Optimum is revolutionizing fiber internet technology across the country. It now offers hyper-fast 8 Gig symmetrical internet speeds to over 1.7 million Americans in the central northeast at rates as low as $40 per month. In our Optimum Fiber Internet review for 2024, we will examine all six fiber speed tiers and compare their prices and perks to help you pick the best Optimum Fiber Internet plan for your home.
So, join us on this expedition as we explore the luminous world of Optimum Fiber.
What is Optimum Fiber?
Optimum was initially founded as a 30-channel cable TV service in the 1970s. The cable TV operator slowly evolved in the early 2000s to include home phone and cable broadband services, under the ownership of Cablevision. However, it was not until the entry of Altice USA in 2016 that Optimum became a household name for a reliable fiber internet service for more than 1.6 million Americans. After the acquisition of Optimum’s nationwide coaxial cable systems, Altice expanded into the fiber broadband market by offering symmetrical internet speeds to fiber-connected communities within Optimum’s 21-state footprint.
Today, Optimum’s fiber-exclusive internet plans can offer the same upload and download speeds of up to 8 Gigs for a starting price of $40 per month. The 100 percent fiber-optic broadband connection promises 99.9 percent network reliability, unfluctuating internet speeds, and unlimited data throughout the month.
Optimum’s multigigabit internet plans (2, 5, and 8 Gbps) are available in the New York tri-state area servicing close to 100,000 subscribers. Whereas, its low tier and 1 Gig internet speeds are available in most urban centers within the 21 states it offers coverage.
In layman’s terms, Optimum Fiber is the smarter, faster, and more efficient version of Optimum Internet and therefore is more apt at handling pro-level gaming, high-definition streaming, and heavy file sharing.
Pros
- Fiber internet plans start at $40.00/mo.
- Supremely fast symmetrical internet speeds of up to 8 Gigs
- Unlimited monthly data
- No-contract service
- Free expert installation
- Equipment is included in the monthly fee.
- Up to $500 Visa Prepaid Card
Cons
- Fiber internet is available in a few areas.
- Second-year price hikes
- Low customer satisfaction score.
Optimum Fiber Internet Plans
Optimum proudly claims that when you switch to its fiber internet service, you get “a speed that is perfect for every budget and digital lifestyle”. Optimum fiber-optic internet plans are offered in 6 popular speed tiers. You can get internet speeds anywhere between 300 Mbps and 8,000 Mbps to meet the needs of your household.
All the Optimum fiber-optic internet plans are offered at market-competitive promo rates that last for a year. It means that in the first year of service, customers can save up to $750 and avail of all the perks that accompany the service.
In the table below, we have shown the 6 most popular Optimum Fiber internet plans with their relative promotional and regular prices to help you select the best speed tier for your family’s needs.
| Plan | Promo Price | Regular Price | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 300 | $40.00/mo. | $109.99/mo. | 300 Mbps |
| Fiber 500 | $60.00/mo. | $129.99/mo. | 500 Mbps |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $70.00/mo. | $139.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $120.00/mo. | $180.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $180.00/mo. | $240.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps |
| Fiber 8 Gig | Call for Price | $350.00/mo. | 8,000 Mbps |
Please note Optimum’s 300, 500, and 1,000 Mbps speeds are also available over coaxial cable networks. Call Optimum customer service to confirm the availability of its fiber-optic internet plans in your zip code. The prices quoted above are after the AutoPay and paperless billing discounts.
Optimum Fiber 300
The Optimum 300 Mbps Fiber Internet plan is the first rung of the ladder. The entry-level plan costs $40 per month (for 12 months) when bought as a standalone internet service. But when you combine it with an Optimum Mobile line, the price drops to $35 per month, resulting in total savings of $899.88 within the first year.
The Optimum Fiber 300 plan comes with unlimited data, 1 free modem-router Gateway, and 1 free WiFi extender. You can choose between self-installation and professional installation, both of which are free, as long as you make your first order online. Subscribers of this plan are not required to sign an annual contract to benefit from perks like a 30-day money-back guarantee. Instead, they will be given $100 in early termination fee coverage for breaking free from their existing contracts and switching to Optimum Fiber Internet.
The Optimum Fiber 300 Internet plan is best suited for casual streaming, surfing, gaming, and downloading audio-video files.
