Along with some of the cheapest prices in the area, Optimum also comes with unlimited data and no contracts. It recently introduced fiber internet plans as well, which offer faster upload speeds and a more reliably fast connection. But Optimum also has its downsides, like a very small service area and facepalm-worthy customer service. So let’s dig in and find out if Optimum is right for you. Check Out Optimum Internet Deals We like to see a lot of choices when it comes to internet speeds because it’s more likely you’ll find a plan that fits your needs. And you won’t overpay for unneeded speed or consider swapping to those AOL internet CDs because your connection is too slow. As for prices, it’s rare to see prices this low for the speeds Optimum offers. Here’s a quick peek at how much the ISP charges for each of its plans: Optimum lists that prices are “subject to change” so you won’t know exactly how much prices will increase, just that they will after a full year of service. Here’s a quick look at how Optimum’s minimum and maximum prices and speeds compare to AT&T Fiber, Astound Broadband, powered by RCN, and Verizon Fios Home Internet. You’ll notice in the table below that Optimum’s price for its 300 Mbps internet is cheaper than AT&T Fiber, Astound Broadband, and Verizon Fios Home Internet. So if the Optimum 300 plan is available in your area, we say listen to the Steve Miller Band’s advice and go on, take the savings and run. To recap, here’s how Optimum internet compares to AT&T Fiber, Astound, and Verizon Fios Home Internet:
AT&T Fiber: AT&T Fiber’s slower plans, like Internet 300, are almost a match with Optimum in terms of value. But at faster speeds of 940 Mbps, Optimum provides more value with a lower monthly price. Astound Broadband, powered by RCN: In New York, Astound Broadband is another great value pick. Though some of Astound’s plans, like the 500 Mbps plan, cost slightly more per month than Optimum’s plans with the same download speeds. Verizon Fios Home Internet: Verizon’s monthly cost is a tad higher than Optimum’s, but you’ll get a slightly faster jolt of download speed. But if you’re looking at grabbing internet speeds of 400 Mbps or faster, Optimum quickly becomes a better choice.
Want to read more about Optimum and other ISPs in the Northeast? Check out these reviews:
Optimum vs. Verizon Fios Home Internet AT&T Internet Review Astound Broadband, powered by RCN Internet Review Verizon Fios Home Internet Review
We recommend 300 Mbps download speeds as a good starting point for most small families, and Optimum offers 300 Mbps plans with its cable and fiber service. If you need faster speeds for a larger household or an at-home business, Optimum’s internet goes up to 940 Mbps. That’s plenty of speed to keep you working, gaming, and streaming efficiently. If you use video chat to keep in touch with family or coworkers or run your home business, you may want to bump up to the Optimum 500 cable internet plan. Or better yet, grab an Optimum fiber internet plan if it’s available in your area.
Optimum data cap: Unlimited
As for equipment and installation, Optimum’s fees are pretty standard. Here’s a closer look at its rental equipment and fees. Other equipment options include Smart Wi-Fi Extenders and Optimum Stream. The Wi-Fi extenders are a cheap addition that can help your Wi-Fi reach even the furthest corners. Optimum Stream is a great way to stream all of your apps in 4K, along with 50+ free channels.
Optimum Gateway 6 fee: Included Wi-Fi extenders: $3 a month per extender Optimum Stream: $5 a month
Installation: $99.00-$149.99 Service restoration fee (1–2 products): $10.00 Service restoration fee (3+ products): $15.00 Home wiring: $80.00 one-time fee if your home requires cables or wiring so the technician can install your internet Late payment fee: $10.00
While the ISPs are getting their act together, here are some tips on dealing with internet customer service reps that should keep you from throwing your cell phone across the room in anger. On a somewhat related note, one excellent feature we saw on Optimum’s website was a full set of accessibility adjustments. These range from settings that affect visibility of text and images, a keyboard navigator, and an ADHD-friendly mode. This is a feature we hope to see on more sites.
Prices and plans: All of Optimum’s internet plans are budget-friendly, and none of the plans come with an automatic price hike after a certain amount of time. When compared to AT&T Fiber, Astound Broadband (formerly RCN), and Verizon Fios Home Internet, Optimum’s internet prices are right on the money, if not cheaper. Speed: Optimum offers a wide range of download speeds, meaning you won’t need to pay more for speed you don’t need or suffer through speeds that are too slow. But watch out for slow upload speeds on its cable internet plans. Data caps: All Optimum internet plans come with unlimited data, so no need to worry about overage fees. Contracts, equipment, and fees: Optimum doesn’t require contracts, plus its equipment and service fees are reasonable. Customer service: Optimum, like most internet providers, could improve in the customer service department. But we do like the customer-friendly accessibility options on its site.
We then compared these features to other internet providers serving the same area to get an idea of whether or not Optimum offers good value with its internet service. P.S. If you suspect your slow connection isn’t your fault, here’s how to tell if your ISP is throttling your speed. But remember that Optimum’s service “footprint” is mostly confined to the Tri-State area of Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
