What's the cheapest internet provider in Albany?

Spectrum offers the cheapest internet plan in Albany with plans starting at $30.00/mo. for 100 Mbps. Verizon Fios also offers cheap plans starting at $49.99/mo. for 300 Mbps. At $0.05 per Mbps the 5G Home Plus plan from Verizon 5G Home gives you the most value for your dollar.

What's the fastest internet provider in Albany?

Verizon 5G Home and Spectrum offer the fastest internet plans in Albany with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. For these speeds, Verizon 5G Home offers Wireless internet plans and Spectrum offers Cable internet plans.

Should I buy my own equipment?

In most cases, your initial cost of buying a modem and router pays for itself within a year. Rental equipment fees from internet providers are usually around $10/mo. and you can buy combination modem/routers (gateways) for under $100. If you want to avoid a monthly fee from your ISP, buying your router is the way to go. If you need support for your equipment, rent it from your ISP and you’ll have access to technical support. See our full guide on whether you should rent or buy internet equipment .

How do I set up internet?

Once you have compared and chosen an internet provider , you often have the choice to install your internet yourself or have the ISP send a tech to your address. If you install it yourself, the ISP will provide you with a step-by-step guide to connect their equipment to yours and set up your Wi-Fi access. If you choose professional installation, all you’ll have to do is schedule an appointment with your ISP and they’ll take care of everything.

What internet technology type should I look for?

When choosing an internet service provider, it’s important to consider technology types. Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable internet technology type since it provides symmetrical download and upload speeds, but it’s not the most widely available type of internet. We recommend fiber if it’s available at your address, but if not, you have other options. Cable internet is a common internet type and the best alternative to fiber internet. It offers fast, reliable speeds and is more widely available than fiber. Satellite internet is a great choice if you live in a rural area and other internet technologies aren’t an option. 5G internet , or fixed wireless internet , is another internet technology type to consider. 5G home internet isn’t always as fast as cable or fiber plans, but some providers like T-Mobile are expanding rapidly to offer 5G home internet service to most of the country and can reach speeds up to 245 Mbps.

Internet providers in Albany, New York

4 Internet providers

Sort by:

Moving & want to keep your current service?

Check with your provider to find out if it's an option.

Featured provider
Spectrum Internet

7,203 customer reviews

Plans starting at
$30

/mo
for 12 mos.

Speeds up to
1000 mbps
Connection type
Cable
Available in Albany
100%

Call to learn more

Call to learn more: (844) 451-2720

Check plans with Spectrum Check plans with Spectrum

Speeds up to
1000 mbps
Connection type
Cable
Customer rating

(7,203)

Available in Albany
100%

Call to learn more:

(844) 451-2720

Check plans with Spectrum
Provider details

Connection type

Cable

Upload speeds

up to 35 Mbps

Data caps

None

Installation options

Self-installation Activation Fee of $30, Professional-installation Fee of $65.

Technical support

Available 24/7
Spectrum is the second largest cable internet provider in the U.S., with TV and home phone service options too. It's available to more than 100 million people across 42 states.

What we like

No data caps.

No contracts.

Spectrum WiFi Hotspots allow FREE, unlimited access to a nationwide network of over 500,000 hotspots around the country.
Pricing breakdown

Plan cost: A price breakdown isn't readily available.

Equipment fees: $10/mo WiFi + Free Modem

Spectrum's terms & conditions

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.

Spectrum Internet

7,203 customer reviews

Plans starting at
$30

/mo
for 12 mos.

Speeds up to
1000 mbps
Connection type
Cable
Available in Albany
100%

Call to learn more

Call to learn more: (844) 451-2720

Check plans with Spectrum Check plans with Spectrum

Speeds up to
1000 mbps
Connection type
Cable
Customer rating

(7,203)

Available in Albany
100%

Call to learn more:

(844) 451-2720

Check plans with Spectrum
Provider details

Connection type

Cable

Upload speeds

up to 35 Mbps

Data caps

None

Installation options

Self-installation Activation Fee of $30, Professional-installation Fee of $65.

