Best Internet Providers in San Francisco, CA
Compare fiber, cable, and fixed wireless options from 9+ verified providers serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Tech capital of the world with 66.63% fiber coverage.
Sonic is the best internet provider for most San Francisco residents, offering the city's fastest speeds at 10 Gbps for just $109.99/month with no data caps or contracts. For wider availability, AT&T Fiber covers 57-95% of SF with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. If fiber isn't available at your address, Xfinity offers near-100% cable coverage, and local favorites Monkeybrains and Webpass provide excellent fixed wireless alternatives in many buildings.
Who San Francisco Internet Is Best For
Best for:
- Tech workers and startup employees needing reliable connections for remote work and video conferencing
- Content creators and streamers requiring fast symmetrical upload speeds
- Multi-device households with smart home systems and multiple 4K streamers
- AI and machine learning professionals transferring large datasets
- Apartment and condo residents with access to fixed wireless options like Webpass or Monkeybrains
- Privacy-conscious users seeking providers like Sonic with strong data policies
Not ideal for:
- Residents in older Victorian buildings with limited wiring infrastructure
- Those in the Mission, Haight, or Tenderloin with spotty fiber coverage
- Budget users in buildings with exclusive provider agreements
- Single-family homes requiring fixed wireless (may need line-of-sight verification)
Key Takeaways
- Sonic offers the fastest internet: 10 Gbps symmetrical fiber for $109.99/month - likely the fastest residential option in the city
- Strong local providers: Monkeybrains ($35/mo) and Webpass ($70/mo) offer excellent alternatives to big telecom
- Tech hub pricing paradox: Despite high cost of living, competition keeps internet prices competitive
- Digital divide exists: 25% of low-income SF households still lack broadband access
- Verify before leasing: Many buildings have exclusive provider agreements - always check availability first
- Neighborhood matters: Richmond, Sunset, and Excelsior have best fiber coverage; Mission, Haight, and Tenderloin are spottier
Which San Francisco Internet Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Sonic if...
- You want the fastest speeds in SF (up to 10 Gbps)
- You value no data caps, no contracts, and no price increases
- You're in Pacific Heights, Castro, or other covered areas (31-45% coverage)
- You want the best price-per-Mbps value ($49.99/mo for 1 Gbps)
- You prefer a local California company with excellent customer service
Choose AT&T Fiber if...
- Sonic isn't available at your address
- You need symmetrical upload speeds for video calls and cloud backup
- You want widespread coverage (57-95% of SF addresses)
- You're in Richmond, Sunset, Noe Valley, Excelsior, or Bayview
- You need multi-gigabit speeds up to 5 Gbps
Avoid if...
- Your address only has AT&T DSL available (much slower than fiber)
- You're in the Mission, Haight, or Tenderloin without fiber access
- Your building has exclusive agreements with another provider
Choose Xfinity instead if...
- Neither Sonic nor AT&T Fiber is available at your address
- You need the lowest starting price ($19.99/mo)
- You primarily stream and browse (don't need fast uploads)
- You're in any SF neighborhood - Xfinity has near-100% coverage
Consider Monkeybrains or Webpass if...
- You're in an apartment building with fixed wireless access
- You want to support local, community-focused providers
- You want flat-rate pricing with no surprises ($35-70/mo)
- Your building can accommodate a roof antenna installation
San Francisco Internet Providers Comparison
Our team analyzed each provider's service across multiple San Francisco neighborhoods using FCC data, customer reviews, and verified pricing to help you find the best option for your address.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage | Contract | Get Connected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic Fastest - 10 Gbps | Fiber | 10 Gbps | $49.99/mo | 31-45% | No contract | Check Availability |
| AT&T Fiber Editor's Choice | Fiber | 5 Gbps | $34-55/mo* | 57-95% | No contract | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Xfinity Widest Coverage | Cable | 1.2 Gbps | $19.99/mo* | ~100% | No contract options | 1-844-963-0138 |
| Monkeybrains Local Favorite | Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps | $35/mo | 80-90% | No contract | Check Availability |
| GFiber Webpass | Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps | $62.50-70/mo | 25-35% | No contract | Check Availability |
| Astound Low-Income Option | Fiber | 5 Gbps | $9.95/mo* | 17-20% | No contract | Check Availability |
| Starry Internet | Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps | $15-30/mo* | 15-25% | No contract | Check Availability |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 300 Mbps | $35-50/mo | 85-90% | No contract | Check Availability |
| Sail Internet | Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps | $35/mo | 10-15% | No contract | Check Availability |
*Prices shown are for new customers and may increase after promotional period. Astound $9.95 rate requires income qualification. Verified pricing as of January 2026.
