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Optimum TV and Internet Review

Our experts will walk you through Optimum’s affordable internet plans—and pricey TV packages.

NEW! Get A $200 Visa® Prepaid Card. Terms apply.‡
Editorial rating (3.7/5)

Price: Starting at $40.00/mo.

Channel count: 210–420+

Internet speeds: 300–5,000 Mbps

Deal: $500 contract buyout when you switch

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Package Connection type Price* Download speeds up to Channel count Details
Best TV plan
Premier TV 		Cable $115.00/mo. N/A 420+ View Plan
Best internet plan
Fiber Internet 1 Gig 		Fiber $80.00/mo. 940 Mbps N/A View Plan
Best bundle (cable)
Optimum 1 Gig and Premier TV 		Cable $195.00/mo. 940 Mbps 420+ View Plan
Best bundle (fiber)
Fiber Internet 1 Gig and Premier TV 		Fiber $195.00/mo. 940 Mbps 420+ View Plan

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Wired connection speeds. Wi-Fi speeds may vary.

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Update: As of August 1, 2022, Suddenlink is officially part of Optimum. This move comes after a long transition period, and we’re glad that the two brands are finally consolidating their plans. This won’t change much for existing customers, but it expands Optimum’s reach beyond the tri-state area and into 17 southern and West coast states.

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Is Optimum good?

Optimum by Altice USA is a solid internet, TV, and phone provider with cable and fiber-optic internet speeds up to 5,000 Mbps, up to 420+ live TV channels, and home phone service. But while its internet speeds and prices are highly competitive, it misses the mark with its overpriced cable TV.

Optimum is one of the best internet providers in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, and it’s just widened its market to 17 more states. So if you want to switch to Optimum Internet, take advantage of its contract buyout offer—it offers up to $500 to ease the transition.

Optimum pros and cons

Pros

  • No contracts
  • $500 contract buyout
  • Affordable internet
  • Free installation (select plans)

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Bundling requirements for phone and TV service

Jump to:

Optimum deals

Optimum customers get a lot of value with their internet plans, including a free Wi-Fi 6 gateway and free installation.

You can also get a deal on Optimum Mobile, which uses T-Mobile’s network. When you bundle Optimum Internet with Optimum Mobile, you can save up to $15 a month on each line.

New customers can also take advantage of Optimum’s sign-up promotions. These change occasionally but often include some pretty snazzy freebies.

Check out our Optimum deals page for this month’s promotions.

Optimum internet plans and prices

Package Price* Connection type Download speeds up to Upload speeds up to Details
Optimum 300 $40.00/mo. Cable 300 Mbps 20 Mbps View Plan
Fiber Internet 300 $40.00/mo. Fiber 300 Mbps 300 Mbps View Plan
Optimum 500 $60.00/mo. Cable 500 Mbps 20 Mbps View Plan
Fiber Internet 500 $60.00/mo. Fiber 500 Mbps 500 Mbps View Plan
Optimum 1 Gig $80.00/mo. Cable 940 Mbps 35 Mbps View Plan
Fiber Internet 1 Gig
Best for speed and value 		$80.00/mo. Fiber 940 Mbps 940 Mbps View Plan
Fiber Internet 2 Gig $120.00/mo. Fiber 2,000 Mbps 2,000 Mbps View Plan
Fiber Internet 5 Gig $180.00/mo. Fiber 5,000 Mbps 5,000 Mbps View Plan

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Wired connection speeds. Wi-Fi speeds may vary.

Your Optimum internet might use a cable or fiber-optic connection, depending on which Optimum network operates in your area. Whether you have cable or fiber at your place, the prices are the same.

But we hope you get fiber internet to your home—fiber offers faster upload speeds that will come in handy for seamless video calls. But both service types provide fast download speeds, which most people prioritize for their internet connections.

Optimum 300 and Fiber Internet 300 come with great value for the speed and enough juice to handle HD streaming and gaming.

For internet lovers who want gig speeds to support all their smart home devices, work-from-home lifestyle, or 4K video streaming, go for Optimum 1 Gig and Fiber Internet 1 Gig. These plans are some of the cheapest gigabit plans in the US.

Optimum TV plans and prices

TV Plan Price Live channels Details
Basic TV $30.00/mo. 50+ View Plans
Core TV $75.00/mo. 210+ View Plans
Select TV $95.00/mo. 340+ View Plans
Best standalone TV plan
Premier TV 		$115.00/mo. 420+ View Plans

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Optimum offers four TV plans available only if you also sign up for an Optimum internet plan. While Optimum’s internet plans have a tantalizingly low price, these TV plans cost more than most comparable competitor plans.

The exception to this is Basic TV, the cheapest Optimum TV plan. But this plan covers primarily local channels, which you can more affordably get with a digital antenna.

For the most channels, you’ll want Optimum’s Premier TV plan. This plan includes all the best premium channels, like HBO, SHOWTIME, and STARZ.

But if you just want some TV at home, and you’re not too picky about what you watch, add the Optimum Stream to your internet plan in the checkout. This streaming device costs $5 a month and connects to over 50 live channels, including NBC News Now, USA Today, and PBS Digital.

