Internet providers in San Diego, CA
By Robin Layton Last updated: December 11, 2024
Best internet providers in San Diego
Spectrum
- Speeds – 500 – 1,000 Mbps
- Prices starting at – $50.00/mo.*
- Data caps – None
AT&T
- Speeds – 10 Mbps – 4,700 Mbps
- Prices starting at – $55.00/mo.
- Data caps – 1 TB/mo. DSL, unlimited with AT&T Fiber
Cox
- Speeds – 100 – 2,000 Mbps
- Prices starting at – $50.00/mo.*
- Data caps – 1.25 TB/mo.
T-Mobile
- Speeds – Up to 245 Mbps
- Prices starting at – $40.00 – $60.00/mo.
- Data caps – None
Our methodology
We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.
For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of one to five, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 180 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between three and four. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 400 Mbps plan got a 4.16.
We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.
Compare San Diego internet providers
San Diego internet users can pick from fiber, satellite, cable, fixed wireless and DSL internet connections. Speeds range from 12 to 2,000 Mbps, and prices start under $50/mo. Google, Spectrum, AT&T and Cox are the fastest providers available in San Diego.
Provider | Starting price* | Speed range | Internet type | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cox | $50.00/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable, fiber optic | 50% |
AT&T | $55.00/mo. | 300 – 1,000 Mbps | Fiber optic | 81% |
Google Fiber | $70.00/mo. | 100 – 2,000 Mbps | Fiber optic | 10% |
EarthLink | $54.95/mo. | 100 – 1,000 Mbps | DSL, fiber optic | 25% |
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $40.00/mo.** | Up to 245 Mbps | Fixed wireless/5G | 63% |
Spectrum | $50.00/mo.*** | 500 – 1,000 Mbps | Cable | 45% |
Hughesnet | $49.99/mo. | 50 – 100 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
Viasat | $64.99/mo. | 12 – 100 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
*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. **With wireless bundle. Speeds may vary. As of 12/11/24.
***Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
San Diego internet takeaways
San Diego’s Little Italy is known for its walkability and unique restaurants. For the residents of the famous area, fast internet is also available, with 92% having cable accessibility and AT&T fiber plans available to nearly 30%.
Just a hop across the Coronado Bay Bridge and 84% of the residents of the beach island have access to AT&T’s fiber plans and 94% have Spectrum cable access. T-Mobile’s 5G home internet reaches about 60% of the population.
North of downtown San Diego, Universal City and Carmel Valley residents see internet serviceability decreasing with as low as 0.7% of internet availability to small pockets of 100% fiber availability.
Help with internet bills
San Diego has several nonprofit organizations that aid residents with computer training, internet access or low-cost computers, like the San Diego Futures Foundation.
Findhelp.org, 211sandiego.org and GetConnected.SANDAG.org are resource websites that help residents find ways to pay internet or phone bills.
San Diego internet deals
AT&T offers San Diego residents a $150 rewards card and will pay a new customer’s cancellation fee to switch to their plan. Spectrum plans in San Diego include 500 Mbps for $50/mo. for 12 months and TV Select Signature starting at $95/mo.* for one year.
*$20/mo. off reg. rate of $115/mo. Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. SPECTRUM TV SELECT: Standard rates apply after promo period. TV equipment may be required, charges apply. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. As of 12/11/24.
Cheapest internet plans in San Diego
Cable, fiber and 5G home internet plans start at $40.00/mo. in San Diego, with speeds up to 500 Mbps.
- T-Mobile 5G home internet plans go up to 245 Mbps and start at $40.00/mo. with a qualifying mobile plan
- Cox plans start at $50.00/mo. for up to 100 Mbps
- Spectrum internet plans begin at $50.00/mo. for up to 500 Mbps
A family of three or four can be seamlessly online with a 300 Mbps plan, with the ability to stream or game on multiple devices.
Intermediate plans like these are often within $10/mo. or even cheaper than some of the advertised “cheapest” plans, so check plan speed before you buy. You may be able to afford the faster speed plan.
Fastest internet plans in San Diego
Fast cable or fiber plans start at $70.00/mo., with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps in San Diego.
- Google Fiber offers about 10% of San Diego residents 2,000 Mbps starting at $70.00/mo.
- Spectrum’s 1 gig plan runs at $70.00/mo.
- EarthLink offers a 1 gig plan for $89.95/mo.
- AT&T also offers a 1 gig plan in parts of San Diego for $80.00/mo.
If you live in a connected smart home with four or more heavy internet users, you’ll most likely need a 500 Mbps plan or higher. Gamers and work-from-home users in a large household should consider at least 800 Mbps.
San Diego fiber internet
Google Fiber, AT&T and EarthLink are fiber providers available in San Diego, with speeds up to 2 Gbps. Fiber internet is the best option for busy, smart homes because it provides symmetrical download and upload speeds. It reduces the time needed to upload documents to servers or the cloud and improves video quality.
