Best Internet Service Providers in San Rafael, CA (2026)
The best internet provider in San Rafael is Xfinity, offering speeds Up to 2 Gbps starting at $30/mo. With a population of 61,271, San Rafael residents can choose from 4+ major ISPs including Xfinity, AT&T, CenturyLink and Spectrum. Fiber internet is expanding across San Rafael, but cable and 5G home internet remain popular alternatives for reliable high-speed connectivity.
Need help choosing? Call 1-844-963-0138 to speak with a Xfinity specialist.
Internet Service in San Rafael, California: A Complete Overview
San Rafael is a vibrant community in California with a population of approximately 61,271. When it comes to internet service, residents of San Rafael have several quality options to choose from. The local internet market features a mix of fiber, cable, DSL, and wireless providers competing to deliver the best speeds and value.
Whether you live near downtown San Rafael or in the surrounding neighborhoods, understanding which internet service providers (ISPs) serve your area is the first step toward getting connected. Coverage can vary by address, so we recommend checking availability at your specific location in San Rafael, CA 94901 to see which providers offer service.
Internet infrastructure in San Rafael continues to improve, with providers investing in fiber-optic expansion and 5G wireless networks. Residents in newer developments and denser areas of San Rafael tend to have the widest selection of high-speed options, while some outlying areas may rely more on DSL or fixed wireless connections.
The average internet customer in San Rafael pays between $40 and $70 per month for broadband service, though budget-conscious plans start as low as $25 per month. Speeds available in San Rafael, CA range from basic DSL at 10-25 Mbps up to multi-gigabit fiber connections exceeding 1,000 Mbps, depending on the provider and plan you select.
Top Internet Providers in San Rafael, CA
Here are the leading internet service providers available to San Rafael residents, with plan details and pricing for 2026:
Xfinity Internet in San Rafael
- Technology: Cable/Fiber
- Max Speed: Up to 2 Gbps
- Starting Price: $30/mo
- Availability: Wide coverage across San Rafael, CA
Xfinity delivers reliable internet service to homes and businesses throughout San Rafael. As a cable internet provider, Xfinity offers competitive speeds and consistent performance for streaming, gaming, remote work, and everyday browsing. Plans include options for individuals, families, and power users who need top-tier bandwidth in San Rafael.
Call to order Xfinity: 1-844-963-0138
AT&T Internet in San Rafael
- Technology: Fiber/DSL
- Max Speed: Up to 5 Gbps
- Starting Price: $35/mo
- Availability: Wide coverage across San Rafael, CA
AT&T delivers reliable internet service to homes and businesses throughout San Rafael. As a fiber internet provider, AT&T offers competitive speeds and consistent performance for streaming, gaming, remote work, and everyday browsing. Plans include options for individuals, families, and power users who need top-tier bandwidth in San Rafael.
Call to order AT&T: 1-855-850-5977
CenturyLink Internet in San Rafael
- Technology: Fiber/DSL
- Max Speed: Up to 940 Mbps
- Starting Price: $30/mo
- Availability: Wide coverage across San Rafael, CA
CenturyLink delivers reliable internet service to homes and businesses throughout San Rafael. As a fiber internet provider, CenturyLink offers competitive speeds and consistent performance for streaming, gaming, remote work, and everyday browsing. Plans include options for individuals, families, and power users who need top-tier bandwidth in San Rafael.
Call to order CenturyLink: 1-855-512-4817
Spectrum Internet in San Rafael
- Technology: Cable
- Max Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
- Starting Price: $30/mo
- Availability: Wide coverage across San Rafael, CA
Spectrum delivers reliable internet service to homes and businesses throughout San Rafael. As a cable internet provider, Spectrum offers competitive speeds and consistent performance for streaming, gaming, remote work, and everyday browsing. Plans include options for individuals, families, and power users who need top-tier bandwidth in San Rafael.
Call to order Spectrum: 1-844-481-5997
Fiber Internet in San Rafael, CA
Fiber-optic internet is the gold standard for home connectivity in San Rafael, delivering symmetrical upload and download speeds with minimal latency. In San Rafael, CA, fiber service is available from Xfinity and AT&T and CenturyLink, with coverage expanding as providers invest in new infrastructure throughout California.
