Are you struggling to find the right internet service due to high prices, slower speeds, and vague terms? The choices are many, but finding an internet provider that meets your standards is often quite challenging.
Frontier and Optimum are two excellent internet providers with incredible fiber offerings. But here is the catch! They both primarily deliver internet access via different technologies. If you are deciding between these two options, read this Frontier vs Optimum Internet comparison to find the best deal.
Frontier Internet
Frontier, originally known as Citizens Utilities Company, was formed in 1935. However, it exclusively started offering telecommunication services in 1999. After a series of acquisitions, the company underwent a restructuring in 2021 and reemerged as Frontier Communications.
Currently, it is one of the major internet providers in the country, delivering internet access to more than 3 million Americans in 29 states. Although the company’s main network is DSL, it is working to become a complete fiber internet provider. Frontier’s fiber-optic network currently passes 6.5 million customer locations. The good news is that Frontier has achieved 65% of its primary goal of reaching 10 million fiber passings by 2025.
Pros
- Affordable fiber internet plans
- 2 Gig and 5 Gig plans are available throughout the entire fiber footprint
- Free professional installation
- Free equipment with every plan
- No data caps
Cons
- Contract required to get promotional benefits on DSL service
- Slow location-dependent DSL internet speeds
- Below-average customer service
Subscribe to a Frontier Internet Plan Today
Plans start as low as $49.99/mo.
Optimum Internet
Optimum, on the other hand, was originally founded as Cablevision in 1973. It was acquired by Altice in 2016 and became the fourth-largest cable internet provider after merging with Morris Broadband and Suddenlink.
Currently, Optimum offers various cable services, including internet, TV, and home phone, to 20 million customers in 21 states. It also offers an incredibly fast fiber-optic service to over 100,000 customers. However, this service is only available in the New York Tri-State area.
Pros
- Provides fiber internet speeds up to 8,000 Mbps
- Includes free equipment with every plan
- Offers unlimited data
- Contract-free internet service
- Faster cable internet plans
- Installation is free with online orders
Cons
- High price hike after a year of service
- Poor customer service reviews
How Does Frontier Compare to Optimum Internet?
| Features | Optimum | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $40.00/mo. – $280.00/mo. | $44.99/mo. – $154.99/mo. |
| Internet Speed Range | Download: 300 – 8,000 Mbps | Download: 500 – 5,000 Mbps |
| Upload: 20 – 8,000 Mbps | Upload: 500 – 5,000 Mbps | |
| Internet Type | Cable, Fiber | DSL, Fiber |
| Data Caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None | None |
| Equipment Fee | None | None |
| Installation | $100 (Free on online orders) | Free ($100 value) |
| Bundles | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage | 21 states | 29 states |
Frontier and Optimum operate in many areas across the country. While they both have a reliable fiber footprint, they mainly offer cable and DSL internet services. Optimum’s cable internet plans are good, giving you high internet speeds on friendly terms. However, we cannot say the same about Frontier’s DSL service.
Both providers offer unlimited data, free equipment, and installation, but their varying speeds and prices deliver different experiences. Let’s compare them in detail!
Frontier vs Optimum – Price
Optimum’s internet plans may have cheap starting prices, but Frontier is more affordable in the long run.
Frontier Cost
Frontier’s offerings are like two different ends of a string. Where its DSL internet service is slow and expensive, its fiber internet plans are fast and affordable. The provider’s fiber internet service starts from $44.99 per month. This starting price is slightly higher than Optimum, but you also get more speed at this rate.
All Frontier Fiber Internet plans come with unlimited data and a compatible router at no extra cost. They are also widely available throughout its entire fiber footprint and don’t require a contract. Meanwhile, you may have to sign a 12-month agreement with Frontier’s DSL service to receive exclusive benefits.
| Frontier Internet Plans | |||
| Plan | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Internet Type |
| Internet | $64.99/mo. | Varies | DSL |
| Fiber 500 | $44.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $64.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $154.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
**Price & terms are subject to change.
***Maximum speeds are wired.
Optimum Cost
In contrast, Optimum’s cable and fiber internet plans have similar starting prices and download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. However, its cable offerings are more widely available. The provider offers three cable internet plans and six fiber internet options with prices starting from $40 per month.
Unlike Frontier Fiber, its multi-gigabit options are only available in certain neighborhoods within its fiber footprint. You also get unlimited data and free equipment with all Optimum internet plans, and the best part is that you don’t have to sign a contract with any of these options. Optimum’s post-promotional prices are, however, quite high.
| Optimum Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Type |
| 300 Mbps Internet | $40.00/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| 500 Mbps Internet | $60.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| 1 Gig Internet | $80.00/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| 2 Gig Internet | $120.00/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 5 Gig Internet | $180.00/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 8 Gig Internet | $280.00/mo. | Up to 8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
**Price is valid for 1 year.
***May not be available in all areas.
***Actual speeds, including over WiFi, may vary.
Frontier vs Optimum: Which Is Faster?
