Finding the right internet providers New Jersey can be a daunting task. With numerous options and varying service levels, choosing an ISP that meets your needs is essential. In this article, we'll explore the top internet providers in New Jersey, their coverage, plans, pricing, and additional options for rural areas. We'll also discuss cheap internet plans, internet service for low-income households, and the state of broadband in New Jersey.
Internet Provider | Starting Monthly Cost | Download Speed | Technology | State Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile Home Internet | $50/month | 72 to 245 Mbps | 5G | 95% |
Verizon | $49.99/month | 300 to 940 Mbps | Fiber | 87% |
Xfinity | $24.99/month | 75 to 6000 Mbps | Cable / Fiber | 57% |
Optimum | $45/month | 300 to 940 Mbps | Cable | 40% |
Starry | $50/month | Up to 200 Mbps | 5G | 4% |
CenturyLink | $30/month | 100 to 940 Mbps | DSL, Fiber | 3% |
Spectrum | $49.99/month | 300 to 1000 Mbps | Cable | 2% |
Verizon Fios is a top pick for most New Jersey residents due to its extensive coverage and reliable service. It offers a range of high-speed plans, including symmetrical or near-symmetrical upload and download speeds. Available in many parts of the state, Verizon Fios has options like 300Mbps, 500Mbps, and 940Mbps, with prices starting at $50 per month. Some customers in the NYC area even have access to a blazing-fast 2Gbps plan for $120 per month. What sets Verizon Fios apart is its customer-friendly approach with no equipment fees, data caps, or contracts.
For those in New Jersey's urban areas, Verizon's 5G Home Internet service provides an enticing alternative. It offers plans with speeds ranging from 85 to 1,000Mbps, starting at $50 per month, with a 50% discount for eligible Verizon mobile customers. Like Verizon Fios, 5G Home Internet has no equipment fees, contracts, or data caps. This service is primarily available in larger cities like Newark and Jersey City.
Internet options are typically more abundant in urban areas, but T-Mobile Home Internet helps fill the gaps in rural parts of New Jersey. Available throughout most of the state, this service offers speeds ranging from 72 to 245Mbps for $50 per month, with a $20 discount for eligible T-Mobile Magenta Max customers. T-Mobile Home Internet does not require contracts, and there are no data caps or equipment fees.
Optimum New Jersey primarily serves the eastern and northern regions of New Jersey. It offers competitive plans with speeds of 300Mbps, 500Mbps, and gigabit options, starting at $40, $60, and $70 per month, respectively. Optimum uses both cable and fiber connections, ensuring fast upload speeds. Customers appreciate the absence of equipment fees and contracts, along with unlimited data.
Xfinity is the largest cable internet providers NJ, offering various high-speed internet plans. With plans ranging from 200Mbps starting at $25 per month to 1,200Mbps starting at $80 per month, Xfinity provides flexibility and variety. Most Xfinity customers in New Jersey enjoy unlimited data and no contract requirements. It's important to note that cable internet generally offers lower upload speeds compared to fiber services like Verizon Fios.
While New Jersey is densely populated, it still has rural areas that may lack traditional internet access. For rural residents, several options are available.
Brightspeed - Offering wired connections, Brightspeed covers most of the western side of New Jersey with speeds ranging from 100 to 940Mbps for $50 per month.
HughesNet - HughesNet provides consistent speeds of 25Mbps across New Jersey, with lower data allowances but cost-effective pricing.
Starlink - Aiming to revolutionize satellite internet, Starlink offers faster speeds but at a higher price point of $120 per month and initial setup costs.
Viasat - A potential alternative to HughesNet, Viasat offers faster speeds and higher data allowances in select parts of New Jersey, albeit at higher prices.
New Jersey residents are fortunate to have access to fast download speeds, with an average of 224Mbps. Providers like Verizon Fios, Xfinity, and Optimum ensure that more than 99% of households in the state can access download speeds of 250Mbps or higher. It's important to note that internet speed can be influenced by factors such as connectivity type and the number of connected devices.
For those seeking cheap internet plans in New Jersey, Xfinity's "Connect More" plan offers 200Mbps speeds for just $25 per month. Additionally, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides up to $30 per month to qualifying households. Discount plans like Xfinity Internet Essentials and Verizon Lifeline, when combined with the Affordable Connectivity Program, can result in free or heavily subsidized internet for low-income households.
Selecting the right New Jersey internet providers is crucial for ensuring reliable internet access. The state offers a variety of options, and the best choice depends on your specific location and needs. Whether you're in an urban or rural area, New Jersey has a range of internet providers and plans to accommodate your requirements. Take advantage of the available assistance programs to ensure affordable and accessible internet for all residents of the Garden State.