Fiber internet in San Rafael typically offers speeds from 300 Mbps up to 5 Gbps, making it ideal for households that need fast, reliable connections for streaming, gaming, telecommuting, and uploading large files. Unlike cable internet, fiber provides consistent speeds even during peak usage hours in San Rafael.
If fiber is available at your address in San Rafael, it is generally the best choice for long-term value and performance. Check with Xfinity at 1-844-963-0138 to verify fiber availability in your neighborhood.
Cable and DSL Internet in San Rafael
Cable internet remains one of the most widely available options in San Rafael, CA, with providers like Xfinity and Spectrum offering plans up to 1 Gbps. Cable uses your existing coaxial wiring to deliver high-speed internet throughout your home in San Rafael, making installation quick and straightforward.
DSL internet, while generally slower than cable, provides an affordable alternative in areas of San Rafael where fiber or cable coverage is limited. Providers like T-Mobile offer DSL plans starting around $30 per month with speeds sufficient for basic browsing, email, and standard-definition streaming.
For San Rafael residents on a budget, cable internet typically offers the best speed-to-price ratio, with mid-tier plans delivering 200-400 Mbps for $40-60 per month. Bundling internet with TV or phone service from the same provider can yield additional savings and the convenience of a single bill.
5G and Fixed Wireless Internet in San Rafael
5G home internet is a rapidly growing option for San Rafael residents who want high-speed connectivity without a wired connection. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available in many parts of San Rafael, CA, offering download speeds up to 245 Mbps with no data caps and no annual contracts.
Fixed wireless internet works by receiving a signal from a nearby cell tower to a gateway device in your home. In San Rafael, this technology has become a competitive alternative to traditional cable and DSL, especially for renters or residents who prefer the flexibility of a contract-free plan.
The main advantage of 5G home internet in San Rafael is simplicity: there is no professional installation required, no long-term commitment, and pricing is typically flat at $25-50 per month. The trade-off is that speeds can vary based on your proximity to towers and network congestion in your area of San Rafael.
To check 5G availability at your San Rafael address, call T-Mobile at 1-844-275-9311.
Cheapest Internet Plans in San Rafael, CA
Finding affordable internet in San Rafael does not mean sacrificing quality. Several providers offer budget-friendly plans that deliver solid performance for everyday use:
- Spectrum Basic: Starting at $30/mo for 50-75 Mbps — great for light browsing and email in San Rafael
- Xfinity Essential: Starting at $30/mo for 75-150 Mbps — suitable for streaming and work-from-home in San Rafael
- T-Mobile 5G Home: Starting at $25/mo for up to 245 Mbps — no contract required for San Rafael residents
Additionally, San Rafael residents who qualify for government assistance programs may be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or similar state-level subsidies that reduce monthly internet costs by up to $30 per month. Low-income families in San Rafael should also ask providers about their own discount programs, such as Spectrum Internet Assist or AT&T Access.
When comparing the cheapest plans in San Rafael, look beyond the advertised price: consider equipment rental fees, installation charges, and whether the promotional rate increases after 12 months. A slightly higher-priced plan with price lock may save you money in the long run.
Internet Service Tips for San Rafael Residents
Living in San Rafael, California means you are part of a community that is increasingly dependent on reliable internet connectivity. Whether you are working from home, attending virtual classes, or simply streaming your favorite shows, having the right internet plan makes a significant difference in your daily life in San Rafael.
One important tip for San Rafael residents: test your internet speed regularly using a free speed test tool to make sure you are getting the speeds you are paying for. If your speeds consistently fall below the advertised rates, contact your provider's technical support or consider upgrading your router or modem.
Another consideration for internet users in San Rafael is Wi-Fi coverage within your home. Larger homes in San Rafael may benefit from a mesh Wi-Fi system, which uses multiple nodes to provide consistent coverage throughout every room. Many providers now offer mesh solutions as add-ons or included equipment with premium plans.
