5 Best ISPs in California: Comparing Speeds, Prices & Features
Imagine this: You’ve just moved to California and need to pick an internet provider. You start looking at all the options – AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity, and more. But the fine print is overwhelming. Terms like “price hikes after 12 months” and “introductory rates” pop up everywhere. How do you even compare them?
This blog breaks down the best ISPs in California, ranking them by speed, internet type, and value. You’ll finally be able to compare everything in one place without getting lost in the details.
5. Spectrum
Spectrum offers cable internet services, which use coaxial cables traditionally designed for TV to deliver internet. While not as fast as fiber-optic networks, cable internet provides stable and reliable speeds over large distances, making it a popular option across California.
Plans and pricing:
- Up to 300 Mbps for $49.99/month (introductory rate)
- Up to 500 Mbps for $69.99/month
- Up to 1 Gbps for $79.99/month
Spectrum offers no-contract plans, but customers should be prepared for rising costs after 12 months. Additionally, data caps may affect users who need extensive bandwidth.
Features & benefits:
- Router is free with select plans, otherwise $7.00/month
- Professional installation costs $65.00
- Self-installation costs $30.00
- The MySpectrum app allows users to manage payments, access in-app chat support, and troubleshoot their service
Spectrum’s main advantage is its wide availability, but it’s not as fast as fiber internet providers.
Compare Spectrum & Race Communications here.
4. Xfinity (Comcast)
Xfinity, powered by hybrid fiber-coaxial technology, offers download speeds up to 2 Gbps, making it a widely available option throughout California.
Xfinity’s plans start at:
- 150 Mbps for $57/month ($19.99/month with contract)
- 300 Mbps for $30/month ($79/month after 24 months)
- 500 Mbps for $55/month ($89/month after 24 months)
- 800 Mbps for $60/month ($99/month after 24 months)
- 1 Gbps for $65/month ($109/month after 24 months)
- 1.2 Gbps for $75/month ($119/month after 24 months)
Customers often face price hikes after 12 to 24 months.
Xfinity offers a variety of additional services, including:
- TV services starting from $50.50/month
- Home phone services starting from $30/month
- Mobile plans starting from $40/month
- Router rental costs $15/month
- Installation fee costs $100
For those looking for bundled services, Xfinity’s TV and phone packages can provide convenience, but customers should be mindful of the added costs, especially after the promotional period ends.
See how Xfinity compares to Race Communications.
3. Frontier
Frontier offers both fiber and copper internet services, with a max download speed of 5 Gbps on its fiber plans. While fiber provides fast and reliable connections, the presence of copper in their network means that not all customers will experience the same speeds or performance as a pure fiber-optic provider.
Plans and pricing:
- 500 Mbps for $49.99/month
- 1 Gbps for $59.99/month
- 2 Gbps for $99/month
- 5 Gbps for $154.99/month
While Frontier offers competitive pricing for its higher-speed plans, customers should note that termination fees apply if you cancel before 12 months, adding an extra cost for those who need flexibility.
- Basic cable-free TV is available at $62.99/month.
- Free installation
- Frontier does not provide local customer support, which can impact service response times for troubleshooting.
2. AT&T Fiber
AT&T Fiber is a strong contender in California’s ISP market, offering fiber-optic technology, along with IPBB and fixed wireless options. Its max download speed is 5 Gbps, making it a competitive choice for heavy users like gamers or households with multiple devices.
AT&T Fiber provides four plans:
- 500 Mbps for $65/month
- 1 Gbps for $80/month
- 1.2 Gbps for $125/month
- 5 Gbps for $225/month
Other features and benefits:
- TV services starting from $69.99/month.
- Wireless phone plans start at $24.99/month.
- Professional installation costs $99.
- Smart Home Manager App offers features like parental controls, guest network setup, a virtual assistant, and built-in speed tests.
- ActiveArmor provides enhanced security features like VPN protection, a threat activity dashboard, and ID monitoring for an extra $7/month.
Want to find out more? Read how AT&T stacks against Race Communications.
1. Race Communications
Race Communications is one of California’s top internet service providers, offering a 100% fiber-optic network. This technology delivers symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps, making it one of the fastest and most reliable ISPs in the state.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working remotely, Race’s ultra-fast connection can handle all your needs effortlessly.
Race Communications offers flexible plans for different needs:
- 300 Mbps for $35/month
- 500 Mbps for $50/month
- 1 Gbps for $70/month.
- 10 Gbps for $120/month.
All plans come with no data caps, free installation, and no contracts – a huge advantage over many competitors who impose price hikes and limitations.
Features & benefits:
- Race CommandIQ app helps you manage your home network from your phone, control devices, optimize speed, and monitor usage.
- RaceTV services starting from $39/month
- Landline services starting from $10/month
- Free router included with all plans
- Free installation with no extra setup fees
- Local customer support is personalized from staff in your community.
- Race is active in local events, further connecting with the communities it serves
With its combination of fast speeds, transparent pricing, and a community-focused approach, Race Communications stands out as a top choice for Californians looking for dependable, high-performance internet.
Final Thoughts on the Best ISPs in California
Choosing the right ISP in California can feel overwhelming, but the key is to focus on what matters most: speed, reliability, pricing, and customer support.
Here is a comparison sheet of the best Californian ISPs’ pricing (per month):
| Speed | Race Communications | AT&T | Xfinity (introductory rates) | Spectrum | Frontier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 Mbps | $19.99 | ||||
| 300 Mbps | $35 | $30 | $49.99 | ||
| 500 Mbps | $50 | $65 | $55 | $69.99 | $49.99 |
| 800 Mbps | $60 | ||||
| 1 Gbps | $70 | $80 | $65 | $59.99 | |
| 1.2 Gbps | $125 | $75 | |||
| 2 Gbps | $99 | ||||
| 5 Gbps | $225 | $154.99 | |||
| 10 Gbps | $120 |
But remember, speed and price aren’t everything. Having an ISP with local customer support, staffed by people from your own community, is priceless. When your internet goes down, the last thing you want is to waste time arguing with AI assistants. You want a real person to help you troubleshoot.
That’s what sets Race Communications apart. It doesn’t just offer the fastest speeds (up to 10 Gbps); it’s local, transparent, and dependable.
Ready to switch to Race? Contact us today or call us at (877) 722-3833.