Best Internet Providers in Albany, NY

Enter your zip code to find the best Albany, NY internet providers available at your address.



Top 10 Albany, NY Internet Providers

It was here in Albany that some of the greatest inventions of the modern day took place. The Telegraph, celluloid plastic, and semiconductor chips were all invented in Albany. For almost four centuries, Albany has focused mainly on research and development. The city's efforts were instrumental in instilling an innovation mindset in the country. The top 10 internet providers in Albany, NY ensure that the city’s wealth of knowledge continues to grow and is shared with the rest of the world.

The different types of the internet in Albany, NY, include wired services like cable, DSL, and fiber optic connections and wireless services like 5G Home and satellite internet. So, let’s take a look at the ten best internet providers in Albany, New York.


  • Spectrum

    Rating
    Max Speed

    Up to 1 Gbps

    Internet Type

    Hybrid fiber-coaxial

    Starting From

    $49.99/mo

    Spectrum_logo


  • Verizon Fios

    Rating
    Max Speed

    Up to 1 Gbps

    Internet Type

    Fiber

    Starting From

    $24.24/mo

    Verizon Fios_logo


  • Viasat

    Rating
    Max Speed

    Up to 150 Mbps

    Internet Type

    Satellite

    Starting From

    $64.99/mo

    Viasat_logo


  • T-Mobile Home

    Rating
    Max Speed

    245 Mbps

    Internet Type

    5G Home

    Starting From

    $50.00/mo.

    T-Mobile Home_logo

  • Hudson Valley Wireless

    Rating
    Max Speed

    Up to 100 Mbps

    Internet Type

    Fixed Wireless

    Starting From

    $39.90/mo

    Hudson Valley Wireless_logo

  • Consolidated Communications

    Rating
    Max Speed

    Up to 50 Mbps

    Internet Type

    Cable and DSL

    Starting From

    $35.00/mo

    Consolidated Communications_logo

  • Massive Mesh

    Rating
    Max Speed

    Up to 100 Mbps

    Internet Type

    Fiber and fixed wireless

    Starting From

    $19.95/mo

    Massive Mesh_logo

  • Ultra Home Internet

    Rating
    Max Speed

    115 Mbps

    Internet Type

    5G Home

    Starting From

    $54.99/mo

    Ultra Home Internet_logo



Internet in Albany, NY - Quick Facts

Albany is the sixth largest city in the state of New York. In comparison to the size of New York City, Albany is fourteen times smaller. In 2022, it was found that around 635,000 people were residing in Albany metro area, making it the 78th most populous metropolitan city in the country. Downtown Albany is the city’s cultural and commercial hub. Areas like Central Avenue, Lark Street, and Albany Nanotech Complex are major sites for business and leisure activities.

The city of Albany has a thriving economy. Its annual gross metro product is around $71 billion. As one of the nation's biggest centers for research and development, Albany has attracted many local and international corporations including leading internet providers. Some of America’s renowned telecommunications companies like Spectrum, Verizon, and T-Mobile are among the best internet providers in Albany, NY.

These top three internet providers in Albany, NY, provide fast and reliable internet connections to help the city meet its innovation goals. Below, we have stated some quick facts about the internet in Albany, NY to help you pick the best one for your upstate New York home.

Quick Facts - Albany Internet Providers
Average Internet Speed in Albany, NY 122.4 Mbps
Best Internet Provider in Albany, NY Spectrum
Fastest Internet Provider in Albany, NY Spectrum
Cheapest Internet Provider in Albany, NY Verizon Fios
Most Widely Available Internet in Albany, NY Spectrum
Internet Providers offering Bundle Deals Spectrum, Verizon

Looking for the Best Internet Provider in Albany?

Our Experts are Waiting to Assist You

Call 877-395-5851 Now!


Best Internet Provider in Albany

Spectrum by Charter Communications is the best and most widely available, wired Internet provider in Albany, NY. In 2016, Spectrum bought Time Warner Cable's expansive copper cable network in the country and started providing its high-speed internet service in the region.

The coverage area of Spectrum Internet in Albany, NY, includes 96.48 percent of the city, and almost every resident of Albany can receive at least 50 Mbps of download speeds by subscribing to a Spectrum Internet® plan.

Here is why Spectrum has been named the best internet provider in Albany, NY.