San Francisco Internet Provider Details
Sonic
Fastest in SF - 10 GbpsAvailable Plans in San Francisco
- Sonic Fiber: 1/1 Gbps - $49.99/mo (fixed rate, no increases)
- Sonic 10 Gig Fiber: 10/10 Gbps - $109.99/mo
Pros
- Fastest provider in SF at 10 Gbps
- Best value: $49.99/mo for symmetrical gig fiber
- No data caps or throttling ever
- No contracts - month-to-month service
- Local California company with excellent service
- Strong coverage in Pacific Heights, Castro-Upper Market
Cons
- Only 31-45% citywide coverage
- Availability depends heavily on location
- In-building wiring issues may limit access in older buildings
- $20/mo router rental if you don't use your own
AT&T Fiber
Editor's ChoiceAvailable Plans in San Francisco
- Internet 300: 300/300 Mbps - $34-55/mo
- Internet 500: 500/500 Mbps - $55-65/mo
- Internet 1000: 1/1 Gbps - $80-90/mo
- Internet 2000: 2/2 Gbps - $110-150/mo
- Internet 5000: 5/5 Gbps - $180-285/mo
Pros
- Over 95% fiber coverage in Richmond, Sunset, Noe Valley
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds
- No data caps on fiber plans
- No contracts required
- Speeds up to 5 Gbps
Cons
- Coverage spotty in Mission, Haight, Tenderloin, downtown
- Equipment fees may apply
- More expensive than Sonic for comparable speeds
Xfinity
Widest CoverageAvailable Plans in San Francisco
- Connect: 100/10 Mbps - $19.99-35/mo
- Connect More: 200/10 Mbps - $35-50/mo
- Fast: 400/10 Mbps - $55-70/mo
- Superfast: 800/15 Mbps - $70-85/mo
- Gigabit: 1000/20 Mbps - $70-100/mo
- Gigabit Extra: 1200/35 Mbps - $100-120/mo
Pros
- Near-100% coverage across all SF neighborhoods
- Lowest starting price at $19.99/mo
- Reaches every apartment, loft, and retail space in SF
- No-contract options available on gig tiers
Cons
- 1.2 TB data cap unless you add xFi Complete ($25/mo extra)
- Asymmetrical speeds - much slower uploads
- Prices increase after 12-month promo period
- Network congestion during peak hours in dense areas
Monkeybrains
Local FavoriteAvailable Plans in San Francisco
- Residential: 100-250/100-250 Mbps - $35/mo flat
- Large Building (25+ units): Up to 1/1 Gbps - $35/mo flat
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $35/month flat
- No contracts, bundles, or hidden fees
- No throttling or data caps
- Local SF company - 25 years serving Bay Area
- Community-focused: free internet to 8,000+ affordable housing units
Cons
- Fixed wireless requires roof antenna installation
- Speeds vary by location (up to 1 Gbps for large buildings)
- Line of sight to network required
GFiber Webpass
Google QualityAvailable Plans in San Francisco
- 1 Gig: 1000/1000 Mbps - $70/mo
- 1 Gig (annual prepay): 1000/1000 Mbps - $62.50/mo ($750/year)
Pros
- Google Fiber quality and reliability
- No data caps
- No additional equipment needed - uses building wiring
- Annual prepay option saves $90/year
- Office at 267 8th St, SF for local support
Cons
- Only available in larger apartment buildings with roof antenna
- Single speed tier (1 Gbps only)
- Limited to multi-family residential
Astound Broadband
Low-Income OptionAvailable Plans in San Francisco
- Internet First 50: 50/5 Mbps - $9.95/mo (qualifying households)
- Internet First 150: 150/15 Mbps - $19.95/mo (qualifying households)
- 300 Mbps: 300/30 Mbps - $30/mo
- Gig WiFi: 1/1 Gbps - $50-60/mo
- 1.5 Gig WiFi: 1.5/1.5 Gbps - $70-80/mo
- 5 Gig: 5/5 Gbps - $100-150/mo
Pros
- Cheapest low-income option at $9.95/mo (Internet First program)
- 3-year price lock on Gig and 1.5 Gig plans
- No contracts required
