Best Internet Providers in San Marcos, TX (2026)
San Marcos has 10 internet providers including cable, fiber, 5G, and satellite. Spectrum leads with 78% coverage, while AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber expand the fiber footprint.
Check availability by phone: 1-844-481-5997
Quick Answer
Spectrum is the best overall internet provider in San Marcos, TX with 78% coverage and no data caps on cable plans. AT&T Fiber covers 64% with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. Google Fiber is available in select neighborhoods at 24% coverage.
- Best overall: Spectrum -- 78% coverage, no caps, cable up to 1 Gbps
- Best fiber: AT&T Fiber -- 64% coverage, symmetrical up to 5 Gbps
- Best value fiber: Google Fiber -- 24% coverage, 1 Gbps at $70/mo
- Best budget: T-Mobile 5G -- $50/mo, no caps, 66% coverage
San Marcos Internet Providers Comparison
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | $49.99/mo | None | None | 1-844-481-5997 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None (Fiber) | None | 1-855-850-5977 |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $50/mo | None | None | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 940 Mbps | $49.99/mo | None | None | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Google Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps | $70/mo | None | None | 1-866-777-7550 |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless, Fiber | 250 Mbps | $35/mo | Varies | None | 1-877-910-6207 |
| Optimum | Fiber, Cable | 8 Gbps | $40/mo | None | None | 1-866-200-7273 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $49.99/mo | 100 GB | None | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo | 1 TB (Priority) | None | Online only |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $49.99/mo | Varies | 2 years | 1-855-463-9333 |
Top San Marcos Internet Providers Reviewed
Spectrum -- Best Overall in San Marcos
Spectrum covers 78% of San Marcos with cable internet and no data caps. Plans include a free modem and no annual contracts, making it a reliable default for most households.
Plans: 300 Mbps ($49.99/mo) | 500 Mbps ($69.99/mo) | 1 Gbps ($89.99/mo)
Choose if: You want widely available cable with no data caps or contracts.
Avoid if: You need symmetrical upload speeds for remote work or cloud storage.
Call: 1-844-481-5997
AT&T Fiber -- Best Fiber Coverage
AT&T Fiber covers 64% of San Marcos with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. No data caps and no annual contracts on all fiber plans. DSL is also available in legacy areas.
Plans: 300 Mbps ($55/mo) | 500 Mbps ($65/mo) | 1 Gbps ($80/mo) | 5 Gbps ($180/mo)
Choose if: You want symmetrical fiber speeds with strong upload performance.
Avoid if: Your address only qualifies for AT&T DSL, which maxes out at 100 Mbps.
Call: 1-855-850-5977
Google Fiber -- Best Value Fiber
Google Fiber covers 24% of San Marcos with straightforward pricing and no data caps. The 1 Gbps plan at $70/mo is one of the best values in the market, with 8 Gbps available for power users.
Plans: 1 Gbps ($70/mo) | 2 Gbps ($100/mo) | 8 Gbps ($150/mo)
Choose if: You live in a Google Fiber zone and want premium fiber at competitive pricing.
Avoid if: You are outside the 24% coverage area.
Call: 1-866-777-7550
San Marcos Speed and Price Comparison
| Speed Tier | Spectrum | AT&T | Google Fiber | T-Mobile | Verizon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (100-300 Mbps) | $49.99/mo | $55/mo | -- | $50/mo | $49.99/mo |
| Mid (500 Mbps) | $69.99/mo | $65/mo | -- | -- | $69.99/mo |
| Fast (1 Gbps) | $89.99/mo | $80/mo | $70/mo | -- | $89.99/mo |
| Ultra (2+ Gbps) | -- | $180/mo | $100/mo | -- | -- |
Speed Recommendations
- Students or 1-2 people: 100-300 Mbps ($50-55/mo)
- Family of 3-4, streaming + gaming: 500 Mbps-1 Gbps ($65-90/mo)
- Large household or power users: 2+ Gbps ($100-180/mo)
San Marcos Internet Market Overview
San Marcos sits between Austin and San Antonio along the I-35 corridor with a population of about 60,684. Home to Texas State University, the city has a high concentration of student renters who drive demand for affordable, reliable internet.
The market is competitive with 10 providers. Spectrum and AT&T cover the largest portions of the city, while Google Fiber has been expanding rapidly in newer developments. The university area has the densest provider overlap.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
- Downtown San Marcos: Full Spectrum and AT&T coverage, Google Fiber expanding
- Texas State University area: Spectrum, AT&T, and T-Mobile 5G overlap
- Hunter Road corridor: AT&T Fiber and Spectrum available
- Blanco River area: Spectrum primary, satellite backup available
Nearby Cities
Internet Speed Requirements for San Marcos Households
The speed you need in San Marcos depends on how many people and devices use your connection simultaneously. A single person streaming video and browsing the web can get by with 50-100 Mbps. A household of 2-3 people with regular streaming and video calls should target 200-300 Mbps. Larger families with 4 or more heavy users benefit from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans, especially when multiple people are streaming in 4K, gaming online, or working from home at the same time.
Upload speed matters just as much as download speed for San Marcos residents who work remotely. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams require at least 5 Mbps upload for stable HD video, and 10 Mbps or more for group calls with screen sharing. If multiple household members participate in video calls simultaneously, ensure your plan provides at least 20-25 Mbps upload speed. Fiber plans offer the best upload performance with symmetrical speeds.
How to Choose an Internet Provider in San Marcos
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in San Marcos, as coverage can vary significantly even within the same city. Enter your address on each provider's website or use our comparison tool to see all available options. Compare the actual speeds offered at your address, not just the provider's maximum advertised speed, since availability of faster tiers depends on local infrastructure.
Beyond speed, compare the total monthly cost including equipment rental fees, installation charges, and price increases after promotional periods end. Providers in San Marcos, Texas may offer different promotions depending on the season and competition in your area. Ask about no-contract options to maintain flexibility, and check whether a provider requires a credit check, as some offer prepaid alternatives. Reading recent customer reviews specific to San Marcos gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.
San Marcos Internet FAQ
Who is the best internet provider in San Marcos, TX?
Spectrum is the best overall with 78% coverage, offering cable plans with no data caps starting at $49.99/mo.
Is Google Fiber available in San Marcos?
Yes. Google Fiber covers about 24% of San Marcos with fiber plans up to 8 Gbps and no data caps.
What is the cheapest internet in San Marcos?
Rise Broadband starts at $35/mo for fixed wireless, while T-Mobile 5G offers $50/mo with no data caps.
Can Texas State students get good internet off campus?
Yes. Most neighborhoods near campus have Spectrum and AT&T coverage, with Google Fiber expanding in the area.
Does AT&T offer fiber in San Marcos?
Yes. AT&T Fiber covers about 64% of San Marcos with plans up to 5 Gbps and no data caps on fiber connections.
Related Resources
Texas Internet
- Internet Providers in Texas
- Internet Providers in Austin, TX
- Internet Providers in New Braunfels, TX
Provider Pages
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Last updated: February 7, 2026.
Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai may earn commissions from partner links and phone calls on this page. Our editorial recommendations are based on objective research and are not influenced by compensation. We strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information to help you make the best decision for your household. Full disclosure.