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CNET
14-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Best Internet Providers in New York, New York
If you're living in the city that never sleeps, you'll need reliable internet. New York has several internet service providers, but not all are worth your money. What is the best internet provider in New York? After hours of research and testing, CNET recommends Verizon Fios as the best internet service provider for most New Yorkers, thanks to its fast, symmetrical fiber-optic speeds and competitive pricing. New York City also boasts a variety of other top-tier providers, including Optimum, Astound Broadband and Spectrum, making it easy to find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Optimum offers the fastest internet speeds in the city, with plans reaching up to 8,000Mbps in select areas, but at a premium price of $280 a month. For a more affordable option, Astound Broadband provides the cheapest plans among major providers. Plans start at $30 a month for 300Mbps speed go as high as $70 for the 1,500Mbps plan -- an excellent value for high-speed internet. To help you decide, we've broken down the best internet providers in Manhattan. If you're in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island, check out our specialized guides for internet options in those boroughs. Our methodology CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in New York City across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also closely read providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, call ISPs to verify the details. Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in New York City. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services. To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page. New York City internet providers compared Provider Internet technology Monthly price range Speed range Monthly equipment cost Data cap Contract CNET review score Astound Broadband Read full review Cable $30-$70 300-1,500Mbps Free modem None None 7 Optimum Read full review Cable/Fiber $40-$280 300-8,000Mbps (varies by location) None None None 6.2 Spectrum Read full review Cable $30-$70 100-1,000Mbps Free modem; $10 router rental (optional) None None 7.2 T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Read full review Fixed wireless $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) 87 - 415Mbps None None None 7.4 Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review Fixed wireless $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) 50-250Mbps (varies by location) None None None 7.2 Verizon Fios Read full review Fiber $60-$120 300-2,000Mbps None None None 7.6 Show more (1 item) Shop providers at my address Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Other available internet providers in New York City Optimum : The second-largest cable internet provider in the greater New York City area, Optimum is available to much of Brooklyn and the Bronx but not Manhattan. Optimum speeds and pricing are comparable to Astound, including a gigabit plan starting at $60 monthly. Optimum also employs a fiber network through much of New York City, with 100% fiber connections available to roughly 2.7 million households across the country. : The second-largest cable internet provider in the greater New York City area, Optimum is available to much of Brooklyn and the Bronx but not Manhattan. Optimum speeds and pricing are comparable to Astound, including a gigabit plan starting at $60 monthly. Optimum also employs a fiber network through much of New York City, with 100% fiber connections available to roughly 2.7 million households across the country. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet : Like Verizon's 5G home internet service, T-Mobile's coverage area reaches a good portion of New York City, save for the dead zones between and inside tall buildings. Although the two are in a similar price range and share roughly the same service features, T-Mobile isn't as fast as Verizon 5G, with maximum speeds ranging from 87 to 415Mbps. Verizon 5G covers more of the city overall than T-Mobile Home Internet, around 87% to T-Mobile's 76%, according to the latest data from the FCC. : Like Verizon's 5G home internet service, T-Mobile's coverage area reaches a good portion of New York City, save for the dead zones between and inside tall buildings. Although the two are in a similar price range and share roughly the same service features, T-Mobile isn't as fast as Verizon 5G, with maximum speeds ranging from 87 to 415Mbps. Verizon 5G covers more of the city overall than T-Mobile Home Internet, around 87% to T-Mobile's 76%, according to the latest data from the FCC. Skywire : Coverage is scattered throughout New York City and with limited availability in Midtown Manhattan, SoHo and Queens. You will find the most coverage in certain parts of Brooklyn. Skywire primarily uses a fixed wireless network, but fiber or DSL service may also be available at select addresses. Pricing and speeds will vary by location. : Coverage is scattered throughout New York City and with limited availability in Midtown Manhattan, SoHo and Queens. You will find the most coverage in certain parts of Brooklyn. Skywire primarily uses a fixed wireless network, but fiber or DSL service may also be available at select addresses. Pricing and speeds will vary by location. Satellite internet: To truly cover all your internet options, satellite internet from Starlink Hughesnet and Viasat belong here. Technically, they are available, but there are too many other faster, cheaper and all-around better internet options in New York City to seriously consider satellite internet. Cheap internet options in New York City The average price for broadband in New York City is around $40, but there are a few cheaper options if you're looking for more affordable home internet. Astound Broadband offers the cheapest plan in the city: 300Mbps starting at $30 a month. Take our quiz How Fast Should Your Home Internet Be? Answer 3 easy questions to discover our recommended speed for your household. Get Started Progress Step 1 of 4 How many members of your household use the internet? 