Internet providers in Irvine, CA
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Fastest fiber internet
Prices from
$55.00
per month
Speeds up to
5,000
Mbps
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install charge may apply.
Best high-speed coverage
Fastest fixed wireless internet
Prices from
$35.00
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
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Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
While Irvine is known as a destination for higher education thanks to the University of California, Irvine. But it’s also a major city in its own right, home to more than 328,000 people. A well-known destination for outdoor shopping and recreation, culinary diversity and day trips to the beach or Disneyland, Irvine is a popular suburb in the greater Los Angeles metro area.
More than that, Irvine is home to plenty of people searching for reliable, fast home internet for their daily online needs. Fortunately, there are numerous options for residents to choose from, with plans starting as low as $35/mo.
Use this guide as a starting point to compare some of your top home Wi-Fi options from internet service providers in Irvine.
Best internet providers in Irvine, CA
- AT&T: Fastest fiber internet
- Cox: Best high-speed coverage
- Verizon 5G Home: Fastest fixed wireless internet
- Google Fiber: Strong fiber options
- Viasat: Best satellite internet
Irvine internet comparison
For a city of its size, Irvine doesn’t have a huge selection of widely available internet providers. However, a few options stand out for offering especially high connection speeds or universal coverage. In Irvine, you can get gigabit internet from at least three different companies.
The following table provides an overview of our top four picks for internet providers in Irvine.
| Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $65–$255/mo. | 300–5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Cox | $40–$100/mo. | 100–2,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home | $35**–$80/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Google Fiber | $70–$100/mo. | 1,000–2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Viasat | $119.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How to choose a provider in Irvine, CA
To help you narrow down your options among top Irvine internet providers and parse out the most important plan details, we recommend examining the following:
- Connection speeds: Speed is always a key consideration when it comes to home internet, but you should do your homework to decide how fast you actually need to go. If you’re not gaming, streaming or running video conferences on 10 or more devices, you may not need gigabit fiber internet.
- Fees and surcharges: When comparing prices from the best internet service providers in Irvine, be sure you dig into the details. Many plans come with extra fees for equipment, installation or taxes, adding costs to your monthly bill.
- Ways to save: Comparing plan costs also includes weighing any special deals each provider offers. Search for opportunities to bundle internet with other services and save, as well as special sign-on bonuses or other extras from Irvine internet providers.
Irvine internet provider reviews
AT&T – Fastest fiber internet
AT&T is well ahead of the competition in Irvine in terms of internet speed. Its top upload/download speed of 5 GB is 3 GB faster than Google Fiber, and AT&T is available to roughly twice as many households. The company also scores high marks for customer service, plans with no data caps and all-inclusive pricing. If AT&T is an option in your area, make sure you can get fiber, as its slower service doesn’t come close to the same value.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full AT&T review.
Cox – Best high-speed coverage
Cox is the third-largest cable internet provider in the U.S., with service in 19 states and Washington, D.C. Its hybrid coaxial-fiber connections offer some of the fastest download speeds available, and there are no contracts or early termination fees. Cox offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but its overall customer service scores aren’t stellar.
Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.
Read our full Cox review.
Verizon 5G Home – Fastest fixed wireless internet
Verizon may not have the largest 5G network, but it’s definitely the fastest, offering download speeds of up to 1 GB at home. Its plans have no data caps or added costs, and you can get a price guarantee of up to three years. Verizon mobile customers can save big, especially when paring bundle deals with autopay discounts.
Overall score: 4.25 out of 5.
Read our full Verizon 5G Home review.
Google Fiber – Strong fiber options
While Google Fiber only offers two of its four lightning-fast fiber plans in Irvine, its 1 and 2 GB plan options still provide great value. This provider is known for reliable service, free installation and equipment, and plans with no contracts or data limits. However, it has a higher starting price than many other providers and limited availability.
Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.
Read our full Google Fiber review.
Viasat – Best satellite internet
As is often the case, Viasat is ahead of its satellite competitors in terms of connection speed in Irvine. A 150 Mbps plan may not sound especially fast, but it’s breakneck speed for satellite internet. Viasat is available everywhere in Irvine and the surrounding area, and its one-plan option makes for a simple, streamlined buying process.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
Cheap internet in Irvine, CA
You can connect to the internet in Irvine without spending an arm and a leg. Cox’s cable internet plans start at $40/mo., and you can go even lower with Verizon if you bundle with a cellular plan and take advantage of the autopay discount. Viasat and AT&T also offer affordable starting prices on home Wi-Fi plans.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 5G Home | $35/mo.** | 300 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Cox | $40/mo. | 250 Mbps | Cable |
| AT&T | $65/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Irvine, CA
Based on Ookla speed test data, the median internet speed in Irvine is an impressive 298 Mbps, enough for browsing, streaming and gaming on six to 10 devices. If you need faster home Wi-Fi, though, internet service providers in Irvine have you covered. AT&T offers symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB, and Google Fiber is quickly expanding access to up to 2 GB in lag-free connectivity. Cox and Verizon also offer excellent high-speed internet options.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $255/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Google Fiber | $100/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Cox | $100/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home | $45**–$80/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Irvine internet technology
The performance of your home Wi-Fi plan will vary depending on the type of technology you have. Each of the following options are available from Irvine internet providers:
- Fiber internet: Irvine features an extensive fiber network, with over 90% coverage in some neighborhoods. Fiber internet offers a highly reliable, lag-free performance that’s ideal for gaming, 4K streaming and video conferences on 10 or more devices.
- Cable: What cable lacks in upload speed, it has in availability — Cox offers service to over 95% of residents in Irvine. Download speeds can reach up to 2 GB, but cable connections tend to lag when you have more than 10 connected devices.
- Fixed wireless: Irvine has fixed wireless coverage for roughly half of homes in the area. Thanks to 5G technology, download speeds can compete with cable in many cases. However, fixed wireless connections tend to get bogged down when network demand is high.
- DSL: Few Irvine internet providers offer phone-based internet connections nowadays, but AT&T relies on copper lines in some areas that don’t yet have fiber. DSL connections are much slower than other options, topping out at around 150 Mbps.
- Satellite: Like DSL, satellite internet is a slower option for home Wi-Fi. However, it’s often the best bet for rural customers who can’t access other types of internet. You’ll need to install a satellite dish on your property, which can raise your costs significantly.
Irvine internet FAQs
Does Irvine have fiber internet?
Yes, Irvine has a fast-growing fiber network. AT&T currently leads the way, both in terms of coverage and speed, but Google Fiber is expanding access in the area. Cox also uses fiber lines to deliver faster download speeds over its coaxial connections.
What is the monthly cost of Google Fiber?
Currently, Google Fiber offers two plans in some parts of Irvine. Its 1 GB plan costs $70/mo., while its 2 GB plan costs $100/mo.
Is Spectrum available in Irvine?
Spectrum does not offer internet service in Irvine. Cox is the cable provider in the area.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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