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The Best New York Internet Providers
New York has broad high-speed fixed internet availability, with fiber-to-the-home and upgraded cable covering most addresses and multi-gig service emerging in select neighborhoods. To confirm who serves your home and at what speeds, use the FCC’s New York state summary and the address-level National Broadband Map, and cross-check New York’s ConnectALL map. These sources reflect the latest Broadband Data Collection filings and state data, showing that the vast majority of Broadband Serviceable Locations in New York can get at least 100/20 Mbps, with fiber availability rising since 2020. After reviewing the nation’s largest internet providers and the current New York coverage landscape, we highlight four providers that stand out on speed, value, and availability at New York addresses.
The 4 Best Internet Providers in New York
- Verizon FiOS — Best fiber performance and multi‑year price guarantees on select tiers
- Spectrum — Best no‑contract value; strong mobile bundle with Spectrum One
- RCN — Best price‑lock cable deals via Astound Broadband
- Optimum — Best for fiber in Long Island/NYC areas with symmetrical uploads
The Best New York Internet Providers: Summed Up
Verizon FiOS
Fios delivers fiber-to-the-home across large portions of New York, including substantial availability in all five NYC boroughs, surrounding downstate counties, and select upstate metros. Outside fiber-built areas, Verizon may offer legacy copper/DSL or fixed wireless (5G Home) depending on the address. Confirm technologies and speeds for your exact location on the FCC National Broadband Map and New York’s ConnectALL map.
Performance: Fios commonly offers gigabit service with multi‑gig tiers in some areas, plus symmetric upload speeds that benefit multi‑user homes, creators, and remote workers. Promotions and equipment inclusions vary; Verizon highlights multi‑year price guarantees on select fiber tiers (often up to 4 years) — see current offers on the Verizon Fios site. Fios fiber plans are typically unlimited; for plan‑specific details on pricing, typical speeds, fees, and any usage policies, review the FCC‑mandated Broadband Facts labels during checkout.
Customer satisfaction: Use the latest Internet Service Providers benchmarks on the ACSI 0–100 index to see current industry and brand scores (ACSI Industries) and the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study for East‑region rankings and scores. Always cite the study year shown on those pages.
Spectrum
Spectrum is the dominant cable operator across much of New York, including most of Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, plus broad coverage in upstate metros and suburbs (e.g., Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester). Spectrum generally does not serve Long Island or most of Brooklyn and the Bronx, which are predominantly Optimum territories. Verify address‑level coverage and available tiers on the FCC map and the state’s ConnectALL map.
Speeds and perks: Spectrum widely offers gigabit downloads and is rolling out DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades that enable higher downstream capacity and multi‑gig tiers in select markets as of 2025 (Charter updates). Spectrum advertises no data caps and no annual contracts for residential internet, with a free modem included (details). The flagship promotion, Spectrum One, typically bundles home internet with Advanced WiFi and includes one Spectrum Mobile Unlimited line free for 12 months; after 12 months, standard equipment and mobile rates apply. Always check final plan terms and fees at checkout.
RCN
RCN operates in New York under the Astound Broadband brand. It’s a regional provider with strong East Coast presence, offering fast cable and, in some areas, fiber service. Gigabit is broadly available with select multi‑gig builds. Astound emphasizes no annual contracts and frequent price‑lock deals (commonly up to 24 months), plus limited‑time sweeteners such as free professional installation for online orders; offers vary by ZIP code (see current deals). Use the FCC map to confirm technology and speed options for your address.
Bundling and usage: TV packages and streaming add‑ons are market‑specific and change frequently. For clarity on typical speeds, equipment, fees, and any usage policies, compare each plan’s FCC Broadband Facts label at checkout.
Optimum
Optimum (Altice USA) serves much of Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk), parts of Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and two NYC boroughs (Brooklyn and the Bronx). The network is a mix of hybrid fiber‑coaxial and expanding FTTH. Many neighborhoods now see symmetrical gigabit fiber and, in some areas, multi‑gig tiers; other locations use cable with asymmetrical uploads. For precise availability, check the FCC map and New York’s ConnectALL map, then verify on Optimum’s address checker.
Pricing, contracts, and usage policies vary by plan and address. Optimum frequently markets no annual contracts and promotional rates; equipment and taxes/fees are additional. Use the FCC’s Broadband Facts labels displayed at checkout to compare typical speeds, total monthly cost, and any plan‑specific limitations.
How We Found the Best Internet Providers in New York
There are several key features we consider when evaluating internet providers.
- Coverage. Start with address‑level verification. Use the FCC National Broadband Map (New York) for the latest BDC filings and the state’s ConnectALL map to cross‑validate provider footprints, speeds, and technology (fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless). These sources show the share of locations served at ≥100/20 Mbps, the presence of ≥1 Gbps service, and where fiber is available.
- Value. Typical entry‑level fixed internet in the U.S. runs about $30–$60 per month before equipment and fees; gigabit tiers commonly fall around $60–$80, with multi‑gig higher. Compare the FCC’s Broadband Facts labels across plans to see typical speeds (download/upload), latency, data usage policies, equipment and installation costs, and post‑promo pricing.
- Customer Satisfaction. We pair the latest ACSI (0–100) Internet Service Providers benchmarks with the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study for the East region. Always compare brands within the same study year and note field dates and methodology.
New York Internet FAQ
How fast is the internet in New York?
Most New York addresses can get at least 100/20 Mbps fixed broadband, with gigabit widely available and multi‑gig tiers in select fiber and upgraded cable markets. Fiber (e.g., Verizon Fios and regional FTTH builds) typically offers symmetrical uploads, while cable uploads are lower but improving with network upgrades. Check your exact address on the FCC’s New York summary or the National Broadband Map.
How much does internet cost in New York?
Pricing depends on the provider, technology, and promotions. As a reference point, entry‑level fixed internet commonly runs $30–$60 per month before equipment and fees; gigabit plans often fall around $60–$80, with multi‑gig tiers higher. Use the FCC’s Broadband Facts labels at checkout to compare typical speeds, fees, and post‑promo pricing side by side.
How do I get internet access?
Search your exact address on the FCC National Broadband Map and New York’s ConnectALL map to see available providers and technologies, then confirm on each provider’s site where you’ll also see the FCC Broadband Facts label with typical performance and all‑in pricing. Where wired coverage is limited or you need a quick install, consider fixed‑wireless home internet such as Verizon 5G Home Internet or T‑Mobile Home Internet — both advertise no data caps and straightforward pricing. Satellite service (e.g., Starlink) can reach most areas but has different performance characteristics; verify address‑level availability on provider sites and the FCC map.
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