Optimum Cable TV Review: Your Guide to the Top Plans and Packages
Our TV experts explain how Optimum TV may look tempting, but often provides a lesser experience.
Are Optimum TV plans worth it?
Based on our annual TV Customer Satisfaction Survey results, we think that Optimum TV isn’t worth it for most folks because of its higher cost and hidden fees. In fact, less than 45% of Optimum TV customers like its prices. Meanwhile, about 30% hate its price. (Woof!)
Be aware that Optimum doesn’t offer standalone TV, but it does sell bundles with high-speed internet service (cable or fiber), cable TV, and home phone lines. A TV plan will add between $35 and $125 to your monthly internet bill, but you won’t get a bundle discount on your TV service.
Unfortunately, Optimum no longer offers Price for Life. It also has expensive equipment, limited availability, low DVR storage, and high DVR prices, so tread lightly with Optimum TV service.
Save money with mobile bundles and gift card promos
Optimum’s TV deals often change month to month. For details on all of Optimum’s promotions, check out our Optimum deals page.
Want Optimum TV? You’ll need an internet plan first.
When you sign up with Optimum online, you’ll be given a menu of internet and TV plans. The idea is for you to mix and match, creating your own bundle based on your TV and internet needs (and budget).
1) Choose an Optimum internet plan
| Plan name | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Optimum 300 | $40.00/mo. | View plans |
| Optimum 500 | $60.00/mo. | View plans |
| Optimum 1 Gig | $80.00/mo. | View plans |
| Fiber Internet 300 | $40.00/mo. | View plans |
| Fiber Internet 500 | $60.00/mo. | View plans |
| Fiber Internet 1 Gig | $80.00/mo. | View plans |
| Fiber Internet 2 Gig | $120.00/mo. | View plans |
| Fiber Internet 5 Gig | $180.00/mo. | View plans |
| Fiber Internet 8 Gig | $280.00/mo. | View plans |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
See full disclaimer.
Depending on where you live, you’ll get either cable or fiber internet connections from Optimum. There is no difference in download speeds, but fiber connections are better because they have symmetrical upload speeds—you can upload as fast as you download.
But the speed you need depends on what do you do online, and how much of it you do.
Optimum 300 ($40.00 a month, 300Mbps) is good for most households with multiple devices, streaming TV in HD, casual/recreational online gaming, and downloading large files frequently.
At the other end of the spectrum, a large household with multiple TVs streaming in 4K, multiple serious online gamers with their own devices, and everyone on their phones, will want to go with Optimum 1 Gig ($80.00 a month, 940Mbps).
Now let’s assess your TV needs.
"After the first year at 90 dollars, the price increased to almost 200 dollars, which has me upset."
2) Choose an Optimum TV plan
| Plan name | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic TV | +$35.00/mo. | View plans |
| Core TV | +$85.00/mo. | View plans |
| Select TV | +$105.00/mo. | View plans |
|
Premier TV Most Channels |
+$125.00/mo. | View plans |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Wired connection speeds. WiFi speeds may vary.
We’re not impressed with Optimum’s TV prices and service, but let’s go over your options anyway.
With Optimum Core, you’ll get 220+ basic cable channels like HGTV, Disney Channel, and ESPN. At only $85 per month, the package will work best for most households who just want cable TV service.
Optimum Select ($105 a month) ups your lineup to 340 channels with additional networks including NFL Network, Disney XD, and MTV. Your household will get the most out of Optimum Select if you have multiple family members who want to watch the package’s sports, kids, or news channels.
If you want the best of everything, Premier TV is our bang-for-your-buck pick. It has 420+ channels—including MaxTM, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and STARZ ENCORE®. At $115 per month, that’s only $0.30 per channel, which ain’t bad at all.
Optimum’s highest-tier TV plan comes with a lot of channels
Optimum’s highest-tier TV plan, Premier TV, has 420+ live channels. That’s second only to Verizon, which has up to 425+ channels.
Here’s a rundown of Optimum’s popular channels, premium channels, and channel add-on packs. For even more information, check out our Optimum channel lineup guide.
Optimum offers the same premium channels as most other providers
If you want the premium stuff, Optimum has it, with all the best movies and TV series.
- CINEMAX® ($9.99/mo.)
- Max ($15.99/mo.)
- SHOWTIME and The Movie Channel ($10.99/mo.)
- STARZ and STARZENCORE ($9.99/mo.)
Don’t forget—we recommend Optimum Premier ($125.00 a month, 420+ channels) because it already includes Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and STARZENCORE.