Both Frontier and Optimum offer a variety of speed tiers to support different users. However, Optimum is faster. Where Frontier’s fiber internet plans range from 500 to 5,000 Mbps, Optimum’s speeds range from 300 to 8,000 Mbps. Its cable internet speeds are also significantly faster than Frontier’s DSL internet plans, ranging from 300 to 1,000 Mbps.
| Internet Speeds | Frontier | Optimum | ||
| DSL | Fiber | Cable | Fiber | |
| Upload Speeds | Varies | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Up to 35 Mbps | Up to 8,000 Mbps |
| Download Speeds | Varies | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Up to 8,000 Mbps |
Additional Costs – Frontier vs Optimum
Frontier is very upfront about its additional fees. However, you might have to pay extra attention to the ‘extras’ attached to your Optimum Internet plan.
Equipment
Both Frontier and Optimum offer free equipment with their internet plans. Hence, you don’t have to pay an additional $10 to $20 per month for both services. The type of device you will receive will depend on your chosen plan’s speed and connection type. Both providers also allow you to use your own router on one condition – it should be compatible with their service.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|
| Frontier | None |
| Optimum | None |
Installation
Optimum and Frontier usually charge $100 for professional installation. However, both providers waive this fee for their customers. Frontier’s fiber internet service includes free professional installation without any conditions. However, its DSL customers have to sign a contract to receive this benefit. On the other hand, Optimum only offers free professional installation with online orders.
| Provider | Installation Charges |
|---|---|
| Frontier | Pro-installation: Free ($100 value) |
| Self-installation: None | |
| Optimum | Pro-installation: $100 (Free on online orders) |
| Self-installation: None | |
| Self-installation: None |
TV & Internet Bundles – Frontier vs Optimum
Optimum has a wider range of bundles, giving you a choice between multiple TV and internet plans. Whereas, Frontier internet customers get fewer options.
Frontier
All Frontier Internet customers have to rely on third-party subscriptions and TV services like YouTube TV and DISH to satisfy their entertainment cravings. The choice depends on your needs. If you love to watch a diverse range of channels at home, you can combine your Frontier Internet plan with one of DISH Network’s offerings. Otherwise, Frontier and YouTube TV bundles are perfect for watching your favorite shows on the go. They also let you save $120 in a year.
| Bundle | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Channel Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 500 + YouTube TV | $107.98/mo. for 12 mos. | 500 Mbps | 100+ |
| Fiber 1 Gig + YouTube TV | $127.98/mo. for 12 mos. | 1,000 Mbps | 100+ |
| Fiber 500 + DISH America’s Top 120 | $129.98/mo. | 500 Mbps | 190 |
| Frontier Fiber 500 + DISH America’s Top 200 | $149.98/mo. | 500 Mbps | 240+ |
**2-year price guarantee on DISH Network’s plans.
***YouTube TV’s $10/mo. discount is only valid for a year.
Optimum
On the other hand, you get a handful of internet and TV bundles with Optimum. The provider has multiple TV plans with hundreds of your favorite channels, allowing you to customize the best entertainment package. However, unlike Frontier, you don’t get any bundling discount with Optimum.
| Bundle | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Channel Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps Internet + Basic TV | $80.00/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | 50+ |
| 500 Mbps Internet + Core TV | $160.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | 220+ |
| 1 Gig Internet + Select TV | $200.00/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | 340+ |
| 2 Gig Internet + Premier TV | $245.00/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | 420+ |
**Additional charges may apply.
Frontier vs Optimum Availability
Frontier is more widely available than Optimum, delivering internet access in 29 states. However, its customer base is much smaller since it mainly serves rural communities via its copper-based network. Frontier’s fiber network, on the other hand, is more developed than Optimum, passing 6.5 million customer locations.
In contrast, you can find Optimum in 21 states. Most Optimum customers get internet access via cable technology since its fiber service is limited to the New York Tri-State area.
Frontier vs Optimum Customer Service Reviews
Both Frontier and Optimum have plenty of unsatisfied customers. Frontier receives poor reviews mainly due to its slow and spotty DSL service. Its customers often complain about inconsistent speeds and slowdown during network congestion, resulting in low scores across various major customer service surveys.
In the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index report, Frontier ranks second last in both the fiber and non-fiber internet providers categories. On the other hand, Optimum ranks last in the non-fiber category with a score of 58. This low score is mainly due to the poor experience of its customers when dealing with the company’s representatives.
| ACSI Report 2023 | Frontier | Optimum | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Internet Providers Category | 74 | N/M | 75 |
| Non-Fiber Internet Providers Category | 61 | 58 | 66 |
Conclusion
While Frontier’s worth depends on its fiber internet service, Optimum is a good option regardless of its available connection type. The provider has a wider range of speeds and doesn’t enforce contracts on any of its plans.
However, Frontier’s fiber service is unmatchable, offering better prices, reliability, and friendlier terms. This Frontier vs Optimum Internet comparison has analyzed all the essential details so you can easily single out the best deal for your home.
