What “Good Internet” in Manila Actually Means

Speed matters, but stability matters more

If you’re moving to Manila (or staying for a few weeks), the first question is usually: “Is the Wi-Fi fast?” The better question is: “Is it stable?” Because even if a plan advertises high Mbps, the real-world experience depends on the building, router placement, and how many people are online at peak hours.

In newer, fiber-ready buildings—especially in places like Makati and BGC—you’ll often get strong performance for video calls, streaming, and remote work. In older towers or crowded neighborhoods, you may still find decent speeds, but you’ll notice dips during evenings or weekends.

Joshua’s note: When I first stayed in a condo in Makati, the advertised Wi-Fi speed looked great on paper, but the real experience depended on the building more than the provider. During peak hours, speeds dropped noticeably, especially in older towers. When I moved to a newer building with fiber-ready units, the difference was night and day—video calls were stable even during storms.

Condo Wi-Fi Setups: What Foreigners Should Expect

Why one tower feels “perfect” and another feels “laggy”

Most foreigners in Manila stay in condos, and that’s where internet expectations can get tricky. Some units have a proper fiber line, a strong router, and a clean setup. Others rely on a basic router shoved behind a TV, or a shared building line that slows down when everyone gets home.

Also, not every condo allows a new ISP install instantly. Many buildings have a list of supported providers, and if your preferred ISP isn’t on it, you’ll either wait or use what’s available. If you’re booking short-term, always ask the host what the setup is: fiber vs non-fiber, typical speed, and whether it’s dedicated to the unit.

Joshua’s practical tip: One thing foreigners don’t expect is that some condos don’t let you install a new ISP immediately. You’re often limited to whatever providers the building already supports. That’s why I always suggest having a mobile data backup—Smart or Globe 5G can save your workday if building Wi-Fi goes down.

Questions to ask before booking or moving in

• Is the internet fiber and dedicated to the unit (not shared Wi-Fi)?
• What is the usual speed during evening peak hours?
• Is there a backup option (pocket Wi-Fi, mobile hotspot, or second line)?

Best ISPs in Manila (and Why Building Support Matters)

The “best provider” depends on your building

In Manila, the “best ISP” isn’t universal—it’s often the provider that’s best supported in your specific condo or area. Two neighbors can have different experiences with the same provider because of building wiring, line quality, or maintenance response.

Generally, the big names foreigners will hear most are PLDT, Converge, and Globe Fiber. The key is to ask what the building already supports, then choose the strongest option within that list.

Traveler insight: A lot of guests arrive expecting “developing country internet” and are shocked when they hit 200 Mbps in BGC or Makati. Then others expect flawless speeds everywhere and get frustrated when signal drops in older neighborhoods. Manila internet is location-dependent—the same plan can feel completely different just a few kilometers apart.

• Best for remote work: Fiber-ready buildings with stable uptime
• Best for streaming: Strong router placement + reliable evening stability
• Best for short stays: Good unit Wi-Fi + mobile backup

Mobile Data & 5G in Manila: Your Backup Plan

What to expect from Smart and Globe

If you work online, you should treat mobile data like your emergency generator. Even in good buildings, outages happen—maintenance, router failures, or occasional area interruptions. Having mobile data ready means you don’t lose half a day over a technical hiccup.

Both Smart and Globe have strong coverage across Metro Manila, especially in central business areas. If you’re in Makati or BGC, mobile data can feel very fast. In older pockets or dense residential zones, speeds may vary more, especially indoors.

If you’ll be in Manila for more than a week, consider keeping an extra SIM or eSIM option so you can switch networks if one is weaker in your building.

A simple rule: If your stay depends on stable internet, keep a mobile hotspot ready and treat it like a seatbelt—you’ll be happy it’s there when you need it.

Tips to Get Stable Internet for Work, Calls, and Streaming

Small setup tweaks that make a big difference

Most internet complaints in Manila aren’t about the plan itself—they’re about setup. The router is in the wrong spot, the unit layout blocks signal, or too many devices are competing at once. If you’re staying longer-term, small improvements can turn “okay Wi-Fi” into reliable Wi-Fi.

If you’re working remotely, test your speed during the hours you actually work. A unit that feels fast at 10 a.m. might feel different at 8 p.m. when the building is full and everyone is streaming.

And if you’re choosing where to live, prioritize newer buildings and areas known for strong infrastructure. It’s not always about luxury—it’s about modern wiring, provider access, and fewer bottlenecks.

3 quick ways to avoid internet headaches

1. Ask for real speed tests: Ideally daytime and evening results, not just “we have Wi-Fi.”
2. Have a mobile backup: A hotspot plan can save your workday when building Wi-Fi dips.
3. Choose the right building: Fiber-ready condos in Makati, BGC, and newer Ortigas towers usually perform best.