Best Internet Providers in San Francisco (2025)

Sonic leads the pack with blazing-fast fiber speeds up to 10 Gbps, though it’s only available in 27% of the city. AT&T Fiber and Xfinity are your next best bets, offering reliable service with speeds up to 5,000 Mbps and 2,000 Mbps, respectively.

Xfinity boasts the widest coverage at 96.4% of SF, while AT&T Fiber’s symmetrical speeds make it perfect for heavy users. If you’re budget-conscious, check out Starry Internet’s $15/month plan or Monkeybrains’ affordable $35/month options. There’s much more to consider when picking the perfect provider for your neighbourhood.

Key Takeaways

• Sonic leads San Francisco with the fastest residential internet, offering fiber speeds up to 10,000 Mbps in select areas.
• Xfinity provides the widest coverage at 96.4% of San Francisco, with cable plans starting at $24.99 for 75 Mbps.
• AT&T Fiber delivers reliable symmetrical speeds up to 5,000 Mbps with no data caps, starting at $55 monthly.
• Verizon 5G Home Internet offers gigabit speeds to 57% of San Francisco, offering a wireless alternative to cable.
• Low-income residents can access affordable options through Xfinity’s Internet Essentials at $10 monthly or Starry Internet’s $15 gigabit plan.

Internet Service Coverage Map

Four major types of internet service providers cover San Francisco: fiber, cable, wireless, and satellite options.

Fiber providers offer the fastest speeds, with Sonic reaching up to 5,370 Mbps in about 27% of the city. EarthLink and AT&T Fiber cover over half of San Francisco, giving you blazing-fast connections over 4,000 Mbps. AT&T plans are available with prices starting at $55 per month.

Cable providers might be your best bet if you’re looking for widespread coverage. Xfinity dominates here, covering a whopping 96.4% of the city with speeds up to 2 Gbps. That’s like having a data superhighway right to your doorstep!

Verizon’s 5G Home Internet leads the pack with nearly 57% coverage and gigabit speeds for wireless options.

Don’t worry if you’re in a tricky spot – satellite providers like Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink have covered you with 100% availability across San Francisco.

While they’re not as fast as fiber, with speeds ranging from 150 to 220 Mbps, they’ll keep you connected no matter where you’re in the city. Trust me, you won’t be left in the digital dark ages!

Top Providers By Speed

Looking at raw speed capabilities, Sonic leads San Francisco’s internet providers with an impressive 10,000 Mbps fiber connection, followed by AT&T Fiber at 5,000 Mbps. Xfinity holds its own in both fiber and cable categories, offering speeds up to 2,000 Mbps – not too shabby if you’re a heavy internet user! PCMag has recognized Sonic as fastest internet provider in America.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the fastest options you’ll find in SF:

While these blazing-fast speeds might seem like overkill (I mean, who needs 10 gigs?), they’re actually perfect for future-proofing your connection. You’ll appreciate having the extra bandwidth if you’re working from home, gaming online, or streaming in 4K with multiple family members.

Just remember that wireless providers like T-Mobile and Verizon 5G can also deliver impressive speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, which is plenty fast for most households.

Residential Plans and Pricing

I’ve analyzed the top residential plans in San Francisco and am excited to share some wallet-friendly options I’ve discovered. Although availability can be limited, Starry Internet leads the pack with an unbeatable $15 monthly rate for gigabit speeds.

Local companies like Monkeybrains offer symmetrical speeds from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps for just $35 per month.

If you’re looking for widely available services, I recommend checking out Xfinity’s starter plan at $24.99 per month, which offers solid 75 Mbps speeds – perfect for small households.

AT&T’s fiber plans start at $55 monthly for those wanting more muscle and include equipment with no sneaky data caps. If you’re already an AT&T wireless customer, you’ll save 20% on your internet bill.

T-Mobile and Verizon have entered the market with their 5G home internet services, starting at $50 and $45, respectively. While their speeds mightn’t match fiber’s, they’re contract-free and include equipment.

Don’t overlook Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program for budget-conscious families – it provides $10 monthly internet for qualifying low-income households.

