Top 5 Internet Providers in NYC, NY
Fastest internet service providers in NYC
Spectrum offers internet at speeds up to 1000 Mbps
RCN offers internet at speeds up to 1000 Mbps
Optimum offers internet at speeds up to 940 Mbps
Verizon offers internet at speeds up to 940 Mbps
Verizon Fios is the fastest internet provider available in NYC, according to our analysis of the fastest internet providers in the Northeast. Its fiber-optic internet plans offer download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 880 Mbps.
The truth is most people don’t necessarily need that fast of an internet connection. It’s nice if you can afford it, but there are also more reasonable (and less expensive) options. Optimum’s 300 Mbps internet plan and RCN’s 250 Mbps package still give you enough bandwidth to do what you need to do without charging a fortune.*
How much internet speed do I need?
5 Mbps
- Browsing
- Streaming music
- Ideal for single user
10 Mbps
- Streaming HD videos
- Casual gaming
- Ideal for 1-2 people
20 Mbps
- Ultra HD streaming
- Frequent gaming
- Ideal for 2-4 people
40+ Mbps
- Streaming multiple shows in HD
- Simultaneous gaming
- Ideal for 4+ people
Most households need at least 25 Mbps of download speed and 3 Mbps of upload speed. While most common internet activities can work with fairly slow speeds, your network can get bogged down if you have multiple devices using the internet at the same time. That’s especially true if you have multiple people working from home or learning remotely.
If you don’t know what speed you need, you can test your current internet speed to give yourself a reference point and take it from there. You can also use our How Much Speed Do You Need? tool for a personalized recommendation based on how you use the internet.