Verizon Fios is our top recommendation for internet in Jersey City. With gigabit and multi-gig plans. Verizon Fios’ fiber network’s speeds and reliability are hard to overstate. And while most providers charge an extra fee for router rental, Verizon graciously includes the equipment in your plan. Also, if you sign up with the right deal, you can get a price lock guarantee in which Verizon agrees not to raise your prices for up to five years.
Be aware that the faster the plan, the more you have to pay. But don’t worry—most folks don’t need those swiftest options and their high price tags.
Best Verizon Fios internet plan for most people: [500Mbps, 500Mbps for $69.99/mo.]
Most households don’t need gigabit speeds unless they have a dozen or more devices simultaneously running bandwidth-intensive tasks (like downloading large files and streaming in 4K). Go instead for the 500Mbps plan. That’s plenty of speed to stream, game, surf, work, and operate a modest security system for your downtown apartment or Victorian house in the Heights.
Xfinity offers quick internet at a lower price—an option as elusive in some cities as the White Lady in Liberty State Park. When you sign up, you get your plan at a lower promotional price for a year or two. You can also save money by bundling your Internet with an Xfinity Mobile plan or cable TV plan.
In contrast to Verizon’s rent-free equipment, Xfinity has a monthly rental fee, plus various other fees for installation, late payments, and data overages. You don’t have to worry too much about data overage fees—many users are unlikely to exceed the generous 1.2 TB allowance. But to save some cash, opt for self-installation and be extra diligent about paying your bill on time.
Best Xfinity internet plan for most people: [Fast, 400Mbps for $35.00/mo.]
Xfinity’s 400Mbps Fast plan is the best choice for typical household internet use. (The exception is if you work with large media files as a living or hobby.) After 24 months, your price will jump by $10—but that’s not too big of a price hike compared to other internet providers.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is a solid choice for households that use the internet regularly but not religiously. The service offers just one plan, but it comes at an affordable price with no extra fees, annual contracts, or data caps. The service runs wirelessly on T-Mobile’s 5G cellular network, so there’s no intrusive installation process. Speeds are more likely to be inconsistent compared to a fiber or cable provider, but if you’re not happy with your service, you can cancel anytime without worrying about early termination fees.
Best T-Mobile 5G Home internet plan for most people: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, 74–245Mbps for $50.00/mo.]
T-Mobile 5G’s 245Mbps max speed is slower than some internet options in Jersey. Still, it’s more than enough for typical gaming, streaming, working, online shopping, and other day-to-day online activities.
