Internet Providers in San Diego, California
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Home Internet in San Diego, CA
-
1. AT&T 
Speeds Up To5 Gbps
Connection: IPBB, Fiber, 5G InternetAvailability: 95.2%San Diego speed tests confirm high speeds for AT&T Internet -
2. Spectrum
Speeds Up To1 Gbps*
Connection: CableAvailability: 49.5%San Diego speed tests confirm high speeds for Spectrum -
3. Cox
Speeds Up To2 Gbps*
Connection: Cable, FiberAvailability: 64%San Diego speed tests confirm high speeds for Cox -
4. Verizon
Speeds Up To1 Gbps*
Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 32.9% -
5. Viasat
Speeds Up To150 Mbps*
Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
6. EarthLink
Speeds Up To100 Mbps*
Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 45.8% -
7. HughesNet
Speeds Up To100 Mbps*
Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
8. Starlink
Download Speeds:50 - 220 Mbps*
Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
San Diego Broadband
Speeds Up To500 Mbps*
Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 20.3%
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Best Internet Providers in San Diego, CA
The very best internet service provider in San Diego, California, is AT&T Fiber. AT&T, the company, actually offers two major types of internet in San Diego: a fiber option (AT&T Fiber) and an IPBB internet service called AT&T Internet. We consider the fiber offerings from AT&T to be the best choice for most users in San Diego because these plans offer blazing symmetrical speeds that range between 300 Mbps and 5 Gbps. Standalone internet plans start at $55 per month with the higher end being $245 per month. One benefit of signing up for AT&T Fiber is that it doesn’t require contracts and each plan and bundle comes with unlimited data.
In areas not served by AT&T Fiber, you could opt for AT&T Internet. But we recommend looking at one of the city’s two cable internet providers as your second choice. Depending on where you are in San Diego, your local cable provider will likely be either Spectrum or Cox (and you probably won’t be able to access both). Spectrum is a solid cable internet alternative offering download speeds between 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps. Price-wise, plans start at $49.99 per month and can go up to $49.99 per month. Similar to AT&T Fiber, it doesn’t require contracts or employ data caps on any of its plans or bundles. On the other hand, Cox offers speeds between 100 Mbps and 2 Gbps. Either cable internet provider is second-best, depending on whether you live within their coverage zones.
While cable doesn’t have symmetrical speeds — meaning that upload speeds on cable internet will be slower than download speeds — it still has excellent broadband internet download speeds. Streaming movies and working from home are no problem with a cable provider. Cable providers also typically allow you to bundle a pay TV plan with your internet service, and Spectrum and Cox are no exceptions.
For new subscribers, most ISPs offer deals and promotions to help them save more money on their internet plan. Spectrum, for example, offers various deals when you choose to bundle. Currently, you might be able to get Advanced WiFi and an Unlimited Mobile line for free for 12 months with any internet plan, a free Xumo Stream Box for six months with any Spectrum TV plan or a Free Spectrum TV app with TV package purchases. Note that these deals change frequently and may apply to certain areas in the city, so be sure to check back for the latest deals and if they’re available for you.
Fastest Internet Providers in San Diego, CA
Fiber is the fastest type of internet connection, so it’s no surprise that a fiber provider is the fastest option in San Diego: AT&T Internet. The fastest plan available reaches speeds of up to 5 Gbps.
San Diego’s local cable internet providers, Spectrum (1 Gbps) and Cox (2 Gbps) are pretty fast, too. Depending on your internet needs, you may find that these cable speeds are sufficient.
Speed and data caps go hand in hand — that’s something you’ll have to keep in mind when you’re shopping around for internet service in San Diego. While AT&T Fiber and Spectrum include unlimited data with their plans, Cox’s internet plans have a data cap. Granted, it’s a sizable amount, so even if you’re a power internet user, chances are you won’t go over the allotted monthly limit. All that said, that’s why fiber internet takes the cake when it comes to speed — they don’t restrict your data usage!
What’s a Good Internet Speed?
| Internet Speed | Appropriate For | Providers in your Area offering this Speed | Availability in your Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps |
|
|
100% |
| 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) |
|
|
95.19999999999999% |
Learn more about internet speeds:
Internet Availability in San Diego, CA
When it comes to cable internet providers, San Diego is divided more or less right down the middle from east to west. The border between Spectrum territory and Cox territory is the San Diego river.
North of the San Diego River, you’re in Spectrum territory. Spectrum will be your cable internet option in Bay Park, Linda Vista, Serra Mesa, Allied Gardens, and pretty much all points north of those neighborhoods, all the way up to the Carmel Country Highlands. (Spectrum also serves some areas north of San Diego proper, like Del Mar.) If you’re sitting in class at UC San Diego or golfing at Torrey Pines, you’re in Spectrum’s territory.
Cox’s domain is just across the San Diego River. South of the river, meaning Ocean Beach, Old Town, Mission Hills, Hillcrest, and so on, is Cox’s area. Their network extends all the way down into neighboring Chula Vista and beyond, and it covers all of downtown San Diego as it goes. The Gaslamp District and San Diego Zoo are also part of the Cox kingdom.
Of course, that’s just the cable providers. AT&T doesn’t pay any attention to Cox or Spectrum’s territory. You’ll be able to get AT&T home internet plans at virtually any address in any neighborhood of San Diego.
The important thing to consider with AT&T, however, is whether you have access to the company’s premium AT&T Fiber product. AT&T’s fiber footprint blankets neighborhoods north and east of Balboa Park, with particularly good coverage in Mission Hills, North Park, Burlingame, and Altadena. These aren’t the only areas with AT&T Fiber, though, so it’s worth checking availability in your area before you give up.
Internet Provider Store Locations in San Diego, CA
Provider Connection Types in San Diego, CA
| Connection Type | About this Connection Type | Availability in San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite |
|
100% |
| DSL |
|
63.629999999999995% |
| Cable |
|
98.06% |
| Fiber |
|
34.73% |
List of Internet Providers in San Diego, CA
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in San Diego, CA
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