The four best internet providers in New York
Verizon FiOS — Best fiber internet // Best customer serviceSpectrum — Best additional perks // Best contract perks// Best additional/promotional offersRCN — Cheapest starting priceOptimum — Best for long-term price
The best New York internet providers: summed up
The provider also has a reputation for top-tier customer service. On the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Verizon FiOS outranks all other internet providers with a 70/100. Verizon also won J.D. Power’s award for customer satisfaction. Within the internet industry, Verizon has a proven track record of offering reliable service, satisfactory customer care, and clear communication. Spectrum really shines when it comes to additional perks and enticing package structure. Spectrum comes with no contracts (therefore no termination fees), and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re ever unhappy with Spectrum’s service, you can cancel or switch providers with ease. If you’d like to bundle multiple services (like TV or phone), there are additional perks like free installation and free DVR service. If you’d like to bundle your internet service with TV, RCN has two package options. You can pair either a 63+ basic channel package or a 297+ comprehensive package. It’s a choice between two extremes, but the pricing is usually fair. On some offers, you can choose 940 Mbps and a 297+ channel bundle for $5 cheaper than purchasing the 940 Mbps internet service alone. Specific plans may vary by location, but we generally found RCN will offer customers significant value. Prices sometimes start at $30 per month and many packages come with free installation. The most unique and enticing detail about Optimum’s service is that the provider promises those prices will be your monthly rate “for life.” Optimum also offers customers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t thrilled with the quality of your service, you can get a full refund when requested within 30 days of signing up. Even if you become unsatisfied later down the line, Optimum’s service comes without contracts.
Coverage: Many Americans, 39% according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, have access to only one broadband internet provider. When consumers have choices they’re more empowered to find the best fit for them, so we generally favored providers with a wider range of nationwide coverage. When comparing providers in New York, we consider the companies that cover the largest percentage of the state.Value: Comparing prices amongst providers won’t offer a comprehensive picture of the best. We had to go beyond price and evaluate what those packages included. For example, one company could offer 10 Mbps for only $20, while another offers 100 Mbps for $40. While the second package is double the price, the speed it offers is ten times faster (more value). We also considered additional package perks, contract lengths, and data caps.Customer Satisfaction: When it comes to customer service, internet providers have a pretty bad reputation. The best providers will have a track record for offering more impressive service. We used ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power to get a sense of each company’s customer satisfaction. Well-rated providers were evaluated on reliability, billing, value, and communication.
