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Optimum vs. Spectrum Internet Providers Compared

You are currently comparing:

Optimum Vs Spectrum

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Aug. 18, 2026

You are currently comparing:

Optimum Vs Spectrum

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Plans starting at: $30

Popular Package: 1 Gig Fiber Internet

Download speeds up to: 8 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Plans starting at: $30

Popular Package: INTERNET GIG

Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & Cable

Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Optimum Staff rating

3.5

Optimum features good speeds but poor customer satisfaction scores

Optimum is a major national cable internet provider. Most of Optimum’s 4.4 million subscribers receive cable internet service [7]. But the ISP is also adding some all-fiber connections in select markets--most prominently in the Northeast [8]. Optimum is the internet brand name of Altice USA, which rebranded the company formerly called Suddenlink into the Optimum brand in 2022 [1]. Altice/Optimum is the 6th-largest ISP in the nation [2]. Optimum seems to check off all the right boxes for many of its offerings. You will have no data caps and no required contracts with Optimum internet plans. You will also get free equipment rental included with your monthly plan price. And Optimum’s prices are good (at least while the promotions last). So why are Optimum’s national customer satisfaction scores so low? We’ll check into that as we give you an overview of what to expect from an Optimum internet connection.

PROS

Gigabit download speeds No data caps or contracts 5-year price lock on select plans

Cons

Poor customer satisfaction scores Slower upload speeds for cable than all-fiber Price hikes after promo rates

Spectrum Staff rating

4.2

Spectrum offers gigabit speeds and great bundle deals

Spectrum is one of the two largest internet service providers in the country. Like its rival Xfinity, Spectrum is a cable internet company that uses hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) technology. HFC brings you much faster speeds than old-fashioned coaxial cable internet. In select areas, Spectrum offers gigabit speeds up to 2000 Mbps. Spectrum’s promotional prices for new customers are very good, and still remain reasonable when your 12-month promotion ends. The company also offers outstanding bundling deals, with cell phone lines currently only about $30/month with your internet plan. Spectrum has two big advantages over Xfinity. Spectrum’s pricing is much simpler, and Spectrum has no data caps. That’s why we give Spectrum the edge after comparing the two biggest cable internet providers head-to-head.

PROS

Gigabit download speeds and a reputation for reliability Spectacular bundling prices for internet/cell phone/TV combos 24/7 customer service

Cons

Hybrid fiber coaxial (cable) is not as fast as the top fiber plans Slower upload speeds than fiber Not available in some rural or remote areas

Optimum Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$50 Prepaid Visa Card Included
8 Gig Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 8,000 Mbps Only $90
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$50 Prepaid Visa Card Included
2 Gig Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $60
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$50 Prepaid Visa Card Included
1 Gig Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
5-year price lock
500 Mbps Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $40
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
5-year price lock
300 Mbps Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Spectrum Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
High-Speed Internet + One Unlimited Mobile Line Included
Internet 2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $80
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
High-Speed Internet + One Unlimited Mobile Line Included
INTERNET GIGCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $60
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
High-Speed Internet + One Unlimited Mobile Line Included
Internet PremierCable InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $40
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
High-Speed Internet + One Unlimited Mobile Line Included
INTERNET ADVANTAGECable InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Optimum FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit OptimumSavings.com.
No, Optimum does not impose data caps on any of its internet plans. You will have unlimited data on both cable internet and fiber internet plans from Optimum.
Optimum offers a free internet speed upgrade service to loyal customers, providing faster speeds and better value without changing the current price.
Optimum provides two options for renting a modem: one includes tech support and equipment replacement, while the other option is for purchasing a compatible modem.
To explore different speed options for your Optimum Internet service, you can enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com to see what plans are available in your area.
Optimum offers savings on monthly bills through their Internet + Mobile Savings program, allowing customers to save up to $30/month by combining Optimum Internet and Optimum Mobile services.
Only Optimum Mobile and Optimum Internet customers are eligible for the Internet + Mobile Savings program offered by Optimum.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Spectrum FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit SpectrumOnlineOffers.com.
Spectrum home internet is a reliable and fast internet service delivering high-speed internet connectivity to residential customers. Spectrum’s service uses hybrid fiber-coaxial technology (HFC). HFC is a broadband network that combines coaxial cable and fiber-optic line to create a connection that is faster than copper cable alone.
Spectrum Advanced WiFi is a feature offered by Spectrum that provides a stable and secure connection for all devices within your home network. It incorporates WiFi 6 technology, offering faster and more reliable wireless performance.
Installing Spectrum home internet is easy and convenient. You can pick up an express connect kit from a store or have it mailed to you. The kit includes a quick step-by-step guide to help you set up your Advanced WiFi.
You can manage your Spectrum home internet account, including your WiFi network, through the My Spectrum App. The app allows you to control connected devices, manage network settings, and access parental controls from anywhere.
No, Spectrum home internet does not impose data caps, monthly limits, or overage fees. You can enjoy unlimited internet usage without any additional charges.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545