How to Choose the Best Internet Provider in San Rafael
Selecting the right ISP in San Rafael, CA involves weighing several key factors. Here is a practical framework to help San Rafael residents make an informed decision:
- Check availability: Not all providers serve every address in San Rafael. Enter your ZIP code (94901) or street address on each provider's website to confirm service at your location.
- Determine your speed needs: Consider how many people and devices use the internet simultaneously in your San Rafael household. A family of four typically needs at least 200 Mbps.
- Compare total cost: Look at the all-in price including equipment rental, taxes, and fees. Some San Rafael providers advertise low base prices but add $10-15 in monthly equipment charges.
- Check for contracts: Many ISPs in San Rafael no longer require annual contracts, but some offer lower rates if you commit to 12 or 24 months. Decide whether flexibility or savings matters more to you.
- Read local reviews: Internet performance in San Rafael can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Look for reviews from other San Rafael residents to get a realistic picture of reliability and customer service quality.
- Consider bundling: If you also need TV or phone service in San Rafael, bundling with a single provider often saves $10-20 per month compared to purchasing services separately.
When in doubt, call a provider directly to ask about current promotions and availability in your specific area of San Rafael. Representatives can often find deals that are not advertised online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in San Rafael
What is the fastest internet available in San Rafael, CA?
The fastest internet in San Rafael is fiber-optic service from Xfinity, offering speeds Up to 2 Gbps. Fiber plans deliver the highest download and upload speeds, making them the best choice for bandwidth-intensive households in San Rafael.
What is the cheapest internet in San Rafael?
The most affordable internet option in San Rafael starts at approximately $25 per month with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. Among wired providers, Xfinity and Spectrum offer plans starting around $30 per month for basic broadband service in San Rafael, CA.
Is fiber internet available in San Rafael, CA?
Yes, fiber internet is available in parts of San Rafael from Xfinity and AT&T and CenturyLink. Coverage is expanding but not yet available at every address. Enter your San Rafael ZIP code (94901) on a provider's website or call to check availability at your specific location.
How much does internet cost per month in San Rafael?
Internet service in San Rafael typically costs between $30 and $80 per month depending on the speed tier and provider you select. Budget plans start around $25-35 per month, while gigabit-speed plans in San Rafael range from $70-100 per month.
What internet speed do I need in San Rafael?
For a typical household in San Rafael with 2-3 people streaming, browsing, and using social media, 100-200 Mbps is sufficient. Families with remote workers, gamers, or 4K streaming needs should consider 300-500 Mbps plans. Heavy-usage households in San Rafael with 10+ devices benefit from gigabit speeds.
Can I get internet without a contract in San Rafael, CA?
Yes, several providers in San Rafael offer no-contract internet plans. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Xfinity all have month-to-month options available in San Rafael, CA, giving you the flexibility to switch or cancel at any time without early termination fees.
Who has the best internet service in San Rafael?
Based on speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings, Xfinity is widely regarded as the best overall internet provider in San Rafael. However, the ideal choice depends on your priorities: AT&T excels in value, while Xfinity offers the fastest fiber speeds in San Rafael, CA.
How do I set up internet service in San Rafael?
To set up internet in your San Rafael home, choose a provider and plan, then schedule installation or self-install your equipment. Most providers in San Rafael, CA offer same-week installation appointments. Call Xfinity at 1-844-963-0138 or visit their website to get started today.
Call to Get Connected in San Rafael Today
Ready to sign up for internet service in San Rafael, CA? Call any of these providers directly to check availability and current promotions at your San Rafael address:
- 📞 Spectrum: 1-844-481-5997
- 📞 AT&T: 1-855-850-5977
- 📞 CenturyLink: 1-855-512-4817
- 📞 Xfinity: 1-844-963-0138
- 📞 T-Mobile: 1-844-275-9311
Representatives are available Monday through Saturday to help San Rafael residents find the perfect internet plan. Call now for exclusive deals not available online.
Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai may earn a commission when you sign up for internet service through our partner links. This does not affect our editorial independence or the price you pay. Our recommendations for San Rafael internet providers are based on objective research including speed tests, coverage data, customer reviews, and pricing analysis specific to the San Rafael, CA market. All prices and speeds shown are subject to change and may vary by location within San Rafael.