Best Internet Providers in New York City, NY
Compare fiber, cable, and 5G internet options from 6 verified providers serving all five boroughs of the NYC metro area.
Verizon Fios is the best internet provider for most NYC residents, offering symmetrical fiber speeds up to 2.3 Gbps with 79% customer satisfaction and no data caps. For the absolute fastest speeds, Optimum reaches 8 Gbps in Brooklyn and the Bronx. If fiber isn't available, Spectrum offers the widest cable coverage at 82.7% of the city with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Who NYC Internet Is Best For
Best for:
- Remote workers needing reliable video conferencing and fast uploads
- Streaming households with multiple 4K TVs and smart devices
- Gamers who want low-latency fiber connections
- Content creators uploading large video files regularly
- Families with kids doing online schooling and homework
- Tech professionals working with cloud services and VPNs
Not ideal for:
- Renters in buildings with exclusive provider agreements
- Those in older buildings without fiber infrastructure
- Short-term visitors needing service under 30 days
- Budget users in single-provider buildings with high prices
Key Takeaways
- Multiple fiber options: Verizon Fios, Optimum, and Astound Broadband compete across NYC, though coverage varies by borough
- Check your building first: Many NYC apartments have exclusive agreements with a single provider - verify before signing a lease
- Brooklyn leads in fiber: 83% Verizon Fios coverage makes Brooklyn the best-connected borough
- Manhattan has choices: 73.3% Fios coverage plus Astound and Spectrum, but Optimum is NOT available
- Low-income programs available: NY Affordable Broadband Act offers 200 Mbps for $20/mo; Big Apple Connect is free for NYCHA residents
- Peak-time slowdowns: Expect cable congestion around 8-9 PM; fiber maintains consistent speeds
Which NYC Internet Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Verizon Fios if...
- You need symmetrical upload speeds for video calls and cloud backup
- You want reliable speeds up to 2.3 Gbps with no data caps
- You prefer a major carrier with extensive support options
- You live in Brooklyn (83% coverage) or residential Manhattan (73.3%)
Avoid Verizon Fios if...
- Your building doesn't have Fios infrastructure wired in
- You're in commercial areas of Lower Manhattan or Midtown
- You need the absolute fastest speeds (Optimum offers 8 Gbps)
- You want cheaper promotional pricing (Spectrum often beats Fios on promos)
Choose Spectrum instead if...
- Verizon Fios isn't available in your building
- You primarily stream and browse (don't need fast uploads)
- You want free modem rental included with service
- You need the widest availability - 82.7% of NYC covered
New York City Internet Providers Comparison
Our team verified each provider's service across multiple NYC neighborhoods to confirm speed claims and availability in January 2026.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios Editor's Choice | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps | $49.99/mo | 73-83% | No contract | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Spectrum Widest Coverage | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo* | 82.7% | No contract | 1-844-481-5997 |
| Optimum Fastest Speeds | Fiber | 8 Gbps | $30/mo* | 20-30% | No contract | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Astound Broadband Best Value | Fiber | 5 Gbps | $30/mo | 40-50% | No contract | 1-800-746-4726 |
| T-Mobile 5G Budget Pick | 5G Fixed Wireless | 498 Mbps | $35/mo* | 90%+ | No contract | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Starry | Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps | $30/mo | 15-25% | No contract | Online only |
*Prices shown are promotional rates for new customers and may increase after 12-60 months. Verified pricing as of January 2026.