Technical support

Available 24/7
Spectrum is the second largest cable internet provider in the U.S., with TV and home phone service options too. It's available to more than 100 million people across 42 states.

What we like

No data caps.

No contracts.

Spectrum WiFi Hotspots allow FREE, unlimited access to a nationwide network of over 500,000 hotspots around the country.
Pricing breakdown

Plan cost: A price breakdown isn't readily available.

Equipment fees: $10/mo WiFi + Free Modem

Spectrum's terms & conditions

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.
Verizon 5G Internet

452 customer reviews

Plans starting at
$50

/mo*
for 12 mos.

Speeds up to
1000 mbps
Connection type
Wireless
Available in Albany
95%

Call to learn more

Call to learn more: (844) 451-2720

Check plans with Verizon Check plans with Verizon

Speeds up to
1000 mbps
Connection type
Wireless
Customer rating

(452)

Available in Albany
95%

*with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.

*with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.

Call to learn more:

(844) 451-2720

Check plans with Verizon
Provider details

Connection type

Wireless

Data caps

None

Installation options

Self, Professional

Technical support

Available 24/7
5G Home Internet is the first 5G wireless network built to connect your home with ultra-fast internet that's ready for what comes next. With 5G Home Internet, there are no long-term contracts or additional equipment or installation fees and all taxes and fees are included. 5G Home Internet availability is limited in select cities.

What we like

Verizon 5G Home Internet

Ultra-fast Wi-Fi

5G Internet Gateway included

No annual contracts, no hidden fees
Pricing breakdown

Plan cost: A price breakdown isn't readily available.

Verizon 5G's terms & conditions

(1) May require the purchase of additional Wi-Fi Extenders. (2) Actual speeds may vary. with Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Plan prices include taxes and fees. For full terms and conditions see: https://www.verizon.com/support/verizon-5g-home-legal/
Verizon 4G Internet

Plans starting at
$50

/mo
for 12 mos.

Speeds up to
50 mbps
Connection type
Wireless
Available in Albany
95%

Call to learn more

Call to learn more: (844) 451-2720

Check plans with Verizon Check plans with Verizon

Speeds up to
50 mbps
Connection type
Wireless
Available in Albany
95%

Call to learn more:

(844) 451-2720

Check plans with Verizon
Provider details

Connection type

Wireless

Data caps

None

Installation options

Self, Professional

Technical support

Available 24/7
Verizon is a high-speed internet, TV and phone provider available in nine states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region offering 4G LTE coverage.

What we like

Enjoy speeds up to 5 times faste rthan required for HD video streaming

Unlimited data with no data caps

2-year price guarantee

Contract/early termination fees buyout
Pricing breakdown

Plan cost: A price breakdown isn't readily available.

Verizon 4G's terms & conditions

Not available in all areas. Plus taxes & fees. With Auto Pay. Subject to VZW Agmts & credit approval. Auto Pay and paper-free billing req'd. Add'l equipment charges apply.
Hughesnet Internet

304 customer reviews

Plans starting at
$49

99/mo*
for 12 mos.

Speeds up to
100 mbps
Connection type
Satellite
Available in Albany
100%

Call to learn more

Call to learn more: (844) 451-2720

Check plans with Hughesnet Check plans with Hughesnet

Speeds up to
100 mbps
Connection type
Satellite
Customer rating

(304)

Available in Albany
100%

***Monthly Fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACHⓘ enrollment. Enroll before the 2nd billing cycle for continued savings. Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Equipment Lease or Purchase fees extra.

***Monthly Fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACHⓘ enrollment. Enroll before the 2nd billing cycle for continued savings. Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Equipment Lease or Purchase fees extra.

Call to learn more:

(844) 451-2720

Check plans with Hughesnet
Provider details

Connection type

Satellite

Upload speeds

5 Mbps

Data caps

None

Installation options

Professional

Technical support

Available 24/7
HughesNet is a satellite internet provider offering nationwide availability and up to 200 GB data plans.