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Optimum channel add-on packs
If you’re into add-on channel packs, Optimum has two: one for Spanish speakers and one for sports fans.
- Optimum en Español ($15.00/mo.): 55+ channels, including Antena 3, CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes, History en Español, and NBC Universo
- Optimum Sports Pack ($15.00/mo.): 24 channels, including NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NHL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, Golf Channel, and more.
Optimum’s main TV packages include a handful of Spanish-language channels. Those will suffice when your abuela is visiting. But if she’s gonna move in—or if a bilingual familia is your priority—go for Optimum en Español.
The Select ($105 a month, 340+ channels) plan already includes MLB and NFL Network at no extra cost. But if you have room in your budget, the Optimum Sports Pack is a sweet deal for the price.
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Optimum DVR service and TV equipment
Your Optimum service equipment will vary depending on whether or not you have a standalone TV package or a bundle. Let’s talk boxes.
Optimum TV boxes
When you bundle with Optimum internet, you’ll get the Optimum TV Box (First box free, $12 a month for additional units) as your cable box. It has a voice-activated remote, supports 4K Ultra HD, and is compatible with streaming apps, including the Optimum TV mobile app.
For multiroom TV, you can choose the Optimum TV Box or an Apple TV device (both are $10 a month). If you go with the Apple TV, it’s a rent-to-own deal: The device is yours to keep after 13 months.
Optimum cloud DVR service
Optimum’s cloud DVR plans cost way too much for way too little storage—especially when you’re already paying $10 a month for the TV box.
Pro tip: Optimum’s Service Protection ($6.99/mo.) and Home Entertainment Protection and Support ($9.99/mo.) programs will waive service visit fees and provide support coverage for your Optimum hardware.
Optimum DVR plans and pricing
| Optimum DVR plan | Price | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud DVR | $9.99/mo. | 25 hrs. |
| Cloud DVR Plus | $17.99/mo. | 75 hrs. |
| Cloud DVR Max | $21.99/mo. | 150 hrs. |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Paying $22.00 a month for a TV box and 150 hours of storage stretches our idea of a decent deal. But it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. On the bright side, Optimum’s Cloud DVR is included at no extra charge with their 1 Gig Internet + TV packages.
Optimum modem/router
For the internet part of its bundles, you get the Optimum Gateway 6 modem/router ($12 a month), which comes with in-home Optimum Wi-Fi and 24/7 tech support. Or, if you can do without the in-home Wi-Fi and tech support, you can go buy an Optimum-compatible unit—the cheaper option, in the long run.
Optimum TV app
The Optimum TV app (for Amazon Kindle Fire, Android, and iOS) allows you to watch your Optimum channel package and on-demand content anywhere. You can also watch, manage, and schedule DVR recordings—and even use your phone as your remote control.
Optimum customers give the app solid marks, though—3.6 stars on Google Play and 4.6 on the Apple Store.
What do real Optimum customers think of Optimum TV?
Optimum, like most TV service providers, comes with a lot of hidden fees and price hikes. So while the company’s TV prices can be steep, they’ll get even steeper in subsequent years.
Customers might be more willing to forgive the extra fees if the service was worth it. However, Optimum ranked historically bad in our 2024 customer satisfaction survey. Customers reported high prices, poor customer service interactions, and poor service quality.
"With multiple channels, we have a lot of glitching where the voice cuts out and seems to pause. We end up having to switch channels because you can’t hear what’s going on. That is extremely frustrating—especially when you’re in the middle of watching a show and it starts happening. There’s nothing we can do to fix it, so we end up not being able to finish the show."
Optimum TV FAQ
What channels does Optimum have?
Optimum has 420+ channels available in four packages: Optimum Basic ($35 a month, 50+ channels), Optimum Core ($85 a month, 220+ channels), Optimum Select ($105 a month. 340+ channels), and Premier TV ($125 a month, 420+ channels). Select is the best value, while Premier has the best bang for your buck.
For more information on Optimum TV channels, check out our Optimum Channel Guide.
How much is Optimum’s basic package?
Optimum offers basic TV only in the Basic TV plan, which costs $35 a month for one year and has 50 channels. But we don’t recommend basic TV packages from any provider. An over-the-air (OTA) antenna should pick up all the same channels—without a monthly payment.
What is the cheapest Optimum package?
Optimum’s cheapest cable TV package is Basic TV, which has 50+ channels for $35 a month on top of your internet plan.
What is Optimum TV to Go?
Optimum TV to Go is when you watch your Optimum TV channels, on-demand content, and DVR recordings on your mobile devices with the Optimum TV App (available for Android, iOS, and Kindle Fire).
