The Golden State, also known as California, is recognized as one of the most technologically advanced states, particularly when it comes to the internet. For one thing, it's home to the biggest names in tech and has a healthy economy overall. With that in mind, residents and businesses in California must have access to fast, reliable internet connections, especially in larger metropolitan areas. California is also the home to many remote workers, folks who love to stream the latest Netflix hit and gamers -- so good internet is a must.
What is the best internet provider in California?
CNET recommends AT&T Fiber as the overall top choice for the best internet provider in California. While California has plenty -- and we do mean plenty -- of providers to choose from, AT&T Fiber stands out among the crowd. The provider also tops our recommended ISP lists San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento, so you know we mean business when we say they're the best of the best. As for AT&T Fiber in California, plans are pretty varied, starting at $55 a month for the 300Mbps plan, and go up to $245 for the more powerful 5,000Mbps option.
However, not all is lost if you happen to fall outside of the area for fiber internet. There are plenty of non-fiber options that are solid, such as Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, Frontier or a regional provider like Sonic. Alternatively, residents looking for cheaper options should consider looking at Xfinity's $20 plan for 150Mbps.
Residents looking for more freedom with their contracts should turn to 5G home internet -- not only will it be easier on the wallet, but it puts the control of your ISP back into your own hands.
Best internet options in California
Rural internet options in California Provider Connection type Price range Speed range Data cap Availability California Broadband Services Fixed wireless $50-$220 10-40Mbps Varies Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin counties Ridge Wireless Fixed wireless $100-$150 20-100Mbps None Silicon Valley Rocky Ridge Wireless Fixed wireless $60-$100 10-30Mbps None El Dorado and Amador counties SkyHi Broadband Fixed wireless $70-$200 5-30Mbps (60Mbps plan may be available) None Lincoln and surrounding areas Succeed.net Fixed wireless $40-$100 10-100Mbps 500GB-Unlimited Areas around Glenn, Yuba City and Sacramento T-Mobile Home Internet
Read full review Fixed wireless $50-$70 87-415Mbps None Large areas across the state Ukiah Wireless Fixed wireless $55-$100 12-25Mbps None Ukiah area unWired Broadband Fixed wireless $60-varies with location Varies None Central California Valley Center Wireless Fixed wireless $60-$105 1-30Mbps None North San Diego County Show more (4 items) Shop providers at my address
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
California is known for its big cities and pretty beaches, but many Californians live in rural areas and farming communities. That can limit available ISP options considerably. If you’re on the outskirts of a city or town, you may be able to get a DSL connection from a provider like AT&T. If you’re farther out, you may be down to two main options: fixed wireless or satellite internet.
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