Access to reliable and affordable internet has become a necessity in New York City, where millions of residents depend on fast connections for work, school and daily life. The city’s internet landscape offers a range of options, from fiber to cable and fixed wireless, with several major providers serving customers across the five boroughs.

Whether for streaming, remote work or basic browsing, finding the right provider depends on speed, budget and coverage. New York City’s internet market is competitive, with several providers offering budget-friendly plans for residents. The most popular and affordable options include T-Mobile, Starry, Verizon Fios, Spectrum and Astound Broadband. Each provider caters to different needs, whether it’s unlimited data, fast speeds or no contracts.

This guide compares top cheap internet service providers in New York City, breaking down plans, speeds and costs to help residents make informed choices.

Top cheap internet service providers in New York City, NY

Here are the cheapest New York internet providers in our guide, ranked from cheapest to most expensive.

  1. Astound Broadband: Plans start at $30 a month
  2. Spectrum: Plans start at $30 a month
  3. Verizon Fios: Plans start at $34.99 a month
  4. Starry: Plans start at $45 per month
  5. T-Mobile: Plans start at $50 a month

Shopping for affordable internet? Top cheap internet providers guide

Compare the best cheap internet providers in New York CityAstound Broadband

Astound Broadband is a cable internet provider operating in parts of New York City. It offers several plan options and sometimes features promotional pricing for new customers. Data caps may apply depending on your plan.Here’s a quick look at Astound Broadband provider plan options in New York City:

  • Astound Internet 300: Starts at $30 a month for download speeds of 300 Mbps for one year
  • Astound Internet 600: Starts at $45 a month for download speeds of 600 Mbps for one year
  • Astound Internet 1 Gig: Starts at $65 a month for download speeds of 1,000 Mbps for three years
  • Astound Internet 1.5 Gig: Starts at $85 a month for download speeds of 1,5000 Mbps for three years

Read our full Astound Broadband review.

*Prices based on ZIP code 10019. Plans and prices vary by service area and availability. Promotional rates reflect discounts for Autopay and paperless billing. Upload and download speeds are based on maximum. Actual speeds may vary.Spectrum

Spectrum is a cable internet provider in New York, offering service across the five boroughs. The plans are contract-free and there are both TV and mobile bundle options.

Here’s a quick look at Spectrum provider plan options in New York City:

  • Spectrum Internet® Advantage: Start at $30 a month for download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps.
  • Spectrum Internet® Premier: Start at $50 a month for download speeds of 500 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps.
  • Spectrum Internet® Gig: Start at $70 a month for download speeds of 1,000 Mbps and upload speeds of 35 Mbps.

Read our full Spectrum review.

Disclaimer: Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Standard rates apply after promo period. SPECTRUM INTERNET ADVANTAGE: Offer based on eligibility requirements. Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios delivers internet using a fiber-optic network. It is known for fast upload and download speeds and consistent performance. Fios plans are contract-free and come with unlimited data.Here’s a quick look at Verizon Fios provider plan options in New York City:

  • Verizon Fios 300: Starts at $34.99 per month for download and upload speeds of 300/300 Mbps and a three-year price lock
  • Verizon Fios 500: Starts at $59.99 per month for download and upload speeds of 500/500 Mbps and a four-year price lock
  • Verizon Fios 1 Gig: Starts at $89.99 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,000/1,000 Mbps and a five-year price lock
  • Verizon Fios 2 Gigs: Starts at $109.99 per month for download and upload speeds of 2,000/2,000 Mbps and a five-year price lock

Read our full Verizon Fios review.

Prices based on ZIP code 10019. Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices vary by location and are subject to change. Starry

Starry is a fixed wireless provider with a focus on simplicity and month-to-month service. It offers flat-rate pricing and no long-term contracts, making it attractive for renters and those seeking flexibility. Starry is available in select apartment buildings in New York City. Router is included in the 300 Mbps and up plans.

