Best Internet Providers in San Francisco, California for 2025

Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in San Francisco, CA

Real-world Speedtest results

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.

AT&T Fiber
Real-world Speedtest results

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.

Download327.23Mbps
Upload271.24Mbps
Latency10ms
Sonic
Real-world Speedtest results

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.

Download301.55Mbps
Upload230.26Mbps
Latency10ms
XFINITY
Real-world Speedtest results

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.

Download232.55Mbps
Upload23.47Mbps
Latency22ms
Viasat Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

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
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

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
EarthLink 5G Home Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

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
Hughesnet
Real-world Speedtest results

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
Etheric Networks
Real-world Speedtest results

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
San Bruno Municipal Cable TV
Real-world Speedtest results

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
Astound Broadband Powered by Wave
Real-world Speedtest results

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
Unwired Ltd
Real-world Speedtest results

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
Starlink
Real-world Speedtest results

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
Verizon
Real-world Speedtest results

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.).

At Speedtest, we take pride in delivering precise and reliable data essential for our ISP recommendations. This data is gathered from countless individuals across the globe who participate in a Speedtest, ensuring our insights into ISP performance are dependable and up-to-date. Thus, we provide a transparent, impartial perspective of ISP performance.

Three key metrics to consider when evaluating an ISP’s performance are download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is crucial for tasks such as streaming and downloading content, affecting how quickly data can be transferred to your device. Upload speed is vital for uploading content and participating in online interactions, indicating how fast data is sent from your device to the internet. Latency, or ping, plays a pivotal role in online gaming and video conferencing, impacting the responsiveness of your connection.

Armed with a thorough understanding of an ISP’s capabilities, you're better positioned to make a well-informed selection based on your particular internet usage needs. ISP technology significantly influences the quality of your internet experience. Technological mediums like fiber optics are known for their superior speeds, ideally suited for intensive online tasks. Cable internet, more commonly available, tends to offer satisfactory download speeds, though upload speeds may not be as high. DSL (digital subscriber line) offers balanced speeds adequate for elementary browsing and streaming activities. Conversely, satellite internet, sometimes the sole choice in remote areas, usually exhibits higher latency and reduced speeds.

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

In San Francisco, California, the spotlight on internet service speeds falls squarely on Sonic, a provider that distinguishes itself with the highest recorded median download speed of 302 Mbps according to our proprietary real-world Speedtest data. Notably, Sonic's service includes fiber, and option that ensures fast and reliable internet for users.

When it comes to the advertised maximum download speeds, Sonic impressively leads with up to 10,000 Mbps (10 Gbps), showcasing its substantial investment in fiber technology within the city and region. Following close behind Sonic are AT&T Fiber and XFINITY, with advertised maximum speeds of 5,000 Mbps and 2,000 Mbps respectively. These figures , however, could highlight a potential disparity between advertised and actual speeds, pointing to the importance of scrutinizing both metrics when selecting an ISP.

A good rule of thumb to remember is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity, from streaming 4K HD videos on multiple devices to playing HD games across multiple laptops or smartphones. When assessing your internet needs, consider how the network will be used and by how many people, as the cumulative effect of devices connected to your router can significantly impact the required speed. With the constant addition of devices in homes worldwide, understanding and planning for your household's bandwidth and speed needs is more crucial than ever.

San Francisco Fixed Speeds

Download Mbps

261.84

Median download speed

Upload Mbps

41.41

Median upload speed

Latency ms

11

Median latency

Historical Data

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.

Expected Speed Range

Expected speed range by Provider refers to the interquartile range of median download speed.

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

Home Internet in San Francisco

San Francisco, a hub of technology, startups, and innovation sandwiched between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, offers its residents a diverse mix of internet types ranging from fiber and cable to 5G internet and satellite. Providers like AT&T Fiber and Sonic emphasize fiber offerings, which can high-speed and reliable connections for those who need them, but which come at a higher cost, while others like XFINITY focus on cable services that can be more affordable in general.

For those seeking widespread availability, XFINITY claims the broadest coverage with 96.45% of the city covered by its servises, a number that excludes providers that primarily offer satellite or fixed wireless internet types. This highlights the importance for residents to consider both service type and provider reach when selecting an internet service, particularly for those prioritizing fiber or cable solutions.

The average starting price for internet service in San Francisco is a relatively low $54.99. However, prices vary widely, with plans starting as low as $20 from Astound Broadband Powered by Wave, which might be enticing for budget-conscious consumers–keep in mind, however, that prices scale with speed, and can reach upwards of $350 a month for the highest advertised speeds from the same provider. While these advertised speeds offer a glimpse into potential performance, it's worth noting that real-world speeds can differ and prices may fluctuate.

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.

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