New York City Internet Provider Details
Verizon Fios
Editor's ChoiceAvailable Plans in NYC
- Fios 300: 300/300 Mbps - $49.99/mo
- Fios 500: 500/500 Mbps - $69.99/mo
- Fios 1 Gig: 940/880 Mbps - $89.99/mo
- Fios 2 Gig: 2.3/2.3 Gbps - $109.99/mo
Pros
- Fastest fiber speeds up to 2.3 Gbps
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds
- No data caps
- No annual contracts
- 3-year price lock guarantee
- Free installation when ordering online
Cons
- Not available in all neighborhoods
- 2 Gig plan has limited availability
- Some buildings may have infrastructure limitations
- Less coverage in commercial Lower Manhattan and Midtown
Spectrum
Widest CoverageAvailable Plans in NYC
- Spectrum Internet: 100/10 Mbps - $30/mo (year 1)
- Spectrum Internet Premier: 500/20 Mbps - $50/mo (year 1)
- Spectrum Internet Gig: 1000/35 Mbps - $70/mo (year 1)
Pros
- Widest coverage in NYC - 82.7%
- No data caps
- No contracts required
- Modem included at no extra cost
- Free antivirus software included
- One year Unlimited Mobile included
Cons
- Asymmetrical speeds (slower uploads)
- Price increases after 12-month promo
- $5/month WiFi router fee
- Upload speeds limited vs fiber
Optimum
Fastest SpeedsAvailable Plans in NYC
- Optimum 500: 500/500 Mbps - $30/mo (60 months)
- Optimum 1 Gig: 1/1 Gbps - $50/mo (60 months)
- Optimum 2 Gig: 2/2 Gbps - $90/mo
- Optimum 5 Gig: 5/5 Gbps - $180/mo
- Optimum 8 Gig: 8/8 Gbps - $280/mo
Pros
- Fastest speeds in NYC - up to 8 Gbps
- 5-year price lock available
- No contracts
- No data caps
- Fiber 1 Gig: 3 months free + 12 mo HBO Max
- Optimum Advantage low-income: $14.99/mo
Cons
- Limited coverage - mainly Brooklyn and Bronx
- Equipment fee of $13.50/mo
- Price increases by $15/mo/yr after 60 months
- NOT available in Manhattan
Astound Broadband (formerly RCN)
Best ValueAvailable Plans in NYC
- Internet 300: 300/20 Mbps - $30/mo
- Internet 500: 500/30 Mbps - $45/mo
- Internet 940: 940/50 Mbps - $60/mo
- Internet 1.5 Gig: 1.5 Gbps/100 Mbps - $70/mo
- Internet 5 Gig: 5/5 Gbps - $150/mo
Pros
- Competitive budget pricing from $30/mo
- Covers Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
- No contracts required
- No data caps
- US-based 24/7 customer support
- Low-income plans from $9.95/mo
Cons
- Lower upload speeds on non-5 Gig plans
- Gateway lease fee of $14.49/mo
- Rates increase after 12 months
- $14.99 activation fee
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Budget PickAvailable Plans in NYC
- Rely: 87-318 Mbps - $35-50/mo
- Amplified: 170-498 Mbps - $45-60/mo
- All-In: 133-415 Mbps - $55-70/mo
Pros
- No contracts
- No data caps
- 5-year price guarantee
- Simple 15-minute self-setup
- Free 15-day trial
- $200-300 rebate for new customers
Cons
- Speeds vary by location and congestion
- Higher latency than fiber
- Performance depends on tower proximity
- May not match wired reliability
Starry
Apartment SpecialistAvailable Plans in NYC
- Starry Basic: 200/50 Mbps - $30-45/mo
- Starry Plus: 300/50 Mbps - $50-65/mo
- Starry Pro: 500/50 Mbps - $60-75/mo
- Starry Gig: 1000/50 Mbps - $75-90/mo
Pros
- No contracts
- No hidden fees
- No surprise price hikes
- Unlimited data
- Same-day installation in some areas
- Upload Boost option (+$5/mo)
Cons
- Limited to multi-family buildings only
- Availability varies by building
- Lower upload speeds than fiber
- Fixed wireless technology
NYC Internet Speed & Price Comparison
| Speed Tier | Verizon Fios | Spectrum | Optimum | Astound | T-Mobile 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-300 Mbps | $49.99/mo | $30/mo* | - | $30/mo | $35-50/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $69.99/mo | $50/mo* | $30/mo* | $45/mo | $45-60/mo |
| 1 Gbps | $89.99/mo | $70/mo* | $50/mo* | $60/mo | - |
| 2 Gbps | $109.99/mo | - | $90/mo | - | - |
| 5 Gbps | - | - | $180/mo | $150/mo | - |
| 8 Gbps | - | - | $280/mo | - | - |
*Promotional pricing for new customers. Prices may increase after promotional period ends.