- Up to $300 gift card for new customers
Cons
- Only 17-20% coverage in SF downtown area
- Data caps on lower tiers (400 GB for 300 Mbps)
- $14.49/mo gateway rental fee
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Quick SetupAvailable Plans in San Francisco
- 5G Home Internet: 100-300/20-50 Mbps - $50/mo
- 5G Home Internet (with voice line): 100-300/20-50 Mbps - $35/mo
Pros
- Wide availability across SF metro (85-90%)
- No contracts required
- 15-minute self-installation
- Unlimited data with no caps
- 5-year price guarantee
Cons
- Speeds vary by tower congestion and location
- Higher latency than wired connections
- Not ideal for competitive gaming
- Upload speeds limited
San Francisco Internet Speed & Price Comparison
| Speed Tier | Sonic | AT&T Fiber | Xfinity | Monkeybrains | Webpass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-300 Mbps | - | $34-55/mo | $19.99-50/mo | $35/mo | - |
| 400-500 Mbps | - | $55-65/mo | $55-70/mo | - | - |
| 800 Mbps - 1 Gbps | $49.99/mo | $80-90/mo | $70-100/mo | $35/mo* | $70/mo |
| 1.2-2 Gbps | - | $110-150/mo | $100-120/mo | - | - |
| 5 Gbps | - | $180-285/mo | - | - | - |
| 10 Gbps | $109.99/mo | - | - | - | - |
*Monkeybrains 1 Gbps speeds available in large buildings (25+ units). Pricing verified January 2026.
Internet Technology Comparison for San Francisco
Based on our analysis of San Francisco neighborhoods, here's how different technologies perform for the city's tech-heavy workforce:
| Technology | Typical Latency | Upload Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber (Sonic, AT&T) | 3-15ms | Symmetrical (same as download) | Tech workers, video calls, cloud backup, AI/ML workloads, content creation |
| Fixed Wireless (Webpass, Monkeybrains) | 10-25ms | Symmetrical (typically) | Apartment dwellers, budget-conscious users, those avoiding big telecom |
| Cable (Xfinity) | 15-35ms | Limited (10-35 Mbps) | Streaming, browsing, general use, areas without fiber |
| 5G Fixed Wireless (T-Mobile) | 25-50ms | Variable (20-50 Mbps) | Backup internet, renters who move frequently, quick setup |
| Satellite (Starlink, HughesNet) | 25-800ms | Very Limited (3-5 Mbps) | Not recommended for SF - use wired/fixed wireless instead |
Internet Availability by San Francisco Neighborhood
Why San Francisco Has Exceptional Internet Competition
San Francisco is the tech capital of the world, with the highest percentage of tech workers (22.54%) of any US city. Over 220,000 tech workers and 18.64% specializing in AI create exceptional demand for high-speed, reliable internet with strong upload capabilities. This has attracted multiple fiber providers competing for customers, plus innovative fixed wireless options like Monkeybrains and Webpass that serve apartment buildings across the city.
Addressing the Digital Divide
Despite being a tech capital, 25% of low-income San Francisco households lack broadband access. The city is increasingly populated by very rich and very poor, with fewer middle-income residents. Low-income options include Astound's Internet First program ($9.95/mo), Monkeybrains' free service to 8,000+ affordable housing units, and various subsidy programs.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
Richmond District
Strong AT&T Fiber coverage between Presidio and Golden Gate Park. Good fiber options with multiple providers. Well-served area for wired connections.
Sunset District
Solid AT&T Fiber coverage, drops off toward Parkside. Xfinity universal fallback available throughout.
