Best Internet Providers in San Francisco, California for 2024

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 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.

Download173.94Mbps
Upload130.83Mbps
Latency12ms
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.

Download271.24Mbps
Upload214.18Mbps
Latency10ms
Webpass
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.

Download277.32Mbps
Upload257.02Mbps
Latency7ms
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.

Download221.92Mbps
Upload20.97Mbps
Latency21ms
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.

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Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
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.

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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
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
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Raw Bandwidth Communications
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
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
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

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

Based on our proprietary real-world Speedtest data, Webpass stands out as the provider offering the fastest recorded median download speeds in San Francisco, with speeds reaching up to 277.32 Mbps. This exceptional performance signifies Webpass as a top choice for consumers seeking speedy and reliable internet service.

Promotional offers from ISPs in San Francisco boast maximum advertised download speeds that often exceed the speeds recorded in actual use tests. Sonic leads the charge with a formidable offering of up to 10,000 Mbps, suggesting an incredible potential for speed. However, consumers should be aware that the real-world speeds they experience may differ from these advertised peaks.

A good rule of thumb is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are generally considered sufficient for nearly any online activity, from streaming 4K high-definition videos on multiple devices to downloading large files and online gaming. The number of devices connected and the network's intended use are crucial factors in determining the required speed. As households worldwide increasingly connect more devices, understanding the cumulative impact on bandwidth is key.

San Francisco Fixed Speeds

Download Mbps

235.26

Median download speed

Upload Mbps

40.09

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, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant tech scene, offers its residents a diverse array of internet service options, including Fiber, IPBB, DSL, Cable, Satellite, Fixed Wireless, and 5G Internet. The variety of internet types ensures that whether residents prioritize speed, availability, or specific uses, there's likely an ISP that meets their needs.

Among the providers, XFINITY boasts the highest citywide coverage at 98.61%, followed closely by AT&T Internet with a 95.43% coverage. Both providers offer different internet types: XFINITY providing Cable internet and AT&T offering both IPBB and Fiber. When evaluating providers, residents should consider both the coverage and the internet type, as these factors significantly affect the overall service quality and user experience.

It's essential to note that the maximum advertised speeds from ISPs may not always align with the speeds customers experience in reality. Factors such as network congestion, the infrastructure of the residence, and the distance from the ISP can affect actual speeds. Therefore, while the advertised speeds are useful for comparison, they should not be the sole criterion for decision-making.

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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