What we like

Widespread availability with the flexibility to change your plan anytime

Satellite

SmartTechnologies™ service enhancement for smart web data usage

15-100 GB of plan data with no overages and additional data during off-peak hours (2am-8am)

24-month service agreement with no mid-contract price changes
Pricing breakdown

Plan cost: A price breakdown isn't readily available.

Equipment fees: Available for rental or purchase (rental est. $14.99/mo.)

Hughesnet's terms & conditions

Each Hughesnet service plan is designed to deliver the download/upload speeds assigned to that specific plan, however, speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to the number of concurrent network users. Your Hughesnet experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source. Save $30 per month for 12 months on Fusion plans or $25 per month for 12 months on non-Fusion plans. After 12 months, plans revert to the standard monthly fee. Offer availability varies based on geographical area. New subscribers only. Limited-time offer. Other terms may apply. Free standard professional installation applies to new Lease subscribers only. Not valid with Purchase option. Limited-time offer. Standard Data may be slower than other traffic during high-traffic periods. Minimum term required. Monthly service and early termination fees apply. Visit legal.hughesnet.com for details. Hughesnet and Hughesnet Fusion are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company. JUPITER is a trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company.

1-4 of 4 providers shown

Table of contents

Speed Guide
Best ISP
Cheapest
Fastest
Compare Services
FAQs

What's the right internet speed for your home?

Households within Albany are, on average, getting download speeds of 175 Mbps and upload speeds of 51 Mbps. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigns internet requirements into light, moderate and high-use categories.

Our online speed guide can help you decide which internet speed is best for your household.

Light

Internet use

1 to 2

Email, browsing, basic video, one streaming device at a time.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

5 to 20 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

20 to 40 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

50 to 100 Mbps

View Allconnect's take

Moderate

Internet use

3 - 4

The same functions as Light, plus one high-demand application like streaming HD video, video conferencing, online gaming or telecommuting.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

5 to 20 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

20 to 40 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

75 to 200 Mbps

View Allconnect's take

High

Internet use

The same functions as Light and Moderate, plus multiple high-demand applications running simultaneously.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

100 to 200 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

200 to 300 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

400 to 500 Mbps

View Allconnect's take

Light

Internet use

1 to 2

Email, browsing, basic video, one streaming device at a time.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

5 to 20 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

20 to 40 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

50 to 100 Mbps

Allconnect's take:

For a small unit of one to two people, download speeds of 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps are just fine if you are both browsing or shopping online, checking your email and posting to your social media accounts on four to five devices at a time.
Moderate

Internet use

3 - 4

The same functions as Light, plus one high-demand application like streaming HD video, video conferencing, online gaming or telecommuting.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

5 to 20 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

20 to 40 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

75 to 200 Mbps

Allconnect's take:

If you have a larger home, with three to four people and up to six to eight devices accessing the internet simultaneously, plans from 100 to 400 Mbps will keep you from experiencing lag or downtime.
High

Internet use

5+

The same functions as Light and Moderate, plus multiple high-demand applications running simultaneously.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

100 to 200 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

200 to 300 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

400 to 500 Mbps

Allconnect's take:

With five or more people and 10+ devices accessing the internet at the same time, you’ll need a 500 Mbps to 1 Gig plan or above. Most internet users don’t need beyond 1 Gig of download speed, but if you are creating and uploading content like videos, running a home business or have multiple heavy gamers, some internet service providers have plans up to 10 Gbps.

DON'T KNOW WHAT INTERNET SPEED YOU NEED?

Find the speed you need with our internet speed quiz

Take the quiz

Best internet provider in Albany, NY

Allconnect's choice for the best internet provider in Albany is Verizon 5G Home, with their Wireless plans covering 94% of the city. Verizon 5G Home internet plans start at $50 with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.

To make that choice, we look at the affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction of internet service providers (ISPs). View our full methodology here.

Monthly Price Range

Available Speeds

Contract Length

Plans starting at

$50/mo.

