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Top internet providers in San Francisco, CA

Kara McGinley   Paste BN

San Francisco is a tech hub and a major city. San Fran residents rely heavily on fast internet and Wi-Fi. The good news is that Bay Area locals have a variety of choices when it comes to home internet service.

For high-speed connections, the fiber options in San Francisco are among the best internet options available, and with reliable cable and 5G internet providers like Xfinity and T-Mobile, there’s a plan for every need.

Picking the right provider depends on factors like price, speed and availability.

Here is a guide to the top internet providers in San Francisco, how to compare them and what to consider before signing up.

How do you choose an internet service provider in San Francisco?

Selecting an internet provider can feel confusing. Here are the key factors to consider:

  • Availability: Not all providers are available in every neighborhood. Check coverage maps before deciding.
  • Speed: Think about how many people and devices will use the internet at home. More users mean you may need faster internet speeds.
  • Price: Monthly rates and fees can vary. Watch for promotional rates that may increase after a certain period.
  • Contract terms: Some providers require long-term contracts, while others offer month-to-month service.
  • Customer service: Look into reviews and support options in case you need help with your service.

Who are the top internet service providers in San Francisco?

Several companies offer internet service in San Francisco. Here is a look at the main options:

  • Xfinity: Known for wide cable coverage and reliable speeds in most neighborhoods.
  • AT&T: Offers one 5G plan and fast speeds on fiber plans.
  • Verizon 5G: Provides home internet using 5G wireless technology.
  • T-Mobile: Also delivers home internet over its 5G wireless network.
  • Sonic: Popular for fiber service, especially in select San Francisco zip codes.
  • Astound Broadband: Offers cable and fiber, with flexible plans and no contracts.

San Francisco internet provider comparison

Here is a breakdown of the main internet providers, including plan details and pricing.

Xfinity

Xfinity covers most of San Francisco with cable internet and offers a range of speed options. It is known for promotional pricing and bundled services. Modem rental may cost extra, and some data caps may apply.

Here's a quick look at some Xfinity plans in San Francisco.

  • Xfinity 300: Starts at $40 a month for download speeds of 300 Mbps*, unlimited data and an unlimited Xfinity mobile line for one year.
  • Xfinity 500: Starts at $45 a month for download speeds of 500 Mbps*, unlimited data and an unlimited Xfinity mobile line for one year.
  • Xfinity 1 Gig: Starts at $50 a month for download speeds of 1,000 Mbps*, unlimited data and an unlimited Xfinity mobile line for one year.
  • Xfinity 2 Gig: Starts at $70 a month for download speeds of 2,000 Mbps*, unlimited data and an unlimited Xfinity mobile line for one year.

Read our full Xfinity home internet review

*Prices based on ZIP code 94110. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

AT&T

AT&T offers 5G and fiber plans in select areas of San Francisco. Fiber plans offer higher speeds for homes with heavy internet use. There is no annual contract and equipment is included in the monthly price.

Here's a quick look at some AT&T plans in San Francisco.

  • AT&T Internet Air: $60 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 90-300/8-30 Mbps (5G).
  • AT&T Internet 300: $55 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 300 Mbps (fiber).
  • AT&T Internet 500: $65 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 500 Mbps (fiber).
  • AT&T Internet 1 Gig: $80 per month for download and upload speeds of up to up to 1,000 Mbps (fiber).
  • AT&T Internet 2 Gig: $110 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps (fiber)

Read our full AT&T home internet review

Disclaimer: *Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. See offer details below. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. In no case does AT&T guarantee particular minimum speeds for AT&T Internet Air services.

Verizon 5G

Verizon 5G Home Internet uses wireless technology and is available in select parts of San Francisco. There are no annual contracts.

Here are some Verizon 5G plans that may be available in San Francisco.

  • Verizon 5G Home: Starting at $50* a month for download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, with unlimited data and 1080p HD video streaming included.
  • Verizon 5G Home Plus: Starting at $60* a month for download speeds of up to 500 Mbps, with unlimited premium data and 1080p HD video streaming included.
  • Verizon 5G Home Ultimate: Starting at $75* a month for download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, unlimited premium data, Ultra HD 4K streaming, Whole-Home Wi-Fi** (one Wi-Fi Extender) and a free router upgrade after three years included.

Read our full Verizon 5G review

*For new and existing myHome customers. Available on 5G Ultra Wideband high-band or mmWave spectrum. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges. Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices vary by location and are subject to change. Actual speeds may vary. 5G Home Internet plans vary depending on address/location, equipment, network connection, and external factors affecting cellular networks.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile Home Internet uses its 5G network. Its plans require no contract or equipment fees.

