Best Internet Providers in New York City (2026)
Compare fiber, cable, and 5G internet options from 6 providers serving over 8.4 million NYC residents. Check availability at your address and find the best plan for your needs.
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Quick Answer: Best Internet in NYC
Verizon Fios is the best overall internet provider in New York City, offering symmetrical fiber speeds up to 2.3 Gbps with no data caps starting at $35/month. For budget shoppers, Optimum offers fiber plans from just $25/month in Brooklyn and the Bronx with speeds up to 8 Gbps. Spectrum provides the widest coverage at 82%, making it the best option for buildings without fiber access.
Compare Internet Providers in New York City
New York City is a highly competitive internet market with fiber, cable, and 5G options available throughout all five boroughs. Compare plans from the top providers serving over 8.4 million residents.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps | $35/mo | 85-87% | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps | $50/mo | 82-85% | 1-844-481-5997 |
| Optimum | Fiber | 8 Gbps | $25/mo | 40-50% | 1-866-200-7273 |
| Astound Broadband | Fiber | 5 Gbps | $30/mo | 35-45% | 1-800-746-4726 |
| T-Mobile 5G Home | 5G | 498 Mbps | $35/mo | 90%+ | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Starlink | Satellite | 200 Mbps | $80/mo | 100% | Online Only |
NYC Internet Provider Details
Verizon Fios
Top PickVerizon Fios is the leading fiber internet provider in New York City, covering 85-87% of addresses across all five boroughs. Their 100% fiber-optic network delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 2.3 Gbps with no data caps.
Plans & Pricing
- 300 Mbps$35-50/mo
- 500 Mbps$55-70/mo
- 1 Gig$70-85/mo
- 2 Gig$100-120/mo
Best For
- Remote workers and content creators needing fast uploads
- Gamers wanting low latency
- Heavy streamers in multi-device households
- Video conferencing professionals
Pros
- + Symmetrical upload/download speeds up to 2.3 Gbps
- + No data caps
- + No equipment fees
- + Excellent customer service ratings
- + Multi-year price lock guarantee
- + Free streaming perks (Netflix, Max) with select plans
Cons
- - Best pricing requires bundling with Verizon mobile
- - Limited availability in some pre-war buildings
- - 2 Gig plan has limited availability
Spectrum
Widest CoverageSpectrum offers the widest cable internet coverage in NYC at 82-85%, making it a reliable option for residents in buildings without fiber access. Their no-contract plans include a free modem and unlimited data.
Plans & Pricing
- Internet (300 Mbps)$50-55/mo
- Internet Ultra (500 Mbps)$70-80/mo
- Internet Gig (1 Gbps)$90-100/mo
- Internet 2 Gig$120-130/mo
Best For
- Streaming households
- Areas without fiber access
- Budget-conscious users who want reliable cable
- Anyone avoiding contracts
Pros
- + Widest coverage in NYC (82%)
- + No contracts required
- + Free modem included
- + No data caps
- + Consistent speeds during peak hours
- + Free year of Spectrum Mobile with internet
Cons
- - Asymmetrical speeds (upload maxes at 35 Mbps)
- - Price increases after 12-month promo period
- - $5/month WiFi router fee unless you use your own
- - Cable can slow during neighborhood peak usage
Optimum
Fastest SpeedsOptimum offers the fastest residential internet in NYC with fiber plans reaching 8 Gbps in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Their competitive pricing starts at just $25/month for 200 Mbps, making them the most affordable fiber option.
Plans & Pricing
- Optimum 200$25-40/mo
- Optimum 300$40-55/mo
- Optimum 1 Gig$65-80/mo
- Optimum 2 Gig$90-110/mo
- Optimum 5 Gig$150-180/mo
- Optimum 8 Gig$200-250/mo
Best For
- Power users needing multi-gigabit speeds
- Brooklyn and Bronx residents
- Budget seekers wanting the cheapest plan
- Smart home enthusiasts with many devices
Pros
- + Fastest speeds in NYC (up to 8 Gbps)
- + Cheapest starting price ($25/mo for 200 Mbps)
- + 5-year price lock on fiber plans
- + No contracts
- + Symmetrical upload/download on fiber
- + Free HBO Max for 12 months with gig+ plans
Cons
- - Limited to Brooklyn and Bronx (not Manhattan)
- - Price increases after first year on cable plans
- - $13.50/month equipment fee
- - Cable plans slower than fiber
Astound Broadband (RCN)
Great ValueAstound Broadband (formerly RCN) offers competitive fiber and cable service in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Their first-month-free promotion and 30-day money-back guarantee make them a low-risk option to try.