Available speeds

300-1,000 Mbps

None

Call to order

(844) 451-2720 Check plans with Verizon

Plans starting at

$50/mo.

Available speeds

300-1,000 Mbps

Contract length

None

Call to order: (844) 451-2720

Check plans with Verizon

Cheap internet in Albany

Most internet service providers offer cheap internet plans between $20-$30, for the lowest tier of speed, usually up to 75-100 Mbps. These plans are fast enough for light use in a small household.

Spectrum has the cheapest internet plans in Albany, starting at 100 Mbps for $30/mo.

Verizon Fios also has an affordable internet plan offering 300 Mbps for $49.99/mo.

Keep in mind that for just $5 or $10 extra a month, the second-to-cheapest plan offered by an ISP is sometimes the better deal, often providing more speed for your dollar.

Cheapest internet plans

Spectrum

Cheapest Plan

Monthly price

$30.00/mo.

Download speed

Up to 100 Mbps

Contract length

None

Connection type

Cable

Check availability

Call to order

(844) 451-2720

Verizon Fios

Next Best Plan

Monthly price

$49.99/mo.

Download speed

Up to 300 Mbps

Contract length

None

Connection type

Fiber

Check availability

Call to order

(844) 451-2720

Fastest internet in Albany

The speed you need depends on what you use the internet for. If high-speed internet is necessary for your household to game, work and learn, you'll be happy to know that Verizon 5G Home and Spectrum offer the fastest internet in Albany.

Verizon 5G Home has Wireless internet speeds starting at $50.00/mo. For up to 1,000 Mbps and Spectrum offers plans up to 1,000 Mbps for their Cable internet.

Fastest internet plans

Verizon 5G Home

Fastest Plan

Monthly price

$50.00/mo.

Download speed

Up to 1,000 Mbps

Contract length

None

Connection type

Wireless

Check availability

Call to order

(844) 451-2720

Spectrum

Next Best Plan

Monthly price

$70.00/mo.

Download speed

Up to 1,000 Mbps

Contract length

None

Connection type

Cable

Check availability

Call to order

(844) 451-2720

Provider	Monthly price range	Download speed range	Connection type
Verizon 5G Home	$50/mo.	300 - 1000 Mbps	Wireless Reliability Moderate	Check with Verizon Or call Or give us a call (844) 451-2720
Verizon Fios	$49.99 - $199.99/mo.	300 - 940 Mbps	Fiber Reliability High	Check with Verizon Or call Or give us a call (844) 451-2720
Spectrum	$30 - $70/mo.	100 - 1000 Mbps	Cable Reliability Average	Check with Spectrum Or call Or give us a call (844) 451-2720
Verizon 4G LTE	$50/mo.	50 Mbps	Wireless Reliability Moderate	Check with Verizon Or call Or give us a call (844) 451-2720
Hughesnet	$49.99 - $94.99/mo.	50 - 100 Mbps	Satellite Reliability Low	Check with HughesNet Or call Or give us a call (844) 451-2720

Internet providers in Albany, New York

Moving & want to keep your current service?

Moving & want to keep your current service?

Provider details

What we like

Pricing breakdown

Spectrum's terms & conditions

Provider details

What we like

Pricing breakdown

Spectrum's terms & conditions

Provider details

What we like

Pricing breakdown

Verizon 5G's terms & conditions

Provider details

What we like

Pricing breakdown

Verizon 4G's terms & conditions

Provider details

What we like

Pricing breakdown

Hughesnet's terms & conditions

What's the right internet speed for your home?

Find the speed you need with our internet speed quiz

Best internet provider in Albany, NY

Cheap internet in Albany

Cheapest internet plans

Fastest internet in Albany

Fastest internet plans

Most available internet providers in Albany

Most available internet plans

Explore internet options near Albany

Popular nearby cities

Compare Top Internet Services

Albany internet FAQs

What's the cheapest internet provider in Albany?

What's the fastest internet provider in Albany?

Should I buy my own equipment?

How do I set up internet?

What internet technology type should I look for?