1-2 people 3-5 people 6-9 people 10+ people Next What's the cheapest internet plan in New York City? Source: CNET analysis of provider data. How to find internet deals and promotions in New York City The best internet deals and top promotions in New York City depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. New York City internet providers, such as Astound Broadband, Spectrum and Optimum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Verizon Fios, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. Getty Images How fast is New York City broadband? Ookla's latest speed test data reports New York City ranks 56th for internet speed among the 100 most populous cities in the country. With median download speeds of 228Mbps and upload speeds of 32Mbps, NYC's broadband is slightly faster than the state's average speed of 226Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) If you're looking for the speediest plan in New York City, Optimum offers speeds up to 8Gbps in select areas for $280 per month. Customers may also access Optimum's other multi-gigabit offerings: 5- and 2-gigabit plans, for $100 and $80 per month, respectively. Elsewhere, Astound Broadband offers speeds up to 1.5Gbps for $70 per month and Verizon Fios tops out at 2Gbps for $120 monthly before auto pay or cellular incentives. Fastest internet plans in New York City Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Internet providers in popular cities near NYC See all results for internet providers in New York state What's a good internet speed? Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need. 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video. 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing. 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and gaming. 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time. How CNET chose the best internet providers in New York City Internet service providers are numerous. regional and often offer confusing plans or hidden fees. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at It doesn't end there: We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents and we look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to 'yes' on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. What's the final word on internet providers in New York City? NYC has a few reliable broadband options, but your best bet is any provider that offers fiber connection, like Verizon Fios. If fiber is unavailable in your area, other providers like Astound Broadband and Spectrum offer fast speeds and decent pricing as well. Internet providers in New York City FAQ Does New York City have fiber internet? Yes. Approximately 73% of Manhattan residences are wired for fiber-optic internet service, according to the FCC. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber internet provider in New York City, although some addresses are eligible for fiber service from Optimum. Show more Can I get free Wi-Fi in New York City? Several public places throughout New York City offer free Wi-Fi service. In addition to cafes, restaurants, hotels and other businesses with complimentary Wi-Fi, all NYC public library branches and several locations in Manhattan, including Central Park, Bowling Green, The High Line and Tompkins Square Park, have free public Wi-Fi access. If you're looking for free home Wi-Fi, you'll need a wired internet connection to get Wi-Fi in your home. While some NYC internet service providers and plans are cheaper than others, no outright free home internet services are available in the city. Depending on your location and needs, a temporary free internet connection may be available from Spectrum, Optimum or Xfinity. Learn more at Show more
CNET
14-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Best Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois
What is the best internet provider in Chicago? CNET's top recommendation for most households in Chicago is AT&T Fiber thanks to its ultra-fast symmetrical speeds, straightforward pricing and solid availability. If AT&T Fiber isn't available in your neighborhood, Xfinity, Verizon 5G Home Internet and Rise Broadband are reliable alternatives. The best internet provider for your home depends on your budget and speed needs. To help you decide, our broadband experts reviewed the top options and found the fastest speeds and best deals in Chicago. If you're looking for affordable service, Astound Broadband and Xfinity have plans starting around $30 per month for 300Mbps speeds and beyond. For those who need top-tier performance, AT&T Fiber also delivers the fastest internet in the area with speeds up to 5,000Mbps for $245 per month, all without data caps or long-term contracts. Chicago internet providers compared Provider Internet technology Monthly price range Speed range Monthly equipment costs Data cap Contract CNET review score Air Wans Fixed wireless $50-$100 3-15Mbps $9 router (optional) None None N/A Astound Broadband Read full review Cable $30-$70 300-1,500Mbps None None None 7 AT&T Fiber Read full review Fiber $55-$245 300-5,000Mbps None None None 7.4 AT&T Internet Air Read full review Fixed wireless $60 90-300Mbps None None None 6.9 Rise Broadband Read full review Fixed wireless $75-$80 25-100Mbps $10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional) None None, but required for some promotions 6.2 T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review Fixed wireless $50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible mobile customers) 87-415Mbps None None None 7.4 Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review Fixed wireless $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible Verizon 5G mobile plans) 50-1,000Mbps None None None 7.2 Xfinity Read full review Cable $55-$105 400-2,100Mbps $15 (optional) 1.2TB on some plans 1-2 years on some plans 7 Show more (3 items) Shop providers at my address Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Other available