Best Internet Providers in Tucson, Arizona for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Tucson, AZ
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.).
Tucson may sit in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where roadrunners dart between saguaros and javelinas wander through neighborhoods, but its internet landscape is anything but dusty. With median fixed speeds around 295.21 Mbps, many Tucsonans can enjoy connections fast enough for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
Most households can get internet service from local providers Bluespan and Simply Bits, while Xfinity, Cox, and CenturyLink each reach only about half of households or less. Your coverage will highly depend on where you live, but who provides the fastest speeds in The Old Pueblo? Xfinity is kicking up the biggest dust cloud with median download speeds of 322.22 Mbps, according to real-world user speed tests taken in the second half of 2025.
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 Tucson
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 Tucson, AZ
According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, Tucson reports the following city-wide median speeds:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Median download speed | 295.21 Mbps |
| Median upload speed | 50.99 Mbps |
| Median latency | 15 ms |
| Top-performing ISP | Xfinity (322.22 Mbps median download) |
| Most widely available ISPs | Bluespan (99%), Simply Bits (86%) |
ISP Speeds in Tucson
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here's how the major providers compare:
- Xfinity: The fastest provider in The Old Pueblo with 41% coverage. Downloads of 322.22 Mbps, uploads of 40.56 Mbps, and latency around 42 ms. While coverage doesn't extend citywide, it's a strong choice where available, especially for streamers and large households. Upload performance lags behind fiber and wireless competitors, but its low entry-level price makes it attractive.
- Cox: Covers 49% of Tucson with solid performance. Downloads of 304.26 Mbps, uploads of 52.36 Mbps, and latency around 37 ms. With cable and fiber options, Cox provides a good balance of availability and performance. It's often the most practical wired choice in Tucson, though introductory pricing may jump after the first year.
- CenturyLink: Covers 47% of the city with strong fiber performance. Downloads of 229.30 Mbps, uploads of 181.63 Mbps, and latency around 33 ms. Its excellent upload performance makes it viable for households who prioritize two-way communication like video calls. For those lucky enough to be in its fiber footprint, it offers symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps.
- Quantum Fiber: Available in 10% of Tucson. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. It advertises ultra-fast plans up to 8,000 Mbps symmetrical, though coverage is limited.
- Spectrum: Covers 33% of Tucson. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market, suggesting limited sample size in the area. It's a solid cable alternative with straightforward pricing and no data caps, though coverage is limited.
- Verizon 5G Home Internet: Covers 31% of Tucson. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. It delivers quick setup and contract-free plans, ideal for renters or those who move frequently, though performance can vary with signal strength.
- Simply Bits: Covers 86% of Tucson with fixed wireless service. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. While pricing is higher than wired competitors, it may be one of the only terrestrial options for those outside fiber or cable zones. Speeds vary based on location and equipment setup.
- Bluespan: Practically everywhere in Tucson with 99% coverage via fixed wireless. Real-world Speedtest data is not yet available for this market. It can be a lifeline for areas left out of cable or fiber rollouts. As with other wireless ISPs, performance can vary depending on line-of-sight and equipment quality.
Tucson 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
Home Internet in Tucson
At the time of this writing, the average starting price for internet in Tucson is $62.72 per month, higher than other cities. The cheapest widely available plans start around $30 (Xfinity and Spectrum), while fiber or higher-capacity options from Cox or Quantum Fiber can cost $50 and up. Wireless providers range in price, with the pricier Simply Bits starting at $79, but they serve areas not covered by cable or fiber. Most Tucson households can expect to pay between $50 and $80 for a plan with enough bandwidth for everyday needs.
Top Internet Providers in Tucson
Xfinity
- Type: Cable, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 200 Mbps upload
- Best for: Households prioritizing fast downloads
- Availability: ~41%
- Price range: $40–$70/month
Xfinity delivers the fastest real-world speeds in Tucson. Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Xfinity delivers median download speeds of 322.22 Mbps and upload speeds of 40.56 Mbps, with 42 ms latency. While coverage doesn't extend citywide, it's a strong choice where available, especially for streamers and large households. Upload performance lags behind fiber and wireless competitors, but its low entry-level price makes it attractive.
Cox
- Type: Cable, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Balanced households wanting both speed and reliability
- Availability: ~49%
- Price range: $55–$169/month
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, Cox delivers real-world median speeds of 304.26 Mbps down and 52.36 Mbps up, with 37 ms latency. With cable and fiber options, Cox provides a good balance of availability and performance. It's often the most practical wired choice in Tucson, though introductory pricing may jump after the first year.