Here’s a quick look at Starry provider plan options in New York City:

  • Starry 200: Starts at $45 per month for download and upload speeds of 200/50 Mbps
  • Starry 300: Starts at $65 per month for download and upload speeds of 300/50 Mbps
  • Starry 500: Starts at $75 per month for download and upload speeds of 500/50 Mbps
  • Starry 1 Gig: Starts at $90 per month for download and upload speeds of 1,000/50 Mbps

*Plans and prices vary by service area and availability. Promotional rates may reflect discounts for debt, autopay and paperless billing. Upload and download speeds are based on maximum. Actual speeds may vary.T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet uses the company’s mobile network to deliver internet service. It offers a straightforward, flat monthly rate with no data caps or contracts. T-Mobile’s availability depends on network coverage in your area.Here’s a quick look at T-Mobile’s provider plan options in New York City:

  • T-Mobile Rely Home Internet: Starts at $50 a month for download and upload speeds up to 318 Mbps/56 Mbps.
  • T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet: Starts at $60 a month for download and upload speeds of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps.
  • T-Mobile All-In Home Internet: Starts at $70 a month for download speeds and upload of up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps. Includes Wi-Fi Mesh Access Point for faster speeds.

Read our full T-Mobile home internet review.

*Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.Which internet providers offer the cheapest internet in New York City?

The cheapest internet providers in New York are Astound and Spectrum. The following providers are ranked from cheapest to most expensive based on their price ranges:

  • Astound Broadband: Prices range from $30 to $85 a month
  • Spectrum: Prices range from $30 to $70 a month
  • Verizon Fios: Prices range from $34.99 to $109.99 a month
  • Starry: Prices range from $45 to $90 a month
  • T-Mobile: Prices range from $50 to $70 a month

*Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.What are the fastest internet options in New York City?

The fastest internet provider in our New York guide is Verizon Fios. Download speeds affect how quickly users can stream video, download files or join video meetings. Faster speeds are helpful for households with multiple connected devices or heavy internet use.

The providers below are ranked by their highest advertised download speeds:

  • Verizon Fios: Up to 2,000 Mbps. Fiber plan
  • Astound Broadband: Up to 1,500 Mbps. Cable plan
  • Spectrum: Up to 1,000 Mbps. Cable plan
  • Starry: Up to 1,000 Mbps. Fixed wireless plan
  • T-Mobile: Up to 415 Mbps. 5G plan

*Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.How to choose an internet service provider in New York City

When comparing providers in New York City, consider these factors:

  • Availability: Not all providers serve every address. Check which providers are available at your location.
  • Speed: Choose a speed that matches your online activities. More devices or streaming needs require higher speeds.
  • Price: Compare monthly costs and look for any hidden fees or equipment charges.
  • Contract terms: Some plans require contracts or offer discounts for signing one. Understand any early termination fees.
  • Customer service: Reliable support can make a difference if issues arise with your service.

What types of internet are available in New York City?

Several connection types serve New York City. Here’s how each works:

  • Fiber: Uses fiber-optic cables for fast, reliable speeds. Offered by Verizon Fios.
  • Cable: Uses coaxial cables and is widely available. Provided by Spectrum and Astound.
  • Fixed wireless: Delivers internet over radio signals from towers. Used by Starry.
  • 5G: Wireless home internet, offered by T-Mobile.

Are there any special programs for affordable internet in New York City?

Many providers offer affordable internet programs for eligible households. Typically, you must meet income-related requirements or show proof of enrollment in a government-assistance program, like SSI, Medicaid or WIC.

Some providers offer programs for eligible households:

  • Verizon Forward: Starts at $20 a month for qualifying Verizon 5G and Verizon Fios plans.-
  • Astound Internet First: Starts at $9.95 per month for download speeds of 50 Mbps and $19.95 per month for download speeds of 150 Mbps. First three months free for new customers.
  • Spectrum InternetⓇ Assist: Start at $25 a month for download speeds of 50 Mbps.
  • T-Mobile Home Internet: Up to $15 off per month for eligible T-Mobile mobile customers.
  • Starry: Starts at $15 a month for download and upload fees of 30/30 Mbps.

Contributing: Camryn Smith, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect

This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.