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Top internet providers in San Diego: Which one is right for you?

Published 3:16 pm ET Jan 12

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  • Best cable provider
    Spectrum InternetSpectrum Internet
    Plans starting at
    $30
    /mo*for 12 mos.
    Call to learn more
    844-233-3218
    Speeds up to
    1000 Mbps
    Connection type
    cable
    Contract length
    None
    *Pricing availability varies by location
  • Fastest internet plans
    AT&T InternetAT&T Internet
    Plans starting at
    $55
    /mo*for 12 mos.
    Call to learn more
    855-417-1609
    Speeds up to
    5000 Mbps
    Connection type
    fiber
    Contract length
    None
    *Price after $10/mo discount (starts within 2 bills) w/ paperless billing & Autopay if enrolled w a debut card or bank account. Discount reduced to $5/mo if enrolled w/ credit card. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies
  • Best cable coverage
    Cox InternetCox Internet
    Plans starting at
    $50
    /mofor 12 mos.
    Call to learn more
    855-417-1928
    Speeds up to
    2000 Mbps
    Connection type
    fiber
    Contract length
    None

Why trust our broadband experts

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.

Just a few hours south of Los Angeles, San Diego’s beaches and sunny weather make it a great place for outdoor recreation and family fun. Additionally, as in San Francisco, the city’s ties to technology and start-up culture have made it a hub for many businesses. Whether you’re searching for the best local beach spot or working remotely, reliable internet and high-speed Wi-Fi are a must-have in San Diego, CA.

AT&T, T-Mobile and Cox are the top internet providers in San Diego, and you can choose from fiber, cable, 5G and satellite internet connections. San Diego internet prices range from $35–$245/mo. with speeds from 100–5,000 Mbps. 

Read on to learn more and compare San Diego home Wi-Fi providers.

Best internet service providers in San Diego

San Diego internet comparison

Compare San Diego internet providers by price, speed, connection type and availability. AT&T is the most widely available provider in San Diego, covering 81% of the city, with T-Mobile and Cox following behind. AT&T also offers the fastest internet in San Diego with its fiber service. Satellite providers like Hughesnet, Starlink and Viasat are also available throughout the region.

ProviderStarting price range*Download speed rangeConnection typeAvailability
AT&T$55–$245/mo.300–5,000 MbpsFiber81%
T-Mobile$35**–$70/mo.87–415 Mbps5G59%
Cox$50–$150/mo.100–2,000 MbpsFiber/cable hybrid49%
Spectrum
Internet®♱♱
$30–$70/mo.100–1,000 MbpsCable45%
Verizon 5G$35**–$70/mo.85–1,000 Mbps5G37%
Disclaimers

*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. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary. 

Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.

♱♱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. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of 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. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

How to choose an internet provider in San Diego

Before you choose an internet provider, it’s helpful to find the providers available at your specific address. Not all providers are available at every household even if they’re available in your general area. Once you enter your address to browse the providers available at your location, consider other factors such as price and speed.

  • Price: Evaluate the price of internet deals while keeping speed in mind. Some providers offer better value, but account for extra costs like equipment fees, installation fees and price increases. Spectrum offers one of the cheapest internet options in San Diego, providing cable internet at 100 Mbps for $30/mo. This is an excellent choice for households looking to save money on internet
  • Speed: Some internet activities, like gaming, streaming, working from home or downloading large files, require more bandwidth. If you often engage in these activities, choose a higher internet speed. AT&T offers the fastest internet in San Diego with fiber speeds up to 5 GB.*
  • Number of devices: When choosing an internet speed, consider the number of devices connected to your network, the number of people in your household and your daily internet activities. More people and devices require higher speeds to avoid network congestion and spotty Wi-Fi.

*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.

San Diego internet provider reviews

AT&T: Fastest speeds

Thumbs up
Pros
  • No extra fees for standard equipment.

  • Ideal for streaming and gaming.

  • No contracts or data caps.

Thumbs Down
Cons
  • More expensive than other options.

  • Only slower copper-line service in some areas.

AT&T provides the fastest internet speeds in San Diego. AT&T’s fiber-optic network offers symmetrical download and upload speeds ranging from 300–5,000 Mbps.* With coverage to 81% of the city, AT&T is the best choice for high-speed internet if it’s available at your address. 