Optimum Fiber 500
The Optimum Fiber 500 Internet plan is one of the most popular low-speed tiers in the Optimum fiber-optic broadband range. For a year, the plan costs $60 per month. You can get another $10 discount every month when you stack the Optimum Mobile service on top of the plan. But after enjoying nearly $959.88 in savings, the price of the Optimum 500 Mbps fiber internet plan will revert to its regular rate of $129.99 per month in the second year of service.
This plan includes uncapped data, Optimum Smart WiFi 6 mesh Gateway, a 30-day free trial, 1 free WiFi extender, and a $100 Visa Prepaid Card with 12-month validity. You can enjoy an expert installation fee waiver on online orders and a contract-free service to save yourself from the hassle of paying an early termination fee when things take an unexpected turn.
The Fiber 500 Internet plan is ideal for streaming videos in ultra-high definition, playing action-packed games, and working/ studying remotely.
Optimum 1 Gig
The Optimum 1 Gig Fiber Internet plan is the most bought broadband plan in the Optimum Internet product portfolio. The mid-range, gigabit upload, and download speeds of Optimum 1 Gig match the internet usage of most American families. The plan is offered at a promo price of $70 per month, but when you add an Optimum Mobile line to the service, the price reduces to $55 per month, leading to a total of $1,019.88 in annual savings.
The Optimum 1 Gig fiber Internet plan is inclusive of unlimited internet data, a compatible WiFi 6 Gateway, up to $100 in early termination fee coverage, and a $200 Visa Prepaid Card. You can test drive the service for 30 days, and since no annual agreements are required, you can cancel the service anytime you wish.
This 1 gig plan is designed for simultaneous multi-device connectivity on at least 10 devices.
Optimum 2 Gig
Optimum 2 Gig Fiber Internet is the first multigigabit plan in the Optimum Fiber product range. The plan was first rolled out in May 2022 in some parts of Long Island City. But at the moment, several zip codes within the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut can receive 2 Gig fiber internet service for a starting price of $120 per month. You can get a discount of $15 per month by adding an Optimum Mobile line to your 2 Gig Optimum fiber-optic internet service. Please note that after 12 months, you will be charged a regular rate of $180 per month for the internet.
The 2 Gig fiber internet plan includes all the benefits that accompany other Optimum Fiber Internet plans. The only exception is that the credit limit for the Visa Prepaid Card on the 2 Gig plan is raised to $500 instead of the previous $100 and $200.
This plan is purpose-built for elite gamers, live streamers, and content creators.
Optimum 5 Gig
The Optimum 5 Gig Fiber Internet plan is a premium product, and can only be bought by directly visiting the Optimum store or calling the 24/7 customer helpline. The plan is available in a select few areas of the New York metro for a promo price of $180 per month. As the plan is not listed on Optimum Fiber’s official website, it is hard to tell its bundled price after the addition of Optimum Mobile service. However, after analyzing the percentage changes of the prior Optimum Fiber Internet plans, we estimated that users receive $20 each month by combining their Optimum Internet and Optimum Mobile services. In the second year, the price of Optimum’s 5 Gig fiber internet plan is jacked up by 33 percent to a regular rate of $240 per month.
The 5 Gig plan, too, comes with unlimited data, Smart WiFi 6 Gateway, a WiFi extender, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a $500 Visa Prepaid Card. Optimum Fiber’s no-contract policy means that you can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel the service as per your wish.
This plan is perfect for exploring augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications and streaming videos in 8K resolution.
Optimum 8 Gig
You may have to join the waiting list to get an Optimum Fiber 8 Gig Internet connection. Optimum introduced its 8-gig tier in July 2023 to approximately 3 million fiber locations within the New York tri-state area. Details of the plan, such as its promo price and perks are yet to be made public. However, interested customers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut can call Optimum customer service and get the details. The regular monthly internet fee of Optimum’s 8 Gig Internet plan is $350 per month. The incredibly high price tag guarantees supremely fast internet speeds, ultra-low latency, whole-home WiFi connectivity, and 99.9 percent network uptime.
This 8-gig internet service best supports large cloud backups, real-time big-data analysis, and remote enterprise management.
