California, being the tech hub of the United States, has a tremendous amount of internet usage, and for good reason. As of 2024, there are more than 39.1 million people in California. To fulfill the internet needs of this huge population, the state has a lot of internet providers that offer varying types of broadband connectivity options.
California offers a broad spectrum of internet options, including fiber, cable, 5G, and satellite. Major providers like AT&T, Spectrum, and Xfinity dominate the market, offering fast and reliable internet in most parts of the state. For those living in rural areas, satellite and fixed wireless providers offer alternative solutions where fiber and cable are unavailable.
But which are the best internet providers in California? Well, that’s what this blog is all about. In this blog, we will review the top internet providers in California, including the best fiber, cable, satellite, and wireless internet options. We’ll also explore the availability of these services across the state and provide insights into customer satisfaction. So, let’s start.
- Our Top Choice From Internet Providers In California
- Best Fiber Internet In California (CA)
- Availability of Fiber Internet In California
- Best Cable Internet Providers In California
- Availability of Cable Internet Companies In California:
- Satellite Internet Providers in California
- Rural Internet Providers in California
- Internet Customer Satisfaction Status In CA
- Wrapping Up
Our Top Choice From Internet Providers In California
AT&T is Our Overall Best Choice Among Connecticut Internet Providers:
After an extensive review, AT&T Fiber emerges as our top choice for internet providers in California. With a reputation for speed, reliability, and availability, AT&T Fiber offers impressive connectivity to both urban and suburban areas throughout the state. What sets AT&T apart is its wide range of plans, starting from 300 Mbps and going all the way up to a blazing 5 Gbps for heavy users, all at competitive pricing.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber Internet 300 | $55.00/mo. | 300 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 500 | $65.00/mo. | 500 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 1000 | $80.00/mo. | 1000 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 2000 | $145.00/mo. | 2000 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 | $245.00/mo. | 5000 Mbps |
We rate the Fiber 1 Gig plan as the best value for households or small businesses that require high-speed internet for streaming, gaming, or large file uploads. In comparison to other ISPs, AT&T offers competitive prices and does not impose data caps on its fiber plans, making it the perfect option for heavy internet users. Additionally, its customer service and reliability scores are higher than most competitors, further solidifying its position as the best overall ISP in California.
Xfinity Is The Cheapest Internet Provider In CA: Review By GetInternetDeal:
For customers seeking affordable internet plans in California, Xfinity stands out as the cheapest provider. With an extensive network covering 33.29% of the state, Xfinity provides budget-friendly cable internet options starting as low as $9.95/month for 50 Mbps. Xfinity’s promotional offers and no-contract options make it a strong choice for those who want a combination of affordability and performance. In the western region, the maximum speed offered by Xfinity is 2 gigs for $120 per month. However, one thing to note here is that since Xfinity provides cable internet the download and upload speeds are not symmetric.
Xfinity also offers gigabit plans for households that need faster speeds. While the plans are inexpensive, Xfinity’s services do come with a few downsides, such as data caps of 1.2 TB per month and contracts for some plans.
| West Region | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| Internet Essentials | $9.95/mo.* | 50 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Internet Essentials Plus | $29.95/mo.* | 100 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Connect | $19.99/mo. | 150 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Connect More | $30.00/mo. | 300 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Fast | $50.00/mo. | 500 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Superfast | $60.00/mo. | 800 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Gigabit | $65.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Gigabit Extra | $70.00/mo. | 1,200 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Gigabit X2 | $120.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
Best Fiber Internet In California (CA)
Frontier Fiber:
Apart from AT&T, Frontier is one of the leading fiber internet providers in California, offering speeds up to 5 Gbps in selected areas. Frontier’s fiber plans are widely available in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento, providing reliable and fast internet for heavy-duty users such as gamers, remote workers, and households with multiple users.
The price of Frontier fiber internet starts at $44.99/mo for the 500 Mbps plan and ranges to a maximum of $129.99/mo. Frontier’s pricing is a bit higher than other competitors, however, the company offers symmetrical speeds, meaning you get equal download and upload speeds.
| Frontier Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| Frontier Internet | $64.99/mo. | Call for details | DSL |
| Fiber 500 | $44.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $64.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $129.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Sonic Fiber Internet:
Sonic is a regional fiber provider primarily available in the San Francisco Bay Area. It offers some of the fastest fiber internet plans in California, with speeds reaching up to 10 Gbps. This probably makes Sonic the fastest internet provider in our review. Sonic’s focus is on providing affordable, fast, and reliable fiber internet with no data caps or hidden fees.