internet providers in Chicago Air Wans: Air Wans is a folksy fixed wireless provider servicing the rural areas of Illinois and Indiana surrounding Chicago. Pricing ranges from $50 to $100 a month with no contracts, data caps, throttling or price increases after the first year. The rub is that Air Wans speeds are some of the slowest you'll find, ranging from just 3 to 15Mbps with the downloads and uploads aggregated together. Astound Broadband: Astound boasts strong pricing during the first two years of service. Monthly rates on all four of the plans offered to Chicagoans will increase by $20 after the introductory period, and you can expect to pay additional fees on top of that, including an arbitrary monthly network access fee of up to $17 that isn't included in your base rate. Take our quiz How Fast Should Your Home Internet Be? Answer 3 easy questions to discover our recommended speed for your household. Get Started Progress Step 1 of 4 How many members of your household use the internet? 1-2 people 3-5 people 6-9 people 10+ people Next Satellite internet: A satellite internet connection uses a receiver dish mounted outside your home to connect with satellites orbiting overhead to get you online. You'll find service available from Hughesnet, Viasat and perhaps Starlink. In most cases, the prices are too high, the speeds too slow and the data caps too restrictive compared to other Chicago internet options. It's only worth considering if you lack other alternatives, and for most of Chicago, that won't be the case. T-Mobile Home Internet: Like Verizon, T-Mobile now offers cellular home internet service in hundreds of cities nationwide, including Chicago. You'll simply plug in a cellular modem that gets its signals not from wires in the wall, but over the 5G and LTE airwaves, like your phone. T-Mobile offers three plans ranging between $50-$70 a month, and speeds will range from 87 to 415Mbps in most homes with a strong enough signal to sign up. There are no data caps or contracts to worry about, and your price won't arbitrarily rise after 12 months, either. Cheap internet options in Chicago You'll need to pay about $50 per month if you're looking for the most affordable internet plan at your Chicago address. Air Wans, Verizon, T-Mobile and Astound Broadband all have starting plans priced at $50. And if you're a Verizon or T-Mobile mobile customer, then you may be able to bundle your internet and bring the price down to just $35 per month. What's the cheapest internet plan in Chicago? Provider Starting price Max download speed Monthly equipment fee Air Wans Basic $50 3Mbps $9 router (optional) Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan) 300Mbps None T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan) 318Mbps None Astound Broadband Basic Read full review $50 75Mbps None Xfinity Connect More Read full review $55 400Mbps None AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review $55 300Mbps None Show more (1 item) Shop providers at my address Source: CNET analysis of provider data. How to find internet deals and promotions in Chicago The best internet deals and top promotions in Chicago depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. Chicago internet providers, such as Xfinity and Rise Broadband, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including AT&T and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. JoeHow fast is Chicago broadband? Ookla speed test data put the Windy City in the bottom six among the nation's top 100 most populous cities (at an inglorious 95th position). It chalks up a median download speed of approximately 135Mbps, over 100Mbps behind a top-twenty city like North Las Vegas. Chicagoans still have plenty of ways to get high-speed internet in their homes. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Your fastest option for getting online in Chicago is to go with a fiber provider, but the service isn't available everywhere. AT&T is your best bet, with its fastest plan for Chicago ringing in with download and upload speeds of 5,000Mbps at a hefty flat monthly rate of $245. Fastest internet plans in Chicago Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Internet providers in popular cities near Chicago See all results for internet providers in Illinois. What's a good internet speed? Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need. 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video. 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing. 40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities, like videoconferencing, streaming and gaming. 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities all at the same time. How CNET chose the best internet providers in Chicago Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What's our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from It doesn't end there: We use the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to 'yes' on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. What's the final word on internet providers in Chicago? The Windy City has a lot of options when it comes to home internet, including both speedy and more affordable service. If you can get your hands on fiber connectivity, like AT&T Fiber, that will be your best choice. Cable companies like Xfinity and Astound Broadband have wider coverage for Chicagoans, so you might have to go with those providers instead. Internet providers in Chicago FAQs How much is internet per month in Chicago? Prices will vary depending on your provider and select plan, but most entry-level internet plans in Chicago start at $50 a month. Faster plans will cost more, with gigabit service from AT&T costing $80 to $245 a month in Chicago. Some providers enforce a price increase after your first year -- Xfinity's fastest Chicago plan nets you download speeds of 2,100Mbps and costs $105 a month for the first two years, then $115 a month after that. Show more Can I get fiber internet in Chicago? It depends on your address. AT&T offers fiber service in Chicago, but its footprint currently covers "hundreds of thousands" of residents in a city of 2.71 million. That means the odds are somewhat low that you'll find it available at your address. Smaller regional providers like Zentro Internet also offer fiber service at select addresses, but only to a scattering of buildings throughout the city. Show more Does Chicago have Google Fiber? Chicago isn't a Google Fiber city, so you won't find fiber internet plans from Google in the area. The company offers its Google Fiber Webpass service in Chicago: It's a high-speed fixed wireless internet service available only in select buildings equipped with antennas capable of receiving the signal. Gigabit speeds are possible at some locations with Webpass, and the service costs $70 or $63 a month with a one-year contract. You can find serviceable addresses listed on the Google Webpass site. Show more
