Internet Service Providers in New York State
New York is one of the most populous states and the third most connected in terms of internet providers. That means you have plenty of internet options in your state when it comes to service, but it could make it hard to decide. With that in mind, here’s a look at the best internet service providers in New York State.
Internet Providers Near Me in New York State
There are more than 60 internet service providers (ISPs) in New York State. You won’t be able to get coverage from every ISP here, though. The 10 most widely available providers are:
- EarthLink
- HughesNet
- Verizon
- Xfinity
- Windstream
- Spectrum
- AT&T
- Frontier
- Viasat
- Optimum
Cheapest Internet Providers in New York State
Prices for each of these 10 will vary depending on what’s available in your specific area. Generally speaking, though, the cheapest of these ISPs in New York from least to most expensive are:
- Windstream ($27/month)
- Frontier ($27.99)
- Xfinity ($35/month)
- AT&T ($35/month)
- Optimum ($35/month)
- Verizon ($39.99/month)
- EarthLink ($49.95/month)
- Spectrum ($49.99/month)
- Viasat ($50/month)
- HughesNet ($59.99/month)
These represent the cheapest available plans for each provider. Remember that in many cases, prices will go up after some time.
High-Speed Internet Options in New York State
The official definition of high-speed internet in the U.S. is 25 Mbps for download speeds, which all these providers offer. Things have changed since the FCC set that definition, though, so you may want something more. Some ISPs in New York State provide ultra-fast internet or download speeds of 1,000 Mbps, which few people across the country have.
Xfinity, Windstream and Optimum are the only three ISPs that offer ultra-fast internet in New York.
How Much Should I Pay for Home Internet?
When comparing these ISPs, you may wonder what a fair price is. With base plans in New York ranging from $27 to $60 a month, you have a wide range of options. How much should you expect to pay for internet in New York?
According to Move.org, the average internet bill in New York State is $60 a month, which is pretty standard. If you’re paying more than that, you’re not necessarily overpaying, as long as you’re getting higher speeds or better reliability in return.
Who Offers the Best Internet Service?
Who the best internet service provider is depends on your expectations and situation. You may prefer speed over everything else, or you may want consistent connections or helpful customer service.
Earthlink covers more areas in New York than anyone else but has relatively low customer service reviews. If you’re looking for speed, consider Xfinity, Windstream, Optimum or Verizon. If customer service matters most to you, you may want to check out Verizon, AT&T or Spectrum.
How Can I Get Internet Without a Cable Company?
Even the best ISPs can be a hassle to deal with, so you may wonder if you can get internet without one. If you live in a bigger city, you may be able to use a nearby public Wi-Fi hotspot, but this comes with some risks.
These are typically unencrypted, so hackers may be a more prominent threat unless you use a VPN. Public networks may also be slow or have data limits.
Alternatively, you could use the mobile hotspot on your phone to give your other devices Wi-Fi access. These speeds will be slow, though, and your cellular carrier may charge extra for it.
Find an ISP in New York That Works for You
If you live in New York, you have more options than most when it comes to internet access.
Consider these points and look at the ISPs in your area, and you should find something that works for you. There are enough internet service providers in New York State to fit every need and budget.