SAN MARCOS, CA
Find internet providers in San Marcos, CA
Find internet offered in San Marcos, CA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 9 internet providers for San Marcos, CA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn San Marcos, CA, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~89% of the city. Its fastest FCC-filed tier reaches up to 5,000 Mbps, but AT&T fiber itself reaches ~13% of the city, so do not assume that top speed at every address. For the local picture, Santa Fe Hills in ZIP 92069 is led by Cox Communications at 68.3%, with cable speeds up to 2000/100 Mbps, while AT&T fiber reaches 11.1% there. San Elijo Hills in ZIP 92078 is more mixed, with Cox at 42.2%, Spectrum at 23.1%, and AT&T fiber at 14.5%. ZIP 92079 is especially Cox-heavy at 78.6%, while AT&T fiber reaches 7.1%, making exact qualification important if you want fiber. Around California State University San Marcos and Palomar College, student apartments can have a different provider mix than nearby homes, and older DSL or copper infrastructure can complicate Zoom, streaming, and gaming. T-Mobile is a nearly as broad fixed-wireless alternative, covering 87.9% citywide, with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps reaching ~44% of the city. Check Discovery Hills and Twin Oaks Valley street by street, and confirm your exact address before signing up.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 98% of all internet options in California
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
At $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, AT&T Fiber 1 GIG offers up to 1000 Mbps both ways with a 91/100 Speed Score, while the $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, Fiber 5 GIG plan offers up to 5000 Mbps both ways with a 98/100 score. These fiber plans are excellent choices, and the 98/100 headline score is above the city average of 62. The 5 GIG fiber plan is available to 12.9% of San Marcos, so address eligibility matters; where fiber is unavailable, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps both ways with an 80/100 score, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber.
About AT&T
AT&T’s fiber pricing is compelling: Fiber 300 costs $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, for up to 300 Mbps both ways, while Fiber 5 GIG costs $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, for up to 5000 Mbps both ways. Fiber is an excellent choice for streaming, work, and gaming, but it is address-dependent, with Fiber 300 available to 16.6% of San Marcos and Fiber 5 GIG available to 12.9%. Where fiber is unavailable, Internet Air costs $55/mo for the promotional period, then $60/mo, and offers up to 300 Mbps both ways to 46.5% of the city, but fixed wireless can be less reliable for demanding use, so check for fiber at your address first.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: 2 GIG internet — faster than 94% of all internet options in California
- 2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/moCable2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$115Per month
- 1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$100Per month
- 500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/moCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$85Per month
- 300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/moCable300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
- StraightUp InternetCable100 MbpsDownload58Our score$50Per month
Source: Cox Communications official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
Cox Communications is a reliable cable choice in San Marcos, with a headline Speed Score of 94/100, above the city average of 62, and plans offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload. Its 2 GIG plan scores 94/100, while the 500 Mbps and 300 Mbps plans each score 80/100, but the listed plans are available to 72.5% of the city, so confirm your address before counting on these speeds.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a strong option in San Marcos, offering cable internet that is excellent for most uses, including up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 94/100. The listed cable plans are available to 72.5% of the city, starting at $50/mo for up to 100 Mbps and reaching $115/mo promotional for up to 2000 Mbps, so check your address to confirm the faster tiers and whether the promotional price later becomes $154/mo.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 87% of all internet options in California
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
5G fixed wireless is a practical home internet option for streaming, video calls, and everyday use, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload at a Speed Score of 87/100. That score is above the city average of 62, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100. Fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service, and both plans show availability to 75.1% of San Marcos, so verify your address before relying on the advertised speeds.
About Verizon
Verizon uses 5G fixed wireless, an adequate option for streaming, gaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, though performance can vary more than with wired service. Its faster 5G Home Plus plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional, then $70/mo, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional, then $60/mo; both are available to 75.1% of San Marcos, so check your address before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
Budget-conscious households that stream, work from home, or connect several devices can find T-Mobile a competitive fit. Its 5G fixed wireless plans have a Speed Score of 80/100, above the city average of 62, with up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload on All-In or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload on Rely. Fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service, and these plans are available to 66.4% of San Marcos, so confirm coverage and performance at your address.
