2 weeks Ago By David Anders
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in New York City across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability.
We also closely read providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, call ISPs to verify the details. Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city.
The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs.
At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in New York City. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services.
To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page . Yes. Approximately 73% of Manhattan residences are wired for fiber-optic internet service, according to the FCC .
Verizon Fios is the largest fiber internet provider in New York City, although some addresses are eligible for fiber service from Optimum. Several public places throughout New York City offer free Wi-Fi service. In addition to cafes, restaurants, hotels and other businesses with complimentary Wi-Fi, all NYC public library branches and several locations in Manhattan, including Central Park, Bowling Green, The High Line and Tompkins Square Park, have free public Wi-Fi access.
If you're looking for free home Wi-Fi, you'll need a wired internet connection to get Wi-Fi in your home. While some NYC internet service providers and plans are cheaper than others, no outright free home internet services are available in the city. Depending on your location and needs, a temporary free internet connection may be available from Spectrum, Optimum or Xfinity.
Learn more at nyc.gov . Verizon Fios has an advantage over Spectrum thanks to its 100% fiber-optic network.
You'll get symmetrical or near-symmetrical download and upload speeds with Verizon Fios, whereas Spectrum's maximum upload speeds fall far short of its download speeds. Both providers start at $50 monthly, though Spectrum increases that price by around $30 after one year and charges an equipment fee of $10 if you want to lease your router. As a cable internet provider, Spectrum is also a great choice for bundling internet and TV .
In short, both providers have their pros and cons, but the fiber network that Verizon Fios offers makes it a better choice. In any case, it's always a good idea to fully evaluate your home internet needs and the available options in your area before committing to a particular internet provider..