Optimum Fiber Modem
Optimum Fiber Internet customers get a free DOCSIS-certified Smart WiFi 6 mesh Gateway for optimal speeds and full-home WiFi connectivity. The models you are most likely to receive along with your select internet packages are;
- Optimum’s Smart WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Optimum Smart WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
Modem-router gateways from the following brands are considered most compatible with Optimum Fiber Internet’s under 1 Gig plans, gigabit plans, and multigigabit plans.
- Linksys
- Netgear
- Arris
- TP-Link
- Asus
Optimum-provided gateways are tried and tested for maximum coverage, speed, performance, and battery life. You can enjoy wireless internet connectivity in hard-to-reach areas of your home, like the garage, basement, attic, and backyard, for non-stop streaming, gaming, and social media browsing. The 5th and 6th generation WiFi chipsets of Optimum mesh routers improve ping for lag-free gameplay. With Optimum’s Smart WiFi 6 technology, you can surf, stream, play, and video call from any corner of your home, on any device, buffer-free.
Perks
Optimum fiber-optic internet users can avail of the following perks on their chosen month-to-month plans.
1 Year of Savings
Customers of Optimum Fiber Internet can save up to $1,000 in the first year of service thanks to the 12-month-long introductory rates on all fiber plans. For a whole year, Optimum offers its fiber internet service at discounted rates to new customers. So while the normal price of Optimum fiber-optic internet ranges between $110 and $350 per month, new customers can get the same plans for $40 to $200 per month (for 12 months). Hence, saving at least $60 each month.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Optimum Fiber-optic internet plans include a free 30-day trial run. Customers are allowed to test drive the service for 30 days. In case they are unhappy with their user experience, they can cancel the service within the first 30 days and get a full refund.
Contract Buyout
Optimum is one of the few internet service providers that allows you to switch services mid-contract. If you are currently tied to your current internet service provider through an annual contract but wish to switch to Optimum Fiber Internet, you can now do so with ease. Optimum is offering early termination fee (ETF) coverage of up to $100. You can take your final receipt to any Optimum store and get $100 to pay off the ETF. Once you are released from the contract, you can enroll in the fiber plan of your choice and upgrade to faster speeds and better service.
Visa Prepaid Card
Optimum is giving away up to $500 in credit on Visa Prepaid Cards. The offer applies to new Optimum Fiber Internet customers who have maintained a good account (zero outstanding payments) for 90 days. The card is valid for 12 months and can be used in any physical or online store where Visa Prepaid Cards are accepted. Please note that you cannot use the Visa Prepaid Card to pay your Optimum Fiber Internet bills.
| Summary of Visa Prepaid Cards | |
| Optimum Fiber Internet Plans | Visa Reward Card |
| Fiber 300 | N/A |
| Fiber 500 | $100 Visa Prepaid Card |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $200 Visa Prepaid Card |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $500 Visa Prepaid Card |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $500 Visa Prepaid Card |
| Fiber 8 Gig | Call to Check |
Free WiFi Extender
Optimum Fiber’s free equipment deal includes a free WiFi extender for homes and offices that need it. A WiFi extender/ pod is placed in an area where wireless internet signals are weak. The purpose of the device is to replicate and expand the signals emitted from the Optimum Gateway and ensure reliable WiFi coverage in out-of-range spaces. Usually, Optimum charges its customers $3 per month for leasing a WiFi extender, but new subscribers get their first WiFi pod free along with the Optimum Smart WiFi Gateway.
Additional Costs
A majority of Optimum Fiber internet subscribers will only need to worry about the taxes and surcharges on top of their monthly internet fees. They can avoid paying other extra charges by sticking to the rule book and benefiting from the various fee waivers that Optimum has on offer. E.g., they can register for the AutoPay and e-receipt payment methods to get a $5 discount every month. Similarly, they can return the Optimum-provided equipment within 30 days of service cancellation to avoid incurring an unreturned equipment penalty.
