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Optimum Cable TV Plans, Packages, and Bundles

Our TV experts tell you how Optimum is back to offering bundles only—but it still has no contracts and decent deals.

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

Price: +$30–$115 (bundled with internet)

Channel count: 50–420+

Deal: $500 contract buyout when you switch

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Package Price* Channel count Popular channels Details
Core TV +$75.00/mo. 220+ Disney Channel, ESPN, TNT View plans
Select TV +$95.00/mo. 340+ National Geographic, Nick Jr., History View plans
Premier TV
Most channels 		+$115.00/mo 420+ HBO Max, SHOWTIME, Starz View plans

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* Pricing reflects $5/mo. discount for AutoPay
Wired connection speeds. WiFi speeds may vary.

By

Update: As of August 1, 2022, Suddenlink is officially becoming 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.

Is Optimum good?

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. You can mix and match internet and TV plans to create a bundle that meets your needs, and the pricing is reasonable. A TV plan will add between $30 and $115 to your monthly internet bill.

And if that’s not enough, Optimum will pay up to $500 to buy you out of your current contract.

On the downside, Optimum no longer offers Price for Life. Also, it has expensive equipment, limited availability, low DVR storage, and high DVR prices. But, that aside, Optimum TV service looks more optimal than ever.

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Optimum pros and cons

Pros

  • No contracts
  • $500 contract buyout
  • HBO MAXTM, SHOWTIME®, and STARZ® included in Premier TV
  • Free installation (select plans)

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Limited DVR storage
  • DVR fees

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Optimum TV packages and pricing

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 Type Price Download speeds Details
Optimum 300 Cable $40.00/mo. 300 Mbps View plans
Optimum 500 Cable $60.00/mo. 500 Mbps View plans
Optimum 1 Gig
Fastest 		Cable $80.00/mo. 940 Mbps View plans
Fiber Internet 300 Fiber $40.00/mo. 300 Mbps View plans
Fiber Internet 500 Fiber $60.00/mo. 500 Mbps View plans
Fiber Internet 1Gig
Fastest 		Fiber $80.00/mo. 940 Mbps View plans
Fiber Internet 2 GIg Fiber $100.00/mo. 2,000 Mbps View plans
Fiber Internet 5 Gig Fiber $180.00/mo. 5,000 Mbps 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.

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, 300 Mbps) 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, 940 Mbps).

Now let’s assess your TV needs.

2) Choose an Optimum TV plan

Plan name Price Channel count Details
Basic TV +$30.00/mo. 50+ View plans
Core TV +$75.00/mo. 220+ View plans
Select TV +$95.00/mo. 340+ View plans
Premier TV
Most Channels 		+$115.00/mo. 420+ 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 don’t recommend basic cable plans from any provider. That’s because you can get all your local broadcast channels and subchannels with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. Antennas cost $25–$60 once, while basic cable plans cost $20–$50 monthly. You see what we’re getting at, here?

With Optimum Core, you’ll get 220+ basic cable channels like Nickelodeon, MTV, and ESPN. At only $75 per month, the package will work best for most households who just want cable TV service.

Optimum Select ($95 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 HBO MaxTM, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and STARZENCORE®. At $115 per month, that’s only $0.27 per channel, which ain’t bad at all.

View Plans for Optimum

Optimum vs. the competition

Provider Editorial rating Price Channel count Details
Optimum 3.7/5 +$56.00–$139.00/mo. 75–250+ View plans
DISH 4.71/5 $79.99–$109.99/mo. 190–290+ View plans

Read DISH review
Verizon Fios 4.63/5 $60.00–$119.00/mo. 60–425+ View plans

Read Verizon Fios review
DIRECTV 4.0/5 $64.99–$154.99/mo. 165–340+ View plans

Read DIRECTV review
Xfinity 3.6/5 $20.00–$80.00/mo. 10–185+ View plans

Read Xfinity review
Spectrum 3.5/5 from $59.99/mo. 125+ View plans

Read Spectrum review

Optimum provides service in areas that overlap with Verizon Fios, Xfinity, and Spectrum, making them its main competitors. But you might have other options as well.

To find out which TV providers are available in your neighborhood, enter your zip code below.

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Optimum vs. Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios is the only TV provider to offer more channels than Optimum—that’s 425+ versus 420+, so they’re neck-and-neck. Verizon Fios also offers plans for $5 cheaper per month, so it really has the upper hand in the TV department.

Additionally, Verizon Fios TV has a higher customer satisfaction rating than Optimum and came in first overall when we asked customers of 11 different cable providers. If you’re looking for excellent customer service, Verizon Fios is the way to go.

As for internet service, that’s a bit of a different story. Verizon Fios’s prices are slightly higher, and since Optimum doesn’t offer standalone TV, Optimum’s TV and internet bundles could end up being the cheaper option. However, we still like Verizon Fios better for its fast and reliable fiber network.

For more information on the two competitors, check out our Verizon Fios vs. Optimum review.

View Verizon Fios plans

Optimum vs. Xfinity

If your choice is between Xfinity and Optimum, definitely go with Optimum. Beyond its low channel counts, Xfinity is known for its contracts, data caps, and price gouging, and you deserve better than that.

Our Xfinity vs. Optimum review has all the nitty-gritty details on both providers, if you’re still not convinced.

View Xfinity plans

Optimum vs. Spectrum

When it comes to TV, Spectrum’s TV Select package is a pretty good deal, offering 125+ channels for just $49.99 per month. Spectrum’s single plan lets you add on premium channels on top of that base 125 for additional fees, and it doesn’t make you purchase internet first to get TV service.

Optimum has better standalone internet prices and a reputation for more reliable internet, but if you’re looking to bundle TV and internet, give Spectrum’s prices a look. It could be worth it.

