Best Internet Providers in Syracuse, NY
Compare 8 internet providers serving 144,142 Syracuse residents. Spectrum cable dominates with 92% coverage, while Verizon Fios fiber and T-Mobile 5G provide strong alternatives in Central New York.
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Spectrum 1-844-481-5997Quick Answer: Best Internet in Syracuse
Spectrum is the best overall provider in Syracuse with 92% cable coverage, no data caps, and plans starting at $30/month. Verizon Fios offers fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps with symmetrical uploads covering about 64% of the city. T-Mobile 5G provides a wireless alternative at $40-50/month for 71% of Syracuse addresses.
Key Takeaways
- Best cable: Spectrum with 92% coverage and no data caps
- Best fiber: Verizon Fios with symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Best wireless: T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo covering 71%
- Best value: Spectrum at $30/mo intro or T-Mobile at $40-50/mo
- Strong 5G: Both T-Mobile and Verizon have wide 5G coverage
Syracuse Internet Providers Comparison
Verified providers serving Syracuse as of February 2026. Coverage 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 | 1 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Windstream | Fiber / DSL | 1 Gbps | $40/mo | None (fiber) | No | 1-855-463-4357 |
| 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 promo. **Verizon with mobile bundle. ***Viasat Unleashed.
Syracuse Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
Spectrum Internet in Syracuse
92% CoverageSpectrum dominates Syracuse with 92% cable coverage. Plans start at $30/month for 300 Mbps with no data caps, no contracts, and a free modem. The Gig plan offers 1 Gbps download at $90/month. Spectrum is the go-to wired option in nearly every Syracuse neighborhood.
Choose Spectrum If:
- You want near-universal coverage in Syracuse
- You need no data caps at an affordable intro price
Avoid Spectrum If:
- You need fast upload speeds for video conferencing
- You want to avoid post-promotional price increases
Verizon Fios in Syracuse
~64% CoverageVerizon Fios serves about 64% of Syracuse with fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps symmetrical. Plans start at $50/month for 300 Mbps. Verizon 5G Home covers the same footprint, providing a wireless option at $35/month with a mobile plan.
Choose Verizon Fios If:
- You need symmetrical upload and download speeds
- You want a fiber connection with no data caps
Avoid Verizon Fios If:
- Fios isn't available at your specific Syracuse address
- You want the lowest starting price available
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet in Syracuse
~71% CoverageT-Mobile 5G covers about 71% of Syracuse at $40-50/month. No contracts, no data caps, and no price hikes. Ideal for renters and students at Syracuse University who want instant setup without a technician visit.
Choose T-Mobile 5G If:
- You rent or want easy, contract-free internet
- You want a fixed bill with no surprise increases
Avoid T-Mobile 5G If:
- You need speeds above 300 Mbps consistently
- Low latency is critical for your needs
Syracuse Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Spectrum | Verizon Fios | T-Mobile 5G | Windstream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $50/mo | $40-50/mo | $40/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $70/mo | $70/mo | - | $60/mo |
| 1 Gbps | $90/mo | $90/mo | - | $70/mo |
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
- Power users: 1 Gbps for heavy downloads and remote work
Learn more: How much internet speed do I need?
Internet Service in Syracuse: Local Overview
- Population: 144,142
- CBSA: 45060 (Syracuse Metro)
- Fiber providers: Verizon Fios, Windstream
- Cable providers: Spectrum
- 5G providers: T-Mobile, Verizon
Syracuse's broadband market is anchored by Spectrum cable, which covers nearly the entire city. Verizon Fios provides strong fiber competition in about two-thirds of Syracuse, giving residents in those areas a true fiber vs cable choice. The combination makes Syracuse one of the better-connected mid-size cities in New York.
Both T-Mobile and Verizon offer 5G home internet with solid coverage, providing wireless alternatives for students near Syracuse University and renters throughout the city. Windstream serves outlying areas with fiber and DSL.
Internet by Syracuse Neighborhood
- University Hill: Spectrum and Verizon Fios available; T-Mobile 5G strong
- Downtown/Armory Square: Spectrum cable and Verizon Fios coverage
- Eastwood/Sedgwick: Spectrum dominant; Verizon Fios expanding
- Westside/Tipperary Hill: Spectrum cable; limited Fios; T-Mobile 5G available
Frequently Asked Questions About Syracuse Internet
What is the best internet in Syracuse, NY?
Spectrum has the widest coverage at 92%. Verizon Fios offers the best fiber with symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps at 64% coverage.
Is fiber available in Syracuse?
Yes. Verizon Fios covers about 64% of Syracuse. Windstream offers fiber in about 9% of the city.
How much does internet cost in Syracuse?
Prices range from $30/month for Spectrum's intro rate to $90/month for gigabit plans. Most pay $50-80/month.
Is 5G available in Syracuse?
Yes. T-Mobile covers about 71% at $40-50/month. Verizon 5G Home covers about 64% of the city.
Spectrum or Verizon Fios in Syracuse?
Verizon Fios is better where available with symmetrical fiber speeds. Spectrum has wider coverage at 92% and a lower $30/month intro price.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews this guide. Provider availability and pricing verified quarterly using FCC data.
Editorial Disclosure
InternetProviders.ai provides accurate, unbiased information to help you choose the right internet service. Some providers listed are partners who compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This may affect provider ordering but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. Our editorial team independently researches each provider. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Internet Speed Requirements for Syracuse Households
The speed you need in Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Syracuse, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.