Best Internet Providers in San Mateo, CA
All 11 providers, ranked by coverage, speed and customer ratings
Find internet availability by address in San Mateo, CA
San Mateo has 11 internet service providers, they are sorted by coverage, available speed, and customer rating from our unbiased internet provider report. Fiber, Cable, DSL, and Fixed Wireless internet are available in the city. Reviews are grouped by provider and the type of service they offer, covering all 4 available internet technologies in San Mateo.
Ranks compare San Mateo with the 305 US medium cities (100,000 to 249,999 people), the tiers of our fastest-cities rankings.
The Best Internet in San Mateo, CA at a Glance
San Mateo Internet Providers, Ranked by Coverage, Speed and Customer Ratings
XFINITY
Connection
Customer Rating
Cable
Astound Broadband
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Cable
DSL
EarthLink
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
DSL
Fixed Wireless
AT&T
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
DSL
Fixed Wireless
Providers with less than 1% coverage in this city are excluded from the list. To see if one of these providers is available at your home, please use the address search above.
Speed and technology may vary by address for all providers. Please note we may have a financial relationship with some of the providers above, which does not impact the customer ratings displayed. Customer ratings listed above are national ratings, local San Mateo ratings may vary and are shown below.
Who is the Best Internet Provider in San Mateo, CA?
Astound Broadband is the highest-rated internet provider in San Mateo based on 419 California customer reviews, and Sonic has the highest rating nationwide. The provider information above and the information immediately below can help you decide. Compare provider ratings and review counts above.
Click here to get Astound Broadband
or call 1-888-760-7911
Which Providers are Available at my Home in San Mateo?
Coverage changes block by block. Pick a provider and a technology to see where its service reaches: the darker the area, the larger the share of homes it covers. For your exact address, use the address search above.
Coverage map for each provider in San Mateo
- AT&T - fiber coverage map
- EarthLink - fiber coverage map
- XFINITY - cable coverage map
- Sonic - fiber coverage map
- Astound Broadband - cable coverage map
- Verizon - fixed wireless coverage map
- GeoLinks - fixed wireless coverage map
- Etheric Networks - fixed wireless coverage map
- Astound Broadband - fiber coverage map
- Unwired - fixed wireless coverage map
- T-Mobile Home Internet - fixed wireless coverage map
- Astound Broadband - dsl coverage map
- AT&T - dsl coverage map
- EarthLink - dsl coverage map
- AT&T - fixed wireless coverage map
- EarthLink - fixed wireless coverage map
- Sail Internet - fixed wireless coverage map
How San Mateo Compares to Places Its Size
San Mateo's report card score is tied 23rd of 305 and its connectivity index is tied 42nd of 305.
| Measure | San Mateo | Rank among US medium cities (100,000 to 249,999 people) | San Mateo County | California | US | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISP Report Card inputs: what providers offer here | ||||||
| Fiber availability | 91.0% | Tied 77th of 305 | 84.9% | 62.4% | 71.5% | Overland Park, KS (99.9%) |
| Average top speed | 5,060 Mbps | 78th of 305 | 5,175 Mbps | 3,834 Mbps | 3,486 Mbps | West Valley City, UT (9,708 Mbps) |
| Providers at a typical address | 10.4 | Tied 10th of 305 | 9.7 | 8 | 7.1 | Carolina, PR (12.6) |
| Connectivity index inputs: how much households need and use the internet | ||||||
| People per household | 2.7 | Tied 127th of 305 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 2.7 | Lakewood, NJ (5.1) |
| Workers who work from home | 25% | Tied 27th of 305 | 25% | 17% | 15% | Frisco, TX (38%) |
| Homes with a computer, tablet or phone | 98% | Tied 47th of 305 | 98% | 97% | 96% | 46 places at 99% |
| Homes with internet | 96% | Tied 32nd of 305 | 96% | 94% | 91% | Allen, TX and Cumming, GA and 8 more (98%) |
| Homes on fiber, cable or DSL | 85% | Tied 48th of 305 | 85% | 79% | 76% | Highlands Ranch, CO (92%) |
| More about the households here | ||||||
| Homes with a desktop or laptop | 90% | Tied 59th of 305 | 89% | 84% | 81% | Frisco, TX (96%) |
| Median household income | $160,550 | 9th of 305 | $166,917 | $111,728 | $93,246 | Sunnyvale, CA ($189,225) |
| Residents in school (6th grade to college) | 15% | Tied 203rd of 305 | 15% | 17% | 16% | College Station, TX (57%) |
Fiber reaches 91.0% of homes in San Mateo, against 84.9% across San Mateo County and 62.4% across California. Households in San Mateo are the same size as the US average (2.7 people against 2.7); 25% of workers work from home (US 15%); and the median household income is $160,550 (US $93,246).