Here are some T-Mobile internet plans that may be available in San Francisco.

  • T-Mobile Rely Home Internet: Starting at $50* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, a 5-year price guarantee and 5G gateway.
  • T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet: Starting at $60* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, 5-year price guarantee, high-performance 5G gateway, cyber security and 24/7 live interactive assistance.
  • T-Mobile All-In Home Internet: Starting at $70* a month for download speeds of 133 – 415 Mbps (5G) and upload speeds of 12 – 55 Mbps (5G). Includes unlimited data, 5-year price guarantee, high-performance 5G gateway, cyber security, 24/7 live interactive assistance, Wi-Fi Mesh Access Point, Hulu (with ads) and Paramount+ Essential plan.

Read our full T-Mobile 5G home internet review

*Plans and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.

Sonic

Sonic offers high-speed fiber internet plans in select areas of San Francisco. Fiber plans are great for high-internet usage and households with over 20+ connected devices. Sonic plans are no-contract and include unlimited data.

  • Sonic Standard Fiber: Start at $49.99 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps.
  • Sonic Fusion Fiber: Start at $59.99 per month for download and upload speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps. Price includes one bundled phone line.

Read our full Sonic home internet review

*Actual speeds vary. Prices subject to change. Promotional prices shown. Prices and plans based on ZIP code 94112. Actual download and upload speeds vary.

Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband has competitive prices and offers internet for homes across San Francisco. Prices may go up after one to three years, but no contract is required. You can save on internet if you bundle with an Astound mobile plan.

  • Internet 300: $30 per month for download speeds of 300 Mbps.
  • Internet 1,000: $65 per month for download speeds of 1,000 Mbps.
  • Internet 1,500: $85 per month for download speeds of 1,500 Mbps.

Read our full Astound internet review

*Prices based on ZIP code 94112. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

Which internet providers offer the cheapest internet in San Francisco?

Astound and Xfinity offer cheap internet in San Francisco. Here are the cheapest internet providers in our San Francisco guide. This is based on starting prices for the lowest-tier plans:

  • Astound Broadband: $30 per month for download speeds of 300 Mbps.
  • Xfinity: $40 per month for download speeds up to 300 Mbps.
  • Sonic: $49.99 per month for download speeds up to 10,000 Mbps.
  • Verizon 5G: $50 per month for download speeds up to 300 Mbps.
  • T-Mobile: $50 per month for download speeds up to 415 Mbps.
  • AT&T: $55 per month for download speeds up to 300 Mbps.

Keep in mind that introductory prices may change after the first year. Check for additional fees or equipment costs. Some providers are more expensive for the same plan tier level based on the internet connection type. For example, AT&T's 300 Mbps plan is more expensive than Xfinity's, but it is likely faster than Xfinity's plan because it is a fiber connection compared to cable.

Disclaimer: Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

What types of internet are available in San Francisco?

San Francisco residents can choose from several types of connections:

  • Cable: Uses coaxial cables, usually fast and widely available.
  • Fiber: Uses fiber-optic cables for high speeds and reliability. Symmetrical download and upload speeds.
  • DSL: Runs over telephone lines, often slower and less common.
  • 5G wireless: Uses cellular networks for home internet.

What are the fastest internet options in San Francisco?

Download and upload speeds can vary by provider and location. Here is how providers rank in San Francisco by top download speed:

  • Sonic: Up to 10 Gbps (fiber, limited areas)
  • AT&T: Up to 5 Gbps (fiber)
  • Xfinity: Up to 1,200 Mbps (cable)
  • Astound Broadband: Up to 940 Mbps (cable/fiber)
  • Verizon 5G: Up to 1,000 Mbps (5G wireless)
  • T-Mobile: Up to 415 Mbps (5G wireless)

Download speeds affect how quickly you can stream, download files or use video calls. Faster speeds support more users and devices at the same time.

Disclaimer: May or may not be available based on service address. Actual speeds may vary.

Are there any special programs for affordable internet in San Francisco?

Several providers offer programs or discounts for eligible households. Residents can check provider websites for details on eligibility and how to apply.

  • Xfinity: Internet Essentials program for qualifying low-income families at $14.95 per month.
  • AT&T: Access program with plans starting at $30 per month for qualifying households.
  • Astound Broadband: Offers Internet First plan for eligible customers at $9.95 per month.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect

This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.

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