Best Internet Providers in Pasadena, California

Importance Score: 28 / 100 🔵

What is the Best Internet Provider in Pasadena, California?

AT&T Fiber stands out as FASTNET’s top selection for the preeminent internet provider in Pasadena. This recommendation stems primarily from its status as the sole provider of fiber internet within the city. This translates to symmetrical upload and download rates, a significant advantage for remote workers or those engaged in online gaming. A limitation is that AT&T Fiber’s service is accessible to only approximately 20% of Pasadena residences. Nonetheless, recent data from Ookla indicates that Pasadena enjoys median internet speeds of around 312Mbps, suggesting that rapid internet access is generally available. (Disclosure: Ookla and FASTNET are both subsidiaries of Ziff Davis.)

Spectrum’s cable internet, for example, spans nearly all of the city. Furthermore, it features the most economical introductory rates in the area—$50 per month for speeds of 500Mbps. Keep in mind that these rates are temporary, with a potential $35 monthly increase following the initial promotional timeframe of one to two years. Additionally, Spectrum frequently receives below-average scores in customer satisfaction surveys. As a further option, T-Mobile’s wireless internet furnishes speeds up to 318Mbps for $50 per month, accompanied by more substantial reductions for T-Mobile mobile subscribers.

Best Internet in Pasadena, California

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

How to Find Internet Deals and Promotions in Pasadena

The prime internet offers and special promotions in Pasadena are conditional on the existing discounts. While the lifespan of the majority of deals is limited, we regularly monitor for the most recent promotions.

Internet providers in Pasadena, including Spectrum and Verizon, may present reduced introductory rates or incorporate streaming add-ons for a finite duration. Conversely, others, such as T-Mobile Home Internet and AT&T Fiber, maintain uniform standard rates year-round.

For a broader selection of deals, read our guide discussing the best internet deals.

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

What’s a Good Internet Speed?

The majority of current internet plans facilitate fundamental productivity and communication tasks. To comfortably accommodate video conferencing, video streaming, or gaming, opting for a plan with enhanced bandwidth is advisable. Presented below is a synopsis of the recommended minimum download speeds for diverse applications, as per FCC guidelines. Bear in mind that these serve only as general guidance, and internet speed, service, and performance can fluctuate based on connection type, provider, and geographic location.

Refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need for more detailed information.

• 0 to 5Mbps permits basic activities such as browsing, sending and receiving emails, and streaming low-resolution video.
• 5 to 40Mbps enables superior video streaming and video conferencing.
• 40 to 100Mbps sufficiently supports modern telecommuting, video streaming, and online gaming for a single user.
• 100 to 500Mbps allows concurrent high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming for one to two users.
• 500 to 1,000Mbps facilitates multiple simultaneous high-bandwidth uses by three or more users.

How FASTNET Chose the Best Internet Providers in Pasadena

Given the numerous and geographically specific nature of internet service providers, conducting hands-on assessments of each ISP within a city—unlike testing smartphones, laptops, or kitchen tools—proves impractical. Our methodology begins with scrutinizing pricing, availability, and speed, leveraging our historical ISP data, provider websites, and mapping data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC.gov).

Our analysis extends to the FCC’s website, which aids in verifying data integrity, ensuring a comprehensive consideration of all ISPs that provide services in the area. Direct address entries on provider websites further refine our assessment. We also consult sources such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power to gauge customer contentment with each ISP. Note that ISP plans and prices are subject to change; as such, all data is exact at the time of writing.

This localized examination prompts our core inquiries:

1. Does the provider support reasonably fast internet speeds?
2. Do prices equate to fair customer value?
3. Are customers generally satisfied with the level of service?

These questions often yield intricate and multifaceted answers. Providers whose responses most closely align with affirmative confirmations across all criteria receive our endorsement. When pinpointing the most affordable internet options, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly charges, while also accounting for potential cost increases, equipment fees, and contract obligations. Selecting the top-performing internet service involves evaluating advertised upload and download speeds, alongside empirical speed metrics drawn from resources like Ookla and FCC reports.

To further explore our comprehensive processes, see our page describing how we test ISPs.

Internet Providers in Pasadena FAQs