Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. We spent a few weeks working remotely from the Philippines’ capital and found it genuinely fascinating. Everything felt tightly packed together and constantly moving, with a level of intensity that is hard to fully describe until you have experienced it yourself.
But as a remote work base, Manila actually holds up surprisingly well when it comes to Wi-Fi. It’s a solid place to get work done if you just need reliable internet and a steady setup. Here’s what the internet situation is like in Manila.
How fast is the internet in Manila?
According to TestMy.net, as of May 2026, average Wi-Fi speeds in Manila are 109 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload. Compared to many major cities around the world, this puts it in a strong position and in some cases ahead of well-known remote work hubs. Overall, it is a reliable choice for online workers.
When it comes to accommodation, you can often find speeds that are well above the city average. Z Hostel, for example, records 157 Mbps download and 175 Mbps upload. Meanwhile, One-Bedroom Apartment by Darin offers 465 Mbps download and 314 Mbps upload.
Mobile connectivity in Manila is generally reliable, with strong 4G coverage across most of the city and 5G available in selected areas. Globe and Smart, the city’s main networks, offer a variety of prepaid data plans that make it easy to choose something based on your budget and length of stay. Getting connected is also straightforward, with SIM cards sold at places like Ninoy Aquino International Airport and convenience stores throughout the city, so you can usually get online quickly after arrival.
Is the internet and Wi-Fi in Manila good for remote work?
Manila makes working remotely pretty easy. Between cafes, coworking spaces and modern apartments, it is usually not too hard to find a stable connection. Like any big city, the experience varies a bit depending on where you stay, with popular areas including Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Ortigas, but overall the infrastructure is solid enough that most remote professionals can get on with their day without much hassle.
That said, occasional slowdowns or brief interruptions can happen, especially during peak hours or in older buildings. There was an incident in May 2026 where damage to underground fibre cables during excavation works disrupted internet services. Even so, connectivity across Manila has improved steadily in recent years, with ongoing upgrades to mobile and fibre networks helping to boost reliability.
Our experience with the internet in Manila was positive. We stayed in the Makati area and were able to work without any issues. We specifically chose this area due to its infrastructure, safety and popularity among digital nomads. It worked out extremely well for us.
What’s the best way to stay connected in Manila?
The easiest way to get set up in Manila is to start with your accommodation, since it will likely double as your workspace, especially if you are staying for a while. Of course, you will want somewhere with reliable Wi-Fi and strong reviews, and My Nomad Space makes it easy to find stays designed for remote work with download and upload internet speeds provided.
If you feel like getting out of your place, Manila has plenty of spots to work from. Areas like Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) are full of cafes and coworking spaces where you can usually settle in with a decent connection, a drink and a few hours of solid work. Mobile data also works well as a backup when you are out and about.