Plans & Pricing
- Internet 300$30-40/mo
- Internet 500$45-55/mo
- 1 Gig$55-70/mo
- 1.5 Gig$60-75/mo
- 5 Gig$150-175/mo
Best For
- Manhattan residents seeking alternative to Verizon
- Budget-conscious users in covered areas
- Those wanting a local-focused provider
Pros
- + Competitive pricing starting at $30/mo
- + No contracts or data caps
- + First month free for new customers
- + 30-day money-back guarantee
- + Strong coverage in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
- + WiFi 7 router available
Cons
- - Smaller coverage footprint than Verizon or Spectrum
- - Prices increase after 12-month promo
- - Upload speeds lower than pure fiber competitors
- - Not available in Bronx or Staten Island
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
No WiresT-Mobile 5G Home Internet provides wireless broadband coverage to over 90% of NYC addresses. With no contracts, no data caps, and simple self-installation, it is an excellent alternative for buildings with limited wired options.
Plans & Pricing
- Rely (100-245 Mbps)$35-50/mo
- Amplify (150-350 Mbps)$45-60/mo
- All-In (200-498 Mbps)$55-70/mo
Best For
- Renters who move frequently
- Buildings with limited wired provider options
- T-Mobile mobile customers seeking bundle savings
- Light to moderate internet users
Pros
- + No contracts or data caps
- + Simple self-installation (no technician needed)
- + 5-year price guarantee
- + Best pricing with T-Mobile mobile plan ($35/mo)
- + Free Hulu and Paramount+ with All-In plan
- + Works in buildings with limited wired options
Cons
- - Speeds vary by location and tower congestion
- - Higher latency than fiber (not ideal for competitive gaming)
- - Performance can be inconsistent during peak hours
- - Upload speeds significantly lower than fiber
NYC Internet Speed & Price Comparison
Compare internet speeds and prices across all NYC providers. Use this grid to find the best value for your speed requirements. Fiber providers offer symmetrical speeds (upload equals download), while cable has limited upload speeds.
| Speed Tier | Verizon Fios | Spectrum | Optimum | Astound | T-Mobile 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 Mbps | $35-50 | $50-55 | $25-55 | $30-40 | $35-50 |
| 500 Mbps | $55-70 | $70-80 | - | $45-55 | $45-60 |
| 1 Gbps | $70-85 | $90-100 | $65-80 | $55-70 | - |
| 2 Gbps | $100-120 | $120-130 | $90-110 | - | - |
| 5+ Gbps | - | - | $150-250 | $150-175 | - |
Prices shown are monthly rates. Actual prices vary by location and promotions. All fiber plans have symmetrical upload speeds. Cable upload speeds max at 35 Mbps.
Internet Service in New York City: Local Insights
NYC by the Numbers
- City Population 8,478,072
- Metro Population 19,154,000
- Metro Area New York-Newark-Jersey City
- Competition Level Highly Competitive
- Fiber Coverage 87% (Verizon Fios)
- Cable Coverage 82% (Spectrum)
NYC Building Considerations
Many NYC apartment buildings have exclusive agreements with one provider. Pre-war buildings built before 1940 may have limited fiber access. Always verify internet availability before signing a lease.
NYC's population density of 28,210 people per square kilometer can lead to cable network congestion during peak hours. Fiber connections are less susceptible to this issue, making Verizon Fios and Optimum better choices for consistent speeds.
Internet Coverage by Borough
Manhattan
Best fiber coverage with Verizon Fios, Spectrum, and Astound competing. Most addresses have 3+ provider options.
Brooklyn
Strong Verizon Fios and Optimum fiber presence. Spectrum widely available. Some older neighborhoods like Borough Park have lower broadband adoption.
Queens
Mixed coverage. Spectrum and Verizon primary options. Some areas like Jamaica have coverage gaps between streets.
Bronx
Optimum and Spectrum primary providers. Highest rate of households without broadband (34%).
Staten Island
Fewer options than other boroughs. Verizon Fios and Spectrum available in most areas.
Digital Divide
Significant broadband disparities exist: 34% of Bronx households and 30% of Brooklyn households lack broadband at home, compared to 21% in Manhattan.
NYC Finance & Tech Hub
New York City is home to Wall Street and a growing tech sector, creating high demand for ultra-reliable, low-latency internet connections, especially in Manhattan. If you work in finance, media, or tech and need internet for working from home, fiber internet from Verizon Fios or Optimum is essential for video conferencing, large file transfers, and remote desktop access.
NYC's LinkNYC kiosks provide free public WiFi and 5G connectivity throughout the city. Link5G kiosks are being deployed with 90% going to outer boroughs, improving coverage in underserved areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Internet
What is the best internet provider in New York City?
