Best Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY
Compare 7 internet providers serving 258,071 Buffalo residents. Find cable, fiber, 5G, and satellite plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
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Spectrum 1-844-481-5997Quick Answer: Best Internet in Buffalo
Spectrum is the best internet provider for most Buffalo residents, covering 93% of the city with cable speeds up to 1 Gbps, no data caps, and no contracts. Verizon Fios is the best fiber option where available, covering about 59% of Buffalo with symmetrical speeds. T-Mobile 5G offers a flexible wireless alternative.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: Spectrum cable with 93% coverage and no data caps
- Best fiber: Verizon Fios with symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps
- Best value: Spectrum at $30/mo (first year) or T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo
- Best wireless: T-Mobile 5G with 81% coverage, no contracts
- 7 providers: Solid options for a mid-size metro
Buffalo Internet Providers Comparison
Verified as of February 2026. Coverage percentages based on FCC data.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo* | None | No | 1-844-481-5997 |
| Verizon Fios / 5G | Fiber / 5G | 940 Mbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40-50/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 250 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Limited | 2-year | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Unlimited** | No | 1-855-463-9333 |
*Spectrum first-year promotional pricing. **Viasat Unleashed plan.
Buffalo Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
Spectrum Internet in Buffalo
Spectrum is Buffalo's dominant cable provider with 93% coverage. No data caps, no contracts, and a free modem are included with all plans. The intro rate of $30/month for 300 Mbps makes Spectrum one of the most affordable options in western New York.
- Internet: 300 Mbps - $30/mo first year
- Internet Ultra: 500 Mbps - $70/mo
- Internet Gig: 1 Gbps - $90/mo
Choose Spectrum If:
- You want the widest coverage and lowest intro price in Buffalo
Avoid If:
- You need symmetrical upload speeds for video calls and cloud backups
Verizon Fios in Buffalo
Verizon Fios covers about 59% of Buffalo with symmetrical fiber speeds up to 940 Mbps. No data caps and no annual contracts. Verizon also offers 5G Home service in the same coverage areas for a wireless alternative.
- 300 Mbps: $50/mo
- 500 Mbps: $70/mo
- Gigabit: 940 Mbps symmetrical - $90/mo
Choose Verizon Fios If:
- You want symmetrical fiber speeds with no data caps
Avoid If:
- Fios is not available at your Buffalo address
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet in Buffalo
T-Mobile covers about 81% of Buffalo with 5G Home Internet at $40-50/month. No contracts, no data caps, and no price hikes. Speeds typically range from 100-245 Mbps. A strong option for renters or anyone who wants a simple wireless setup.
Choose T-Mobile If:
- You want contract-free wireless internet with predictable pricing
Avoid If:
- You need speeds above 300 Mbps or low latency for gaming
Buffalo Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Spectrum | Verizon Fios | T-Mobile 5G |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $50/mo | $40-50/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $70/mo | $70/mo | - |
| 940 Mbps - 1 Gbps | $90/mo | $90/mo | - |
*Spectrum first-year rate.
How Much Speed Do You Need?
- 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, 4K streaming, and remote work
Learn more: How much internet speed do I need?
Internet Service in Buffalo: What You Need to Know
- Population: 258,071
- CBSA: 15380 (Buffalo-Cheektowaga)
- Cable provider: Spectrum
- Fiber provider: Verizon Fios
- 5G providers: T-Mobile, Verizon
Buffalo's broadband market is anchored by Spectrum cable and Verizon Fios fiber. Spectrum covers nearly all of the city, while Verizon Fios has been steadily expanding its fiber footprint across western New York neighborhoods. The city's revitalization has brought increased demand for high-speed internet, particularly in the waterfront and downtown areas.
T-Mobile and Verizon both offer 5G Home Internet as wireless alternatives, giving Buffalo residents additional choices beyond traditional wired providers.
Internet by Buffalo Neighborhood
- Elmwood Village/Allentown: Spectrum and Verizon Fios both available
- North Buffalo/Hertel: Strong Spectrum coverage; Fios expanding
- South Buffalo: Spectrum primary; Verizon Fios in select areas
- Downtown/Canalside: Multiple options including fiber and 5G
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Internet
What is the best internet provider in Buffalo?
Spectrum is best for coverage (93%). Verizon Fios is best for fiber with symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps.
Is fiber available in Buffalo?
Yes, Verizon Fios covers about 59% of Buffalo with fiber speeds up to 940 Mbps.
How much does internet cost in Buffalo?
Plans start at $30/month for Spectrum cable and range up to $90/month for gigabit speeds from either provider.
Is Spectrum or Verizon Fios better in Buffalo?
Fios is better for symmetrical speeds and uploads. Spectrum has wider coverage and a lower intro price.
Is 5G home internet available in Buffalo?
Yes, T-Mobile covers 81% and Verizon 5G Home covers about 59% of Buffalo.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews and updates this guide to ensure accuracy.
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 order but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Internet Speed Requirements for Buffalo Households
The speed you need in Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Buffalo, 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 Buffalo, New York 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 Buffalo gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.