Need support?

You can contact Optimum customer or tech support by calling these region-specific numbers:

You can also chat with reps at Optimum’s online customer support portal, hit them up via Twitter (@OptimumHelp), or visit a local store.

Optimum vs. competition

Optimum bumps elbows with a few major competitors in its small service area. Check out our article “Alternatives to Optimum” for a full account. But if you want a quick rundown, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Verizon Fios vs. Optimum

Verizon Fios is Optimum’s primary competitor. Both providers have similar prices, plenty of sign-up incentives, and no contracts. But Optimum offers a free internet gateway, while Verizon Fios’s could cost you up to $15 per month.

But Verizon Fios ranked much higher than Optimum in our TV customer satisfaction survey and internet customer satisfaction survey. If a better user experience matters more to you than saving a few bucks a month, go for Verizon Fios.

Read our full Verizon Fios vs. Optimum review for more information.

Xfinity vs. Optimum

Xfinity has a few network areas that cross into Optimum territory. But Xfinity charges much more for its no-contract plans, while all Optimum plans come without an annual contract. And, like Verizon Fios, Xfinity’s gateway rental is pretty darn pricey at $14 a month.

For more help choosing, check out our Xfinity vs. Optimum review.

DIRECTV vs. Optimum

DIRECTV’s two-year contract requires more commitment than Optimum’s no-contract plans. But unlike Optimum, DIRECTV offers TV-only packages, so you won’t get strongarmed into signing up for internet. (Who doesn’t want internet? How are you even here?)

To learn more, read our DIRECTV vs. Optimum TV review.

Final take: Is Optimum worth it?

We really like Optimum’s $500 contract buyout, lack of contracts, and the value offered in almost all of its plans—especially its top-tier cable and fiber internet packages. Few of Optimum’s competitors can beat that value. So go on and sign up for Optimum internet and TV service. We think you’ll be pleased.

View Optimum Plans

Optimum FAQ

What is the cheapest Optimum package?

The cheapest internet-only Optimum package is Optimum 300 (cable) or Fiber Internet 300. Each costs $40.00 a month and has download speeds up to 300 Mbps. Both are among the most affordable internet plans for the speed, but you’ll get more bang for your buck with faster internet packages—especially the top-tier plans, Optimum 1 Gig and Fiber Internet 1 Gig ($79.99 a month, 940 Mbps).

How can I get Optimum to lower my bill?

Try calling Optimum to see if you can drop down to a cheaper package or, if you’ve been with the company for several years, see about a loyalty discount.

What packages does Optimum offer?

Optimum has four standalone internet packages priced $40.00–$180.00 per month with speeds up to 300–5,000 Mbps. Optimum’s standalone TV plans cost $75.00–$115.00 a month and have 210–420+ channels. Optimum also has several bundles where you can mix and match internet, phone, and TV service for $70.00–$260.00 a month.

Does Optimum offer discounts for seniors?

If you’re 62 or older, Optimum offers 10% off of your monthly basic cable bill.

You might also try applying for Optimum and Suddenlink’s internet service for lower-income individuals and seniors, Altice Advantage Internet. The plan costs $14.99 a month and has speeds up to 30 Mbps, unlimited data, and discounted standard installation (a one-time fee of $14.99). It’s available to the following customers:

  • K–12 or college students displaced due to school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic*
  • Seniors 65 years of age or older who are eligible for, or currently receive, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • US military veterans who receive state or federal public assistance

For more deals and offers, check out our Optimum deals guide.

Why is Optimum so expensive?

Optimum’s plans and bundles are actually some of the cheapest around, but they can get more expensive with extra charges for DVR service, equipment, and broadcast fees. For more information, read our guide to the Hidden Costs of Optimum.

Is Netflix free with Optimum?

Optimum does not offer free Netflix for customers.

How much is basic cable for Optimum?

Optimum’s Basic TV plan costs $30 a month for 50+ channels.

Disclaimer

‡Visa® Reward Card: Offer is not available to individuals who have previously participated in an Optimum Visa Reward Card promotion within the past 12 months. Visa Reward Card will be mailed to customers who maintain promotion and remain in good standing with no past due or returned payments throughout first 90 days after account activation. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Limit 1 per customer. Visa Reward Card cannot be used to pay Optimum monthly bill. Card value expires in 12 mos. Visa Reward Card may be used when making purchases from merchants in the U.S. and District of Columbia everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. No ATM access. Terms and Conditions apply to Reward Cards. See Cardholder Agreement for details. Visa Reward Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This optional offer is not a MetaBank product or service nor does MetaBank endorse this offer. Card is distributed and serviced by InComm Financial Services, Inc., which is licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

See also: Optimum Internet  | Optimum TV | Optimum Channel lineup | Optimum Bundles | Optimum Customer Service 

Methodology

Our experts have logged hundreds of hours researching and testing Optimum’s internet and TV plans and bundles in order to help you decide if Optimum is the right provider for you. For more information on our process, read our “How We Rank” guide.

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