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Astound Broadband Set to Transform its Network with Harmonic
Harmonic's cOS Virtualized Broadband Platform Accelerates Network Modernization, Unleashing Faster Speeds and Providing a Path to Fiber SAN JOSE, Calif., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced that Astound Broadband, the sixth largest MSO in the U.S. catering to over one million subscribers, has selected the company's industry-leading cOS™ virtualized broadband platform to drive the evolution of its broadband infrastructure. By adopting Harmonic's virtualized platform, Astound Broadband is taking a leap forward in delivering reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity to subscribers. This strategic move will enable Astound Broadband to boost network efficiency, gain critical scalability and enjoy a seamless path to fiber by leveraging a future-ready infrastructure. "Providing critical broadband access to local communities fuels our innovation. By partnering with Harmonic, we are leveraging their cutting-edge technology, proven performance at scale and exceptional support to ensure high-speed connectivity for our customers today and in the future," said Patrick Murphy, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Astound Broadband. Astound Broadband will deploy Harmonic's cOS platform in a distributed access architecture (DAA) with the company's Pebble Remote PHY Device. Powered by software, the cOS platform will enable a faster time to market for Astound Broadband's new services. Harmonic's solution provides Astound Broadband with a unified platform for DOCSIS today and PON for future FTTH deployments, minimizing hardware requirements while delivering substantial power, space and cost efficiencies. In addition, Harmonic's cOS Central will enhance Astound Broadband's network with advanced analytics and automation, offering real-time visibility and proactive issue resolution to ensure consistent and reliable broadband service. "We are thrilled to partner with Astound Broadband, as we share a common vision and dedication to deliver exceptional customer experiences through innovative, high-performance broadband solutions," said Jeffrey Glahn, senior vice president of global sales, broadband, at Harmonic. "Astound Broadband is a trailblazer in the industry. By modernizing its network with our cOS virtualized broadband platform and tapping into the flexibility to utilize fiber in the future, they are leading the charge toward the next generation of broadband infrastructure, inspiring other operators to follow suit." Harmonic's market-leading cOS platform powers next-gen broadband services to more than 33 million homes worldwide for leading operators in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. To learn more about Harmonic's cOS platform and portfolio of network edge devices, visit About HarmonicHarmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized broadband networking via the industry's first virtualized broadband solution, enabling operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet services to consumers' homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements concerning Harmonic's business and the anticipated capabilities, advantages, reliability, efficiency, market acceptance, market growth, specifications and benefits of Harmonic products, services and technology are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. About Astound BroadbandAstound Broadband ( is the sixth largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. Photo Link: Caption: Harmonic cOS™ Broadband Platform Logo View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Harmonic Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Internet Providers in New York, New York
If you're living in the city that never sleeps, you'll need reliable internet. New York City has several internet service providers, but not all are worth your money. After hours of research and testing, CNET recommends Verizon Fios as the best internet service provider for most New Yorkers, thanks to its fast, symmetrical fiber-optic speeds and competitive pricing. New York City also boasts a variety of other top-tier providers, including Optimum, Astound Broadband and Spectrum, making it easy to find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Optimum offers the fastest internet speeds in the city, with plans reaching up to 8,000Mbps in select areas, but at a premium price of $280 per month. For a more affordable option, Astound Broadband provides the cheapest plans among major providers, including a 1,500Mbps plan for just $55 per month -- an excellent value for high-speed internet. To help you decide, we've broken down the best internet providers in Manhattan. If you're in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island, check out our specialized guides for internet options in those boroughs. CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in New York City across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also closely read providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, call ISPs to verify the details. Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in New York City. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services. To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Optimum: The second-largest cable internet provider in the greater New York City area, Optimum is available to much of Brooklyn and the Bronx but not Manhattan. Optimum speeds and pricing are comparable to Astound, including a gigabit plan starting at $60 per month. Optimum also employs a fiber network through much of New York City, with 100% fiber connections available to roughly 2.7 million households across the country. T-Mobile Home Internet: Like Verizon's 5G home internet service, T-Mobile's coverage area reaches a good portion of New York City, save for the dead zones between and inside tall buildings. Although the two are in a similar price range and share roughly the same service features, T-Mobile isn't as fast as Verizon 5G, with maximum speeds ranging from 72 to 245Mbps. Verizon 5G covers more of the city overall than T-Mobile Home Internet, around 87% to T-Mobile's 76% according to the latest data from the FCC. Skywire: Coverage is scattered throughout New York City and with limited availability in Midtown Manhattan, SoHo and Queens. You will find the most coverage in certain parts of Brooklyn. Skywire primarily uses a fixed wireless network, but fiber or DSL service may also be available at select addresses. Pricing and speeds will vary by location. Satellite internet: To truly cover all your internet options, satellite internet from Hughesnet and Viasat belong here. Technically, they are available, but there are too many other faster, cheaper and all-around better internet options in New York City to seriously consider satellite internet. The average price for broadband in New York City is around $40, but there are a few cheaper options if you're looking for more affordable home internet. Astound Broadband offers the cheapest plan in the city: 300Mbps starting at $20 a month. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. The best internet deals and top promotions in New York City depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. New York City internet providers, such as Astound Broadband, Spectrum and Optimum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Verizon Fios, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. Ookla's latest speed test data reports New York City ranks 56th for internet speed among the 100 most populous cities in the country. With median download speeds of 228Mbps and upload speeds of 32Mbps, NYC's broadband is slightly faster than the state's average speed of 226Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) If you're looking for the speediest plan in New York City, Optimum offers speeds up to 8Gbps in select areas for $280 per month. Customers may also access Optimum's other multi-gigabit offerings: 5- and 2-gigabit plans, for $100 and $80 per month, respectively. Elsewhere, Astound Broadband offers speeds up to 1.5Gbps for $55 per month and Verizon Fios tops out at 2Gbps for $120 monthly before auto pay or cellular incentives. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Best internet providers in The Bronx, NY Best internet providers in Brooklyn, NY Best internet providers in Jersey City, NJ Best internet providers in Queens, NY Best internet providers in Staten Island, NY Best internet providers in Yonkers See all results for internet providers in New York state Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need. 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video. 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing. 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and gaming. 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time. Internet service providers are numerous. regional and often offer confusing plans or hidden fees. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at It doesn't end there: We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents and we look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to 'yes' on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. NYC has a few reliable broadband options, but your best bet is any provider that offers fiber connection, like Verizon Fios. If fiber is unavailable in your area, other providers like Astound Broadband and Spectrum offer fast speeds and decent pricing as well. Yes. Approximately 73% of Manhattan residences are wired for fiber-optic internet service, according to the FCC. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber internet provider in New York City, although some addresses are eligible for fiber service from Optimum. Several public places throughout New York City offer free Wi-Fi service. In addition to cafes, restaurants, hotels and other businesses with complimentary Wi-Fi, all NYC public library branches and several locations in Manhattan, including Central Park, Bowling Green, The High Line and Tompkins Square Park, have free public Wi-Fi access. If you're looking for free home Wi-Fi, you'll need a wired internet connection to get Wi-Fi in your home. While some NYC internet service providers and plans are cheaper than others, no outright free home internet services are available in the city. Depending on your location and needs, a temporary free internet connection may be available from Spectrum, Optimum or Xfinity. Learn more at Verizon Fios has an advantage over Spectrum thanks to its 100% fiber-optic network. You'll get symmetrical or near-symmetrical download and upload speeds with Verizon Fios, whereas Spectrum's maximum upload speeds fall far short of its download speeds. Both providers start at $50 monthly, though Spectrum increases that price by around $30 after one year and charges an equipment fee of $10 if you want to lease your router. As a cable internet provider, Spectrum is also a great choice for bundling internet and TV. In short, both providers have their pros and cons, but the fiber network that Verizon Fios offers makes it a better choice. In any case, it's always a good idea to fully evaluate your home internet needs and the available options in your area before committing to a particular internet provider.
