Optimum Internet: Reviews, Pricing & Performance

Optimum Internet

If you live in or near New York, then you might have heard of Optimum. Optimum delivers cable-based high-speed internet to about 4 million people in select areas of the Northeast, including Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. In addition to internet plans, Optimum provides phone and TV throughout its service area and over 2 million WiFi hotspots, providing customers with connectivity even when away from home.

Optimum Internet Packages

Optimum offers seven different packages, from affordable to fast and powerful. Since some plans are only available in select areas, check their website to see which plans are offered in your location.

Altice Advantage Internet

A joint effort by Optimum and Suddenlink, this package provides discounted Internet service for participants in the National School Lunch Program, New York City residents attending a New York Public School, veterans receiving state or federal public assistance, and people age 65 and over who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income. In addition to discounted installation and a free Smart Router and Modem, participants get 30 Mbps download speeds for only $14.99 a month.

Optimum 10

The most basic plan without eligibility requirements, Optimum 10 provides connectivity with limited speed at XXXX Mbps and costs $24.95 per month.

Optimum 20

Upgrading from the basic Optimum Internet plan provides additional speeds of XXXX Mbps with only a small increase in price at $29.99 per month.

Optimum Online

This plan represents Optimum’s standard package, with speeds up to XXXX Mbps and a cost of $64.95 per month. The plan is the minimum requirement to upgrade to one of Optimum’s premium high-speed packages. For customers who lease one of their modems at an additional $10 per month, Optimum offers a Smart Router that is only available to Optimum Online subscribers.

Optimum 200

The first of their premium add-on packages, Optimum 200 increases speeds up to 200 Mbps for an additional $20 per month. At these speeds, customers can stream High Definition quality video to multiple devices and support multiplayer online gaming. Optimum 200 packages are only offered in select locations, so check their website for availability.

Optimum 300

Optimum 300 offers speeds up to 300 Mbps for an additional $55 per month. Users can stream 4K Ultra High Definition video on multiple devices while other household devices continue to run without interruption. As with the Optimum 200 package, the Optimum 300 package is only offered in select locations. Check the website for availability.

Optimum 400

Optimum’s top-tier package supports up to 400 Mbps network speeds, sufficient for even heavy-duty broadband usage. This high-end plan is available for an additional $66 per month. Optimum 400 premium packages are available in select locations; check their website to learn if it’s available in your area.

Optimum Availability

With coverage in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, Optimum Internet provides a large population with high-speed broadband connections.

Optimum Features

Optimum’s broadband connection can broadcast WiFi throughout the entire house. They also offer WiFi coverage through over 2 million hotspots throughout the three-state area. Customers can connect to an Optimum internet WiFi hotspot and enjoy the same protection, responsiveness, and speed as their home connection. The password-protected WiFi hotspot also includes McAfee cloud-based virus and malware protection.

Optimum Fees and Charges

The basic monthly cost doesn’t cover all of your internet service expenses. If you don’t have a modem and router, which must be a brand and model supported by Optimum, then you can lease a modem for $10 a month. If you lease a modem and have at least the Optimum Online plan, you can add a Smart Router for no additional charge. A network enhancement fee of $3.50 per month is also included in every bill.

To start your service, you must pay a one-time charge of $99 for standard installation or $149.99 for premium installation. Standard installation sets up one device wirelessly with a maximum of two outlets but does not include hardwiring. Premium installation allows customers to request hard wiring with Ethernet to a single device, Smart TV, gaming system, computer, or alarm system. It also includes setting up all available wireless devices and three outlets, with additional outlets costing $25 each.

Check Optimum’s website for additional services and charges.

Optimum Reviews

The American Customer Satisfaction Index compares Optimum against a number of other Internet service providers as well as other companies. Scoring 63 out of 100 in 2019, Optimum ranks highly among Internet service providers. In prior years, the company was ranked even higher, securing second place in 2016 and third in 2017 and 2018. If 63 out of 100 seems low, note that Internet service providers and TV providers are ranked last among all industries, causing their highest ratings to fall short of other industry averages.

Reviews.org gives Optimum a 3.5 out of 5, but it’s common for dissatisfied customers to take the time to post reviews, so this rating may not be representative of all customer opinions.

ConsumerAffairs gave Optimum a 1.9 out of 5 based on 724 ratings submitted. While there were a number of four- and five-star ratings, many reviews were one star, dragging their overall rating down dramatically.

Summary

Optimum offers high-speed internet at competitive rates in the New York area. If you need to connect outside your home, you’ll find their 2 million WiFi hotspots a major benefit. Review Optimum’s website to discover the packages available in your area and find the right service for your needs.

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