Internet Technology Comparison for NYC
Based on our testing across NYC neighborhoods, here's how different technologies perform:
| Technology | Typical Latency | Upload Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber (Verizon, Optimum, Astound) | 3-15ms | Symmetrical (same as download) | Gaming, video calls, cloud backup, remote work |
| Cable (Spectrum) | 15-35ms | Limited (10-35 Mbps) | Streaming, browsing, general use |
| 5G Fixed Wireless (T-Mobile) | 25-50ms | Variable (20-75 Mbps) | Renters, backup internet, budget users |
| Fixed Wireless (Starry) | 20-40ms | Limited (50 Mbps) | Apartment buildings, simple pricing seekers |
| Satellite (HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink) | 25-800ms | Very Limited (3-50 Mbps) | Backup only - not recommended in urban NYC |
Internet Availability by NYC Borough
Why NYC Has Competitive Internet Options
New York City is the largest city in the United States with 8.5 million residents and a metro population of nearly 19 million. Despite high broadband availability (89.6%), significant gaps exist in fiber access and subscription rates. The competitive market between Verizon Fios, Spectrum, Optimum, and Astound Broadband benefits consumers through competitive pricing, though availability varies dramatically by building and neighborhood.
Borough-by-Borough Coverage Guide
Manhattan
73.3% Verizon Fios coverage. Astound Broadband has strong presence. Some commercial areas of Lower Manhattan and Midtown have limited fiber. Optimum is NOT available. Dense competition in residential areas.
Brooklyn
Best fiber coverage in NYC at 83% Verizon Fios. Optimum fiber reaches 20% of Brooklyn. Popular neighborhoods like DUMBO, Williamsburg, and Park Slope have excellent multi-provider options.
Queens
Good coverage from Verizon Fios and Astound. Starry available in Long Island City, Astoria, Jackson Heights, and Jamaica. Some older neighborhoods still transitioning to fiber.
Bronx
Optimum's primary NYC service area. Verizon Fios coverage varies. Some community districts have over 40% without high-speed broadband. T-Mobile 5G provides alternative.
Staten Island
Fewer fiber options than other boroughs. Median age 40 (highest in NYC). Longer distances require more extensive groundwork for fiber deployment.
The Digital Divide in NYC
About 25% of NYC households lack broadband subscriptions, with higher rates among Black, Hispanic, low-income, and senior households. Some Bronx community districts have over 40% without high-speed service. City programs like Big Apple Connect aim to address this gap by providing free internet to NYCHA public housing residents.
Apartment Residents: Check Before You Sign a Lease
NYC has a 32.8% homeownership rate vs 66% national average, meaning most residents rent. Many high-rise apartments have exclusive agreements with a single internet provider. Always verify internet options before signing a lease - this can significantly impact your options and pricing. Buildings with multiple ISP options provide better leverage for pricing.
Common NYC Internet Issues
Peak-time slowdowns around 8-9 PM ("Netflix time") are reported in some Brooklyn neighborhoods. Cable internet is more prone to node congestion during peak hours. Wi-Fi interference is common in dense buildings - consider Ethernet connections for best performance. Accidental cable cuts during roadwork and construction are also common causes of outages.
Low-Income Internet Programs in NYC
New York City offers several programs to help qualifying residents afford internet service:
Affordable Broadband Act (ABA)
New York State law requiring large ISPs to offer 25 Mbps for $15/mo or 200 Mbps for $20/mo.
Eligibility: SNAP, Medicaid, or other government assistance recipients
Big Apple Connect
Free internet for NYCHA (public housing) residents through Optimum or Spectrum.
Eligibility: NYCHA residents
Optimum Advantage
50 Mbps for $14.99/mo.
Eligibility: Veterans, seniors 65+, households with students in NYC public schools
Astound Internet First
50 Mbps for $9.95/mo or 150 Mbps for $19.95/mo.
Eligibility: Low-income households
Lifeline
Federal program providing $9.25/mo discount toward internet or phone service.
Eligibility: Income-based or participation in government assistance programs
What's New - January 2026 Updates
- Verified pricing and plan tiers for all 6 providers as of January 2026
- Refreshed coverage data using latest FCC Broadband Map filings (Q4 2025)
- Updated borough-by-borough coverage estimates based on current Verizon Fios deployment
- Added Starry as a viable option for multi-family buildings
- Confirmed Optimum 8 Gbps availability in Brooklyn and Bronx
- Expanded low-income program information including Big Apple Connect details
How We Chose These Picks
Our team verified each provider's service across multiple NYC neighborhoods to confirm speed claims and customer support responsiveness. We analyzed:
- Speed test results from actual NYC customers during peak and off-peak hours
- Coverage verification using FCC Broadband Map Q4 2025 data and provider service checks
- Pricing research including promotional rates and post-promo pricing
- Customer satisfaction from reviews, BBB ratings, and support response times
- Contract terms including early termination fees, equipment costs, and hidden fees
- Borough-specific testing in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island
We verified our analysis against real customer experiences across NYC and update this page monthly to reflect current pricing and availability.