Our demographic data is sourced from the latest 5-year release of the American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau.
Fiber, 5G, Cable and DSL Internet in San Mateo
Which Fiber Internet Providers are Available in San Mateo?
EarthLink Fiber in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
86.1%
Customer Rating:
(6)
Avg. Download Speed
4,496 Mbps
EarthLink offers Fiber service to 86.1% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, EarthLink Fiber has speeds up to 4,496 Mbps, with speeds from 1,000 Mpbs up to 5,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds are symmetrical, meaning they are exactly the same as download speeds for EarthLink Fiber. EarthLink Fiber is rated about the same as other types of internet service available in San Mateo from EarthLink in terms of customer satisfaction.
AT&T Fiber in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
86.1%
Customer Rating:
(542)
Avg. Download Speed
4,496 Mbps
AT&T offers Fiber service to 86.1% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, AT&T Fiber has speeds up to 4,496 Mbps, with speeds from 1,000 Mpbs up to 5,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds are symmetrical, meaning they are exactly the same as download speeds for AT&T Fiber. AT&T Fiber is rated lower than other types of internet service available in San Mateo from AT&T in terms of customer satisfaction.
Sonic Fiber in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
43.1%
Customer Rating:
(14)
Avg. Download Speed
4,104 Mbps
Sonic offers Fiber service to 43.1% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, Sonic Fiber is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 4,104 Mbps, with speeds from 1,000 Mpbs up to 10,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds are symmetrical, meaning they are exactly the same as download speeds for Sonic Fiber.
Astound Broadband Fiber in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
6.3%
Customer Rating:
(20)
Avg. Download Speed
1,500 Mbps
Astound Broadband offers Fiber service to 6.3% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, Astound Broadband Fiber has speeds up to 1,500 Mbps
Which Fixed Wireless and LTE Internet Providers are Available in San Mateo?
T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
95.6%
Customer Rating:
(341)
Avg. Download Speed
79 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet offers Fixed Wireless service to 95.6% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 79 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 15 Mbps throughout the city.
Etheric Networks Fixed Wireless in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
87.5%
Customer Rating:
(0)
Avg. Download Speed
250 Mbps
Etheric Networks offers Fixed Wireless service to 87.5% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, Etheric Networks Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 250 Mbps
Verizon Fixed Wireless in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
85.1%
Customer Rating:
(362)
Avg. Download Speed
359 Mbps
Verizon offers Fixed Wireless service to 85.1% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, Verizon Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 359 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 1,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 6.0 and as high as 75, with an average of 28 Mbps throughout the city.
EarthLink Fixed Wireless in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
72.7%
Customer Rating:
(4)
Avg. Download Speed
54 Mbps
EarthLink offers Fixed Wireless service to 72.7% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, EarthLink Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 54 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 9.6 Mbps throughout the city.
AT&T Fixed Wireless in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
72.7%
Customer Rating:
(205)
Avg. Download Speed
54 Mbps
AT&T offers Fixed Wireless service to 72.7% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, AT&T Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 54 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 9.6 Mbps throughout the city.
GeoLinks Fixed Wireless in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
33.1%
Customer Rating:
(0)
Avg. Download Speed
901 Mbps
GeoLinks offers Fixed Wireless service to 33.1% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, GeoLinks Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 901 Mbps, with speeds from 100 Mpbs up to 1,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds are symmetrical, meaning they are exactly the same as download speeds for GeoLinks Fixed Wireless.
Unwired Fixed Wireless in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
26.1%
Customer Rating:
(1)
Avg. Download Speed
300 Mbps
Unwired offers Fixed Wireless service to 26.1% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, Unwired Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 300 Mbps
Sail Internet Fixed Wireless in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
2.5%
Customer Rating:
(0)
Avg. Download Speed
200 Mbps
Sail Internet offers Fixed Wireless service to 2.5% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, Sail Internet Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 200 Mbps
Which Cable Internet Providers are Available in San Mateo?
XFINITY Cable in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
99.3%
Customer Rating:
(2074)
Avg. Download Speed
1,990 Mbps
XFINITY from Comcast offers Cable service to 99.3% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, XFINITY Cable is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 1,990 Mbps, with speeds from 1,200 Mpbs up to 2,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 35 and as high as 250, with an average of 247 Mbps throughout the city.
Astound Broadband Cable in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
87.1%
Customer Rating:
(96)
Avg. Download Speed
1,500 Mbps
Astound Broadband offers Cable service to 87.1% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, Astound Broadband Cable has speeds up to 1,500 Mbps
Which DSL Internet Providers are Available in San Mateo?
EarthLink DSL in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
72.2%
Customer Rating:
(5)
Avg. Download Speed
72 Mbps
EarthLink offers DSL service to 72.2% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, EarthLink DSL has speeds up to 72 Mbps, with speeds from 10 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 1.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 15 Mbps throughout the city. EarthLink DSL is rated higher than other types of internet service available in San Mateo from EarthLink in terms of customer satisfaction.
