Internet Service Providers in New York City
New York City is one of the most iconic and exciting places to live in the U.S. If you’re one of its more than 8 million residents, you’ll almost certainly need a new internet connection at some point. For that, you’ll need to look at the available internet service providers (ISPs) in New York City.
Internet Providers Near Me in New York City
As you’d expect from a city of its size, NYC has no shortage of internet service providers. You can get internet from:
- Spectrum.
- RCN.
- Optimum.
- Verizon.
- EarthLink.
- Atlantic Broadband.
- Starry Internet.
- Viasat.
- HughesNet.
- Xchange Telecom.
- BarrierFree.
Depending on your specific location, you may not be able to access all of these. NYC is a big place, and not every provider covers every neighborhood.
Cheapest Internet Providers in New York City
Living expenses in New York are notoriously high, so price is an essential factor in deciding on the right ISP. From least to most expensive, the cheapest providers in New York City are:
- Starry ($15/month)
- RCN ($34.99/month)
- Optimum ($35/month)
- Verizon ($39.99/month)
- Atlantic Broadband ($39.99/month)
- Spectrum ($49.99/month)
- Viasat ($50/month)
- HughesNet ($59.99/month)
- BarrierFreee ($99/month)
Earthlink and Xchange don’t list their prices, but you can call them to see what’s available. All of these prices reflect the cheapest possible plans, and many of them increase after an introductory period.
High-Speed Internet Options in New York City
High-speed internet means download speeds of 25 Mbps or more, according to the FCC. All internet service providers in New York City offer those speeds, but keep in mind that the definition hasn’t changed since 2015. You may need something faster.
HughesNet and BarrierFree cap out at 25 Mbps, so they may not be fast enough if you use multiple devices or do much online gaming.
Who Has the Best Internet Speed?
A few ISPs in New York offer gigabit internet, which means speeds close to 1,000 Mbps. Right now, EarthLink is the only provider with connections that reach 1,000 Mbps, but you likely won’t get those speeds consistently.
Several other providers come close. Spectrum, RCN, and Verizon all offer speeds up to 940 Mbps. The speeds you actually experience will vary with each one depending on your location, so keep that in mind.
Who Has the Cheapest TV and Internet Packages?
Although online streaming surpassed cable in 2018, you may still want a TV subscription. Bundling TV with your internet service may be the cheapest option. If that’s the case, you have a few options from ISPs in New York.
BarrierFree, Optimum, Atlantic, Verizon, Spectrum, and RCN all offer TV and internet bundles. Of these, Atlantic has the lowest price at $59.99 a month, and Optimum is right behind at $60 a month. Be sure to compare each plan’s details before making a decision, though, as some more expensive packages could offer more for your money.
How Can I Get Internet Without a Cable or Phone Line?
Most internet services today don’t require you to have a phone line. Some, like Spectrum and RCN, do require a cable, though, even without a TV subscription. If you don’t want to mess with wires, you still have some options.
Satellite internet doesn’t require a cable or phone line, but it may be less reliable. In NYC, HughesNet and Viasat offer satellite internet.
Fixed wireless internet is also cable-free and is typically more reliable than satellite connections. Starry, BarrierFree, and Xchange Telecom are all fixed wireless providers.
You Have Plenty of ISP Options in New York City
There are more internet service providers in New York City than in many other regions. This variety can be a bit misleading, though, since not everything is available everywhere. Always check on your specific address to make sure you get service from a given ISP.
Whether you’re moving or looking to change providers, choosing an ISP in New York can feel daunting. If you don’t know what to pick, turn to this guide to get started.