Internet Service Providers in San Diego

It’s hard to imagine living today without an internet connection. No matter where you reside, you’ll probably need internet, which means you must choose an internet service provider (ISP). With that in mind, here’s a rundown of internet service providers in San Diego.

Internet Providers Near Me in San Diego

What ISPs are available in the San Diego area? According to HighSpeedInternet.com, there are seven residential internet providers in San Diego. These are:

• AT&T
• Cox Communications
• EarthLink
• Spectrum
• Viasat
• HughesNet
• Sail Internet

Google Fiber Webpass has also recently come to San Diego, giving you one more ISP. Depending on where you are in the city, some of these may be unavailable. For example, Webpass is only available in some neighborhoods, and Spectrum only covers parts of San Diego.

Cheapest Internet Providers in San Diego

Ranked from least to most expensive, the cheapest ISPs in San Diego are:

1. Cox ($29.99/month)
2. AT&T ($35/month)
3. EarthLink ($49.95/month)
4. Spectrum ($49.99/month)
5. Viasat ($50/month)
6. Sail ($55/month)
7. Google Fiber Webpass ($59/month)
8. HughesNet ($59.99/month)

Keep in mind that these prices represent the cheapest available plans for each provider. Many options become more expensive after a given number of months, too.

High-Speed Internet Options in San Diego

The FCC defines high-speed internet as at least 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. All internet service providers in San Diego offer high-speed plans, but many of the cheaper options are slower.

Google Fiber Webpass and AT&T are the fastest — both have download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. Your rate depends on many factors, though, like your bandwidth, location and equipment.

What’s a Good Home Internet Speed?

You may not want to pay for a 1,000 Mbps plan, so what’s the minimum you need? As mentioned earlier, anything above 25 Mbps is high-speed, which is enough for many houses. If you have several connected devices or do lots of online gaming, though, you may want something faster.

You probably don’t want to go below 25 Mbps unless you live alone and don’t do much streaming or gaming. If you want something faster but not too expensive, speeds around 100 Mbps should be sufficient.

Can I Get Wi-Fi Without an Internet Provider?

Even the most affordable internet plans aren’t cheap. While an ISP will give you the fastest and most reliable internet connection, you don’t necessarily need one. If your cellular plan offers it, you can use your phone as a mobile hotspot, which will give you Wi-Fi but will be slow.

You may be able to access a public Wi-Fi hotspot from your house or apartment. Keep in mind, though, that public networks are more vulnerable to cyberattacks than private connections. These may also have data caps and limited availability.

What’s the Best Internet Provider in San Diego?

Considering all these factors, which San Diego internet service provider is the best? That depends on a few things. Since not all ISPs cover the entire city, your location could limit your options. Your budget is also a factor, since you may not be able to afford ones with excellent higher-end service. 

AT&T offers some of the highest speeds without being the most expensive, so it’s a popular choice. It also has some of the most positive user reviews. Cox also has good ratings, high speeds and comparatively low prices. 

Choose the ISP That’s Right for You

Before choosing an ISP in California, check their availability in your neighborhood and compare their speeds and prices. Be sure to look out for contracts and hidden fees, too. When you’re more informed, you can make smarter decisions.

If you’re in the San Diego area, you have plenty of ISPs to choose from. No matter your specific situation, you can find one that works for you.

Internet Service Providers in California by City