AT&T DSL in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
72.2%
Customer Rating:
(304)
Avg. Download Speed
72 Mbps
AT&T offers DSL service to 72.2% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, AT&T DSL has speeds up to 72 Mbps, with speeds from 10 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 1.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 15 Mbps throughout the city. AT&T DSL is rated about the same as other types of internet service available in San Mateo from AT&T in terms of customer satisfaction.
Astound Broadband DSL in San Mateo, CA
Availability:
6.9%
Customer Rating:
(3)
Avg. Download Speed
1,000 Mbps
Astound Broadband offers DSL service to 6.9% of San Mateo homes. Across the city, Astound Broadband DSL has speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Internet in San Mateo by Neighborhood and ZIP Code
Fiber reaches from 55.2% of homes in Shoreview to 100.0% in East San Mateo; by ZIP code, from 87.5% in 94402 to 96.7% in 94401. Each row links to that place’s page.
Neighborhoods in San Mateo
| Neighborhood | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsdale | 14,767 | 83.8% | 4,561 Mbps | 10.3 | A- | 91/100 |
| North Central San Francisco | 14,251 | 97.0% | 3,778 Mbps | 11.6 | A | 85/100 |
| Sugerloaf | 12,452 | 100.0% | 7,792 Mbps | 10.2 | A+ | 80/100 |
| East San Mateo | 12,326 | 100.0% | 5,000 Mbps | 9.2 | A | 90/100 |
| Beresford | 11,386 | 99.7% | 9,056 Mbps | 10.8 | A+ | 85/100 |
| Haywood Park | 8,009 | 94.6% | 4,553 Mbps | 10.8 | A- | 72/100 |
| Baywood-Aragon | 7,281 | 74.4% | 3,672 Mbps | 9.5 | B+ | 82/100 |
| Downtown San Mateo | 6,896 | 92.8% | 3,403 Mbps | 11.7 | A- | 76/100 |
| Marina Lagoon | 6,366 | 79.9% | 4,394 Mbps | 10.5 | A- | 79/100 |
| Shoreview | 5,435 | 55.2% | 3,644 Mbps | 9.7 | B | 75/100 |
| Western Hills | 3,157 | 84.7% | 4,556 Mbps | 8.7 | A- | 94/100 |
ZIP codes in San Mateo
How San Mateo Compares to Nearby Places
The 10 places nearest to San Mateo that have their own pages are all within 8 miles. Among them, North Fair Oaks has the most homes with fiber (100.0%) and Foster City the fewest (68.9%); San Mateo has 91.0%.
| Place | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo (this page) | 107,209 | 91.0% | 5,060 Mbps | 10.4 | A- | 86/100 |
| Redwood City | 92,381 | 85.0% | 6,621 Mbps | 9.6 | A- | 89/100 |
| San Bruno | 43,639 | 96.4% | 4,755 Mbps | 9.1 | A- | 82/100 |
| Foster City | 34,060 | 68.9% | 3,849 Mbps | 9 | B+ | 89/100 |
| San Carlos | 32,231 | 97.0% | 4,714 Mbps | 9.8 | A | 94/100 |
| Burlingame | 31,625 | 86.5% | 3,127 Mbps | 9.9 | A- | 80/100 |
| Belmont | 29,185 | 93.5% | 8,015 Mbps | 9.1 | A | 88/100 |
| Millbrae | 24,053 | 89.0% | 4,281 Mbps | 9.4 | A- | 84/100 |
| Hillsborough | 13,810 | 72.7% | 3,606 Mbps | 7.5 | B | 96/100 |
| North Fair Oaks | 10,906 | 100.0% | 9,370 Mbps | 10.3 | A+ | 80/100 |
| Highlands-Baywood Park | 486 | 100.0% | 5,000 Mbps | 10 | A | 98/100 |
Who is the Fastest Internet Provider in San Mateo?
According to unbiased feedback from real internet customers, they reported being happiest with speeds provided by Astound Broadband. On the other hand, based on data provided by the internet providers to the FCC, Sonic should have faster speeds at a local level. While we typically put more weight on real-world customer ratings, we display both satisfaction and technical maximum information for customers to decide for themselves.
Data Reported to FCC by ISPs: Average Maximum Available in San Mateo
| Sonic | 10,000 |
|---|---|
| AT&T | 5,000 |
| EarthLink | 5,000 |
| XFINITY from Comcast | 2,000 |
| Astound Broadband | 1,500 |
| Etheric Networks | 1,000 |
| Verizon | 1,000 |
| GeoLinks | 1,000 |
| Sail Internet | 1,000 |
| Unwired | 300 |
| Viasat | 100 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 100 |
| HughesNet | 25 |
How fast is your internet?
