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With more than 19.4 million residents, New York is the fourth-most populous state in the U.S. The state is a haven for city dwellers and nature lovers. Whether you prefer the bustle of New York City, the beauty of Niagra Falls or the rugged terrain of the Adirondack Mountains, New York has something for everyone.
NY residents stay busy with everything from keeping up with the fast-paced flurry of Wall Street to hiking and skiing in the mountains. And like anyone else these days, New Yorkers need reliable, fast home internet to stay up to speed.
Fortunately, the Empire State is home to plenty of reputable home Wi-Fi providers, with speeds of up to 8 GB in some areas. Compare the top internet service providers in New York on this page and find the right one for you.
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Best internet providers in New York
Verizon is our top choice among New York internet providers, thanks to its excellent Fios fiber and 5G Home internet options. Still, Verizon is one of many ISPs offering gigabit or even multi-gigabit connection speeds in the Empire State.
Whether you just need basic internet for browsing, fast downloads for streaming, or extreme bandwidth for online gaming, you’ve got choices. The following table provides an overview of the top internet providers in New York.
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. 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.
Internet technology in New York
Fiber internet is the fastest option for New York home internet, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds for lag-free connectivity. However, fiber-optic cables only currently reach about 60% of New York. Cable is much more accessible and offers gigabit download speeds, but its upload speeds are much slower.
New York ISPs also offer wireless connections via fixed wireless towers or satellite internet. 5G internet providers like Verizon and T-Mobile compete well with some cable plans, but these faster 5G connections are only available in about 40% of the state. Satellite providers, meanwhile, offer service everywhere, as long as you can put a satellite dish on your property. Keep in mind that connection speeds top out much slower than wired cable or fiber options.
Connection type
Starting price
Speeds up to
Availability
Satellite
$49.99–$120/mo.
250 Mbps
100%
Cable
$20–$70/mo.
1,500 Mbps
91%
Fixed wireless
$30–$90/mo.
1,000 Mbps
41%
Fiber
$29.99–$280/mo.
8,000 Mbps
60%
Disclaimer
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
Top New York cities
Although the list of internet providers is similar throughout New York, exact provider and plan availability varies by location. You may not find the same cable or fiber provider options (or top speeds) in Buffalo as you do in New York City, for instance.
Check out the following for top internet options in several New York cities:
New York may not be known for a favorable cost of living, but it’s possible to keep your home Wi-Fi plan affordable in the Empire State. Providers like Astound offer cheap internet plans starting as low as $20/mo., and you can find extra ways to save by bundling services with providers like Verizon, Spectrum or Frontier.
Several New York internet providers offer plans that start at or below the national average of $40–$80/mo. for home Wi-Fi. These aren’t the fastest options for home internet, but they’ll provide enough bandwidth for many moderate users.
Fast internet options in New York
If you’re willing to pay a premium, you can get lightning-fast internet for your home or apartment in New York. Providers like Optimum, Frontier and Greenlight offer connection speeds of up to 8 GB, which is enough to cover dozens of devices streaming or gaming at once. Even where these top-speed plans aren’t available, you can find gigabit options in many parts of the Empire State.
Worried you might not get enough bandwidth — or overpay for too much? Our internet speed guide can help you decide what you need.
Rural internet options in New York
New York City may be densely packed with people, but plenty of New York residents live in sparsely populated areas with fewer internet options. For internet in rural areas, satellite providers tend to be your best option.
Connection speeds are slower — some topping out at less than 100 Mbps depending on your provider and location — but satellite offers a reliable, wireless way to connect to the internet from anywhere.
New York internet FAQs
What is the average internet bill in New York?
The average starting price for home Wi-Fi in New York state is between $45 and $50/mo. That price doesn’t include additional taxes or equipment fees, which vary by provider and plan.
Is there fiber internet in New York?
Yes, fiber internet is available in roughly 60% of New York. Providers like Verizon, Optimum, Frontier and Greenlight offer service in various parts of the state.
Does Xfinity Wi-Fi work in New York?
Xfinity offers very limited internet service in New York state, with most of its service area concentrated around New York City. Spectrum, Astound and Optimum are the main cable providers in the Empire State.
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Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager. His work covers a wide range of topics, including streaming and internet tech, green energy, and personal finance. His work, bylined and ghostwritten, has appeared in The Balance, CNET, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, and more.
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