Mission District
Spotty AT&T Fiber - less than one-third covered. Sonic and Xfinity most popular. In-building wiring often limits options to single provider. Check carefully before signing a lease.
Castro-Upper Market
10 providers available. Sonic covers 45% with strong reviews and 10 Gbps speeds. Good fiber, cable, DSL, and fixed wireless options.
Pacific Heights
42% fiber coverage. 39.51% have Sonic available with 10 Gbps speeds. Average speeds up to 9,521 Mbps available in some buildings.
SoMa (South of Market)
Tech hub with Moscone Center. GFiber Webpass strong in apartments. Sail Internet offers $35/mo gig in SoMa Square. Excellent business connectivity.
Financial District / Downtown
Limited residential fiber - AT&T coverage spotty downtown. Business fiber excellent. Webpass serves many buildings. Check specific address availability.
Haight-Ashbury
AT&T Fiber spotty. Xfinity primary option for many residents. Older building wiring creates challenges.
Tenderloin
AT&T Fiber availability limited. Often only Xfinity available. Digital divide concerns in lower-income area.
Noe Valley
AT&T Fiber available. Residential neighborhood with good connectivity options from multiple providers.
Excelsior District
Almost all addresses have AT&T Fiber. Strong southern SF coverage with reliable options.
Bayview District
Good chunk covered by AT&T Fiber. Improving connectivity as neighborhood develops.
Housing Challenges for Internet in San Francisco
San Francisco's historic Victorian buildings and dense apartment housing often have wiring limitations that affect internet options. Dense apartment buildings may have exclusive provider agreements limiting your choices. Many older buildings face wiring challenges that make fiber installation difficult. Always verify internet options before signing a lease. Multi-family buildings are often well-served by fixed wireless options like Monkeybrains and Webpass, which can bypass older wiring infrastructure.
Remote Work Culture in SF
With a strong tech sector and AI companies increasingly preferring in-office collaboration, hybrid work arrangements remain common. The daytime office worker population in downtown SF has seen one of the largest increases nationally, but reliable home internet remains essential for hybrid work. Consider symmetrical fiber speeds (AT&T or Sonic) if you regularly video conference from home.
What's New - January 2026 Updates
- Verified pricing and plan tiers for all 9+ providers as of January 2026
- Refreshed coverage data using latest FCC Broadband Map filings (Q4 2025)
- Confirmed Sonic 10 Gbps availability expanding in Pacific Heights and Castro areas
- Updated neighborhood coverage with specific AT&T Fiber penetration by district
- Added Sail Internet as option for SoMa Square residents
- Revised population data to 827,526 (2026) showing 1.02% annual growth as workers return
- Updated digital divide statistics showing 25% of low-income households still lack broadband
How We Chose These Picks
Our team analyzed each provider's service across multiple San Francisco neighborhoods using multiple data sources. We evaluated:
- FCC Broadband Map data (Q4 2025) for coverage verification by neighborhood
- Provider pricing including promotional rates and post-promo pricing verified directly
- Customer satisfaction from reviews, BBB ratings, and support response times
- Local provider research from BroadbandNow, Cybernews, and ConnectCalifornia
- Neighborhood-specific analysis from ISPReports and BestNeighborhood.org
- Contract terms including early termination fees, equipment costs, and hidden fees
We verified our analysis against real customer experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area and update this page monthly to reflect current pricing and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Internet
What is the best internet provider in San Francisco?
Sonic is often considered the best internet provider in San Francisco, offering 10 Gbps symmetrical fiber for just $49.99-$109.99/month with no data caps or contracts. For wider availability, AT&T Fiber covers 57-95% of SF with speeds up to 5 Gbps. Xfinity provides near-100% coverage as a reliable backup. The best choice depends on availability at your specific address - always check first.
What is the fastest internet in San Francisco?
Sonic offers the fastest internet in San Francisco with symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps for $109.99/month - likely the fastest residential option in the city. AT&T Fiber reaches 5 Gbps, and Astound offers up to 5 Gbps in limited areas. For most residents, Sonic's 1 Gbps plan at $49.99/month provides excellent speed at the best value.
What is the cheapest internet in San Francisco?
