Best Internet Providers in Bakersfield, California for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Bakersfield, CA
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 Bakersfield, 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.
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 Bakersfield, 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 | 364.68 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 318.98 | Mbps |
| Latency | 17 | ms |
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 Bakersfield, 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 | 362.47 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 22.68 | Mbps |
| Latency | 24 | ms |
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 Bakersfield, 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 |
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 Bakersfield, 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 |
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 Bakersfield, 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 |
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 Bakersfield, 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 |
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 Bakersfield, 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 |
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 Bakersfield, 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 |
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 Bakersfield, 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.).
Bakersfield sits in the heart of California's Central Valley; a place where oil rigs, almond groves, and country music share the same horizon. It's a city that's quietly powering the state's economy while building up its own modern identity. From oilfield engineers working remotely to families streaming in new housing tracts along the Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield's demand for high-speed internet has grown alongside its population.
With more residents working from home and more businesses shifting online, the internet has got to be smooth and steady. Providers in Bakersfield have stepped up their offerings in recent years, with fiber coverage expanding steadily and 5G home internet entering the mix. However, like much of the Central Valley, connection quality depends heavily on neighborhood infrastructure, so it pays to know what kind of service you're getting before signing up.
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 Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's broadband scene has grown more competitive over the past decade. According to Speedtest Intelligence®, the city averages median fixed broadband download speeds of 352.25 Mbps, uploads near 31.22 Mbps, and latency at 15 ms. That's a solid setup and here's how the city's leading providers compare:
AT&T Fiber: The best-performing option where available, offering downloads averaging 350.99 Mbps, uploads at 289.72 Mbps, and latency near 17 ms. That near-symmetry gives it a clear edge for people who work from their home office, professional gamers, and large households where everyone is active online.
Spectrum: A good cable option that offers download speeds of 343.05 Mbps, uploads at 21.89 Mbps, and latency around 23 ms. The download speeds are great, but the uploads are going to be a bit slow depending on how many people are uploading at the same time and maybe how big the files themselves are. It's doable, for sure, but be sure that it accommodates your individual needs.
Bakersfield Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
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.
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
California
Home Internet in Bakersfield
Bakersfield has quietly become one of California's fastest-growing midsize cities, and its tech infrastructure is keeping pace. More residents are telecommuting for companies based in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the local economy increasingly depends on digital tools, from logistics firms tracking shipments to independent contractors managing projects online.
For casual-user households, cable internet from Spectrum offers consistent service across most of the city. But if your livelihood or creativity depends on uploads, which would be something like photographers sending galleries, YouTubers uploading new videos, or students joining daily video calls, fiber is the way to go. Its symmetrical speeds prevent the slowdown that cable users often notice during peak evening hours.
Pricing starts around $30/month for entry-level cable and ranges up to $194/month for high-tier fiber plans. As always, promotional rates usually expire after the first year, so it's smart to confirm what your ongoing cost will be.
What About Wireless and Satellite Options?
Wireless home internet is gaining ground in Bakersfield. Both T-Mobile and Verizon now offer 5G home internet services that advertise speeds up to 300-415 Mbps depending on the carrier and tower proximity. The biggest advantage is flexibility, since you don't have to worry about installation, contracts, and portability if you move. For households in apartments or temporary housing, it's a convenient solution.
Satellite internet is best for Bakersfield's rural outskirts, particularly north and east of the city. Starlink currently leads that category, advertising speeds up to 220 Mbps downloads and 25 Mbps uploads. It's ideal for residents on the edge of coverage zones where wired connections are spotty, though the cost and latency make it less suited for competitive gaming or the bed to hop online for a work meeting.
What's Coming Down the Pipeline?
Infrastructure investment in Bakersfield has accelerated in recent years as both private companies and public initiatives push to modernize broadband access.
EveryoneOn Digital Equity Expansion (Kern County Focus): In 2025, EveryoneOn expanded its digital literacy and device distribution programs in Kern County, training 395 residents and distributing 463 computers. Bakersfield is a key target for future subgrants and outreach.
California BEAD Program-Bakersfield-Eligible Zones: Bakersfield census blocks are included in California's BEAD Challenge Process map, making them eligible for federal broadband infrastructure grants.
Actelis Hybrid Fiber Deployment for Traffic Infrastructure: Bakersfield is modernizing its traffic management system with fiber-grade connectivity at intersections using Actelis' hybrid fiber-copper technology. This enables real-time data transmission without full fiber replacement.
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.