Internet providers in Los Angeles, CA

Spectrum is the biggest cable Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Los Angeles. Some neighborhoods in the Palos Verdes area have access to internet service from Cox Communications, which also offers cable internet.

Spectrum and Cox both offer speeds up to 100 Mbps (with Cox in some neighborhoods offering plans up to 300 Mbps) and have fairly average customer satisfaction ratings compared to other ISPs. Overall, Spectrum (3.84 out of 5 stars) ranks slightly better than Cox (3.76 out of 5 stars).

If you have the choice, we recommend Spectrum because it also ranks better than Cox in reliability, installation and setup, and billing. For more information, read our full customer satisfaction report.

Spectrum generally delivers fast, reliable internet service. In our most recent Customer Satisfaction Survey, it was the highest-rated cable internet provider available in LA.

When you dig into our findings, you’ll find that Spectrum earned its highest ranking in the installation and setup category. Spectrum prices also tend to be cheaper than competing ISPs with similar speeds in the Los Angeles area. Sounds like a win-win.

Both AT&T and Spectrum have good things to offer their customers. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs.

There are two types of AT&T plans: fiber internet service and DSL internet service. Generally, AT&T’s fiber packages are your best option for speed where it’s available, but Spectrum is a close second if you’re just looking for something fast.

Any DSL AT&T Internet plan is also an excellent internet option, especially for people on a budget who don’t need a ton of download or upload speed. If you use your internet to mostly just answer emails, pick fights on social media (jk), and surf the interwebs, DSL will do just fine.

For more on how these two internet providers compare, see our breakdown of AT&T vs. Spectrum.

ClearQAM is no longer available in Los Angeles.

Previously, cable TV providers were required to allow access to broadcast network channels without scrambling them. This was known as ClearQAM, and it meant that you could get your local channels simply by connecting your TV to the cable wall outlet—even if you didn’t have a subscription. Due to changes in the law, cable companies can now scramble local channel signals.

Now that ClearQAM isn’t available, if you want access to local LA channels, you can either bundle your internet service with a small TV package from your provider or get just the over-the-air channels by purchasing a digital antenna for your TV.

We recommend an HD digital antenna (like this one) since you only have to pay once for the device and then can enjoy free local TV forever more (or at least until the tech or laws change). It sure beats a monthly subscription fee if all you want are local channels.

The majority of residents in Los Angeles County have access to two major Internet Service Providers: AT&T and Spectrum. Both providers charge installation fees. Spectrum charges up to $49.99 for installation, and AT&T can charge up to $99 for installation.

Our latest Customer Satisfaction Survey ranked Spectrum above AT&T for installation and setup. That said, both providers rank in the top four nationwide, so either way you’ll be getting a better than average experience, you’ll just pay less with Spectrum.

You can opt for self-installation to avoid these fees, but unless you’re a professional installation tech, we don’t recommend it. These companies frequently offer promotions to new customers that include free installation or perks, like Visa gift cards, that essentially reimburse you the installation cost.

Pro Tip: If you need internet access before your service is installed, try your local public library. Most libraries have Wi-Fi, and it’s usually free to use. Both the Los Angeles Public Library and the Los Angeles County Library systems offer free public Wi-Fi.