Sonic’s 1 Gig plan is an excellent option for high-speed internet at a very reasonable price. Sonic’s customer service is also highly rated, and their plans come without any hidden costs or data caps.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 1 Gig | $49.99/month | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 10 Gig | Call for Price | 10,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Google Fiber:
Google Fiber offers internet speeds up to 8 Gbps, with symmetrical upload and download speeds on most plans. They provide unlimited data with no contracts required. Google Fiber’s pricing is competitive, with plans starting at $70/month for 1 Gig. Installation is free and includes a Nest Wifi Pro or Google Fiber Multi-Gig Router, along with mesh extenders for larger plans.
Google Fiber is available in limited areas of California, particularly in cities like Irvine and San Diego. They consistently rank high in customer satisfaction, with scores of 839/1000 in the J.D. Power study and 76/100 on the ACSI. Google Fiber stands out for its fast speeds, unlimited data, no-contract policy, and excellent customer service, making it a top choice for internet users seeking high performance and value.
| Plan | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $70/month |
| 2 Gig | 2000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $100/month |
| 5 Gig | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | $125/month |
| 8 Gig | 8000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps | $150/month |
Availability of Fiber Internet In California
In California, the availability of fiber internet has seen significant growth, especially in metropolitan areas.
As per the recent FCC data, Fiber internet in California reaches 51.74% of the state, offering high-speed options for many residents. The average home can access speeds up to 4,622 Mbps, but this varies by location. The most prominent providers are Earthlink and AT&T, each covering 28.96% of the state, offering speeds up to 5,000 Mbps. Frontier Communications serves 17.96% of the population, providing average speeds of 4,871 Mbps.
Sonic, a small internet service provider in California, covers 3.71% of the state with speeds up to 10,000 Mbps, while Fidium Fiber reaches 1.36% with speeds averaging 1,522 Mbps. Vast Networks, the fastest provider, covers only 1.15% but offers up to 10,000 Mbps. Fiber service is concentrated in the western parts of the state, with lower availability in southern regions.
Compared to other internet types, fiber is the fastest for 47.49% of households. Cable internet is fastest for 45.94% of residents, while DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite options serve small portions of the state, with satellite being the only option for 1.25% of homes. The fastest fiber speeds in California can reach 20,000 Mbps, but these are available to less than 1% of users.
The map below shows all the areas in California which have fiber internet access. The green areas have 100% availability, the yellow areas have 50% availability, and the red areas have 0% coverage.
Best Cable Internet Providers In California
Spectrum:
Spectrum is one of the largest cable internet providers in California, offering services to over 51.40% of the state. Spectrum’s cable plans cater to a wide range of users, from light internet surfers to households needing gigabit speeds. Spectrum’s selling points include no data caps, no contracts, and consistent speeds across its plans. Its cable internet infrastructure allows for a fast, stable connection in both urban and suburban areas.
One of the main reasons Spectrum is so popular is its ease of access for consumers. Installation is often straightforward, and the no-contract policy allows users to avoid being locked into long-term agreements. While some users report occasional issues with customer service, Spectrum’s widespread availability and competitive pricing make it a top choice for many Californians.
| Spectrum Internet Plans | ||||
| Plans | Starting Price (Promo Period) | Max Speed | Type | Standard Price |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | $24.99/mo | 50 Mbps | Cable | – |
| Spectrum Internet 100 | $29.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | Cable | – |
| Internet | $49.99/mo | 300 Mbps | Co-axial | $84.99 |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo | 500 Mbps | Co-axial | $30.00 |
| Internet Gig | $79.99/mo | 1000 Mbps | Co-axial | $114.99 |
Cox Communications:
While Cox doesn’t have the same coverage as Spectrum or Xfinity, it remains an important cable provider in certain regions of California, particularly in the southern and central parts of the state. Cox provides high-speed internet through its cable network, with speeds reaching up to 2 Gbps. Although it only serves 8.92% of California’s population, Cox is a good option for those in its service areas, especially considering its strong reputation for customer satisfaction and reliability.