About T-Mobile
Households that want strong everyday speeds for streaming, video calls, and multiple devices should consider T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service, with All-In offering up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps for $70/mo promotional and Rely offering up to 354↓/55↑ Mbps for $50/mo promotional, both with an 80/100 Speed Score. Fixed wireless is an adequate alternative rather than fiber or cable, and these plans are available to 66.4% of San Marcos, so check your address and compare faster wired options first if they are available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 90% of all internet options in California
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload58Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
Spectrum’s headline Speed Score of 90/100 makes its cable service a solid option, with Internet Gig offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload for 4K streaming, gaming, and multiple connected devices. That score is above San Marcos’s city average of 62, but Internet Gig is available to 32.0% of the city, so verify your address before relying on these speeds.
About Spectrum
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload can comfortably handle multiple 4K streams, video calls, gaming, and busy connected homes. Spectrum’s cable service is an excellent option at eligible addresses, with 500 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans as lower-cost choices, but the listed plans are available to only 32.0% of San Marcos, so check your address before relying on it.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 70% of all internet options in California
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload46Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
Satellite service can handle typical browsing and streaming, with the Residential – Max plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, though higher latency may affect gaming and video calls. Its 70/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 62, making it competitive overall, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans each score 46/100 and offer up to 200/25 and 100/25 Mbps. The plans are listed as available to 100.0% of San Marcos, but households prioritizing low-latency performance should check what other options reach their address.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can bring service to locations without wired connections, but its higher latency may affect video calls, gaming, and other real-time use. Starlink offers up to 100 Mbps, up to 200 Mbps, or up to 400 Mbps, with each plan available to 100.0% of San Marcos, making it a reasonable fallback for browsing, streaming, and multiple devices. Check your address for fiber or cable first, since those technologies are generally better for latency-sensitive modern needs.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 71% of all internet options in California
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload4Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 29/100 Speed Score is below San Marcos’ city average of 62. As satellite service, it has limited performance and higher latency than wired technologies, so it is better suited to basic use than demanding real-time activities. Fusion is available to 100.0% of the city, but checking what else is available at your address is advisable before choosing it.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Lite plan buys up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, while Select costs $49.99/mo for up to 50 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, and Fusion costs $94.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, so the value is limited for modern internet needs. All three satellite plans show 100.0% availability in San Marcos, but their high latency and below-average speeds make HughesNet more of a fallback, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service first, especially if you stream, game, work from home, or have multiple users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Lightwave Broadband LLC
Speeds up to 101 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 50% of all internet options in California
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
For the monthly price, Lightwave Broadband LLC’s fixed-wireless plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 50/100. That represents limited performance compared with stronger alternatives, so consider checking other providers first if your address has additional options. This specific plan covers 15.2% of San Marcos, making availability address-dependent.
About Lightwave Broadband LLC
For the monthly price quoted at your address, Lightwave Broadband LLC offers fixed wireless service up to 101 Mbps download and 31 Mbps upload, or up to 100 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which is adequate for basic use but below average overall with a 50/100 speed score. The 101/31 plan reaches only 0.1% of census blocks, while the 100/30 plan reaches 15.2%, so check for faster fiber or cable service first if you have a busy household, work from home, or need reliable streaming and gaming.
Available Plans
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 96% of all internet options in California
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload4Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Marcos
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in San Marcos, so checking other providers first is sensible. Its satellite plans score 4/100 and 1/100, below the city average of 62, with advertised speeds of up to 55↓/4↑ Mbps and 34↓/4↑ Mbps. Availability still needs to be confirmed at your address, even though the Viasat plans are listed as available to 101.5% of the city.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is mainly a fallback option, so check whether fiber or cable is available at your address first. Its fastest local plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $69.99/mo, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $99.99/mo, and both use satellite technology with limited speeds and high latency that may not suit modern households.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in San Marcos
All 25 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 25 plans
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Cox Communications2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/mo2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$115$154Per month~72.5%CoverageCable
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45$70Per month~75.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Cox Communications1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/mo1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$100$124Per month~72.5%CoverageCable
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~75.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Cox Communications300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55$74Per month~72.5%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/mo500 MbpsDownload80Our score$85$94Per month~72.5%CoverageCable
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$60Per month~66.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70$80Per month~66.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload46Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in San Marcos
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching 32.0%.
