Best Internet Providers in Riverside, California for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Riverside, CA
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 367.83 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 327.94 | Mbps |
| Latency | 11 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 347.87 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 22.73 | Mbps |
| Latency | 20 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Riverside, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
Just inland from Orange County and about an hour east of LA, Riverside balances small-town charm with big-city connectivity. Whether you’re streaming from a historic downtown loft, working remotely from a Canyon Crest bungalow, or gaming in a Magnolia Center apartment, your internet should keep pace with Southern California’s always-on lifestyle.
Who delivers the fastest connection in the Inland Empire? Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, AT&T Fiber leads in Riverside, with median download speeds of 367.83 Mbps, followed by Spectrum at 347.87 Mbps. Across the city, typical fixed connections average 321.56 Mbps down, more than enough for remote work, 4K streaming, and everyday multitasking across multiple devices.
Your internet needs depend on how you actually use your connection. For most households of three to four people watching a moderate amount of streaming video and performing simpler work-from-home tasks such as emailing, Slack, Zoom, etc., a 300 to 500 Mbps plan is more than enough. But for creators, tech professionals, or large households, gigabit speeds and strong upload performance make a noticeable difference.
How to Pick the Right Internet Provider in Riverside, CA
Here are some practical tips:
Check Your Address
Many ISPs tout citywide coverage, but the reality is more complicated (like if your building isn’t wired for fiber). Use provider lookup tools or Speedtest’s zip code breakdowns to verify.
Consider More Than Speed
Reliability, customer support, and data caps matter just as much. Many fiber plans, for example, include unlimited data and no equipment rental fees. Watch out for plans that include data caps and extra charges.
Think About Uploads
If you send large files, stream on Twitch, or make frequent video calls, symmetrical upload/download speeds (only offered by fiber) are a game-changer.
Match a Plan to Your Needs
Don’t pay for 1 gigabit if you’re just browsing or streaming a few hours a night. On the flip side, don’t skimp if you’re running a business from home.
Read the Fine Print
Promo rates often expire after 12 months. Check for hidden fees, contracts, or equipment rentals that inflate the total cost.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in Riverside, CA
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Riverside reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 321.56 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 24.76 Mbps |
| Median latency | 12 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | AT&T Fiber (367.83 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISP | Spectrum (95% availability) |
ISP Speeds in Riverside, CA
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- AT&T Fiber: Riverside’s fastest provider with 91% coverage. Downloads of 367.83 Mbps, uploads of 327.94 Mbps, and latency around 11 ms. Its fiber infrastructure delivers symmetrical speeds that are ideal for heavy uploaders, remote workers, and households that need reliable performance for video conferencing, cloud storage, and creative work.
- Spectrum: Covers 95% of the city with strong cable performance. Downloads of 347.87 Mbps, uploads of 22.73 Mbps, and latency around 20 ms. It’s the most widely available provider in Riverside and serves as a solid cable alternative with straightforward pricing and no data caps, though upload speeds trail fiber options.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Covers 55% of Riverside. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, but it delivers quick setup and contract-free plans, ideal for renters or those who move frequently.
- Mint Mobile: Available in 8% of neighborhoods. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. Where available, its 5G Internet plans offer budget-friendly options for lighter internet users.
- Verizon: Covers 55% of Riverside with 5G Home Internet. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. Where signal strength is good, it can be a viable alternative to wired connections.
- Starlink: Available in 100% of the area. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. As a satellite option, it’s best suited for rural or underserved locations where wired broadband is unavailable.
- Viasat Internet: Available in 100% of the area. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. Another satellite option with higher latency, best for areas with no other broadband choices.
- Hughesnet: Available in 100% of the area. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. A satellite provider that serves as a last resort for areas without terrestrial broadband access.
- Southern California Telephone Company: Covers 29% of Riverside. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. It offers fixed wireless service in select neighborhoods.
Riverside Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
California
Home Internet in Riverside
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in Riverside, CA is $44.79 per month, based on entry-level plans from major providers including Spectrum ($30), AT&T Fiber ($34), Verizon ($35), T-Mobile 5G Home Internet ($50), and Mint Mobile ($30). While fiber brings symmetrical gigabit speeds to much of the city, cable remains the most widely available option, with satellite and fixed wireless filling gaps in more remote areas.