Does Optimum have Spanish channels?
Optimum has 50+ Spanish language channels in its add-on pack, Optimum en Español, which costs $15.00 a month. But if you happen to subscribe to Optimum Broadcast Basic, then Optimum en Español costs $20.95 per month.
How much does Optimum cable cost?
Optimum cable TV packages cost $35.00–$125.00/mo. for 50–420+ channels.
What channels are in Optimum’s Premier TV package?
Optimum’s Premier TV package ($125 a month) has 420+ channels, including 29 of the 30 most-watched channels (according to Variety) plus HBO, Magnolia Network, NFL Network, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and STARZ ENCORE.
What are Optimum’s HD channels?
Around 150 of Optimum’s 420+ channels are in HD. These include 29 of the 30 most-watched channels, along with these channels:
- CNN
- ESPN channels (except ESPN Deportes)
- FS1
- HBO channels
- MLB Network
- NFL Network
- NFL RedZone
- NHL Network
- MSNBC
- SHOWTIME channels (except SHOWTIME Next, SHOWTIME Family Zone, and SHOWTIME Women)
- STARZ (except STARZ Cinema)
- STARZ ENCORE
- TMC channels
- Vice TV
- . . . and more
How do I get a new cable box from Optimum?
To get a new cable box from Optimum, call the general customer support line (1-866-218-3259) or call your regional customer service department directly.
- Connecticut: 1-203-870-2583
- New Jersey: 1-973-230-6048
- New York (Long Island): 1-631-393-0637
- New York (Bronx, Brooklyn, Westchester): 1-718-860-3514
- North Carolina (Hendersonville, West Jefferson): 1-877-491-0050
For help with other Optimum customer or tech support questions, check out our Optimum Customer Service guide.
How do I program my Optimum remote to my TV?
You can learn how to program any of Optimum’s five different remotes using Optimum’s “Program your remote control” page.
What is the Optimum value package?
Optimum no longer offers Value TV, which was a cable TV package that offered 255+ channels. Instead, we recommend Core TV, which provides 220+ channels for $85 per month on top of your internet bill. If you want more channels, like TCM, Nat Geo Channel, and Nick Jr., you can upgrade to Select TV, which provides 340+ channels for $105 per month on top of your internet bill.
For more value TV packages, check out our guide to free and low-cost cable TV options.
Why you should trust us
Our experts broke down each Optimum cable TV plan, rating how each package’s features and price stacked up against the competition. We also referred to our annual TV customer satisfaction survey, which asks customers how responsive companies like Optimum are to their concerns.
For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
Disclaimer
300 Mbps Internet- w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Terms apply.
500 Mbps Internet- For 1 yr. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Max auto renews after 6 months at then prevailing rate (currently $15.99/mo). Price sbjct to change. Terms apply.
1 Gig Internet- For 1 yr. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection up to 940 Mbps. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Max auto renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $15.99/mo). Price sbjct to change. Terms apply.
300 Mbps Fiber Internet- w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Terms apply.
500 Mbps Fiber Internet- For 1 yr. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Max auto renews after 6 months at then prevailing rate (currently $15.99/mo). Price sbjct to change. Terms apply.
1 Gig Fiber Internet- For 1 yr. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection up to 940 Mbps. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Max auto renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $15.99/mo). Price sbjct to change. Terms apply.
2/5/8 Gig Fiber Internet- For 1 yr. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Max auto renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $15.99/mo). Price sbjct to change. Terms apply.
‡PREPAID MASTERCARD: Offer is not available to individuals who have previously participated in a Prepaid/Reward Card promotion within the past 12 months. Must maintain promotion and remain in good standing with no past due or returned payments throughout first 90 days after account activation in order to receive Prepaid Card. Card will be mailed 4-6 weeks after 90-day period or customer may elect to receive virtually. Limit 1 per customer. Prepaid Mastercard cannot be used to pay Optimum monthly bill. Card/Virtual card is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. No cash access or recurring payments. Card can be used where Debit Mastercard is accepted. Virtual card can be used where Debit Mastercard is accepted online, for phone/mail orders or in stores that accept mobile wallet. Card/Virtual card valid for up to 12 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Terms and conditions apply.
Optimum Sports Package available for 4 mos. with Select TV and Premier TV. NFL Games on local channels in participating team markets in TV package. All trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. NFL RedZone is included with Sports Package. Blackout and other restrictions may apply. May not be available in all areas. Optimum Sports Package details available at optimum.com/tv/sport-packages and is subject to change.
