San Mateo, CA Internet
Internet Providers in San Mateo, CA
Compare every internet provider in San Mateo, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedXfinity is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 83% of San Mateo, while its overall footprint reaches about 99% of the city. If Sonic.net reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with fiber speeds up to 10,000/10,000 Mbps reaching about 11% of the city. Where Xfinity does not reach, AT&T is the safe fallback, mostly fiber, with an overall footprint of about 97% and common fiber speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 59% of the city.
Local coverage varies sharply: AT&T leads Baywood at about 71% and Shoreview at about 50%, while Xfinity leads ZIP 94404 at about 49%. Hillsdale is the real fiber hotspot, with AT&T at about 48% and Sonic.net at about 41%, both offering fiber there. San Mateo Park is worth checking carefully, since the citywide ranking does not predict every street or building. College of San Mateo students should verify apartment wiring, because some addresses may still rely on older DSL or copper infrastructure, which can complicate Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Fixed wireless from T-Mobile, Verizon, or Unwired Ltd. can fill gaps, but coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in San Mateo, CA
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 91% of all internet options in California
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)Cable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
Xfinity reaches 99.0% of San Mateo, giving most residents a strong chance of service. Its top 2 Gig cable plan is available to about 83% of the city and offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a 91/100 Speed Score, making it a solid, competitive option above the city average of 65. Availability and plan technology can vary by address, so check which speed tier reaches your home, especially since the 1.2 Gig plan reaches about 99% of the city.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 99.0% of San Mateo, so most residents have a strong chance of getting service. Its cable plans offer excellent choices, including up to 2 Gig with a Speed Score of 91/100, while the 1.2 Gig and 1 Gig plans are available to about 99% of the city; availability is address-dependent, so check your location to confirm which faster option you can order.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: Gig WiFi — faster than 81% of all internet options in California
- Gig WiFi$200 Gift CardFiber1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$40Per month
Source: Astound Broadband official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
Astound Broadband is a top-tier option in San Mateo, with its Gig WiFi fiber plan offering up to 1,000 Mbps download and 1,500 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 81/100. That score is above the city average of 65, but the plan is available to only about 2% of the city, so your address will determine whether you can get this excellent fiber service.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband is an excellent option for demanding internet users, but its best choice here is available at only a small number of addresses. Its Gig WiFi fiber plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1500 Mbps upload for $40 per month, with a Speed Score of 81/100, yet it reaches only about 2% of San Mateo, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Cable
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed — faster than 95% of all internet options in California
- AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed$90/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 discount applies for 12 months on 1Gb+ plans) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$90Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500Mbps$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers, $15/mo discount for 12 months applies after up to 3 bill cycles) · $100 Visa reward cardFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300Mbps$35/mo for 12 months (new customers, with AutoPay & paperless bill discount, wired connection to gateway) · $200 AT&T Visa Reward CardFiber300 MbpsDownload72Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
At $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet 5 GIG offers up to 5000 Mbps both ways over fiber, making it an excellent choice for demanding households. Its Speed Score is 95/100, above the San Mateo average of 65, and it is a top-tier option for fast, low-latency performance. Fiber availability depends on your address, with this plan reaching about 59% of the city, so confirm that the fiber connection is available before choosing it.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About AT&T
AT&T offers strong value in San Mateo, from $35/mo for up to 300 Mbps to $90/mo for up to 5,000 Mbps, with its fastest fiber plan providing symmetrical speeds and a Speed Score of 95/100. Fiber is the best choice for demanding households, but availability is address-dependent, reaching about 59% of the city for 5 GIG and about 74% for the 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 GIG plans; Internet Air is a more limited fallback at up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Sonic.net
Speeds up to 10,000 Mbps
Plans start at $40 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in California
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
Sonic.net’s fiber value is strongest at up to 10,000 Mbps download and upload for a Speed Score of 99/100, making it a top-tier option for demanding households. Address availability matters because this plan reaches about 11% of San Mateo, so check whether the 10,000 Mbps tier is offered at your location.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Sonic.net
At the monthly price quoted for your address, Sonic.net offers excellent value when its fiber service is available, with up to 10,000 Mbps both ways for demanding households. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 11% of census blocks for the fastest plan and about 25% for the up to 1,000 Mbps symmetrical plan, so check your address before choosing Sonic.net.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 72% of all internet options in California
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it a good fit for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use, though fixed wireless can be more variable than wired connections. Its 5G Home plan has a Speed Score of 72/100, above San Mateo’s city average of 65, and reaches about 46% of the city. Check your address carefully because this plan’s availability may not extend to every Verizon service location.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is good for streaming, video calls, and typical household use, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. It is available to about 46% of San Mateo and costs $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid mobile plan, so check your address and compare faster fiber or cable options before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Unwired Ltd
Speeds up to 200 Mbps
Plans range $55–$175 /mo *
Best plan here: Residential 200 Mbps — faster than 59% of all internet options in California
- Residential 200 MbpsFixed Wireless200 MbpsDownload59Our score$175Per month
