Verizon 5G Home Internet – Best 5G residential internet in New York
- Prices: $50 – $70 per month
- Speeds: 85 – 1,000Mbps
- Key Info: Unlimited data, no contracts, free equipment, 50% discount for qualifying Verizon mobile customers
Verizon Fios – Best internet provider in New York City
- Prices: $50 – $120 per month
- Speeds: 300 – 2,000Mbps
- Key Info: Unlimited data, no contracts, free equipment with gig service
ISP options in New York State are very location-dependent, but CNET’s got some recommendations for you. Whether you’re streaming movies in Ithaca or coding in Brooklyn, we’ve got you covered. CNET’s pick for the best internet provider overall is Spectrum Internet due to the wide availability of its cable internet, but we’re also big fans of fiber internet from Verizon Fios if you can get it.
There are dozens of ISPs servicing New York, ranging from big names like Verizon to small, local providers. CNET examines customer service, speed, pricing and overall value before recommending the best broadband in your neck of the woods. Let’s make like beavers and get busy checking out the best internet providers in the Empire State.
Best internet options in New York
The best internet provider for you is the one with the best combination of speed and price at your address. Your choices may be limited, so use our guide to get an idea of what’s available across the Empire State, then see which ISPs service your home and go from there. All prices listed on this page reflect available discounts for setting up paperless billing. If you decide not to go with automatic monthly payments, your price will be higher.
Note: The prices, speeds and features detailed in the article text may differ from those listed in the product detail cards, which represent providers’ national offerings. Your particular internet service options — including prices and speeds — depend on your address and may differ from those detailed here.
Price range $40 – $70 per month Speed range 300 – 940Mbps Connection Cable Key Info Unlimited data, simple pricing, no contracts, modem included, free access to nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots
Charter Communications’ Spectrum home internet service gets the nod for best ISP in New York for one major reason: availability. This honor comes with a big caveat, though. If your address has access to a fiber service like Verizon Fios or Greenlight, then we recommend going that route over Spectrum.
Availability: Spectrum Internet reaches just over 50% of residential units across New York, according to FCC data. You’ll find it from Buffalo to Albany and in New York City, but coverage is sparser in Brooklyn and rare in the Bronx.
Plans and pricing: Spectrum’s entry-level 300Mbps tier runs $50 per month for 12 months, a good deal that’s available to new customers. It will cost you $90 to move up to gig speeds. Spectrum’s introductory prices jump up by $30 per month after the promotional period.
Fees and service details: CNET has given Spectrum a nod as best cable provider in the US thanks in part to unlimited data and no requirement to sign up for a long-term contract. A modem is included and you can add a router for an additional $5 per month.
Price range $50 – $70 per month (50% off for eligible 5G mobile customers) Speed range 85 – 1,000Mbps Connection Fixed wireless Key Info Unlimited data, no contracts, free equipment, 50% discount for qualifying Verizon mobile customers
Verizon and T-Mobile have shaken up the ISP world in many places across the country by offering 5G wireless home internet. The plans are straightforward and affordable. Verizon gets the nod for New York State thanks to coverage, cost and higher top speeds than T-Mobile offers.
Availability: Verizon’s home internet is strongest where it offers its latest and greatest 5G service. Check out the company’s coverage map and you’ll see dark red (indicating 5G Ultra Wideband) sprayed across the northern half of the state and down into New York City. Keep in mind that big buildings can dampen coverage, so not every spot in the city will be able to get a good connection.
Plans and pricing: Verizon’s basic plan runs $50 per month for speeds up to 300Mbps. Some areas in its coverage zones can pull down up to 1,000Mbps for $70 per month. Bundle those with an eligible mobile plan and you can get home internet for 50% off. That’s quite a good deal if you can get satisfactory speeds at your home.
Fees and service details: There are no data caps and no contacts, and equipment is included.
Price range $50 – $150 per month Speed range 25Mbps Connection Satellite Key Info No hard data cap, nationwide availability
Some rural homes don’t have much choice at all when it comes to ISPs. It’s satellite or nothing. CNET has recognized HughesNet as the best satellite provider for reliable speeds. Starlink is working hard to expand and bring its faster speeds to more people across the US, but HughesNet is a solid option when other ISPs don’t reach your address.
Availability: A clear view of the southern sky is the key to getting connected with HughesNet.
Plans and pricing: HughesNet may be reliable, but it’s not particularly fast. Typical speeds hit 25Mbps, with prices starting at $50 per month for 30GB of data. Plans go up to $125 per month for 100GB of data.
Fees and service details: There’s no hard data cap, but HughesNet may slow your downloads if you exceed your data allowance. Fees crop up from the beginning You can purchase the gear for $450 or rent for $15 per month. You’ll be asked to sign a two-year contract and prices will go up after the first six months.
Price range $50 – $120 per month Speed range 300 – 2,000Mbps Connection Fiber Key Info Unlimited data, no contracts, free equipment with gig service
Verizon Fios had a clean sweep as our top-recommended ISP for New York City, Brooklyn and the capital city of Albany. The fiber service earned its place thanks to fast speeds, attractive pricing and a good customer service reputation.
Availability: The reality of fiber is that it’s very desirable but not available everywhere. Fios is most likely to be found in Midtown Manhattan, Chelsea, Soho and the Lower East Side.
Plans and pricing: The entry-level 300Mbps plan for $50 is a nice deal for fiber. It’s affordable and plenty fast for most internet needs. Mid-level plans come in at 500Mbps and a gig, and some locations may be able to tap into a 2.3Gbps plan starting at $120 per month.
Fees and service details: I’m always happy to hear the phrases “no data caps” and “no contracts,” and that’s what you’ll get with Verizon Fios. The ISP throws in a router. Keep an eye out for promotional deals like coverage of termination fees when you switch, an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription or a Chromebook.
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Price range $50 – $200 per month Speed range 500 – 5,000Mbps Connection Fiber Key Info Unlimited data, no contracts, you provide router
Spectrum pretty much has the run of Buffalo, but Greenlight Networks is expanding in the city as a fast fiber alternative to the cable behemoth. If Greenlight doesn’t reach you, be sure to check in with Verizon Fios, which has a limited reach in the Buffalo area.
Availability: The biggest drawback to Greenlight in Buffalo is coverage. The company’s map shows service is live east of 190 and in parts of Cheektowaga. The good news is the map also shows areas of current construction and future expansion so you can see if your neighborhood is on the list.
Plans and pricing: Greenlight pricing starts at $50 per month for 500Mbps, an excellent deal for fiber. Its high-end 5 gigabit (5,000Mbps) plan runs $200 per month, but most folks will be happier with the more affordable tiers, particularly the 940Mbps plan at $75 per month.
Fees and service details: There are no contracts and no data caps with Greenlight. There’s a $100 installation fee. You can provide your own router. Greenlight runs an Amazon storefront with recommended router options.
Photo by Nico De Pasquale/GettyImages
Is there fiber internet in New York?