High-Speed and Affordable Internet in Albany, NY


Spectrum uses a combination of fiber and coaxial cables to deliver high-speed and affordable internet in Albany, NY. Spectrum is the only Internet provider in Albany, NY, that has the potential to deliver download speeds up to 1000 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) to more than 50 percent of the city. Subscribers of Spectrum Internet in Albany, NY, can enjoy 300 Mbps download speeds for just $49.99/mo. for 12 mos.* .

Spectrum offers three monthly plans to its internet users in Albany, NY. All three internet plans are inclusive of promo rates and freebies for a year.

INTERNET + WIFI + MOBILE


$49.99/mo. For 12 mos.*
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • NO Data Caps
  • FREE Advanced WiFi
  • Speeds up to 300 Mbps
  • wireless speeds may vary
  • Unlimited Mobile Line

Call 877-410-3834 Now!

INTERNET ULTRA + WIFI + MOBILE


$69.99/mo. For 12 mos.*
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • NO Data Caps
  • FREE Advanced WiFi
  • Speeds up to 500 Mbps
  • wireless speeds may vary
  • Unlimited Mobile Line

Call 877-410-3834 Now!

INTERNET GIG + WIFI + MOBILE


$89.99/mo. For 12 mos.*
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • NO Data Caps
  • FREE Advanced WiFi
  • Speeds up to 1 Gbps
  • wireless speeds may vary
  • Unlimited Mobile Line

Call 877-410-3834 Now!

Best Customer Service by Spectrum Albany


Over the years, Spectrum has made extensive improvements to its customer service by taking most of its operations online and providing its customers the convenience to make their decisions and orders at home. On December 15, 2014, Spectrum rolled out its My Spectrum App, allowing its customers to manage their accounts and troubleshoot problems online. As of today, the app has been downloaded by more than 10 million users and has a 4.5-star rating.

Spectrum’s tech support is available over call 24/7. A team of trained representatives answers customer queries and deals with urgent requests around the clock to ensure customer service excellence.

In 2021, Spectrum Enterprise became the proud recipient of the TMC Internet Telephony Excellence Award in recognition of its commitment to customer satisfaction.

Spectrum store in Albany, NY is located at 131 Colonie Center and is open for service until 8:00 pm every day, except Sunday.


Fee Waivers & Discounts by Spectrum Albany


It wouldn’t be wrong to state that Spectrum is the most cost-effective Internet provider in Albany, NY. As a new customer, when you sign up for Spectrum’s internet service, you will be showered with fee waivers and discounts. Spectrum Internet in Albany, NY, is a no-contract service. It means that when you subscribe to Spectrum Internet, you are not required to sign a 12-month or 24-month legal statement binding you to its service. You can walk away whenever you like, without worrying about paying a hefty fine or service cancellation fee.

Moreover, as a first-time customer of Spectrum Albany, your equipment rental fee and activation charges will be waived. On average, internet installation and activation fee within the region varies between $25 and $60 and quite a few internet carriers make yearly contracts mandatory. Early termination charges can be as high as $150. But as this is not the case with Spectrum, you will end up saving at least $200 on Spectrum Internet in Albany, NY.

For the first year, you will enjoy discounted promo rates on your monthly plans. After 12 months, you will witness around a $25 to $35 increase in your monthly internet bills. Thanks to its year-long promo rates, you will manage to save an additional save an additional $300 to $420 in the first year.


Bundle Options - Spectrum Albany


Spectrum has some great bundle offers on the table for its internet subscribers. Recently, Spectrum Albany announced its Spectrum One Bundle. In the Spectrum One bundle, customers get fast internet connections with speeds up to 1000 Mbps, free WiFi security, and one Spectrum Mobile™ unlimited phone line with unlimited calls, texts, and data for a year. With this exciting Spectrum One bundle deal, you can save $30 every month for a year. (Spectrum Mobile™ Unlimited plan starts at $29.99 per month when bought separately).

Additionally, Spectrum also offers the best bundle deals for TV, internet, and phone. Subscribers of Spectrum Internet in Albany, NY, can combine their internet package with cable TV and home phone for a customized, family-friendly service. The three most popular Spectrum bundle deals available in Albany are shown below.