- Residential 150 MbpsFixed Wireless150 MbpsDownload58Our score$135Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsFixed Wireless100 MbpsDownload21Our score$85Per month
- Residential 50 MbpsFixed Wireless50 MbpsDownload13Our score$55Per month
Source: Unwired Ltd official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
With a headline Speed Score of 59/100, Unwired Ltd’s up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload plan can handle streaming, video calls, and everyday connected use. Its fixed wireless performance is below the San Mateo average of 65, so consider checking other providers first for stronger performance. The plan is available to 18.7% of San Mateo, and fixed wireless availability and real-world performance depend on your specific address.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Unwired Ltd
Up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload can handle streaming, video calls, and everyday household use, though the fixed wireless technology is only adequate and below average for speed. Unwired Ltd’s 200 Mbps plan reaches about 19% of San Mateo, so check your address first and compare faster cable or fiber options if available, especially for busy households or demanding online activities.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45Per month
- T-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
- T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless400 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
Households seeking affordable internet for streaming, video calls, and everyday use may find T-Mobile competitive, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 80/100, above San Mateo’s city average of 65. Fixed wireless is an adequate option, though performance can vary more than wired service, and these plans are available to about 67% of the city, so verify your address and note that the offers require a qualifying postpaid voice bundle.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want fast service for streaming, work, and everyday use, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. Its best 500 Mbps options are available to about 67% of San Mateo, so availability is address-dependent, and the required postpaid voice bundle can affect the value; check your address and compare other providers before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
Satellite service can support streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices, with Starlink’s Residential Max plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 80/100, above San Mateo’s city average of 65. That plan is available to 100.0% of the city, but satellite’s higher latency can affect gaming and other real-time uses, so check what other connection types are available at your address before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Starlink
Starlink uses satellite internet, making it available to 100.0% of San Mateo, but satellite service can have higher latency that affects gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Its Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130/mo with a Speed Score of 80/100, though you should check your address for fiber or cable first, since those wired options are usually better for demanding modern internet use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 79% of all internet options in California
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload13Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload3Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below San Mateo’s city average of 65. This satellite service is available to 100.0% of the city, but its latency and limited performance make it worth checking what other providers can reach your specific address before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About HughesNet
HughesNet costs $39.99 per month for Lite with up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, or $94.99 per month for Fusion with up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but those are satellite speeds with limited performance for the price. It can be a useful fallback where other providers are unavailable, though you should check for faster cable or fiber options at your address first, since satellite latency and below-average speeds may not be sufficient for modern streaming, video calls, or multiple users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 82% of all internet options in California
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload18Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload13Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for San Mateo
Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with the alternatives available in San Mateo, with a headline Speed Score of 18/100 versus the city average of 65. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan is available to 100% of the city and offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, but satellite’s higher latency and lower scores make it worth checking what else is available at your address. Viasat Unleashed is also satellite, with up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, and has a lower Speed Score of 13/100.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a dependable last-resort option, but you should check for faster internet before choosing it because satellite service has limited speeds and higher latency. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; both are available across about 100% of San Mateo, but neither is a strong choice for demanding modern use when faster address-specific options are available.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in San Mateo
All 27 product lines from the 9 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 27 plans
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~98.7%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~98.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$55Per month~98.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$100Per month~82.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month~98.7%CoverageCable
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward card1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~73.8%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 500Mbps$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers, $15/mo discount for 12 months applies after up to 3 bill cycles) · $100 Visa reward card500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month~73.8%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- AT&TAT&T Internet 5 GIG speed$90/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 discount applies for 12 months on 1Gb+ plans) · $150 Visa reward card5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$90Per month~59.3%CoverageFiber
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare San Mateo providers head-to-head
See how San Mateo’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in San Mateo
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40 promotional pricing for 12 months, reaching about 99% of San Mateo.
Its cable plan combines broad availability with enough capacity for shared streaming, coursework, and video calls.
Check first: Confirm the address, since the plan reaches about 99%, not every household.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 300Mbps for $35 promotional pricing for 12 months, reaching about 74% of San Mateo.