Astound's Internet First program offers the cheapest internet in San Francisco at $9.95/month for 50 Mbps for qualifying low-income households. Starry offers plans from $15/month in covered buildings. For general availability, Xfinity starts at $19.99/month (promotional rate) and Monkeybrains offers unlimited service at $35/month flat with no price increases.
Is fiber internet available in San Francisco?
Yes, fiber internet is available to approximately 66.63% of San Francisco residents. AT&T Fiber covers 57-95% of the city, with strong availability in Richmond, Sunset, Noe Valley, Excelsior, and Bayview districts. Sonic covers 31-45% of addresses with the city's fastest 10 Gbps speeds. Coverage is spottier in Mission, Haight, Tenderloin, and parts of downtown due to older building infrastructure.
Does Sonic have data caps in San Francisco?
No, Sonic does not have data caps in San Francisco or anywhere in their service area. Their philosophy is that "internet is a human right," so they provide unlimited data without throttling or penalties. You can upload and download as much as you want at full speed. This is especially valuable for tech workers, content creators, and heavy users.
Is Sonic or AT&T better in San Francisco?
Sonic is generally better value in San Francisco, offering 1 Gbps for $49.99/month compared to AT&T's similar plan at $80-90/month. Sonic also offers faster 10 Gbps speeds ($109.99/mo) that AT&T can't match. However, AT&T has broader coverage (57-95%) versus Sonic (31-45%). If both are available at your address, Sonic typically offers better pricing, faster speeds, and no data caps.
What is Monkeybrains internet in San Francisco?
Monkeybrains is a local San Francisco fixed wireless ISP that has served the Bay Area for 25 years. They offer service at $35/month flat with no contracts, data caps, or hidden fees - cancel anytime. They use roof-mounted antennas to deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps in large buildings (25+ units). They've also provided free internet to 8,000+ affordable housing units as part of their community-focused mission.
Can I get Google Fiber in San Francisco?
Traditional Google Fiber is not available in San Francisco, but GFiber Webpass (a Google Fiber subsidiary) serves many apartment buildings in SF. Webpass offers 1 Gbps for $70/month ($62.50/mo with annual prepay saving $90/year) using millimeter wave wireless technology with roof antennas. They have a local office at 267 8th St, SF. Check if your building has Webpass installed at gfiber.com/webpass.
Why is San Francisco internet so expensive?
San Francisco actually has competitive internet pricing due to strong competition from multiple providers. Sonic offers 1 Gbps for $49.99/month and Monkeybrains charges just $35/month for symmetrical speeds. However, if you're stuck with only Xfinity in older buildings or areas without fiber, prices can feel higher. The tech hub demand and high cost of living can make basic plans feel expensive compared to other cities, but competition keeps prices reasonable for those with multiple options.
What internet do tech workers in San Francisco use?
Many San Francisco tech workers choose Sonic (10 Gbps fiber for $109.99/month) or AT&T Fiber (5 Gbps for $180-285/month) for reliable high-speed connections needed for video conferencing and large file transfers. With 22.54% of SF workers in tech and 18.64% specializing in AI, demand for symmetrical fiber speeds is exceptionally high. Webpass is popular in downtown and SoMa tech-heavy apartments.
Is there free or low-cost internet in San Francisco?
San Francisco offers several low-cost internet options: Monkeybrains provides free internet to 8,000+ affordable housing units. Astound's Internet First program offers $9.95/month plans for qualifying low-income households. Starry offers $15-30/month plans in covered buildings. SF libraries offer free WiFi, and various public WiFi hotspots are available throughout the city.
How do I check internet availability at my San Francisco address?
Enter your address in our availability checker at the top of this page to see which internet providers serve your specific San Francisco location. You can also call providers directly: AT&T (1-855-850-5977), Xfinity (1-844-963-0138), or check Sonic, Monkeybrains, and Webpass availability online. Always verify before signing a lease, as availability varies significantly by building and neighborhood.
About This Article
Last Updated: January 29, 2026
This page is reviewed and updated monthly to ensure accuracy. Pricing and availability are verified against provider websites and FCC Broadband Map data (Q4 2025).
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