It is the city's cheapest listed plan for budget-focused students at California State University San Marcos.
Check first: Confirm your address; Spectrum reaches only 32.0% citywide.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 1 GIG at a promotional starting rate of $50/mo for 1,000 Mbps, reaching 16.6%.
Its 1,000 Mbps fiber speed suits video calls and uploads where available.
Check first: AT&T Fiber 1 GIG reaches 16.6%; verify your exact address first.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Cox Communications 2 GIG at a promotional starting rate of $115/mo for 2,000 Mbps, reaching 72.5%.
Cox reaches 68.3% in Santa Fe Hills and 78.6% in ZIP 92079 at 2,000/100 Mbps.
Check first: The plan's 72.5% reach is not Cox's full city footprint; check your address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a promotional starting rate of $55/mo, reaching 100%.
Its basic NGSO satellite service reaches approximately 100% of San Marcos, useful when wired options are limited.
Check first: Verify the address; satellite availability does not confirm wired service there.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in San Marcos
Santa Fe Hills
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Cox's 2,000/100 Mbps cable reaches 68.3% of ZIP 92069; AT&T fiber reaches 11.1%.
San Elijo Hills
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Cable-first households.
Cox reaches 42.2% of ZIP 92078, while Spectrum reaches 23.1% and AT&T fiber 14.5%.
ZIP 92079
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Highest local cable reach.
Cox cable reaches 78.6% of ZIP 92079, with Cox fiber at 7.1% and AT&T fiber at 7.1%.
Internet providers near San Marcos
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside San Marcos, check the neighboring market directly.
San Marcos Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in San Marcos, CA?
AT&T offers San Marcos's fastest listed plan: Fiber 5 GIG delivers 5,000 Mbps where available and reaches 12.9% of the city. Cox Communications' 2 GIG plan reaches 72.5% at 2,000 Mbps, offering broader high-speed availability for qualifying addresses.
Can I get fiber in Santa Fe Hills, San Marcos?
Yes—fiber appears in 11.1% of ZIP 92069 (Santa Fe Hills), where AT&T is listed at 5,000/5,000 Mbps. Check your exact address because that ZIP percentage does not guarantee availability at every home or building there.
What is the cheapest internet plan in San Marcos?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is San Marcos's cheapest plan: a promotional starting rate of exactly $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching 32.0% of the city. Confirm your address, because this plan's reach is limited to qualifying locations.
What internet speed do I need for a San Marcos household?
300 Mbps is a listed option for San Marcos households: AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 16.6% of San Marcos, while Verizon 5G Home reaches 75.1% at that speed. Choose among available tiers after checking your address, because the same speed has different provider footprints.
Is Cox available in San Elijo Hills, San Marcos?
Yes—Cox cable reaches 42.2% of ZIP 92078 (San Elijo Hills) with 2,000/100 Mbps service listed. Spectrum reaches 23.1% there, so check the exact address before assuming either provider serves every home in the neighborhood.
How We Analyze Internet in San Marcos
FCC Broadband Data
We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.
Speed Score
Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in San Marcos report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for San Marcos
How We Calculate Speed Score
Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.
The Formula:
We calculate a raw performance score using:
Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)
Technology Factors:
Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:
- Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
- Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
- Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
- Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
- Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
- Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
- Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency
Percentile Ranking:
After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.
Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.
How We Calculate Capabilities
Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.
Rating Scale:
- Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
- Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
- Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
- Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag
How We Rate Each Category:
Streaming
Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.
Multi-device
Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.
Gaming
Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.
Whole Home
Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.
Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.