Comparing Fiber Vs Cable

Internet speed battles often involve two major contenders: fiber and cable. While both options can serve your needs, they each offer distinct advantages.

Fiber internet is the heavyweight champion when it comes to pure performance. I’m talking symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps, rock-solid reliability, and superior security that’ll make hackers think twice. It’s like having a bulletproof vest for your internet connection – weather, electromagnetic interference, and signal degradation barely stand a chance.

The catch? It’s unavailable everywhere in San Francisco, and installation might make your wallet wince.

Cable internet, meanwhile, is like that reliable friend who’s always around when you need them. It covers 96.4% of San Francisco and starts at a wallet-friendly $30 monthly.

While it can’t match fiber’s blazing symmetrical speeds (maxing out at 2 Gbps), it’ll still handle most of your daily internet needs. Remember that you might notice some slowdown during peak hours, and those upload speeds won’t break any records.

It’s more vulnerable to interference and security issues than its fiber cousin.

Low-Income Internet Programs

According to my research, San Francisco’s low-income internet landscape has shifted dramatically in 2024. While the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has stopped accepting new applications due to depleted federal funding, I’m excited to share that San Francisco’s Fiber to Housing program is filling the gap.

If you live in affordable housing in San Francisco, you might be eligible for free high-speed internet through the FTH program. The program already serves over 14,300 housing units and 1,500 shelter beds and plans to reach 30,000 units by July 2025.

The service isn’t too shabby either – you’ll get speeds between 60 and 120 Mbps, which is plenty for streaming, homework, and video calls.

The city’s committed to maintaining these prices for at least a decade, so you won’t have to worry about sudden rate hikes catching you off guard.

Digital Access By Neighborhood

I’ve analyzed the varying levels of internet access across San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods and found some notable differences in provider availability and speeds.

I’m happy to report that most areas have multiple high-speed options, though some neighborhoods have better coverage than others.

You’ll find an impressive mix of providers in Nob Hill, with XFINITY leading the pack at nearly 100% coverage.

The Richmond and Sunset Districts share similar offerings, with AT&T Fiber and Xfinity providing robust coverage. However, I’ve noticed that the Sunset has a unique advantage with Verizon 5G Home Internet availability.

What’s particularly exciting is that Sonic Fiber offers blazing-fast 10 Gbps speeds in all four neighborhoods – fast enough to download a 4K movie in seconds!

While sometimes overlooked, the Bayview District matches its neighbors regarding provider options.

I’ve found that AT&T Fiber’s 5 Gbps service there is particularly impressive.

One quirky observation: while some residents might be juggling multiple provider options, they’re all racing to deliver faster speeds – it’s like watching a digital version of San Francisco’s cable cars competing uphill!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens to My Internet Service During Power Outages?

Your internet service will likely go down during a power outage, as modems and routers require electricity to work.

Even if you have fiber or cable internet, the network equipment in your neighborhood also requires power.

I’d recommend having a backup plan, like using your phone as a mobile hotspot or investing in a UPS battery backup, which can keep you connected for a few hours.

Can I Install the Internet Equipment Myself to Avoid Installation Fees?

Yes, you can install your internet equipment yourself!

Most providers now offer self-installation kits that include everything you’ll need – your modem, cables, and easy-to-follow instructions.

I’ve found it’s a great way to save money since professional installation fees can be pricey.

You’ll receive a kit in the mail within 3-5 days, and tech support is usually available if you need help during setup.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Get Internet Service Installed?

From my experience and industry knowledge, installation times typically range from a few hours to weeks.

You’re looking at 2-4 hours on installation day for basic residential setups.

However, it could take longer if you need fiber optic or live in a complex building.

Local permits and regulations might stretch that timeline, too.

Can Multiple Providers Share the Same Cables/Infrastructure in My Building?

While providers can share some infrastructure, such as utility poles and conduits, they typically can’t share the actual cables inside your building.

I recommend using different types of services (like cable and fiber) to avoid connectivity conflicts. Think of it like water pipes—you wouldn’t want two companies trying to pump water through the same pipe!

Neutral host arrangements exist for cell towers and some fiber networks, but they’re less common for residential buildings.