Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The average price for broadband in New York City is around $40, but there are a few cheaper options if you're looking for more affordable home internet. Starry Internet offers the cheapest plan: 30Mbps for $15 per month. If you're looking for more speed, then Astound Broadband's 300Mbps plan might be the one for you, starting at $20 a month.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Starry Connect Read full review | $15 | 30Mbps | None |
Astound Broadband 300Mbps Read full review | $20 | 300Mbps | Free modem; $5 for Whole-home Wi-Fi (optional) |
Starry 200 Read full review | $30 | 200Mbps | Free modem; $9 router (optional) |
Astound Broadband 600Mbps Read full review | $35 | 200Mbps | Free modem; $5 for Whole-home Wi-Fi (optional) |
Optimum 300 Read full review | $40 | 300Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How many members of your household use the internet?
The best internet deals and top promotions in New York City depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
New York City internet providers, such as Astound Broadband, Spectrum and Optimum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Verizon Fios and Starry Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round.
Some internet providers like Spectrum and Optimum offer discounted or free internet for eligible households. Altice Advantage offers up to 50Mbps for just $15 monthly and Spectrum Internet Assist costs $25 for 30Mbps. To qualify for free internet for 60 days from Spectrum or Optimum, your household must participate in an assistance program. Learn more here.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Ookla's latest speed test data reports New York City ranks 55th for internet speed among the 100 most populous cities in the country. With median download speeds of 253Mbps and upload speeds of 34Mbps, NYC's broadband is slightly faster than the state's average speed of 249Mbps.
If you're looking for the speediest plan in New York City, Optimum offers speeds up to 8Gbps in select areas for $280 per month. Customers may also access Optimum's other multi-gigabit offerings: 5- and 2-gigabit plans, for $180 and $120 per month, respectively. Elsewhere, Astound Broadband offers speeds up to 1.5Gbps for $55 per month and Verizon Fios tops out at 1Gbps for $90 monthly. If you're unable to get Astound Broadband, Verizon Fios and many other internet providers have gigabit plans available.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Optimum 8 Gig Read full review | $280 | 8,000Mbps | 8,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Optimum 5 Gig Read full review | $180 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Optimum 2 Gig Read full review | $120 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Astound Broadband 1500 Read full review | $55 | 1,500Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Cable |
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review | $80 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
Astound Broadband Gig Read full review | $45 | 1,000Mbps | 50Mbps | None | Cable |
Verizon Fios 1 Gig Read full review | $90 ($65 with select 5G mobile plans) | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
Optimum 1 Gig Read full review | $80 | 940Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Fiber |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
See all results for internet providers in New York state
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous. regional and often offer confusing plans or hidden fees. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents and we look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
NYC has a few reliable broadband options, but your best bet is any provider that offers fiber connection, like Verizon Fios. If fiber is unavailable in your area, other providers like Astound Broadband, Spectrum and Starry Internet offer fast speeds and decent pricing as well.
Does New York City have fiber internet?
Yes. Approximately 50% of Manhattan residences are wired for fiber-optic internet service, according to the FCC. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber internet provider in New York City, although some addresses are eligible for fiber service from Optimum.
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Can I get free Wi-Fi in New York City?
Several public places throughout New York City offer free Wi-Fi service. In addition to cafes, restaurants, hotels and other businesses with complimentary Wi-Fi, all NYC public library branches and several locations in Manhattan, including Central Park, Bowling Green, The High Line and Tompkins Square Park, have free public Wi-Fi access.
If you're looking for free home Wi-Fi, you'll need a wired internet connection to get Wi-Fi in your home. While some NYC internet service providers and plans are cheaper than others, no outright free home internet services are available in the city. Depending on your location and needs, a temporary free internet connection may be available from Spectrum, Optimum or Xfinity. Learn more at nyc.gov.
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Is Verizon Fios or Spectrum better?
Verizon Fios has an advantage over Spectrum thanks to its 100% fiber-optic network. You'll get symmetrical or near-symmetrical download and upload speeds with Verizon Fios, whereas Spectrum's maximum upload speeds fall far short of its download speeds. Both providers have the same starting price of $50 monthly for 300Mbps though Spectrum increases that price by around $30 after one year and charges an equipment fee of $7 if you want to lease your router. As a cable internet provider, Spectrum is also a great choice for bundling internet and TV.
In short, both providers have their pros and cons, but the fiber network that Verizon Fios offers makes it a better choice. In any case, it's always a good idea to fully evaluate your home internet needs and the available options in your area before committing to a particular internet provider.
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Source: cnet.com