For households that require fast speeds, Cox’s Gigablast plan provides 1 Gbps download speeds, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and smart home setups. For smaller households or lighter internet use, the Preferred 250 plan at $70/month strikes a good balance between cost and performance.
| Plans | Starting Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go Fast | $50.00/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| Go Faster | $70.00/mo. | Up to 250 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Go Even Faster | $90.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Go Super Fast | $110.00/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
| Go Beyond Fast | $150.00/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Availability of Cable Internet Companies In California:
Cable internet is highly accessible in California, with about 95.24% of the state covered by four major providers. The average cable speed in the state reaches up to 1,301 Mbps, making it one of the most robust internet options. Here’s a breakdown of the providers and their coverage:
- Spectrum: Serving 51.40% of the state, Spectrum is the most widely available cable provider. Its plans offer speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, though some areas may experience slower speeds around 400 Mbps. Despite wide availability, upload speeds tend to be lower, with maximum upload speeds around 40 Mbps.
- XFINITY from Comcast: Available to 33.29% of Californians, XFINITY delivers some of the fastest speeds, up to 2,000 Mbps. The average speed across the state is 1,626 Mbps. However, upload speeds tend to be slower compared to its download capabilities, with an average of 123 Mbps.
- Cox Communications: This provider covers 8.92% of the state, primarily in southeast and central California. Offering speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, Cox is competitive with other cable providers, although its availability is more limited. Upload speeds are lower, averaging 86 Mbps.
- Astound Broadband: The smallest of the major providers, Astound Broadband serves 2.89% of the population, focusing on northwest and northern California. Its speeds are still substantial, with a maximum download speed of 1,500 Mbps, though upload speeds max out at 50 Mbps.
Geographically, cable internet is faster and more prevalent in western California, with some eastern regions experiencing slower speeds. In general, fiber internet provides the fastest speeds in the state, available to 47.49% of homes. However, cable remains the fastest option for 45.94% of the state’s residents. While satellite internet can serve 100% of the state, it tends to be much slower and less reliable compared to cable and fiber options.
Cable internet availability by Zip Codes:
| Zip Code | Internet Coverage |
|---|---|
| 93266 | 0.8166 |
| 93202 | 0.996 |
| 93245 | 0.7555 |
| 93212 | 0.5908 |
| 93230 | 0.9333 |
| 93242 | 0.4921 |
| 93274 | 0.9283 |
| 93656 | 0.5313 |
| 93277 | 0.9896 |
| 93272 | 0.0153 |
Satellite Internet Providers in California
Satellite internet is an important option for Californians living in remote or rural areas where cable or fiber connections are unavailable. Unlike cable or fiber, satellite internet doesn’t require physical infrastructure for homes, making it accessible virtually anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
Viasat:
Viasat offers multiple satellite internet plans ranging between 25-150 Mbps. The plan includes a substantial data allowance of 850 GB, although the data limit is listed as “Unlimited.” This could indicate a soft cap, where speeds may be reduced after reaching the 850 GB threshold. The service is satellite-based, which might affect availability in certain areas.
The monthly price ranges from $99.99 to $119.99, excluding government taxes which vary by location. Additional costs include a monthly administrative fee of $1.23 and a potential monthly lease fee of $15. If applicable, a one-time lifetime lease fee of $250 may be charged. Notably, the plan doesn’t have an early termination fee, but installation costs can range from $0 to $500.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $50/month | 50 Mbps | Satellite |
| Unlimited Gold | $100/month | 150 Mbps | Satellite |
HughesNet:
HughesNet offers 3 internet plans i.e., Select, Elite, and Fusion.
The Select plan is designed for small households, offering speeds of up to 50 Mbps with 100 GB of priority data. It is priced at $49.99 per month for the first 12 months, a significant discount from its regular price of $74.99. This plan comes with unlimited data, although the connection speed might slow down once the priority data is used up.
The Elite plan caters to more active households, providing up to 100 Mbps speeds and 200 GB of priority data. For 12 months, the cost is $64.99 per month, down from the regular price of $89.99. Like the Select plan, Elite offers unlimited data, though priority data usage is a key factor in determining connection speed during heavy usage periods.
The Fusion plan combines satellite and wireless technology to deliver a low-latency internet experience. With speeds of up to 100 Mbps and 200 GB of priority data, this plan is ideal for tasks requiring responsive internet, such as video conferencing, HD streaming, and online gaming. It is priced at $94.99 per month for the first year, discounted from $119.99. All plans include unlimited data but come with a 24-month contract and additional equipment lease or purchase fees.
| Select | Elite | Fusion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeds | Up to 50 Mbps | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 100 Mbps |
| Priority Data | 100 GB | 200 GB | 200 GB |
| Price | $49.99/mo for 12 mos* | $64.99/mo for 12 mos* | $94.99/mo for 12 mos* |
| Type | Satellite | Satellite | Satellite + Wireless |
| Data Limit | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data |
Starlink:
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, is an emerging satellite internet service that offers higher speeds than traditional satellite providers, with maximum download speeds of 159 Mbps. It is available throughout California and is particularly appealing to users in rural areas who need faster speeds than what traditional satellite providers offer.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $110/month | 159 Mbps | Satellite |
Best Fixed Wireless And 5G Home Internet Providers In California
T-Mobile Home Internet:
T-Mobile’s 5G home internet service is available to nearly 89% of Californians. With speeds up to 100 Mbps, it’s a convenient and affordable option for those looking to cut the cord from traditional wired services. At just $50 per month, it’s one of the most affordable home internet options.
