Best Internet Providers in Paterson, NJ
Compare 9 internet providers serving 159,732 Paterson residents. Verizon Fios leads with extensive fiber coverage in New Jersey's third-largest city.
Quick Answer: Best Internet in Paterson
Verizon Fios is the best internet provider in Paterson, covering 82% of addresses with fiber speeds up to 2 Gbps and no data caps. Optimum provides cable and fiber service to 51% of the city. T-Mobile 5G offers strong wireless coverage at 79%. Paterson benefits from its NYC metro location with 9 competing providers.
- Best overall: Verizon Fios at 82% coverage, fiber up to 2 Gbps
- Best alternative: Optimum cable/fiber at 51% coverage
- Best wireless: T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo, 79% coverage
- Best value: Spectrum at $30/mo intro, 29% coverage
- 9 providers: Strong NYC metro competition
Paterson Internet Providers Comparison
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 2 Gbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 1 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Optimum | Fiber/Cable | 2 Gbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-866-200-7273 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G/Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo* | None | No | 1-844-481-5997 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber/DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Xfinity | Cable/Fiber | 2 Gbps | $30/mo | 1.2 TB | No | 1-844-963-0138 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $40/mo | Limited | 2-year | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 250 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
*Spectrum first-year promo. **Verizon with mobile bundle.
Top Paterson Internet Providers
Verizon Fios in Paterson
Verizon Fios dominates Paterson's broadband market with 82% fiber coverage. Plans offer symmetrical speeds up to 2 Gbps with no data caps and no contracts. As New Jersey's primary fiber provider, Verizon Fios delivers the most reliable high-speed option for Paterson residents.
- 300 Mbps: $50/mo
- 500 Mbps: $70/mo
- 1 Gbps: $90/mo
- 2 Gbps: $120/mo
Choose If: You want reliable fiber with the widest coverage.
Avoid If: You need the absolute lowest monthly price.
Call Verizon: 1-855-387-1456Optimum Internet in Paterson
Optimum covers about 51% of Paterson with cable and fiber service. Plans start at $40/month and scale to 2 Gbps on fiber. No data caps on any plan. Optimum's fiber expansion in the NYC metro is bringing faster speeds to more Paterson neighborhoods.
- Optimum 300: 300 Mbps - $40/mo
- Optimum 500: 500 Mbps - $60/mo
- Optimum 1 Gig: 1 Gbps - $80/mo
Choose If: You want an alternative to Verizon with competitive pricing.
Avoid If: Optimum is not available at your specific address.
Call Optimum: 1-866-200-7273T-Mobile 5G Home Internet in Paterson
T-Mobile covers about 79% of Paterson with 5G fixed wireless. At $40-50/month with no contracts and no data caps, T-Mobile is popular with Paterson renters who want flexibility. The 5-Year Price Guarantee means no surprise increases.
Choose If: You want contract-free wireless with predictable pricing.
Avoid If: You need consistent speeds above 300 Mbps.
Call T-Mobile: 1-844-275-9311Paterson Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Verizon Fios | Optimum | Spectrum | T-Mobile 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $50/mo | $40/mo | $30/mo* | $40-50/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $70/mo | $60/mo | $70/mo | - |
| 1 Gbps | $90/mo | $80/mo | $90/mo | - |
| 2 Gbps | $120/mo | $120/mo | - | - |
Speed Recommendations
- 1-2 people: 100-300 Mbps for streaming and browsing
- 3-5 people: 500 Mbps for multiple devices and video calls
- Heavy use: 1 Gbps+ for gaming, remote work, and smart homes
Internet in Paterson: Local Overview
Paterson is New Jersey's third-largest city with 159,732 residents in Passaic County, about 20 miles from Manhattan. The city's dense urban layout and NYC metro location ensure strong broadband infrastructure. Verizon Fios is the dominant fiber provider, while Optimum and Spectrum provide cable alternatives in different sections of the city.
The Eastside, Northside, and South Paterson neighborhoods generally have excellent Verizon Fios availability. Optimum coverage is concentrated in the western portion of the city. The Great Falls Historic District and downtown areas benefit from multi-provider competition. T-Mobile and Verizon 5G provide wireless alternatives for the city's large renter population.
Nearby Cities
Paterson Internet FAQs
What is the best internet in Paterson?
Verizon Fios is the best overall with 82% fiber coverage and speeds up to 2 Gbps. Optimum is a solid alternative at 51% coverage.
Is fiber available in Paterson?
Yes. Verizon Fios covers 82% with fiber, Optimum has fiber at 51%, and AT&T has limited fiber at 25%.
How much does internet cost in Paterson?
Plans start at $30/month for Spectrum intro pricing. Verizon Fios starts at $50/month. Most pay $50-80/month.
What is the fastest internet in Paterson?
AT&T Fiber at up to 5 Gbps in limited areas. Verizon Fios and Optimum both reach 2 Gbps.
Is Optimum or Verizon better in Paterson?
Verizon Fios has wider coverage at 82% vs 51%. Both offer no data caps. Compare plans at your address for the best deal.
Is 5G available in Paterson?
Yes. Verizon 5G Home covers 82% and T-Mobile 5G covers 79%. Both offer contract-free wireless.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews this guide for accuracy. Provider availability and pricing are verified quarterly.
Editorial Disclosure
InternetProviders.ai is committed to providing accurate, unbiased information. Some providers listed are partners who compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This compensation may affect provider ordering but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Internet Speed Requirements for Paterson Households
The speed you need in Paterson depends on how many people and devices use your connection simultaneously. A single person streaming video and browsing the web can get by with 50-100 Mbps. A household of 2-3 people with regular streaming and video calls should target 200-300 Mbps. Larger families with 4 or more heavy users benefit from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans, especially when multiple people are streaming in 4K, gaming online, or working from home at the same time.
Upload speed matters just as much as download speed for Paterson residents who work remotely. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams require at least 5 Mbps upload for stable HD video, and 10 Mbps or more for group calls with screen sharing. If multiple household members participate in video calls simultaneously, ensure your plan provides at least 20-25 Mbps upload speed. Fiber plans offer the best upload performance with symmetrical speeds.
How to Choose an Internet Provider in Paterson
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Paterson, as coverage can vary significantly even within the same city. Enter your address on each provider's website or use our comparison tool to see all available options. Compare the actual speeds offered at your address, not just the provider's maximum advertised speed, since availability of faster tiers depends on local infrastructure.
Beyond speed, compare the total monthly cost including equipment rental fees, installation charges, and price increases after promotional periods end. Providers in Paterson, New Jersey may offer different promotions depending on the season and competition in your area. Ask about no-contract options to maintain flexibility, and check whether a provider requires a credit check, as some offer prepaid alternatives. Reading recent customer reviews specific to Paterson gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.