TV Select + Internet + Voice

$124.97/mo.* For 12 mo.*
  • 150+ Channels
  • Thousands of On Demand choices
  • Stream anywhere with the Spectrum TV® App
  • Speeds up to 300 Mbps
  • Wireless speeds may vary
  • Free internet modem
  • No data caps or hidden fees
  • FREE access to Spectrum out-of-home WiFi
  • FREE antivirus software
  • Home phone with unlimited calling

TV Select + Internet Ultra + Voice

$144.97/mo.* For 12 mo.*
  • 150+ Channels
  • Thousands of On Demand choices
  • Stream anywhere with the Spectrum TV® App
  • Speeds up to 500 Mbps
  • Wireless speeds may vary
  • FREE Internet modem
  • No data caps or hidden fees
  • FREE access to Spectrum out-of-home WiFi
  • FREE antivirus software
  • Home phone with unlimited calling

TV Select + Internet Gig + Voice

$164.97/mo. For 12 mo.*
  • 150+ Channels
  • Thousands of On Demand choices
  • Stream anywhere with the Spectrum TV® App
  • Speeds up to 1 Gbps
  • Wireless speeds may vary
  • FREE Internet modem
  • No data caps or hidden fees
  • FREE access to Spectrum out-of-home WiFi
  • FREE antivirus software
  • Home phone with unlimited calling


Users of Spectrum Internet in Albany, NY can add cable TV service to their internet for just $60 more per month. Spectrum bundle deals for TV and internet in Albany, NY, are shown below:


TV Select + Internet


$109.98/mo. For 12 mos*
  • 150+ Channels
  • Thousands of On Demand choices
  • Stream anywhere with the Spectrum TV® App
  • Speeds up to 300 Mbps
  • Wireless speeds may vary
  • FREE Internet modem
  • No data caps or hidden fees
  • FREE access to Spectrum out-of-home WiFi
  • FREE antivirus software

Call 877-410-3834 Now!

TV Select + Internet Ultra


$129.98/mo. For 12 mos*
  • 150+ Channels
  • Thousands of On Demand choices
  • Stream anywhere with the Spectrum TV® App
  • Speeds up to 500 Mbps
  • Wireless speeds may vary
  • FREE Internet modem
  • No data caps or hidden fees
  • FREE access to Spectrum out-of-home WiFi
  • FREE antivirus software

Call 877-410-3834 Now!

TV Select + Internet Gig


$149.98/mo. For 12 mos*
  • 150+ Channels
  • Thousands of On Demand choices
  • Stream anywhere with the Spectrum TV® App
  • Speeds up to 1 Gbps
  • Wireless speeds may vary
  • FREE Internet modem
  • No data caps or hidden fees
  • FREE access to Spectrum out-of-home WiFi
  • FREE antivirus software

Call 877-410-3834 Now!

Free Access to Spectrum WiFi Hotspots in Albany, NY


Spectrum’s internet footprint across the country is massive. Its services are available in 41 states and the company has set up out-of-home Spectrum WiFi hotspots in more than 530,000 locations around the USA. All customers of Spectrum Internet in Albany, NY, are given free access to these WiFi hotspots. It doesn’t matter if you are on the road in Albany or traveling across the country, you can connect your mobile device to the nearest Spectrum hotspot and enjoy free WiFi connectivity.

To access Spectrum's free WiFi hotspot, you will have to connect using your Spectrum username and password. Or you could download the My Spectrum app and enable the WiFi hotspot. A benefit of keeping this mode switched on is that whenever you will be in the range of a Spectrum WiFi hotspot, you will receive a notification on your device. That way you will never miss out on an opportunity to save your cellular data and connect to a free, fast-speed WiFi network.

Fastest Internet Provider in Albany

There are at least seven fiber internet providers in Albany, NY. Unfortunately, due to the restricted fiber optic network within the city, these fiber internet providers in Albany are unable to deliver services to their full potential. Only 34 percent of Albanians can experience fiber internet speeds up to 1 gigabit and that too if they are living in the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

So, even though EarthLink Internet has 45 percent coverage in Albany and promises maximum download speeds up to 5000 Mbps (5 gigabits), the ground reality is that its customers only get 75 Mbps speeds, and that too via its borrowed cable internet in Albany, NY.

Spectrum by Charter Communications found a way around it. Instead of relying on just one type of internet service, it introduced a hybrid model to substitute for the lack of fiber optic infrastructure. The signals are first carried as photons in the fiber optic cables until they reach the fiber nodes. At the end of each fiber node, coaxial cables are attached that convert the light signals into radio waves and carry them over long distances to be distributed to individual homes. By using this hybrid model, Spectrum Albany has been successful in delivering lightning-fast internet in Albany, NY.

