Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
The top NYC internet providers have fiber, cable and 5G internet connections with speeds up to 5 GB and prices starting at $25/mo. Verizon Fios is the most widely available fiber provider in New York City, with T-Mobile and Spectrum coming in second and third. Optimum offers the fastest fiber-optic speeds, while Astound offers some of the cheapest plan options. Satellite providers like Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink are available to 100% of NYC.
Best internet providers in New York City
- Verizon: Best fiber availability
- T-Mobile: Best for simple pricing
- Spectrum: Best for low equipment fees
- Starry: Best 5G speeds
- Astound: Cheapest plans
New York City internet comparison
Nearly all NYC internet providers start in the $40–$50 price range, except Astound, which starts at about half as much as other introductory plans. The average internet speed for a basic plan is 300 Mbps, besides T-Mobile 5G. Fiber optic internet from Verizon Fios and cable internet from Spectrum are the two primary wired internet providers in New York, NY.
| Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type | Availability % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios | $49.99–$119.00/mo. | 300–2,000 Mbps | Fiber | 93% |
| T-Mobile | $60.00/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | 5G | 73% |
| Spectrum | $49.99–$79.99/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | Cable | 60% |
| Starry | $50.00–$80.00/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | 5G | 39% |
| Optimum | $40.00–$180.00/mo. | 300–5,000 Mbps | Cable, fiber | 36% |
| Astound | $25.00–$60.00/mo. | 300–1,500 Mbps | Cable | 20% |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How to choose a provider in New York City
The first and most important step in choosing a new internet provider is to search by your specific address. Not all the best internet providers are available at every household, even if they are available in your general area.
After identifying the providers available at your location, it’s time to consider other factors like price and speed.
- Price: Price is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an ISP. Evaluate the price of each plan compared to how much speed you’ll be getting. Also factor in extra costs like equipment fees, installation fees and rate increases. Astound offers some of the cheapest plans in NYC starting at $25/mo., but T-Mobile has no hidden fees, contracts or price hikes.
- Speed: When choosing the right internet speed for your needs, consider how many devices are in use and what types of internet activities you do every day. If you work from home, participate in heavy-bandwidth activities like gaming or have many simultaneously connected devices, consider a faster internet speed. Verizon Fios is widely available in NYC and offers fiber speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Optimum is also a great high-speed option if you need multi-gigabit fiber speeds.
New York City internet provider breakdowns
Verizon – Best fiber availability
Verizon Fios offers four fiber internet plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps. Prices start at $49.99/mo., and you can get a discount if you bundle your plan with mobile. The Verizon fiber network is available in 93% of New York City, even more widespread than cable internet from Spectrum. The provider’s equipment rental fees are included in the cost of service, but check for an installation fee. Verizon has no contracts or data caps, making this plan a great option if you need unlimited internet with flexible terms.
Pros
Best fiber availability in NYC.
No contracts or data caps.
Up to a 4-year price guarantee.
Cons
$99 installation fee may apply.
Fastest speeds are over $100/mo.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Verizon review.
T-Mobile – Best for simple pricing
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service is available to 73% of NYC. T-Mobile offers one 5G plan for $60/mo. with speeds ranging from 72–245 Mbps. T-Mobile’s biggest selling point is its simple pricing without data caps or frequent price increases. T-Mobile mails you the equipment with two-day shipping, and self-installation only involves plugging the device into an outlet. T-Mobile 5G is a good match for individuals who want a straightforward plan that’s easy to set up and maintain. However, T-Mobile speed limitations aren’t great for households with 20+ connected devices.
Pros
Unlimited internet.
Free wireless gateway.
No regular price increases.
Cons
$35 device connection fee.
Speeds can vary based on location.
No speed upgrade options.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Spectrum – Best for low-equipment fees
Spectrum serves 60% of the city. Its plans start at $49.99/mo. with speeds from 300–1,000 Mbps. Spectrum has an equipment fee of $5/mo., which is cheaper than many other providers but is still an additional cost to consider. You can supply your own router to avoid the charge. Other fees include a self-installation fee of about $30.00 or up to $65.00 if you choose professional installation. Spectrum Internet is best for households that do a variety of online activities (streaming, gaming, social media) or those that want to bundle TV and internet in one bill.
Pros
Affordable prices.
Installation fees between $30–$65.
Cons
$5/mo. for wireless router.
Price increases after 12 months.
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read our full Spectrum review.
Starry – Best 5G speeds
Starry internet is not the most widely available provider in NYC, but it has some of the best 5G speeds. Serving 39% of the city with 5G home internet speeds from 300–1,000 Mbps, Starry is a great option if you’re looking for an alternative to fiber or cable. Prices start at $50/mo. with no equipment fees, data caps or price increases. Starry provides you with a router, but it’s only available in apartment buildings or condos where 5G receivers are installed.
Starry is perfect for internet activities that need faster upload speeds, like uploading video, photos or other social networking media. Starry is also a good option for renters who prefer a regional internet provider instead of a national conglomerate.
Pros
Fast speeds up to 1 GB.
Equipment included in price.
50–100 Mbps upload speeds.
Cons
Only available in some multi-dwelling units.
Speeds can slow down when the network is crowded.
Prices increase after 12 months.
