New Jersey residents seeking reliable and high-speed internet service have several solid options, with Verizon Fios emerging as the top recommendation by experts at CNET. Known for its fast, symmetrical speeds, consistent pricing, and appealing sign-up offers, Verizon Fios is widely regarded as the best internet provider in the state. The service offers a variety of plans, ranging from $35 to $110 per month, catering to different user needs and budgets.
For those who want alternatives, Xfinity is another popular choice in New Jersey. It provides affordable plans, bundles, and prepaid services, with prices starting at $40 per month and going up to $100 for a plan offering speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Depending on where you live in New Jersey, other internet service providers (ISPs) such as Brightspeed, Optimum, and even emerging options like T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon’s 5G service may be available.
New Jersey’s geography presents a unique challenge for internet accessibility. Despite being the most densely populated state in the U.S., it also contains significant suburban and rural areas. These rural regions may not yet be served by cable or fiber internet providers, which limits options for residents. However, T-Mobile Home Internet is expanding its reach into these less densely populated areas, providing a wireless broadband alternative. Additionally, Verizon’s 5G service is becoming a viable option in urban centers like Newark and coastal communities along the Jersey Shore.
While the options might not be as numerous as in some other states, the internet providers available across New Jersey are generally high quality. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), over 98% of households in the state have access to download speeds of 250 Mbps or higher, thanks to providers like Verizon Fios, Xfinity, and Optimum. This level of coverage ensures that most residents can enjoy fast, reliable internet service suitable for streaming, gaming, remote work, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
For residents specifically looking for budget-friendly options, Brightspeed and Spectrum stand out. Brightspeed offers an entry-level plan priced at $29 per month with speeds reaching 300 Mbps, making it the cheapest among major ISPs in the state. Spectrum follows closely with a $30 monthly plan that delivers 100 Mbps download speeds, which may be sufficient for users with moderate internet needs. Additionally, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet provide cost-effective choices, especially when customers qualify for mobile discounts that can reduce monthly bills to as low as $35.
In terms of internet speed, New Jersey performs better than most states. Latest data from Ookla, a widely recognized provider of internet speed testing, ranks New Jersey sixth in the nation for fastest median download speeds, with a median of approximately 234 Mbps. While real-world speeds can vary based on factors like the type of connection (Ethernet versus Wi-Fi), distance from the router, the number of connected devices, and the specific internet plan, the state’s overall internet infrastructure supports fast and reliable connectivity for most users.
Choosing the right internet provider can be complex, as the market includes numerous regional players and a variety of plans with different pricing structures, speed tiers, and contract terms. To navigate this landscape, CNET employs a detailed research methodology. This process includes analyzing historical ISP data, consulting provider websites, and reviewing mapping information from the FCC. Additionally, they explore customer satisfaction surveys from reputable sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power to gauge service quality and reliability.
Each ISP is evaluated based on three primary questions: Are the plans affordable? Are the internet speeds fast and consistent? Is the service reliable and well-reviewed by customers? Providers that meet these criteria across the board are highly recommended. For budget-conscious consumers, CNET also considers factors such as equipment fees, price increases after promotional periods, and contract requirements to determine the true cost of internet service.
Despite a somewhat limited number of providers in the state, New Jersey residents can generally rely on high-quality options from Verizon Fios, Xfinity, Optimum, T-Mobile, and Verizon 5G. These providers offer competitive pricing, unlimited data, and many plans come without long-term contracts, providing flexibility for consumers who may be moving or want to avoid commitment.
When it comes to the question of which ISP is the best in New Jersey, Verizon Fios stands out primarily due to its extensive fiber-optic network, which delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds that are among the fastest in the state. Fios