Subscribers of Spectrum Internet in Albany, NY, can get 1000 Mbps internet (wireless speeds may vary) with 99.99 percent consistency in speeds for just $89.99 per month (for 12 months).


Cheapest Internet in Albany

Albany, there are only two wired internet service providers that dominate the internet market based on their wide-scale availability in the city and superfast, gigabit internet speeds. Even though Spectrum is the best Internet provider in Albany, NY in regards to its high speed, large coverage area, and impeccable service, it has struggled to beat Verizon Fios’ low monthly rates. Verizon Fios’ fully fiber internet plans start at just $25 per month.

Verizon Fios offers its fiber optic internet connection with the same speeds as that provided by Spectrum Internet at rates that are $25 cheaper than its competitors. Therefore, Verizon Fios is the cheapest internet provider in Albany, NY.


Coverage Area of Internet Providers in Albany

The recent statistics published by the United States Census Bureau reveal that around 82.5 percent of the people in Albany, NY, have access to broadband internet services. Out of these digitally connected Albanians, only 34.7 percent of residents get ultra-fast internet speeds. So, it doesn't come as a surprise that the average internet speed in Albany, NY, is just 122.4 Mbps. It is 68.1 Mbps less than the state average of 190.5 Mbps.

The coverage area of different types of internet in Albany, NY:

  • Satellite Internet: 100 percent coverage
  • Fixed Wireless Internet: 99.98 percent coverage
  • Cable Internet: 96.48 percent coverage
  • DSL Internet: 84.18 percent coverage
  • Fiber Internet: 12.88 percent coverage

There are a total of 19 internet providers in Albany, NY. Among them:

  • 7 offer fiber internet services
  • 5 offer DSL internet connections
  • 5 offer fixed wireless (5G for home) services
  • 3 offer cable internet connections
  • 2 offer satellite internet services

In the table below, we have compared the citywide availability of the 10 best internet providers in Albany, NY.

Internet Provider Citywide Availability Type of Internet
HughesNet 100% Satellite
Viasat 100% Satellite
Spectrum 96.48% Hybrid fiber-coaxial cable
Hudson Valley Wireless 92% Fixed Wireless
Verizon 84.19% DSL
Consolidated Communications 81% Cable and DSL
T-Mobile Home 55% 5G Home
Ultra Home Internet 54% 5G Home
EarthLink 90% DSL + Fiber
Verizon Fios 33.9% Fiber
Massive Mesh 0.1% Fiber and fixed wireless


Final Word

Locals fondly refer to Albany as Smallbany and the city's unofficial motto is "where everybody knows your name." Albany indeed has a small-town, Victorian vibe but the city is also the seat of the US's Tech Valley and led breakthroughs in science and technology.

The top 10 internet providers in Albany, NY, have made significant contributions towards its technological growth and economic prosperity.



Frequently Asked Questions

EarthLink claims to offer speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps in Albany, New York. However, due to the limited availability of fiber internet in the city, only 34% of the residents or less can get these speeds and the rest rely on EarthLink’s DSL network with a max download speed of 75 Mbps. In comparison, Spectrum’s hybrid fiber-cable network covers 96.48% of Albany and people can receive consistently fast, gigabit speeds on the downstream channel.

Verizon Fios is the cheapest internet provider in Albany with internet plans starting at just $24.99 per month when you bundle the fiber internet service with a select 5G mobile plan. Moreover, Verizon Fios plans come with price guarantees of up to 4 years, unlike its competitors that jack up the price after 12 months of service.

Spectrum is everywhere in Albany! Almost 96.48 percent of the city can get Spectrum Internet plans for as low as $49.99 per month.

Internet prices in Albany, NY, vary depending on the provider and the chosen plan. Internet prices start at about $43 a month on average. But you can find plans both cheaper and more expensive, depending on what you pick.

Yes, indeed! Verizon Fios has been in Albany since 2006, offering speedy fiber internet, mostly around downtown and West Albany. Residents in Albany can access fiber services with speeds up to 1 Gbps through Verizon Fios.

Call Now To Subscribe To The Best Internet Plans in Albany: 877-395-5851

Top States


Copyright © 2023, All Rights Reserved BestCableTV.