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Astound – Cheapest plans
If you are looking for a cheap internet option in New York City, Astound is the provider for you. Astound’s cheapest plan starts at $25/mo. for 300 Mbps, and its most expensive plan is just $60/mo. for 1,200 Mbps. These are some of the best-valued plans offered by top internet providers in NYC. Unfortunately, Astound is only available to about 20% of the city, and there are price increases after the promotional period ends.
Pros
Cheap plans starting at $25/mo.
Unlimited data on plans above 500 Mbps.
Cons
Limited NYC availability.
Equipment rental fees are $8–$10/mo.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Astound review.
Cheap internet providers in New York City
Compare some of the cheapest plans available in New York City. Astound has the cheapest option at just $25/mo., as well as the best value. Optimum offers its 300 Mbps speed tier for just $40/mo. for both fiber and cable internet. If Optimum Fiber is available where you live, this is a great deal since fiber is the most reliable connection type.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astound 300 Mbps | $25/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable |
| Optimum 300 | $40/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable |
| Optimum Fiber 300 | $40/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Fiber |
Fastest internet in New York City
Verizon and Optimum offer the fastest internet plans in New York City. Both are fiber internet providers, offering symmetrical download and upload speeds. These plans are best for those who participate in bandwidth-heavy internet activities like gaming or have a largehousehold with many connected devices at once.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 2 Gig | $119/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Optimum Fiber 2 Gig | $100/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Optimum Fiber 5 Gig | $180/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
New York City internet technologies
New York City has providers offering fiber, cable, 5G and satellite internet.
- Fiber internet: NYC has two fiber internet providers available: Verizon Fios and Optimum. Fiber internet provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it the most reliable internet service available right now.
- Cable: Cable internet providers in New York City include Optimum, Spectrum and Astound. Cable internet has more availability than fiber but slower upload speeds. Optimum and Spectrum offer cable internet plans with speeds from 300–1,000 Mbps, and Astound offers speeds up to 1,200 Mbps.
- 5G: 5G Home Internet is a newer internet alternative to cable, fiber and satellite internet. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available to 73% of NYC and has 5G speeds between 72 and 245 Mbps. Starry offers faster speeds from 300–1,000 Mbps but serves only 39% of the city.
- Satellite: Residents in NYC have 100% access to satellite internet with providers like Starlink, Viasat and Hughesnet. Hughesnet offers speeds up to 50 Mbps, Viasat up to 100 Mbps and Starlink up to 500 Mbps.
NYC internet FAQs
Is fiber internet available in New York City?
Yes, both Verizon Fios and Optimum offer fiber internet options in NYC.
How fast is the internet in New York City?
Internet plans in NYC have speeds ranging from 300–5,000 Mbps. Optimum offers the fastest 5 Gig plan, while other providers like Spectrum offer plans up to 1,000 Mbps.
Can you get free internet in New York City?
LinkNYC is a free Wi-Fi network available throughout the five NYC boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx.) Free Wi-Fi is also available in many NYC coffee shops, restaurants and retail locations.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
Camryn SmithAllconnect.com
Cammy is a writer with Allconnect, growing her broadband industry knowledge for over a year on the internet marketplace. Her expertise lies in home internet and broadband service with a focus on providers, plans, speeds, equipment and industry news. She enjoys reporting on important developments in the broadband industry that affect consumers. Some of Camryn’s favorite bylines include “Celebrating Women’s History Month: Female leaders in broadband to celebrate Women’s History Month” and “Federal programs provide millions for rural internet access.” Her credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and Strategic Communications from Miami University.
Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
More Stories
- Internet reset: Digital wellness during the summer solsticeWhat is the summer solstice? The 2024 summer solstice fell on Thursday, June 20, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year. Each day aResourcesUpdated 12:00 pm ET Jun 24
- Internet providers in Asheville, NCA picturesque town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is a haven for nature lovers, beer enthusiasts and travelers of Local Internet ProvidersUpdated 9:40 am ET Jun 24
- Internet providers in Lansing, MIAs Michigan’s state capital and home to Michigan State University, Lansing is a family-friendly gem in the Great Lakes State. More than 112,000 peoLocal Internet ProvidersUpdated 9:45 am ET Jun 24
- Internet providers in Bakersfield, CABakersfield may not be as familiar of a name as some other California cities, but this Golden State town has a lot going for it. Country legends BuLocal Internet ProvidersUpdated 9:47 am ET Jun 24
- Internet providers in Greenville, NCGreenville is a college town and cultural hub in eastern North Carolina. Home to East Carolina University, the Greenville Convention Center, and a Local Internet ProvidersUpdated 9:47 am ET Jun 24
- Best internet providers in Queens, NYIn Queens, NY, you’ll find a wealth of art, food, shopping and diverse history all around. Whether you want to stroll through a museum, a beaLocal Internet ProvidersUpdated 9:49 am ET Jun 24
- Internet providers in Anchorage, AKAnchorage, Alaska, is known for many things —never-ending summer daylight, fantastic fishing and even, yes, outhouse races. But it’s not exacLocal Internet ProvidersUpdated 9:50 am ET Jun 24
- Ziply Fiber review: Cost-effective plans with multi-gig optionsZiply Fiber summary Ziply Fiber offers the fastest speeds of any residential internet service provider, reaching up to 50 GB. While this ultrProvider ReviewsUpdated 9:51 am ET Jun 24