Test your connection here and see it next to the speeds providers advertise in San Mateo. It takes about 20 seconds and, on a fast line, can move a few hundred MB of data.
Customer Ratings for San Mateo Internet Providers
Based on 419 reviews from California internet customers, Astound Broadband is the best internet service provider for San Mateo residents. Astound Broadband was rated at an average of 3.24 out of 5 in our report for overall customer satisfaction. XFINITY from Comcast wins for second-place in California, with 3.67 out of 5 stars and 99.7% coverage in San Mateo.
At a national level, based on 4731 national reviews for any of the providers listed above, Sonic is rated higher than any other provider, with a rating of 4.43 out of 5.
Local, State, and National Ratings for all San Mateo Internet Providers
The table below shows average customer ratings from customers in San Mateo, California, and customers throughout the country.
| ISP / Tech Type | San Mateo Overall | California Overall | National Overall | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astound Broadband |  (1) | (17) | (120) | View Plans | ||
| XFINITY | (3) | (211) | (2374) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (2) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (1) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| Sonic | (0) | (14) | (14) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (27) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| Unwired | (0) | (1) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (28) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (1) |  (12) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (1) | (119) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| Etheric Networks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Sail Internet | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| GeoLinks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Customer Ratings for Internet Provider Speeds in San Mateo
Based on data reported by San Mateo ISPs to the FCC, the fastest speeds in the city are available through Sonic. The company offers speeds up to 10,000 Mbps in San Mateo. Therefore, the average customer can get up to 4,104 Mbps if they’re willing to purchase the fastest subscription tier available at their homes.
However, actual customers rated their satisfaction with internet speed highest with Astound Broadband. This indicates Astound Broadband reliably delivers speeds expected by the customer based on the plan they are paying for.
| ISP / Tech Type | San Mateo Speed | California Speed | National Speed | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astound Broadband | (1) | (17) | (120) | View Plans | ||
| XFINITY | (3) | (211) | (2374) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (2) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) |  (1) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| Sonic | (0) | (14) | (14) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (27) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| Unwired | (0) | (1) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (28) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (1) | (12) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (1) | (119) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| Etheric Networks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Sail Internet | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| GeoLinks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Who is the Cheapest Internet Provider in San Mateo?
Of the providers in San Mateo, customers rate AT&T the best for price. Data comes from customers rating their satisfaction with pricing: in San Mateo where enough of them have reviewed a provider, otherwise across California or the country. This feedback is valuable because it considers price changes and whether the speeds paid for are worth it.
AT&T is rated 4.00 out of 5 for price, which is higher than the average across all internet providers in the country. EarthLink is rated second for affordability, with an average price rating of 2.00 out of 5.
The table below shows how customers in San Mateo, California, and the United States rated the affordability of their internet service.
Rated Affordability in San Mateo
| ISP / Tech Type | San Mateo Affordability | California Affordability | National Affordability | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astound Broadband | (1) | (17) | (120) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (1) | (119) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (2) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (1) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| Sonic | (0) | (14) | (14) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (27) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| Unwired | (0) | (1) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (28) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (1) | (12) | View Plans | ||
| XFINITY | (3) | (211) | (2374) | View Plans | ||
| Etheric Networks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Sail Internet | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| GeoLinks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Customer Reviews for Internet Service Providers in California
Customer Reviews
A San Mateo, CA Customer
AT&T Fixed Wireless
June 26, 2023 I have tried many different service providers. I am not necessarily happy with ATT's speed, but they have been consistent compared to other providers. I had Comcast, and they were really bad, so ATT is satisfactory. ATT connection is a bit weaker when traveling or in odd locations, which is not surprising but pretty unfortunate.
A San Mateo, CA Customer
XFINITY Cable
May 30, 2023 A San Mateo, CA Customer
XFINITY Cable
May 20, 2023 A San Mateo, CA Customer
XFINITY Cable
March 16, 2023 The internet works well and has been consistent for a while thus far. We have not had a problem in over 6 months, but during the start of the Covid pandemic the internet was awful. Ever since then we got a new internet box and it has been great.
A Foster City, CA Customer
Astound Broadband Cable
February 18, 2023 Rate your provider
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Which ISP Should You Choose in San Mateo?
The right ISP for you depends upon your needs, but in general we can make the following suggestions:
- The best all-around internet service provider in San Mateo is Astound Broadband.
- The fastest internet provider should be Sonic. Considering speed for the money and reliability in speeds, Astound Broadband may be a better choice based on real-world local customer feedback.
- The most affordable internet provider in San Mateo is AT&T.
- XFINITY from Comcast, Viasat, and HughesNet has the broadest coverage in San Mateo, available to 99.7% of homes, and is most likely to cover your home. To find out exactly what’s available at your home, please use our address search tool.