Rural Internet Providers in California
Ridge Wireless:
Ridge Wireless is a local fixed wireless provider that caters to rural areas in and around Silicon Valley. As a fixed wireless provider, Ridge Wireless delivers the internet by broadcasting a signal from a tower to a receiver installed at the user’s location.
Ridge Wireless offers speeds that range from 20 Mbps to 60 Mbps. Although Ridge Wireless’ prices are higher than what you might find for similar speeds in urban areas, the convenience and availability of the service in remote regions make it an appealing option. Additionally, Ridge Wireless does not enforce data caps, allowing users to browse and stream without the worry of overage fees.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $100/month | 20 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| Premium Plan | $115/month | 60 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
Succeed.net:
Succeed.net is another provider focusing on rural areas in California, particularly around Sacramento, Glenn, and Yuba City. The service is widely recognized for its flexible pricing and varied plans, offering speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
One of the key advantages of Succeed.net is its affordability compared to other rural providers. It offers budget-friendly plans that can be tailored to fit both light and heavy internet users.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $40/month | 10 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| Unlimited Plan | $100/month | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
Quick Facts: Best Cities For Fiber Internet In California And Some Demographic Insights
Population Size and Growth
- Population: As of 2023, California’s population is approximately 39.1 million people, making it the most populous state in the U.S.
- Growth Trends: California’s population growth has slowed in recent years, and the state has even experienced population declines due to factors like outmigration to other states, rising housing costs, and lower birth rates. Despite this, it remains one of the largest economies in the world.
Age Distribution
- Median Age: The median age in California is around 37 years, slightly younger than the national median age of 38.2.
- Youth and Seniors: About 22.5% of the population is under the age of 18, while 15% is aged 65 or older, reflecting an aging population. The working-age group (18-64) makes up about 62.5% of the population.
Urban vs. Rural Distribution
- Urban Population: Around 95% of California’s population resides in urban areas, with major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego being the largest metropolitan centers.
- Rural Population: The rural population is relatively small, mostly concentrated in agricultural regions like the Central Valley.
| City | Population | Average Download Speed | Top ISPs | Fiber Availability | Number of Providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3,881,041 | 100.19 Mbps | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Starlink | 100% | 3+ |
| San Diego | 1,383,987 | 154.03 Mbps | Google Fiber, Spectrum, AT&T Fiber | 100% | 3+ |
| San Jose | 1,001,176 | 141.54 Mbps | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Xfinity | 100% | 3+ |
| San Francisco | 851,036 | 130.67 Mbps | AT&T Fiber, Sonic, Xfinity | 98% | 3+ |
| Irvine | 307,670 | 276 Mbps | Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber | 100% | 3+ |
| Sacramento | 523,600 | 125.47 Mbps | Frontier, Xfinity, AT&T Fiber | 100% | 3+ |
| Oakland | 440,646 | 120.94 Mbps | AT&T Fiber, Sonic, Xfinity | 100% | 3+ |
| Modesto | 218,308 | 110.35 Mbps | AT&T Fiber, Frontier, Spectrum | 100% | 3+ |
Internet Customer Satisfaction Status In CA
California ranks 32nd in the nation in terms of internet customer satisfaction, with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. While many Californians are satisfied with the availability and reliability of their internet service, there are still common concerns, particularly around customer service and pricing. According to surveys, California residents report the following satisfaction metrics:
- Average customer satisfaction rating: 3.7/5
- Average customer service rating: 3.6/5
- Average reliability rating: 3.7/5
- Average price paid per household: $101.03/month
One of the key factors affecting satisfaction in California is the high price of internet services. The state’s average monthly price for internet is significantly higher than the national average, which reflects the higher cost of living in many parts of California.
Wrapping Up
California offers a wide range of internet providers, from fast fiber-optic services in urban areas to satellite and fixed wireless options in rural regions. AT&T Fiber remains the best overall provider for its unmatched speed and coverage, while Xfinity offers some of the cheapest plans for users on a budget.