CenturyLink
- Type: DSL, Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 940 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Households who prioritize strong upload speeds
- Availability: ~47%
- Price range: $50–$75/month
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, CenturyLink delivers real-world median speeds of 229.30 Mbps down and 181.63 Mbps up, with 33 ms latency. Its excellent upload performance makes it viable for smaller households or those who prioritize two-way communication like video calls. For those lucky enough to be in its fiber footprint, speeds can jump significantly.
Simply Bits
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Households outside wired footprints
- Availability: ~86%
- Price range: $79–$139/month
Simply Bits covers most of Tucson with fixed wireless service. While pricing is higher than wired competitors, it may be one of the only terrestrial options for those outside fiber or cable zones (satellite is an option; see below). Speeds vary based on location and equipment setup.
Bluespan
- Type: Fixed Wireless
- Max speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps
- Best for: Rural households or underserved areas
- Availability: ~99%
- Price range: Quote required
Bluespan is practically everywhere in Tucson, offering near-total coverage via fixed wireless. While real-world Speedtest data isn't yet available, Bluespan can be a lifeline for areas left out of cable or fiber rollouts. As with other wireless ISPs, performance can vary depending on line-of-sight and equipment quality.
Quantum Fiber
- Type: Fiber
- Max speeds: Up to 8,000 Mbps symmetrical
- Best for: Ultra-fast fiber connections
- Availability: ~10%
- Price range: $50–$165/month
Quantum Fiber advertises ultra-fast plans up to 8,000 Mbps, though its coverage is limited to about 10% of addresses. Where available, it can be appealing to remote professionals and heavy data users who need the fastest possible speeds and strong upload performance.
Spectrum
- Type: Cable
- Max speeds: Up to 2,000 Mbps download / 35 Mbps upload
- Best for: Smaller households prioritizing affordability
- Availability: ~33%
- Price range: $30–$90/month
Spectrum serves about a third of Tucson with straightforward pricing and no data caps. It's a solid cable alternative where available, though coverage is more limited than other major providers.
What About Satellite Internet?
Because no single wired provider covers all of Tucson, satellite internet plays a bigger role here than in other cities. Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat all offer service across 100% of the city. Starlink is the most modern option, with speeds up to 350 Mbps down and 35 Mbps up, though latency can still impact gaming and video calls. HughesNet and Viasat advertise lower speeds but may be the only fallback option in certain rural or mountainous pockets. For residents truly off the grid, these providers ensure basic connectivity.
FAQs
Who has the fastest internet in Tucson?
Xfinity leads in median download speed at 322.22 Mbps, according to Speedtest results collected in the second half of 2025. Cox follows with 304.26 Mbps.
Is fiber internet available in Tucson?
Cox and CenturyLink both offer fiber in certain parts of the city, while Quantum Fiber advertises ultra-fast plans up to 8,000 Mbps, though its coverage is limited to about 10% of addresses.
Who has the cheapest internet in Tucson?
At the time of this writing, Xfinity and Spectrum both advertise the lowest starting price at $30 per month, but availability is limited. Most other providers in Tucson, including Cox and CenturyLink, start at around $50.
What about satellite internet in Tucson?
Satellite options — Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat — are available citywide and especially useful in rural or underserved areas. Starlink claims the best speeds, up to 350 Mbps down, but latency makes it less ideal for real-time gaming or video calls.
What are my options for connecting to the internet for free in Tucson?
There are a few public initiatives to help people get online at no cost. The Pima County Public Library offers access to 120 "reliable, high-speed WiFi hotspots" across the county. Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are open to everyone and can be found in small to medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas. Finally, check out a map of free WiFi across Arizona.
Speedtest TL;DR
Tucson's broadband market is as patchy as its desert landscape, so your options — and the speeds you can tap into — will depend heavily on where you live. Xfinity leads in raw speed, Cox offers balanced service across nearly half the city, and CenturyLink delivers excellent uploads where available. Meanwhile, Simply Bits and Bluespan expand coverage with wide-reaching fixed wireless. For those outside wired zones entirely, satellite providers like Starlink ensure you can still get connected. Tucson households have options, but those can vary widely based on the exact address.
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
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.