However, if you are seeking additional privileges, like an expert installation and upgraded equipment, then it will require you to loosen your purse strings a little.
| Additional Costs | |
| Add-On Service | Extra Charges |
| Professional Installation | $100.00 (one-time) |
| Technician Visit (Service Call) | $80.00 per visit |
| Additional Modem | $49.95/mo. |
| Additional WiFi Extender | $3.00/mo. |
| Bill Reprinting Fee | $2.50/mo. |
| One-off Payment Fee | $2.50/mo. |
| Late Payment Fee | $10.00/mo. |
| Unreturned Equipment Fee | $130.00 (one-time) |
| Service Restoration Fee | $15.00 (one-time) |
| Taxes and Surcharges | Up to $5.00/mo. |
Optimum Fiber Availability Review
Optimum’s fiber-optic internet service makes up just 7.77 percent of Optimum Internet’s national footprint. The Optimum Internet service distributed via coaxial cables is available to more than 20.6 million Americans, but its fiber-rich broadband service is only accessible to 1.6 million people in the USA. Around 750 cities and towns within Optimum’s 21-state coverage area can access Optimum Fiber’s 1 Gig Internet speeds. However, its 2 Gig, 5 Gig, and 8 Gig speed tiers are limited to “3 million passings” in New York, New Jersey, and southeast Connecticut.
The following are the 21 states you are most likely to receive Optimum’s Fiber internet service.
| All the States where Optimum Fiber is Available | |||
| Arizona | Kansas | Nevada | Ohio |
| Arkansas | Kentucky | New Jersey | Oklahoma |
| California | Louisiana | New Mexico | Pennsylvania |
| Connecticut | Mississippi | New York | Texas |
| Idaho | Missouri | North Carolina | Virginia |
| West Virginia | |||
The following are the 5 top cities that promise wide availability of Optimum Fiber Internet.
| 5 Best Cities for Optimum Fiber Internet | |||
| City | State | Availability | Pop. Covered |
| Stamford | Connecticut | 94.3% | 129,859 |
| Bronx | New York | 94.0% | 1,408,984 |
| Bridgeport | Connecticut | 91.2% | 135,393 |
| Newark | New Jersey | 73.4% | 228,677 |
| Brooklyn | New York | 72.0% | 1,898,449 |
Optimum Fiber Customer Service Review
Optimum Fiber Internet is not immune to the curse that engulfs the American broadband industry. Overall, internet service providers in the USA rank significantly low on the American Customer Satisfaction Index. The industry average score for customer satisfaction in 2022 was 64 on a 100-point scale. On the same list, Optimum was named the 12th most satisfactory internet service provider with a score of 59 out of 100. However, in the country’s east, Optimum is dominating the charts by being the 5th best residential internet service provider for customer satisfaction according to the J.D. Power survey.
While it is true that Optimum customer care representatives need a lot more training to be at par with the nation’s top-ranking ISPs (AT&T, Verizon, and Xfinity), real customer reviews posted online indicate that Optimum is adjusting under its news management, and needs room to grow and improve.
Optimum Fiber Internet vs. Competitors
Optimum Fiber is one of the most affordable fiber-optic internet providers in the USA. Optimum’s Fiber internet plans are cheaper than the ones offered by prominent fiber broadband companies and include a wide variety of perks, such as Visa rewards cards, free equipment, free installation, and savings of up to $1,000.
Optimum is slowly gaining traction as a multigigit internet provider. For New Yorkers, New Jerseyans, and Connecticuters, it is a viable “affordability meets high-speed” solution for 8-gig digital connectivity.
| Optimum Fiber vs Competitors | |||
| Provider | Starting Price | Max. Speed | Overall Rating |
| AT&T Fiber | $55.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 3.38/ 5 stars |
| Frontier Fiber | $49.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 3.30/ 5 stars |
| Optimum Fiber | $40.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 3.62/ 5 stars |
| Metronet | $39.95/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 3.73/ 5 stars |
| Ziply Fiber | $10.00mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 4.06/ 5 stars |
| Fidium Fiber | $35.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 2.67/ 5 stars |
| Kinetic Fiber | $39.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 3.03/ 5 stars |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 3.61/ 5 stars |
Conclusion
Optimum Fiber is a faster, smarter, and more reliable alternative to Optimum Internet. Powered by a 100 percent fiber-rich network, the internet plans offer symmetrical speeds of up to 8 Gigs for a starting price of $40 per month. You get unlimited data, contract-free service, a free WiFi 6 gateway, a 30-day free trial, up to $100 in contract buyout, and up to $500 on Visa Prepaid cards.
Optimum Fiber Internet’s gigabit speeds are illuminating over 1 million households across 21 states. However, if your aim in life is to go hyperfast, then you better relocate to the NY tri-state area because that is where Optimum’s optimal action is at.
FAQs
