Best Internet Providers in Oakland, California for 2025

Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Oakland, CA

Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

AT&T Fiber
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download330.76Mbps
Upload259.60Mbps
Latency12ms
Sonic
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download359.79Mbps
Upload287.49Mbps
Latency9ms
XFINITY
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download227.42Mbps
Upload23.66Mbps
Latency21ms
Viasat Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

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Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
EarthLink 5G Home Internet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
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Latency-ms
Hughesnet
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
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Latency-ms
Etheric Networks
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
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Unwired Ltd
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Starlink
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms
Verizon
Real-world Speedtest results

Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Oakland, California, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.

Download-Mbps
Upload-Mbps
Latency-ms

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.).

At Speedtest, our dedication lies in providing accurate and trustworthy data, which forms the cornerstone of our ISP recommendations. We gather our extensive database from millions of individuals worldwide who voluntarily take a Speedtest. This vast data collection ensures that our insights into ISP performance are not only dependable but also up-to-date, allowing us to present a clear and unbiased depiction of ISP performance.

Three essential metrics guide the assessment of an ISP's performance: download speed, upload speed, and latency. Download speed is crucial for tasks like streaming and downloading content, indicating the speed at which data is transferred to your device. Conversely, upload speed is essential for sharing content and engaging in online interactions, showcasing the rate at which data is sent from your device to the internet. Meanwhile, latency, or ping, plays a significant role in online gaming and video conferencing, influencing the responsiveness of your connection. With this comprehensive understanding of an ISP's capabilities, you have the necessary data to make an informed decision tailored to your specific internet usage patterns.

The choice of ISP technology significantly impacts the quality of your internet experience. Technologies like fiber optics typically offer the fastest speeds, making them ideal for bandwidth-intensive online activities. Cable internet, a more widely available option, generally provides respectable download speeds, although there may be potential lags in upload speeds. DSL (digital subscriber line) offers moderate speeds suitable for basic browsing and streaming needs. Conversely, satellite internet, often the only option in remote locations, tends to exhibit higher latency and slower speeds.

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 Oakland, CA

In Oakland, California, the provider with the fastest recorded median download speed is Sonic, which showcases an impressive speed of 360 Mbps based on our latest real-world Speedtest data. This data indicates Sonic's excellence in delivering high-speed internet and is reflective of the high-quality service they are capable of providing.

When we examined the fastest ISPs, based on advertised maximum download speeds, both Sonic and AT&T Fiber were highlights at the forefront of speed, with Sonic advertising speeds up to 10 Gbps and AT&T Fiber up to 5 Gbps. While these figures promise unparalleled internet speeds, it's vital for consumers to be aware of the potential difference between advertised and actual speeds, which can vary due to a multitude of factors like home hardware and net congestion.

Understanding internet speed requirements is crucial when shopping for a new ISP; for example, speeds of at least 100 Mbps for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads are generally sufficient for nearly all online activities, including streaming 4K videos, downloading large files, and online gaming. The required speed can be higher depending on the number of devices connected and the types of usage. With the increasing number of internet-connected devices in homes, like smart TVs and refrigerators, the demand for higher network speed and bandwidth continually keeps growing and highlights the need for consumers to evaluate their speed requirements carefully.

Oakland Fixed Speeds

Download Mbps

318.26

Median download speed

Upload Mbps

122.57

Median upload speed

Latency ms

8

Median latency

Historical Data

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.

Expected Speed Range

Expected speed range by Provider refers to the interquartile range of median download speed.

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 Oakland

Oakland, a city known for its significant contributions to hip hop, lively arts scene, proximity to San Francisco, and burgeoning tech scene, offers a diverse range of internet service types to its residents that span fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless. This diversity ensures that whether in downtown areas or the outskirts, connectivity options remain robust and varied.

Within Oakland’s dynamic landscape, XFINITY by Comcast and AT&T stand out for their extensive coverage that reaches the vast majority of residents. Specifically, XFINITY offers cable internet with coverage exceeding 98%, making it a primary choice for many due to its broad availability. However, for those seeking the ultra-fast speeds and reliability of fiber internet, AT&T Fiber presents a compelling option, evidenced by its significant presence across the city.

The average starting price for internet services in Oakland stands at $62.77, a bit more than the national average. XFINITY provides the most budget-friendly beginning option at $30, appealing to those seeking affordability without compromising on quality. However, it's pivotal to acknowledge that while some plans start lower than the average, the maximum speeds—and consequently the prices—can scale significantly. Low cost plans don't often offer the fastest speeds available, and for some users, that's a crucial distinction. This discrepancy emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing both the advertised speeds and costs, as well as the real-world experiences because they often vary. When in doubt, as your neighbors for recommendations based on their experiences.

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.

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