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 NYC for speed and reliability, offering up to 2.3 Gbps symmetrical fiber speeds with 79% customer satisfaction. Optimum offers the fastest speeds (up to 8 Gbps) where available in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Spectrum has the widest coverage at 82.7% of the city. Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) provides competitive pricing starting at $30/month.
What is the fastest internet in New York City?
Optimum offers the fastest residential internet in NYC with fiber speeds up to 8 Gbps (8,000 Mbps), available in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Verizon Fios offers up to 2.3 Gbps with widespread availability across all five boroughs. Astound Broadband reaches 5 Gbps in select areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
What is the cheapest internet in New York City?
Astound Broadband starts at $30/mo for 300 Mbps, making it one of the most affordable wired options. Spectrum starts at $30/mo for 100 Mbps. For qualifying low-income households, New York's Affordable Broadband Act guarantees 200 Mbps for $20/mo, and Astound's Internet First program offers 50 Mbps for just $9.95/mo.
Is fiber internet available in New York City?
Yes, fiber internet is available to approximately 37.4% of NYC addresses. Verizon Fios has the widest fiber coverage (73-83% depending on borough), followed by Optimum fiber in Brooklyn and the Bronx, and Astound Broadband in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Coverage varies significantly by neighborhood and building.
Does Verizon Fios cover all of New York City?
No, Verizon Fios doesn't cover all of NYC, but it has extensive coverage. Brooklyn has the best coverage at approximately 83% of addresses. Manhattan has 73.3% coverage with gaps in some commercial areas of Lower Manhattan, Midtown, and near Columbia University. Coverage varies in Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island by neighborhood.
Is Spectrum or Verizon Fios better in NYC?
Verizon Fios is better if available at your address, offering symmetrical fiber speeds up to 2.3 Gbps with no data caps. However, Spectrum covers 82.7% of NYC compared to Fios fiber at 37.4%. Spectrum is better for those who want TV bundles or live where Fios isn't available. Fios is superior for remote workers needing fast upload speeds.
What internet speed do I need in New York City?
Most NYC households need 100-300 Mbps for streaming, remote work, and general browsing. Families with 3-5 devices streaming simultaneously should consider 300-500 Mbps. Power users, gamers, and those working from home with video conferencing benefit from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Households with 8+ devices or 4K streaming on multiple TVs may need 1 Gbps or higher.
Why is my internet slow in NYC?
Common causes of slow internet in NYC include: peak-time network congestion (especially 8-9 PM), Wi-Fi interference in dense apartment buildings, outdated equipment, cable node congestion, or service issues. Try connecting via Ethernet to test. Reset your modem/router with the "30-30-30 method." Contact your provider if issues persist - outages from construction cable cuts are common.
What is RCN NYC and is it still available?
RCN in NYC is now Astound Broadband after the company rebranded. All RCN services, plans, and coverage areas remain the same. Astound continues to serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens with competitive fiber and cable internet, offering plans from $30/month for 300 Mbps up to $150/month for 5 Gbps.
Can I get T-Mobile Home Internet in NYC?
Yes, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available to over 90% of NYC homes. Plans start at $35/month with T-Mobile mobile service or $50/month standalone. Speeds range from 87-498 Mbps depending on your plan and proximity to towers. It offers no contracts, unlimited data, and a 15-day free trial period.
What internet providers serve Manhattan?
Manhattan is served by Verizon Fios (73.3% coverage), Astound Broadband (formerly RCN), Spectrum, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, and Starry (select buildings). Optimum is NOT available in Manhattan. For most residential addresses, Verizon Fios and Spectrum are the primary options, with Astound providing competitive alternatives.
Are there low-income internet options in NYC?
Yes, NYC has several low-income internet programs. New York's Affordable Broadband Act guarantees 200 Mbps for $20/mo to SNAP/Medicaid recipients. Astound offers Internet First (50 Mbps for $9.95/mo). Optimum Advantage provides 50 Mbps for $14.99/mo for seniors, veterans, and qualifying families. Big Apple Connect offers free internet to NYCHA public housing residents.
About This Article
Last Updated: January 29, 2026
This page is reviewed and updated monthly to ensure accuracy. Pricing and availability are verified against provider websites and FCC Broadband Map Q4 2025 data.
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