CNET experts rank Sonic as the leading internet service provider in San Francisco, offering speeds up to 10,000Mbps for $50 monthly with no data caps. Alternatives like AT&T Fiber and Xfinity provide widespread high-speed options, while Astound Broadband offers affordable plans starting at $30. The city's median download speed stands at 266Mbps, lagging behind nearby areas.
San Francisco residents have access to a variety of internet providers, with fiber and cable options dominating the landscape. Sonic stands out for its value, delivering multi-gigabit speeds without usage limits or price hikes, countering recent trends where 63% of U.S. adults reported average annual increases of $195 in home internet costs, according to a CNET survey.
For those prioritizing affordability, Astound Broadband, also known as Wave, provides cable internet starting at 300Mbps for $30 per month, scaling to 1,500Mbps for $60, though upload speeds max at 50Mbps. AT&T Fiber covers over a million locations with plans up to 5,000Mbps, while Xfinity offers 2,000Mbps for $70. Fixed wireless services like Verizon 5G Home and T-Mobile Home Internet, priced at $50 to $70, deliver 87 to 415Mbps without contracts.
Other local options include GFiber Webpass at $70 monthly for up to 1Gbps in select buildings, Monkeybrains at $35 for 20-50Mbps, and Etheric Networks, which requires a site survey and tends toward higher costs. Satellite providers such as Starlink cost $120 plus equipment fees, suitable for remote areas but with limitations.
Despite multiple providers, San Francisco's broadband averages 266Mbps on Ookla tests, trailing Los Angeles (307Mbps) and Sacramento (305Mbps). Fiber from AT&T and Sonic is available at select addresses, offering the best speeds and value over cable or wireless alternatives.
