Best Internet Providers In Oakland, CA

• AT&T: Best Nationwide Coverage
• T-Mobile: Best Mobile Internet
• Comcast: Best Bundle Options
• Verizon Fios: Best Starting Plan Costs
• HughesNet: Best Rural Coverage

Forbes Home’s top internet company overall pick in Oakland for 2025 is AT&T. AT&T boasts download speeds of up to 500 Mbps, or megabits per second, and monthly costs starting nationally at $55. AT&T is also our choice for the best nationwide coverage, which is important for anyone who frequently accesses the internet from a mobile device or travels frequently.

Here are the details you need to know about the other Oakland internet providers.

If you’re searching for the most cost-effective internet options in Oakland, Comcast stands out with its competitively priced national plans starting at just $20 per month. For those considering broader options, Verizon Fios, T-Mobile and HughesNet also offer wallet-friendly internet plans. Based on national pricing and cost of living data, affordable plans in Oakland can start as low as $28 per month.

Keep in mind that these are average prices that can fluctuate based on various factors like plan specifics, download and upload speeds, connection types and the typical pricing in your locale. Below is a breakdown of Oakland’s most budget-friendly internet providers, complete with their typical national monthly base rates for the advertised download speeds.

PROVIDER	NATIONAL BASE PRICE	DOWNLOAD SPEED	AVAILABILITY IN OAKLAND
Comcast	$20	75 Mbps	98%
Verizon Fios	$25	300 Mbps	58%
T-Mobile	$30	33 Mbps	63%
HughesNet	$50	15 Mbps	100%
AT&T	$55	10 Mbps	95%

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In Oakland, the premier providers of rapid internet are Astound Broadband, Comcast and Verizon Fios. Astound Broadband leads the pack with quick internet plans that reach speeds up to 1,500 Mbps.

Download speed is an essential consideration when choosing your internet provider, especially if your online activities include competitive gaming. This demands robust bandwidth, and Astound Broadband caters precisely to such high-speed requirements.

For those in Oakland whose internet use is more casual, such as browsing, slower and more cost-effective plans might suffice. However, for power users and digital professionals, opting for the fastest available speeds can significantly enhance the online experience.

Before making a final decision, take into consideration that the averages in the following table are just that—averages. Oakland’s internet speeds may vary based on a multitude of factors. Be sure to do your research and confirm with each internet company on your shortlist so that you know which plan offers which speed based on your location.

Explore our list of the fastest internet providers in Oakland, including the maximum download speed and the starting cost for each provider’s plan.

PROVIDER	FASTEST DOWNLOAD SPEED	BASE NATIONAL PRICE	AVAILABILITY IN OAKLAND
Astound Broadband	1,500 Mbps	$25	2%
Comcast	1,200 Mbps	$20	98%
Verizon Fios	1,000 Mbps	$25	58%
T-Mobile	1,000 Mbps	$30	63%
AT&T	500 Mbps	$55	95%

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Monthly internet fees and startup costs don’t have to break the bank. With some research, you can find deals or promotions for certain ISPs in Oakland. In fact, some providers even have discounts for their new or most common internet plans, helping you save money.

Some of the promotion options will be solely for certain demographics, like students, military members, or new residential customers. But a quick review of a few ISP websites will give you more information.

Internet Connection Types Available in Oakland

Internet Speeds Available in Oakland

In Oakland, 100% of individuals have access to internet speeds of 25 Mbps, which is typically the minimum to stream video, game online or work from home. When picking your plan, keep in mind that speeds of 3 Mbps are generally the minimum if you want to shop online or send emails.

Internet Survey Highlights How Residents Are Using Internet

Forbes Home’s 2024 internet survey noted that 86% of interviewees paid for more than one streaming service every month. More than half of the interviewees who opted to stream instead of using traditional cable share accounts with other people. The survey also showed that though most respondents subscribe to 2.8 streaming platforms, about 10% of the people interviewed pay for more than five streaming services at any given time. Additionally, 50% of individuals who participated in the survey reported paying for services and platforms they infrequently use. Some don’t even use the platforms at all.

Further survey discoveries suggest that more than half of streamers signed up for a platform just to watch one certain show or segment, and the average American pays approximately $46 for streaming subscriptions each month.

Other insights note that:

• Interviewees spend 3.1 hours every day streaming media.
• Interviewees like Hulu’s interface the least.
• 81% of interviewees have lagging internet that disrupts the quality of their streams.

Navigating the maze of internet service providers (ISPs) in Oakland can be a daunting task, especially when trying to match an array of service options to your unique needs. Whether your focus is on high-speed capabilities for seamless streaming and gaming, affordability to fit within a tight budget or dependable reliability for uninterrupted work and study, the right ISP can make all the difference. Here’s a detailed guide designed to help you weigh various criteria and pinpoint the provider that best aligns with your lifestyle and requirements in Oakland.

Service Availability

Begin by ensuring that the ISP offers coverage in your particular area within Oakland. Internet service availability can significantly vary, even within localized areas, so start by filtering out providers that cater to your neighborhood.

Internet Speed

Evaluate your household’s internet speed requirements based on consumption. For households engaged in intensive online activities such as high-definition streaming or online gaming, selecting providers offering high-speed connections is vital. Check which providers in Oakland can meet these high bandwidth needs.

Cost Efficiency

Consider the affordability of each ISP. Monthly rates for internet services can span widely, from budget-friendly options at about $20 per month to premium services costing upwards of $300. Factors like geographic location can influence pricing, often making services more expensive in remote or less populated areas.

Reliability

The reliability of your internet connection is fundamental, especially if your household is reliant on it for work or education. Examine customer reviews and ratings to gauge each ISP’s reliability in Oakland. Opt for providers that are well-regarded for their stable service and excellent customer support.

Customer Support

Quality customer support can be critical. Assess the support options each ISP offers, including their availability (24/7 or business hours), channels of support (phone, email, live chat) and overall responsiveness. A provider with a comprehensive support system ensures quick resolutions to any service disruptions.

Contract Terms

Understand the terms of any contracts before committing to an ISP. Some providers offer flexible, no-contract plans that suit those who prefer not to be bound by long-term commitments. Carefully read through any contract to avoid unexpected fees, especially those related to cancellation or early termination.

Additional Benefits

Consider any extra perks or benefits that ISPs offer, such as complimentary installation, absence of data caps or the option to bundle internet with cable and phone services. These extras can often provide substantial value, making an ISP more appealing based on the combined savings and convenience they offer.

To determine the best internet provider rankings in Oakland, the Forbes Home editorial team compared 22 major internet providers across 39 different metrics, such as average monthly cost, download speed and fiber availability.

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates internet providers in our detailed methodology page.