Verizon Fios is generally considered the best internet provider in New York City, offering fiber-optic speeds up to 2.3 Gbps with symmetrical uploads, no data caps, and strong customer service ratings. Optimum offers faster speeds (up to 8 Gbps) but is limited to Brooklyn and the Bronx. For cable, Spectrum provides the widest coverage at 82% of the city. Learn more about Verizon Fios plans and pricing.
How much does internet cost in New York City?
Internet prices in NYC range from $25/month for Optimum's 200 Mbps plan to over $200/month for multi-gigabit fiber. Most NYC residents pay between $50-85/month for plans with 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps speeds. Verizon Fios starts at $35/month with autopay, while Spectrum starts around $50/month. Check our Spectrum internet review for detailed pricing.
Is Verizon Fios available in my NYC apartment?
Verizon Fios covers approximately 87% of New York City addresses, including most of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. However, some older buildings, especially pre-war apartments, may not have fiber infrastructure installed. Check availability at your specific address on Verizon's website or call 1-855-387-1456.
Which internet provider has the fastest speeds in NYC?
Optimum offers the fastest residential internet in NYC with fiber plans up to 8 Gbps, but only in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Verizon Fios reaches 2.3 Gbps across most boroughs. Spectrum's fastest cable plan reaches 2 Gbps with download speeds, though uploads are limited to 35 Mbps. See our fiber vs cable comparison to understand the differences.
Is Spectrum or Verizon Fios better in NYC?
Verizon Fios is generally better than Spectrum for NYC residents who can get it. Fios offers symmetrical fiber speeds (upload equals download), while Spectrum's cable uploads max out at 35 Mbps even on gigabit plans. However, Spectrum has wider coverage and may be the only option in some buildings with exclusive contracts.
What is the cheapest internet in New York City?
Optimum offers the cheapest internet in NYC at $25/month for 200 Mbps. Astound Broadband starts at $30/month for 300 Mbps. For 5G home internet, T-Mobile starts at $35/month with autopay and a mobile plan. Low-income households may qualify for $15/month plans under New York's Affordable Broadband Act. Check out low-income internet assistance programs for more options.
Can I get fiber internet in Manhattan?
Yes, Manhattan has excellent fiber coverage. Verizon Fios covers most of Manhattan with speeds up to 2.3 Gbps. Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) also offers fiber service in many Manhattan neighborhoods. Most downtown and midtown addresses have access to at least one fiber provider. Learn more about Astound Broadband (RCN) review.
Why is my internet so slow in NYC?
Slow internet in NYC typically results from cable network congestion during peak hours, outdated building wiring, being far from network equipment, or using an older router. Upgrading to fiber (Verizon Fios or Optimum) often resolves speed issues since fiber doesn't slow down during peak usage like cable can. Check how much internet speed you need for your household.
What internet options are available in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn has strong internet options including Verizon Fios (fiber up to 2.3 Gbps), Optimum (fiber up to 8 Gbps), Spectrum (cable up to 2 Gbps), and Astound Broadband. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is also widely available. Coverage varies by neighborhood, with some older areas like Borough Park having fewer options. See our complete guide to Brooklyn internet providers.
Does NYC have 5G home internet?
Yes, NYC has widespread 5G home internet availability. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet covers over 90% of the city with speeds from 100-500 Mbps starting at $35/month. Verizon 5G Home is also available in parts of the city. 5G is a good option for buildings with limited wired choices, though fiber is faster and more reliable.
What internet speed do I need in NYC?
For 1-2 people with basic streaming and browsing, 100-300 Mbps is sufficient. Households with 3-4 heavy users should consider 500 Mbps-1 Gbps. Remote workers, gamers, or homes with 5+ devices need at least 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Power users with 4K streaming on multiple devices should consider 1-2 Gbps plans. Check our guides for best internet for streaming and best internet for gaming.
Are there low-income internet programs in New York?
Yes, New York's Affordable Broadband Act requires ISPs to offer plans at $15/month for 25 Mbps or $20/month for 200 Mbps to qualifying households. Verizon Forward offers Fios for $20/month to eligible customers. Spectrum Internet Assist provides 50 Mbps for about $25/month. The federal Lifeline program offers $9.25 off monthly bills.
Explore More Internet Options
Written by Pablo Mendoza
Senior Telecom Analyst & Industry Expert
10+ Years Telecom Industry Experience | CompTIA Network+ Certified | CCNA
Pablo Mendoza has spent over a decade analyzing the telecommunications industry, helping consumers navigate the complex world of internet service providers. His expertise spans fiber, cable, DSL, and wireless technologies, with a focus on finding the best value for different household needs. Pablo's reviews are based on hands-on testing, customer feedback analysis, and deep industry knowledge.
Reviewed by George Olfson, Technical Editor & ISP Industry Veteran
15+ Years ISP Industry Experience | Former Network Operations Manager
Last Updated: January 29, 2026
Data Source: FCC Broadband Map Q4 2025
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