Fiber provides a wired connection and broad 300 Mbps availability for calls, uploads, and daily work.
Check first: The promotional price requires AutoPay, paperless billing, new-customer eligibility, and wired gateway connection.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Sonic.net fiber up to 10,000/10,000 Mbps where available, reaching about 11% of San Mateo.
Its symmetrical fiber tier offers the highest listed performance for simultaneous gaming, streaming, and large uploads.
Check first: Availability is address-specific because the 10,000/10,000 Mbps tier reaches only about 11%.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55 monthly, available everywhere in San Mateo.
Starlink offers a citywide option when wired providers do not reach the address.
Check first: Satellite availability is broad, but wired alternatives may provide higher speeds where available.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in San Mateo
Shoreview 94401
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber households.
AT&T reaches about 50% of Shoreview, narrowly exceeding Xfinity at about 48%.
Baywood 94402
AT&T is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber.
AT&T reaches about 71% of Baywood, while Xfinity reaches about 25%.
Hillsdale 94403
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber availability.
AT&T reaches about 48% of Hillsdale, with Sonic.net close behind at about 41%.
Internet providers near San Mateo
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside San Mateo, check the neighboring market directly.
San Mateo Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in San Mateo, CA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 83% of San Mateo. If Sonic.net reaches your address, its 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber is the faster choice, but that tier reaches only about 11%.
What is the fastest internet in San Mateo, CA?
Sonic.net is fastest where available, offering 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 11% of San Mateo. Xfinity is the best overall choice, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 83%, so availability should determine the decision.
Which internet provider covers the most of San Mateo, CA?
Xfinity has the broadest non-satellite footprint at about 99% of San Mateo, while its 1,200 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps cable tiers reach about 99%. Satellite providers are available everywhere, but Xfinity is the broadest wired option.
What is the cheapest internet plan in San Mateo, CA?
The cheapest plans are tied at $35 promotional pricing: AT&T Fiber 300Mbps delivers 300 Mbps and reaches about 74%, while T-Mobile Rely Home Internet delivers 400 Mbps and reaches about 67%. AT&T requires AutoPay and paperless billing; T-Mobile requires a qualifying wireless line and bundle.
Can I get fiber internet in San Mateo?
AT&T fiber reaches about 74% of San Mateo for its 1,000 Mbps tier, while Sonic.net 1,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 36%. Check the exact address because faster tiers have narrower footprints, including Sonic.net 10,000/10,000 Mbps at about 11%.
What internet speed do I need in San Mateo?
San Mateo plans range from 25 Mbps satellite service to 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber, with 300 to 500 Mbps fitting many multi-device households. Choose higher tiers for simultaneous streaming, gaming, remote work, and large uploads, but verify that the chosen technology reaches your address.
Which internet provider is strongest in Hillsdale?
AT&T reaches about 48% of Hillsdale in ZIP 94403, compared with Sonic.net at about 41% and Xfinity at about 10%. AT&T fiber reaches about 74% citywide for its 1,000 Mbps tier, but ZIP and address-level eligibility still control service.
How We Analyze Internet in San Mateo
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
A state-wide percentile of each plan’s maximum advertised download speed against every option filed with the FCC in the state, all technologies on one scale. It is not a measured speed test.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in San Mateo report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for San Mateo
How We Calculate Speed Score
The Speed Score is a state-wide percentile from 0 to 100. It answers one question: of every internet option filed with the FCC in this state, across every technology, what share is slower than this plan’s maximum advertised download speed?
What goes in:
- The plan’s maximum advertised download speed, as the provider files it with the FCC and lists it for sale.
- Every other serviceable option in the state from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, counted by the census blocks it reaches.
Speed Score = share of the state’s filed options with a lower advertised download speed
A score of 85 means this plan’s advertised speed beats 85% of the options filed in the state. Fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite are all on the same scale, so a 1,000 Mbps plan scores the same whoever sells it.
What it is not: a measured speed test. It does not include latency, upload speed, reliability or congestion. Real throughput at an address varies with wiring, equipment and time of day.
How providers are ordered on this page: each provider’s tier scores are averaged across the census blocks it serves, then multiplied by the share of the city it reaches. Wired providers rank ahead of wireless-only ones, and satellite last, because their filings describe a signal footprint rather than a plant. The same rule sets the title and the 30-second verdict.
Data source: FCC National Broadband Map (Broadband Data Collection), republished roughly twice a year; provider plan lists checked monthly.
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.