AT&T Fiber has no data caps, modem and router fees or price increases after one year. AT&T also has some great perks, often offering rewards cards and cancellation fee coverage to new fiber customers if you switch from your old provider before your contract ends. 

Overall score: 4 out of 5.

Read our full AT&T review.

*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.

T-Mobile: Best 5G coverage

Thumbs up
Pros
  • Widely available 5G fixed wireless.

  • No extra equipment fees.

  • No contracts or data caps.

Thumbs Down
Cons
  • Slower than fiber, cable and some other 5G internet.

  • $35 setup fee.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available to 59% of San Diego. T-Mobile’s 5G service starts at $50/mo. with speeds up to 415 Mbps, but you can bundle and save up to $15/mo. With no price increases, equipment fees, data caps or other hidden costs, T-Mobile is a great choice if you’re shopping for an affordable cable or fiber alternative. T-Mobile also offers free perks like built-in Netflix and a prepaid Mastercard for up to $200 for signing up.

Overall score: 3.6 out of 5.

Read our full T-Mobile review.

Verizon: Best for cellular bundles

Thumbs up
Pros
  • Fastest 5G coverage.

  • No additional fees and a two- or three-year price guarantee.

  • Excellent bundling discounts.

Thumbs Down
Cons
  • Limited availability in San Diego.

  • 5G speeds vary depending on network traffic.

Verizon 5G home internet is your best bet if you want to save on internet in San Diego. Verizon offers two 5G plans, 5G Home for $35/mo. with speeds up to 300 Mbps and 5G Home Plus for $55/mo. with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. However, these prices are only available if you bundle with a mobile line. Otherwise, you’ll pay full price at $50–$70/mo. 

Verizon 5G Home Internet has no price increases or hidden fees, so if you choose to bundle with a mobile line, you’ll pay either $35 or $55/mo., guaranteed for up to three years.

Overall score: 4.5 out of 5.

Read our full Verizon 5G review.

Spectrum: Best cable internet service

Thumbs up
Pros
  • One of the largest internet companies in the U.S.

  • Excellent bundling discounts.

  • Affordable starting prices.

Thumbs Down
Cons
  • Prices increase after one year.

  • Equipment fees.

  • Below-average customer service.

Spectrum offers cable internet to 45% of San Diego. It has prices from $30–$70/mo. with speeds from 100–1,000 Mbps, though the cheapest rate requires you to add two mobile lines. Spectrum has one of the lowest router fees of top internet providers at just $10/mo., but your prices will increase after 12 months.

Overall score: 4 out of 5.

Read our full Spectrum review.

Cox: Best cable internet coverage

Thumbs up
Pros
  • Faster top speeds thanks to hybrid cable-fiber connections.

  • No contracts.

  • Affordable starting prices.

Thumbs Down
Cons
  • Data caps.

  • Equipment fees on some plans.

  • Price increases after first year or two.

Cox is available to 49% of San Diego. With speeds from 100–2,000 Mbps, you’ll have the option to pick from a wide range of speeds to fit your needs. Cox is a fiber-cable hybrid internet service, meaning it is powered by a fiber connection but connected to your home through a coaxial cable. On the downside, Cox’s internet prices will increase after one year, and there are extra equipment and installation fees. 

Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.

Read our full Cox review.

Methodology

We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. 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. 

Cheapest internet service in San Diego

Compare the cheapest internet options in San Diego by provider plans. Verizon’s 5G and T-Mobile offer cheap options at $35–$55/mo. when you bundle with a mobile line. Although it is not the cheapest plan, AT&T’s Fiber 300 plan offers great value since it is a fiber optic connection with symmetrical download and upload speeds.

PlanPrice*Download speedConnection type
Spectrum Internet® Advantage$30/mo.100 MbpsCable
Verizon 5G Home$35/mo.**85–300 Mbps5G
Verizon 5G Home Plus$55/mo.**300–1,000 Mbps5G
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet$35/mo.**87–415 Mbps5G
Spectrum Internet® Premier$50/mo.500 MbpsCable
AT&T Fiber Internet 300♱♱$55/mo.300 MbpsFiber
Disclaimers

*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. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary. 

