Best Internet Providers in Riverside, California
What is the best internet provider in Riverside?
Thanks to the extensive network, Spectrum is the best internet provider for most households in Riverside, California. This cable giant offers reasonable prices, speeds and service to over 90% of households, according to data from the Federal Communications Commission. CNET recommends AT&T Fiber for those trying to get fiber, and T-Mobile Home Internet for fixed wireless connectivity. Ultimately, the best internet provider for you depends on what’s available in your location.
We’ve also found the lowest prices and fastest services in Riverside to make your broadband shopping easier. Frontier Fiber offers the cheapest plan, starting at just $45 per month for symmetrical speeds of up to 500 megabits per second. If Frontier’s service isn’t available at your address, Spectrum’s 300 Mbps plan for $50 is your next best option for affordability. Those needing the fastest plan in Riverside should check out AT&T Fiber and Frontier Fiber, both of which offer 5 gigabit plans in the area, but Frontier offers a much lower starting price.
Best internet in Riverside in 2024
Riverside internet providers compared
| Supplier | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data limit | Contract | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Home Internet Read the full review | DSL hybrid | $55 | 10-100 Mbps | No | 1.5 TB | No | 7.4 |
| AT&T Fiber Read the full review | Fiber | $55-$245 | 300-5,000 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.4 |
| Border communication Read the full review | DSL, fiber optic | $45-$130 | 500-5,000 Mbps | No | No | No | 6.3 |
| Spectrum Read the full review | Cable | $50-$80 | 300-1,000 Mbps | Free modem; $7 router (optional) | No | No | 7.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review | Fixed wireless connection | $50 ($40 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) | 72-245 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review | Fixed wireless connection | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 50-1,000 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.2 |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Riverside?
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Riverside
The best internet deals and top promotions in Riverside depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we regularly search for the latest offers.
Riverside ISPs like Spectrum may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others like AT&T, Frontier, and Verizon maintain the same standard prices year-round.
For a more comprehensive overview of all promotions, check out our guide to the best online deals.
Fastest internet plans in Riverside
| Supplier | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data limit | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber 5000 Read the full review | $245 | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | No | Fiber |
| Frontier Fiber 5 Gig Read the full review | $130 | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | No | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber 2000 Read the full review | $145 | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | No | Fiber |
| Frontier Fiber 2 Gig Read the full review | $100 | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | No | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber 1000 Read the full review | $80 | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | No | Fiber |
| Frontier Fiber 1 Gig Read the full review | $65 | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | No | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet Gig Read the full review | $80 | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | No | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read the full review | $70 ($45 with a qualifying mobile plan) | 1,000 Mbps | 75 Mbps | No | Fixed wireless connection |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
What is a good internet speed?
Most internet plans now can handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that’s suitable for video conferencing, streaming video, or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s a look at the recommended minimum download speeds for different applications, according to the FCCPlease note that these are guidelines only and that Internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, check out our guide to how much internet speed you really need.
- With 0 to 5 Mbps you can perform basic tasks: surfing the web, sending and receiving email, and streaming low-quality videos.
- 5 to 40 Mbps gives you higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100 Mbps should provide enough bandwidth for a single user to meet the demands of modern teleworking, video streaming, and online gaming.
- With 100 to 500 Mbps, one or two users can simultaneously participate in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- With 500 to 1,000 Mbps, three or more users can participate in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
How CNET Picked the Best Internet Providers in Riverside
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router, or kitchen utensil, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So how do we approach this? We start by examining price, availability, and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the providers’ websites, and map information on FCC.gov.
And it doesn’t stop there: We go to the FCC website to check our data and make sure we account for every ISP that offers service in an area. We also enter local addresses into carrier websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power to evaluate how satisfied customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and pricing are subject to frequent change; all information provided is accurate at the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask ourselves three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get value for their money?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
The answers to these questions are often multi-layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” to all three are the providers we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fees, although we also consider things like price increases, equipment costs, and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and also consider real-world speed data from sources such as Ookla And FCC Reports.
If you would like to take a more detailed look at our process, please visit our How We Test ISPs page.
Internet Providers in Riverside FAQ
What is the best internet provider in Riverside?
Spectrum is the best internet provider in Riverside, thanks to its large service in the area. Spectrum also offers prices starting at $50 per month and speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
Is fiber optic internet available in Riverside?
Yes. Fiber connectivity is available through AT&T Fiber and Frontier Fiber, but select households can also get fiber internet through Southern California Telephone Company.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Riverside?
The cheapest plan in Riverside is offered through Frontier Fiber. This plan costs $45 per month and offers speeds of up to 500 Mbps.
Which internet provider in Riverside offers the fastest plan?
AT&T Fiber and Frontier Fiber are tied for the fastest service in Riverside. Both providers offer 5 gigabit speeds, but AT&T’s plan costs $245 versus Frontier’s $130.
