xfinity at $40. Note that introductory prices often increase after the first year of service.
Is fiber internet available in San Francisco?
Both AT&T Fiber and Sonic provide fiber service across the city, though building access may vary.
Are wireless options available?
Several fixed wireless and 5G providers, including Etheric Networks, Unwired Ltd, Verizon, and T-Mobile, serve large parts of San Francisco.
Where can I find free public Wi-Fi in San Francisco?
Free Wi-Fi is available via SFWiFi, the city’s public network. Access is available along Market Street, from Embarcadero Plaza to Castro Street, and in over 35 parks and recreation centers across the city.
Speedtest TL;DR
San Francisco residents benefit from widespread access to fiber, cable, and 5G home internet. AT&T Fiber and Sonic top the charts for performance, while both AT&T and Xfinity retain the largest footprints across the city. Wireless options from Etheric, Unwired Ltd, Verizon, and T-Mobile provide added flexibility for renters and homes outside wired coverage zones. San Francisco’s connectivity is strong, though still not as seamless across the city as its tech reputation might suggest.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.