Internet providers in Albany, NY
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Best overall
Best multi-connection option
Prices from
$49.99
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
Best 5G coverage
Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Like many other New England towns, New York’s capital has a long, rich history. In fact, Albany is the oldest continuous settlement in the 13 colonies. Settled in 1614, Albany has been a growing city ever since. Today, it’s home to more than 100,000 residents.
Albany locals may find the city’s history intriguing, but they also need to keep up with the pace of today’s world. More often than not, doing so requires reliable home internet. While Albany doesn’t have as many options to offer as some larger markets, it’s still possible to find high-speed home Wi-Fi in the area. Prices start at $49.99/mo. (with some cheaper options when you bundle with mobile).
Here, we’ll explore options for internet service providers in Albany and compare features like prices, speeds, connection types and more.
Best internet providers in Albany, NY
- Spectrum: Best overall
- Verizon: Best multi-connection option
- Viasat: Best availability
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G coverage
Albany internet comparison
In Albany, residents can choose from several different internet providers. Plans range from around $50/mo. to $250/mo., with download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps. In the following table, you’ll find an overview of our top four picks for internet providers in Albany.
Provider | Starting price range | Download speed range | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet® | $50–$70/mo.* | 500–1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Verizon Fios / 5G Home | $49.99–$89.99/mo. | 300–2,000 Mbps | Fiber, fixed wireless |
Viasat | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
T-Mobile Home Internet | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How to choose a provider in Albany, NY
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a home internet plan. Even in a smaller city like Albany, which has a shorter list of internet providers, you’ll have to compare plans and sort out the most important features for your home browsing and streaming needs.
To simplify your search, we recommend focusing on the following:
- How you use the internet: Before you choose a home Wi-Fi plan, you should know how much bandwidth you need — and that comes down to how your household uses the internet. Do you just need enough service for basic browsing and light streaming? If so, 200–400 Mbps may be more than enough. Need a lot of bandwidth for online gaming and work meetings? A gigabit internet plan may be a better fit.
- Ways to get more from your plan: When comparing home internet plans, it’s always a good idea to search for perks and deals. Many Albany internet providers offer bundling discounts or special freebies like streaming subscriptions.
- The total monthly cost: Don’t assume the advertised price is what you’ll pay. Providers often charge extra fees for leasing equipment, and you may have taxes on top of your monthly rate. Review all the details of the plan agreement before you sign up.
Albany internet provider reviews
Spectrum – Best overall
Spectrum is our top choice among Albany internet providers for its combination of high-speed options and broad availability. The company offers service to over 94% of Albany residents, and its plans come with no data caps or contracts. Download speeds reach up to 1 GB, but as with any cable internet plan, upload speeds are much slower. Spectrum offers affordable starting prices, but beware of big price increases after the first year.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Spectrum review.
Verizon – Best multi-connection option
Verizon is an excellent choice for Albany residents who want a variety of options, as the company offers fiber and fixed wireless in the area. Speed and performance vary significantly depending on what’s available for your home. If available, Verizon’s best options are its 5G Home or Fios fiber connections, which reach up to 1 and 2 GB, respectively. The company also offers big signup perks and bundling discounts to help customers get more from their plan.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Verizon Fios review and Verizon 5G Home review.
Viasat – Best availability
If internet access is an issue where you live, Viasat is almost certainly an option. Its satellite coverage extends across the entire U.S., and Viasat’s top speeds are better than most other satellite providers. You’ll need to install a satellite dish on your property, and you’ll pay much more for less speed than you would with fiber, cable or fixed wireless internet.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best 5G coverage
T-Mobile’s 5G network is already the largest in the country, and it continues to grow and reach more homes in markets like Albany. Pricing is straightforward, with just one simple plan and big discount options for cellular customers. T-Mobile doesn’t charge extra fees for equipment or taxes, and you’ll just pay a one-time setup fee of $30.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Cheap internet in Albany, NY
Your internet plan doesn’t have to break the bank in Albany. Several internet service providers in Albany offer affordable plans that start under $50/mo. Verizon and T-Mobile feature especially great deals for customers who bundle with their cellular plans. If you’d prefer a wired plan, Spectrum’s cable service has download speeds of up to 500 Mbps for $50/mo.
Plan | Price | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Verizon 5G Home | $35/mo.** | 300 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Spectrum Internet® Premier | $50/mo.* | 500 Mbps | Cable |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Albany, NY
According to Ookla speed test data, the median internet speed in Albany is 240.44 Mbps. However, internet providers in Albany offer much faster plans for customers who want to max out their bandwidth. Verizon Fios wins the race with its symmetrical download and upload speeds of up to 2 GB, but its 5G Home network also offers an impressive 1 GB fixed wireless connection in some areas. Spectrum’s cable network can also reach 1 GB for wired customers.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Verizon Fios | $89.99/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Verizon 5G Home | $45**–$80/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Spectrum Internet® Gig | $70/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Albany internet technology
Your home internet’s performance is most heavily determined by the type of connection you have. Albany internet providers offer all the following options, each with its pros and cons:
- Fiber internet: Fiber-optic cables are unmatched in performance, offering lag-free connections with symmetrical upload/download speeds. It is the best option for heavy streamers and online gamers. Unfortunately, much of Albany is still fairly thin on fiber options.
- Cable: Most Albany residents can access cable internet. While it’s not as fast as fiber — especially when it comes to uploads — it still offers gigabit download speeds that work well for most home users. Just be mindful of connecting too many devices, as this can slow down cable performance.
- Fixed wireless: Cellular towers were once just for mobile phone service, but these days, more and more users are opting for fixed wireless home internet. With 5G technology, providers like T-Mobile and Verizon can offer cable-like connection speeds. Note that fixed wireless is subject to significant slowdowns when network congestion is high.
- DSL: Most Albany internet providers are moving away from phone-line-based internet, but it’s still common in rural areas. DSL is much slower than fiber, cable and many fixed wireless connections, but it may be one of your only options if you live outside the city.
- Satellite: Satellite internet is available almost everywhere, making it the go-to choice for many rural residents. Like DSL, its download speeds top out around 150 Mbps. Satellite also requires installing expensive equipment on your property.
Albany internet FAQs
How much is internet in Albany, NY?
Internet pricing varies by provider, plan type, required equipment and more. Internet service providers in Albany offer plans starting anywhere from $35/mo. (with bundling discounts) to $249.99/mo. There may be additional fees for equipment, installation and taxes.
Is Xfinity available in Albany, NY?
For the most part, Xfinity internet is not available in New York. For cable internet service in Albany, check out plans from Spectrum.
How can I lower my internet bill?
There are several ways to reduce the cost of your monthly internet bill. The simplest option is to opt for lower speed, but you can also look for bundling discounts, provide your own equipment or explore plans from other providers.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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