Best Internet Providers in Oakland, California for 2024

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 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.

Download249.35Mbps
Upload197.89Mbps
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.

Download336.02Mbps
Upload266.39Mbps
Latency8ms
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.

Download85.42Mbps
Upload11.85Mbps
Latency41ms
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.

Download214.56Mbps
Upload21.70Mbps
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
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
Webpass
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
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.

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Raw Bandwidth Communications
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
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
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

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

Oakland, California residents can take pride in Sonic's exceptional performance, as it leads the pack with the city's fastest recorded median download speed, reaching an impressive 336.02 Mbps. Leveraging our exclusive real-world SpeedTest data, it's clear that Sonic offers top-tier internet service tailored for the demands of fast-paced digital lifestyles.

While some ISPs may tout high maximum download speeds in their advertisements, there often exists a disparity between these promised speeds and actual performance. Oakland's ISPs advertise speeds reaching up to a remarkable 10,000 Mbps; however, AT&T Internet boasts impressive maximum speeds of 5,000 Mbps for both download and upload. These figures showcase the potential for exceptionally fast internet, though consumers must remain aware that actual user experiences can vary.

For residents of Oakland, it's crucial to recognize that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps typically suffice for handling nearly all online activities, including streaming 4K HD videos, downloading large files, and enjoying smooth HD gameplay. The ideal speed for a network hinges on usage patterns and the number of connected devices. It's the collective internet usage and the increasing number of connected devices that shape the demand for higher network speeds.

Oakland Fixed Speeds

Download Mbps

296.20

Median download speed

Upload Mbps

119.86

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 provides its residents with a diverse array of internet options, ranging from Fiber, Cable, Satellite, to 5G Internet, available through multiple providers. This diverse selection caters to a range of needs and preferences, emphasizing the city's dedication to ensuring its residents remain connected.

Notably, XFINITY and AT&T Internet stand out with the highest coverage across the city, enabling nearly universal access to their services at 99% and 96% coverage respectively. When evaluating providers, consumers should consider the type of internet service, maximum advertised speeds, and coverage area in relation to their specific needs and usage patterns.

It's important to highlight that the advertised maximum speeds provided by all ISPs depict an optimal scenario and might not always mirror the actual speeds users encounter. This disparity between theoretical and real-world performance is a prevalent occurrence in the industry, and consumers should be mindful of this aspect.

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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