Internet Service Provider Review of New York City
Astound is the top internet provider in the Big Apple, with the fastest speeds and the best pricing
Oct 31, 2025 | Share
Annual Review, Data and Research, Featured

The New York City area has an outstanding selection of internet providers. But which is best? Which is the fastest? Which is right for you? We took a close look at the area’s internet options and compared providers using real-world performance data from speed tests, a regional customer survey, and a thorough pricing analysis.
We won’t beat around the bush: The data points to Astound as New York City’s best internet service provider (ISP), hands down. Whether it’s in plan speeds, pricing, or real-world performance, Astound is way ahead of the pack.
2026 New York City Internet Awards
Best Overall
Astound’s excellent performance in speed, pricing, and customer feedback places it firmly at the top as NYC’s Best Overall ISP.
Best Value
Astound’s plans deliver greater speed and performance for less money than the competition, while employing policies like price locks to add even more value.
Fastest
Astound customers enjoy the fastest average speeds in NYC, according to over 60,000 unique speed test results.
Customer’s Choice
Verizon 5G Home Internet received the best customer feedback in a survey of over 1,200 NYC internet customers. Customers also rated it the easiest provider transition.
Most Trusted
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet won its customers’ confidence as the Most Trusted provider in NYC. Its stable pricing helps customers breathe easy year after year.
Easiest Switch
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet is the easiest internet service to get and install, according to NYC customers. You can self-install the service, but technicians are on standby if you need a little help.
Methodology
Our methodology uses three proprietary datasets to determine ISP quality: performance data gathered from the HighSpeedInternet.com speed test, pricing data from our internet plan index, and customer feedback from our annual surveys.
See our detailed methodology for a breakdown on exactly how we determine the best ISPs for each region.

Why Astound is the Best Overall in New York City
Astound is the internet champ of New York, and it’s not even close. Whether it’s real-world speeds, plan pricing, or customer sentiment, Astound set itself apart over and over again during our analysis. This provider has the fastest speed test results, the best prices, and excellent customer ratings.
“Love the affordable price for such high speeds.”
—Astound customer
New York City, NY
We choose our Best Overall provider based on real-world performance, pricing, and customer sentiment. Astound’s New York City victory is backed by several datasets, where it clearly and unquestionably distinguishes itself as the best internet provider in the area.
What NYC customers are saying about Astound:
“Works perfectly, and it’s at a low cost.”
—Astound customer
New York City, NY
“Quick setup, responsive customer service; Hassle-free experience.”
—Astound customer
New York City, NY
“Never have to reboot the modem or reset anything, everything just works.”
—Astound customer
Hempstead, NY
“[I] think there is something special about not having to call support all the time.”
—Astound customer
Oceanside, NY

Why Astound is the Best Value in New York City
Astound’s internet plans are easily the best deals on internet service in the New York City area, with low rates and faster speeds. It keeps its pricing affordable while offering more for the money than the competition. The plan chart below compares Astound’s mid-tier plan to the best answer from each NYC competitor.
“Transparent pricing with no surprises.”
—Astound customer
New York City, NY
“I pay a fair fee for fiber-optic speed.”
—Astound customer
New York City, NY
Best value internet plans in New York City
| Plan | Price | Speed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astound 600 Mbps Internet | $45/mo.* | 600Mbps | |
| Optimum 500 Mbps Internet | $60/mo.† | 500Mbps | |
| Spectrum Internet® Premier | $50/mo.‡ | 500Mbps | |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Plus | $60/mo.§ | 500Mbps | |
| T-Mobile Rely Home Internet | $50/mo.|| | 415Mbps |
Data as of 10/27/2025. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See disclaimers.
Astound’s 600 Mbps Internet plan delivers 20% more speed and is cheaper than all other mid-tier plans from NYC providers. Additionally, Astound customers enjoy a one-year price lock and the best performance in the city, as evidenced in the NYC speed test data. Better prices, better speeds, better performance: Customers simply get more with Astound in New York City.
Which internet provider can you get in New York City?
Enter your zip code to see what’s available in your area.

Why Astound is the Fastest in New York City
Astound’s real-world speeds dramatically outpace the competition in one of the largest performance differences seen yet. With an average speed of 330Mbps, Astound customers experience average speeds 76Mbps faster than the nearest competitor—that’s a huge lead for this type of analysis
“Most providers promise speed, but this one actually delivers without excuses.”
—Astound customer
Brooklyn, NY
Astound offers both fiber and cable internet in the area, so it’s clear it knows how to keep a network singing, regardless of the service type. If you want the fastest internet in New York City, Astound is it!
“Consistent speeds, no lag. Great for gaming. Go for it!”
—Astound customer
Queens, NY

Why Verizon is the Customer’s Choice in New York City
In our 1,250 customer survey in New York City, Verizon’s 5G Home Internet received the highest average ratings overall, making it this area’s most popular ISP. Whether it’s the ultimate convenience of wireless 5G or the outstanding performance that Verizon networks are known for, Verizon is clearly the New York City provider with the happiest customers.
Both Verizon Fios and Verizon 5G Home Internet also received the highest reliability ratings from customers, suggesting that keeping those router lights on 24/7 above all else makes for happy internet customers.
“I love it! My internet speed is extremely fast, and I feel like I can work and do everything I need to on it.”
—Verizon customer
Bronx, NY

Why T-Mobile is the Most Trusted in New York City
When asked to rate their trust in their internet provider, T-Mobile Home Internet customers gave the best feedback. From the start, T-Mobile has been very forthcoming about the pricing, policies, and terms of its internet plans, so customers don’t get surprised by bogus or unexpected fees and limitations. It’s a straight-shooting internet service that does what it says on the tin, and T-Mobile customers resonate with that approach.
“What I love about the services [is] that it’s always reliable, no interruptions.”
—T-Mobile customer
Ridgewood, NY

Why Verizon is the Easiest Internet Switch in New York City
According to the customers, Verizon 5G Home Internet is the easiest internet to get in NYC. Its home internet can run without any networking cables entering your home, meaning customers typically can do the entire process on their own once they have their equipment.
But if that’s not your style, don’t fret, as Verizon has techs and support staff at the ready if you’d prefer some help getting your services online. Perhaps it’s this increased flexibility that makes Verizon’s internet setup the easiest in New York City.
“I like [that] I get consistent wireless high-speed internet without having to install fiber wiring in my home.”
—Verizon customer
New York City, NY
Disclaimers
* Observed speeds may vary | One-time fees extra | Restrictions apply | Not available in all areas | New residential customers only
† w/ $10/mo. elig. Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic avail. w/ 500 Mbps Internet and above. After promo period, plan auto-renews at $10.99/mo. Offer will not replace existing subscriptions. Add’l terms apply. Unlimited Mobile line w/ Promo Code HEYITSFREE. Plus taxes & fees. Savings via monthly bill credits. Elig. cust. only. Paperless Bill & Auto Pay req’d. Terms Apply.
‡ 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. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
§ Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Consumer data usage is subject to the usage restrictions set forth in Verizon’s terms of service; visit: https://www.verizon.com/support/customer-agreement/ for more information about 5G Home and LTE Home Internet or https://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/verizon-customer-agreement for Fios internet.
|| w/AutoPay. Guarantee exclusions like taxes and fees apply.
Author - Austin Aguirre
Austin worked as a broadband technician installing and troubleshooting countless home internet networks for some of the largest ISPs in the U.S. He became a freelance writer in 2020 specializing in software guides. After graduating with a BS in technical communication from Arizona State University, he joined the team at HighSpeedInternet.com where he focuses on home network improvement and troubleshooting.
Editor - Jessica Brooksby
Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.