**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.

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. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of 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. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

♱♱Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.

Fastest internet service in San Diego

The fastest internet service that’s widely available in San Diego is offered by AT&T Fiber. With speeds up to 5 GB, you can pick the best multi-gigabit tier for your internet needs. Spectrum, Verizon and Cox also offer high-speed plans with download speeds of up to 1 or 2 GB.

PlanPrice*Download speedConnection type
AT&T Fiber Internet 1 Gig$70/mo.1 GBFiber
AT&T Fiber Internet 2 Gig$145/mo.2 GBFiber
AT&T Fiber Internet 5 Gig$245/mo.5 GBFiber
Cox Go Beyond Fast$150/mo.2 GBHybrid
Spectrum Internet® Gig♱♱$70/mo.1 GBCable
Verizon 5G Home$70/mo.1 GB5G
Disclaimers

*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. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary. 

Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.

♱♱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. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of 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. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

Internet deals and promotions in San Diego

San Diego residents can choose from a number of deals and discounts when selecting a home Wi-Fi plan. Providers like Spectrum, T-Mobile and Verizon all offer bundling deals to save you $20/mo. or more. Additionally, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile offer prepaid debit cards or promotional credits for customers who sign up, and you can find bonus perks like free Netflix or Disney Plus on some plans. Be sure to compare the best internet deals in San Diego before you sign up.

San Diego internet technologies

Like nearby Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Diego has a range of ISP options providing fiber, cable, 5G and satellite internet. 

  • Fiber internet: Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable internet connection type available. It uses light instead of electricity to deliver internet connections, so it is not affected by electrical interference. It also provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, which sets it apart from other internet technologies. AT&T Fiber is widely available in San Diego, covering 81% of the city. 
  • Cable: Cable internet providers in San Diego include Cox and Spectrum. Cable internet competes with fiber in terms of download speeds but falls short when it comes to upload speeds. Spectrum offers cable internet plans with download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, and Cox reaches up to 2,000 Mbps. 
  • 5G: 5G home internet is one of the newer technology types available. It uses 5G cellular towers to provide your internet connection and is widely available around the country. T-Mobile is available to 59% of San Diego and has 5G speeds between 87 and 415 Mbps. Verizon 5G offers faster speeds from 300–1,000 Mbps but serves only 37% of the city. 
  • Satellite: Satellite internet is available to 100% of San Diego through Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink. Satellite speeds are much slower and less reliable than other technology types. Hughesnet offers speeds up to 100 Mbps, Viasat up to 150 Mbps and Starlink up to 250 Mbps.

Fiber internet in San Diego

AT&T Fiber is the main fiber internet provider available in San Diego, though Google is beginning to roll out service in the area. AT&T is one of the top fiber internet providers, making it your best option if it’s available at your address. You can also find fiber in other California cities including Bakersfield, Fresno, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Jose.

San Diego internet FAQs

Is fiber internet available in San Diego?

Yes, fiber internet is available to San Diego through AT&T Fiber and now Google Fiber.

How fast is the internet in San Diego?

The fastest internet in San Diego is through AT&T Fiber. AT&T offers symmetrical upload and download speeds in 300, 500, 1,000, 2,000 or 5,000 Mbps* speed tiers. Cox also has plans up to 2,000 Mbps, while Verizon, Spectrum and Google top out at 1,000 Mbps in the area.

*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.

Can you get free internet in San Diego?

No, free home internet is currently not available in San Diego. However, depending on your address, you may be able to get internet from Verizon as low as $35/mo. if you bundle with a qualifying mobile plan.

How much is the internet per month in San Diego?

Internet prices in San Diego range from $35–$245/mo., depending on your provider and plan.

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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Robin LaytonAllconnect.com

Robin Layton is an editor and writer 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. Her expertise is in home internet plans, as well as broadband and digital divide news. Robin brought 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing to her Allconnect role and strives to ensure consumers get a fair and balanced reporting of the state of broadband services to help them understand the process of purchasing an internet service provider that fits their online needs. Her credentials include a bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism from Shepherd University.

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Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

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