View Spectrum plans

Optimum TV packages for existing customers

Optimum’s lack of contracts means you can upgrade or downgrade your internet/TV bundle at any time. However, cable TV providers often bump their prices up with hidden fees and price hikes every year, so long-time customers often feel like they’re getting a worse deal than new ones.

We recommend calling Optimum and trying to haggle for a lower price. It actually works—check out our cable TV negotiation guide for tips and tricks on how to score a lower monthly bill.

Optimum TV deals and promotions

Optimum’s TV deals often change month to month. For details on all of Optimum’s promotions, check out our Optimum deals page.

Optimum TV channels

Optimum has 420+ live channels. That’s second only to Verizon, which has 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.

Popular channels on Optimum

Optimum has 29 of the 30 most-watched channels according to Variety and they’re all in HD.1 The missing channel is INSP—but don’t fret. Optimum has other channels for people of faith, like the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and UP.

To see which packages have which channels, see our Optimum Channel Lineup Guide.

Top 30 most-watched channels of 20201

  1. CBS
  2. NBC
  3. ABC
  4. FOX
  5. FOX News
  6. MSNBC
  7. CNN
  8. ESPN
  9. Univision
  10. TLC
  11. HGTV
  • Hallmark Channel
  • ION
  • TBS
  • HISTORY
  • Discovery Channel
  • Telemundo
  • TNT
  • Food Network
  • USA Network
  • A&E
  • Bravo
  • The CW
  • Investigation Discovery
  • MeTV
  • INSP
  • Lifetime
  • Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
  • AMC
  • FX
Sign up for these popular channels

Premium channels on Optimum

If you want the premium stuff, Optimum has it, with all the best movies and TV series.

  • CINEMAX® ($9.99/mo.)
  • HBO Max ($14.99/mo.)
  • SHOWTIME ($10.99/mo.)
  • STARZ and STARZENCORE ($9.99/mo.)
  • TMC ($9.99/mo.)

Don’t forget—we recommend Optimum Premier ($115.00 a month, 420+ channels) because it already includes HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and STARZENCORE.

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

Sign up for these premium channels

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 ($12.95/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 ($95 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.

Sign up for these add-ons

Want to make sure Optimum has your favorite channels?

View our Optimum channel guide.

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 Altice One Mini (First box free, $10 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 Altice One mobile app.

For multiroom TV, you can choose either the Altice One Mini 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 18 months.

Optimum with Apple TV

Interested in the Apple TV streaming device? Check out our Apple TV 4K review.

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 ($7.99/mo.) and Device Protection ($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 Bundle price* Storage
Cloud DVR $8.00/mo. 25 hrs.
Cloud DVR Plus $10.00/mo. 75 hrs.
Cloud DVR Max $20.00/mo. 150 hrs.

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

Paying $20.00 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.

Optimum modem/router

For the internet part of its bundles, you get the Altice Gateway modem/router ($10 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.

Don’t forget Optimum’s equipment fees

Like with any service provider, Optimum has its share of hidden equipment, installation, and late equipment return fees. Check out our Optimum hidden costs guide to learn more about Optimum’s extra charges.

Optimum TV apps

The Altice One 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 low marks, though—3.30 stars on Google Play and 2.2 on the Apple Store—citing connectivity and speed issues.

Optimum vs. streaming TV

You could always skip Optimum’s TV plans and get into live TV streaming. Live TV streaming services are simpler—no contracts, easy DIY installation, and (generally) better prices than cable or satellite TV. Streaming packages do have fewer channels, but the ones they have are mostly popular ones.

Compare these streaming services to Optimum’s cheapest TV plan, Core TV ($59.00 a month, 210+ channels).

  • Hulu + Live TV: 75+ channels, 50-hour cloud DVR, and two streams for $69.99–$75.99/mo.
  • Sling TV: 30–50+ channels, 10-hour cloud DVR, and up to four streams for $35–$50.00/mo.
  • YouTube TV: 100+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and three streams for $64.99/mo.

Final take: Is Optimum TV worth it?

Optimum has high channel counts (420+, which is the second-best in the biz), high internet speeds (up to 5,000 Mbps), a $500 contract buyout, and premium freebies in the Optimum Premier plan.

All of that makes it easier to swallow Optimum’s limited availability, expensive equipment, high DVR fees, and low DVR storage. So, get Optimum while the getting’s good.

View Plans for Optimum

Optimum TV FAQ

What channels does Optimum have?

Optimum has 420+ channels available in four packages: Optimum Basic ($30 a month, 50+ channels), Optimum Core ($75 a month, 220+ channels), Optimum Select ($95 a month. 340+ channels), and Premier TV ($115 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 $30 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 $30 a month.

What is on Optimum On Demand?

With Optimum On Demand, you can watch your rented or purchased movies, plus tons of free movies and shows. You can also watch on-demand content from premium channels like HBO or SHOWTIME if you subscribe to them through Optimum.

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 Altice One App (available for Android, iOS, and Kindle Fire).

Does Optimum have Spanish channels?

Optimum has 50+ Spanish language channels and in its add-on pack, Optimum en Español, which costs $12.95 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 $30–$115 a month for 50–420+ channels.

What channels are in Optimum’s Premier TV package?

Optimum’s Premier TV package ($115 a month) has 420+ channels, including 29 of the 30 most-watched channels (according to Variety) plus HBO, MLB Network, NFL Network, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and STARZ ENCORE.1

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.

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 $75 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 $95 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.

Methodology

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.

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

ENDNOTE

1. Variety, “Year in Review: Most-Watched Television Networks—Ranking 2020’s Winners and Losers,” December 2020. Accessed May 17, 2021.

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.

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