Top Internet Providers in Riverside, CA
AT&T Fiber
- Type: Fiber, IPBB, 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 5,000 Mbps download / 5,000 Mbps upload
- Best for: Symmetrical speeds and top-tier performance
- Availability: ~91%
- Price range: $34–$255/month
AT&T Fiber is Riverside’s fastest provider. Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, AT&T Fiber delivers median download speeds of 367.83 Mbps and upload speeds of 327.94 Mbps, with 11 ms latency. Its fiber infrastructure provides symmetrical speeds ideal for heavy uploaders, remote workers, and households that demand reliable performance for video conferencing, cloud backups, and creative work. With nearly ubiquitous coverage across the city, AT&T Fiber is the gold standard for those who need the best performance available.
Spectrum
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 35 Mbps upload
- Best for: Wide availability and no data caps
- Availability: ~95%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Spectrum covers more of Riverside than any other provider and offers solid cable performance. Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Spectrum delivers real-world median speeds of 347.87 Mbps down and 22.73 Mbps up, with 20 ms latency. Its straightforward pricing, no data caps, and broad coverage make it an appealing option for most households, though upload speeds trail fiber alternatives.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download / 56 Mbps upload
- Best for: Renters and homes without wired connections
- Availability: ~55%
- Price range: $50–$70/month
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet delivers quick setup and contract-free plans, ideal for renters or those who move frequently. Speeds depend heavily on network congestion and signal strength, but where coverage is strong, it can be a viable alternative to wired broadband.
Mint Mobile
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 415 Mbps download / 55 Mbps upload
- Best for: Budget-conscious users in covered areas
- Availability: ~8%
- Price range: $30–$50/month
In select neighborhoods, Mint Mobile offers 5G Internet service at competitive prices. Coverage is limited, but where available, it’s an affordable option for lighter internet users.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Type: 5G Internet
- Max speeds: Up to 300 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload
- Best for: No-contract wireless broadband
- Availability: ~55%
- Price range: $35–$75/month
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet extends wireless broadband to over half of Riverside. Performance varies with signal strength and network congestion, but it offers a flexible, contract-free alternative to wired connections.
Starlink
- Type: Satellite
- Max speeds: Up to 350 Mbps download / 35 Mbps upload
- Best for: Rural areas without wired broadband
- Availability: ~100%
- Price range: $80–$165/month
Starlink serves as a satellite option for areas where wired broadband isn’t available. While it offers broader reach than terrestrial options, expect higher latency and performance that can be affected by weather.
Viasat Internet
- Type: Satellite
- Max speeds: Up to 150 Mbps download / 3 Mbps upload
- Best for: Areas with no other broadband options
- Availability: ~100%
- Price range: $69.99–$119.99/month
Viasat provides satellite internet across all of Riverside, though it’s best suited as a last resort for areas without access to cable, fiber, or fixed wireless.
Hughesnet
- Type: Satellite
- Max speeds: Up to 100 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload
- Best for: Basic connectivity in underserved areas
- Availability: ~100%
- Price range: $39.99–$119.99/month
Hughesnet is another satellite provider serving the entire Riverside area. Expect higher latency and data caps, making it suitable primarily for basic browsing and email in locations without terrestrial broadband.
Southern California Telephone Company
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 75 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload
- Best for: Neighborhoods without cable or fiber access
- Availability: ~29%
- Price range: $59.95–$149.95/month
Southern California Telephone Company offers fixed wireless service in select parts of Riverside, providing an alternative to satellite for areas where wired broadband is unavailable.
FAQs
Who has the fastest internet in Riverside, CA?
AT&T Fiber currently leads with median download speeds of 367.83 Mbps, based on Speedtest user data collected in the second half of 2025.
Who offers the cheapest plans?
At the time of this writing, both Spectrum and Mint Mobile start at $30 per month, which are the lowest entry-level prices for internet in Riverside among major providers. AT&T Fiber and Verizon also offer competitive starting prices around $34–$35.
Is fiber internet available in Riverside?
Yes. AT&T Fiber offers widespread fiber service across 91% of the city, delivering symmetrical gigabit speeds in most neighborhoods.
What about 5G home internet?
Several providers offer 5G home internet in Riverside, including T-Mobile (55% coverage), Verizon (55%), and Mint Mobile (8%). Performance varies based on signal strength and network congestion.
Speedtest TL;DR
Riverside’s internet market is led by AT&T Fiber and Spectrum, which together deliver strong performance and near-universal coverage. AT&T Fiber brings the fastest speeds and symmetrical uploads to most of the city, while Spectrum’s cable network offers the widest reach. For those without access to wired broadband, 5G home internet and satellite options fill the gaps. Whether you’re streaming from downtown or working remotely from the outskirts, Riverside’s internet infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of modern Southern California living.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
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