San Diego internet provider breakdowns
Allconnect Rating
4.48 / 5
AT&T: Best internet provider overall
There are many reasons to choose AT&T as your Wi-Fi San Diego provider. Not only does it provide cost-effective plans with high speeds (starting at $55/mo. for 300 Mbps), but its service is typically consistent and reliable. For these reasons, it’s easy to understand why AT&T is our best ISP in San Diego, CA.
Why San Diego loves AT&T
-
Reliable network with good customer support
-
Generous sign-up bonuses and incentives
Things to consider
-
Need to sign up for autopay for cheapest prices
-
Promotional pricing expires after first 12 months
AT&T Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
3.47 / 5
Cox: Cheapest plans
Cox is one of the most well-known internet providers in San Diego. Its plans cater to a variety of budgets and internet users, with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. Based on our research, we think that Cox offers the best cheap internet service San Diego, with plans from $50.00/mo.
Why San Diego loves Cox
-
Affordable plan options
-
Fast internet speeds
Things to consider
-
Plan prices increase after the first year
-
Prices don’t include equipment rentals
Cox Customer Reviews:
EarthLink: Fastest speeds
With DSL and fiber options, EarthLink is a popular internet provider in San Diego and many other parts of the country. Depending on which type of connection is available in your area, you can find plans ranging from 100 to 5,000 Mbps and starting at $39.95/mo. With high speeds and no data caps, it’s no wonder EarthLink is our preferred fast internet provider in San Diego.
Why San Diego loves EarthLink
-
Unlimited data and no throttling
-
High-speed fiber plans (in some areas)
Things to consider
-
12-month contract required
-
Equipment and installation fees not included
EarthLink Customer Reviews:
Google Fiber: Best customer service
San Diego is one of a handful of cities where Google Fiber is currently available (though it’s limited to certain buildings). If your property is set up for it, Google Fiber is certainly an option worth considering, given its competitive pricing ($70/mo.) and high-speed plans (up to 8,000 Mbps). On top of that, Google Fiber offers 24/7 support, which is why it earned our pick for the best customer service.
Why San Diego loves Google Fiber
-
Cost-effective plans with fast speeds
-
Easy to install and manage
Things to consider
-
Higher prices for month-to-month plans
-
Not compatible with cable TV
Google Fiber Customer Reviews:
Compare internet near San Diego
Check out internet provider availability in other cities around San Diego, California.
San Diego internet service availability by ZIP code
San Diego internet statistics to know
If you’re looking for high-speed internet options, San Diego is a fantastic place to be.
San Diego residents enjoy fast internet speeds from several providers. 97% of San Diego customers have internet speeds of up to 250 Mbps. More than 27% have speeds of 1,000 Mbps. The average speed is 161.8 Mbps in San Diego.
Most of San Diego has access to cable and DSL internet, and over 30% has access to fiber.
How do San Diego internet speeds compare?
Speedtest.com reports that San Diego’s median fixed internet speed is 187.76 Mbps, slower than San Francisco’s 235.26 Mbps and Los Angeles’ 240.03 Mbps.
However, San Diego boasts higher speeds than other areas of the U.S., with 98% of the addresses having access to 250 Mbps or higher in speed.
That’s more than 93% in the state and 87% in the U.S. San Diego also beats out California and the U.S. for fast download speeds, with 32% accessibility to 1,000 Mbps or higher.
Source: FCC
San Diego internet provider store locations
San Diego internet FAQs
Is fiber internet available in San Diego?
Yes, nearly 30% of San Diego has access to fiber internet.
Who is the cheapest provider in San Diego?
Spectrum and Cox will run you $50/mo., but at $55/mo., AT&T is the better deal due to the speeds it can provide.
Which provider is most available in San Diego?
AT&T is available to nearly 87% of San Diego households.
How fast is internet in San Diego?
San Diego residents can get up to 1,000 Mbps in internet speed.
Allconnect: Let us compare providers for you
Why should you choose Allconnect? We’re the #1 broadband marketplace in the U.S., meaning you can trust us to search, compare and order internet and TV service for your home.
Get startedWe value your feedback
Was this page helpful?
We value your feedback
We’re glad! Tell us what helped most on this page.
We value your feedback
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your insight helps, and we’ll do our best to improve your experience.
Written by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
Robin Layton is an editor for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. She built her internet industry expertise writing and editing for four years on the site, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com. … Read more
Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
Related pages
-
FeaturedWhat are the hidden costs on a Cox bill? Robin Layton — 3 min read
-
FeaturedHands on with AT&T’s secret streaming TV box as it finalizes new service Samantha Cossick — 5 min read
-
FeaturedMoving soon? Here’s what you need to know about transferring DIRECTV service Taylor Gadsden — 3 min read
Latest
-
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
All about Spectrum services: Your ultimate guideRobin Layton — 6 min read
-
Friday, December 6, 2024
AT&T launches new backup internet feature for AT&T Fiber customersCamryn Smith — 2 min read
-
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
What you need to stream TV: A beginner’s guideCamryn Smith — 9 min read