Internet Providers in New York City (NYC), New York

Our top pick for internet in New York City is fiber provider Verizon Fios. Verizon Fios can match the top speeds of its more ubiquitous in-city rival cable provider Spectrum, and typically does so at a better price. Verizon Fios is our top pick, but we also recommend local favorite Astound Broadband (formerly RCN). The latter is not as widely available but often the most affordable option for New Yorkers who have access to it. Astound (RCN) New York City coverage is concentrated in Manhattan and Queens.

The cheapest internet-only plan in Manhattan is offered by Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. The plan costs $14.99/month. Naturally, New Yorkers should expect to pay more for higher speeds: Gigabit plans from Spectrum and Verizon Fios cost more than low-priced options from Astound Broadband and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, but the increase in price comes with an increase in speed. Your cheapest option may change depending on your neighborhood. Budget favorites like Astound Broadband and Consolidated Communications are available only in some parts of the city, while residents in other areas may find that Verizon is their cheapest option. Since plan options vary by area, be sure to check out our coverage of the cheapest plans in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens neighborhoods like Flushing.

Yes, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet has launched in New York City. New Yorkers don’t have much use for older types of fixed wireless services, which are generally only options of last resort for people without access to wired alternatives. 5G technology, however, is changing that. T-Mobile’s service offers speeds of 33-182 Mbps, and its low prices make it a strong option, even in areas with plenty of broadband options.

For some New Yorkers, choosing an internet plan will come down to two cable internet services: Spectrum and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. Spectrum offers great speeds, but we’ve generally found that Astound Broadband plans offer a little more bang for the buck, particularly when it comes to internet-only plans. The other catch, as New Yorkers know, is that RCN is available only to a little more than one-third of the city. Others may have to choose between Spectrum and Verizon Fios instead.

If you’re concerned about the price of the internet, New York City is a good place to be. New York state was one of the first states to pass a law requiring internet providers to offer affordable internet to low-income families. That law passed in 2021 as a part of then-Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2021 Connectivity Agenda. In June 2021, ISPs in New York began offering 25 Mbps plans for as little as $15 a month. To check your eligibility, you’ll need to contact your chosen ISP directly.

New York City is also full of convenient and free internet connectivity. You’ll find free Wi-Fi at your local branch of the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Library, or Queens Library systems. New York City also has a huge network of LinkNYC kiosks, which have replaced the city’s old public telephones and now make free Wi-Fi available in the streets and other city public spaces. Local groups like the Downtown Alliance also have free public Wi-Fi programs, and free Wi-Fi abounds in local cafes and coffee shops too.