The landscape of internet connectivity is continuously changing, with some technologies like DSL going obsolete while others like fiber and 5G are gaining popularity. However, among all these changes, cable internet providers maintain a tight grip on the broadband market, with top names like Xfinity and Optimum connecting millions.
Both providers continue to push the boundaries of internet speeds, giving you a choice between multiple cable speed tiers. But where Xfinity is improving its hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) cable network, Optimum has plans for fiber expansion. Both providers have their benefits and drawbacks.
So, to find the best option, let’s compare their prices, speeds, additional costs, and coverage areas.
Xfinity
Comcast, a global media and technology firm, markets its residential internet service as Xfinity. The company gives a platform to millions of Americans by delivering impressive broadband, TV, mobile, home phone, and security services. Xfinity is currently deploying DOCSIS 4.0 technology to provide multi-gigabit and symmetrical connections to its customers.
The provider has already introduced a 2 Gig internet plan in a few markets, including Colorado Springs and select areas of Atlanta and Philadelphia. While Xfinity mainly delivers cable internet speeds, it also has a symmetrical 10 Gbps service in a few fiber markets, providing the ultimate experience with ultra-low lag.
Pros
- Multiple speed options
- Low introductory rates
- Multi-year price guarantees on some plans
- Valuable bundles with multi-product discounts
- Highly available internet service
Cons
- Slow upload speeds
- Some internet plans come with a data cap of 1.2 TB
- 1 to 3-year term agreements are required with some options
- Small fiber footprint
Optimum
Altice USA, an American cable operator, provides residential and business internet services via its Optimum brand. The provider offers internet, TV, phone, and mobile services to nearly 5 million customers across 21 states. While Optimum is constantly upgrading its cable network to introduce faster internet speeds in many markets, it is also building a 100% fiber network in more areas.
Optimum Fiber is the fastest option in the New York Tri-State area, delivering symmetrical internet speeds up to 8 Gbps. Optimum’s reliable cable and fiber internet services make it easier for businesses, schools, home internet users, and communities to connect to the online world with minimum lag and faster speeds.
Pros
- A good range of fiber internet speeds
- All plans include compatible equipment at no additional cost
- Contract-free internet plans
- Unrestricted data usage
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Free professional installation with online purchase
Cons
- Fiber internet service is mainly available in the New York metropolitan area
- Unsatisfactory customer service
Internet Service Comparison – Xfinity vs Optimum
| Features | Optimum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $40.00/mo. – $280.00/mo. | $20.00/mo. – $300.00/mo. |
| Download Speed | 300 – 8,000 Mbps | 150 – 10,000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 20 – 8,000 Mbps | 10 – 10,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type | Cable, Fiber | Cable |
| Data Caps | None | 1.2 TB on some plans |
| Contracts | None | 1 to 3-year term agreement required with some plans |
| Equipment Fee | None | xFi Gateway: $15.00/mo. |
| xFi Complete: $25.00/mo. | ||
| Installation Fee | $100.00(Waived on online orders) | $100.00 for professional installation |
| ETF | None | Yes |
| Bundles | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage | 21 states | 36 states |
Both Optimum and Xfinity are top-performing cable internet providers with high internet speeds, making them a good choice for a wide range of online activities. Where Xfinity offers a good variety of cable internet plans, Optimum mainly offers three cable options within most of its coverage area. But it also has a growing fiber network.
Both providers employ different strategies to sell their internet services. Hence, you might see a difference in their prices, speeds, and other terms like monthly data, installation and equipment charges, and more.
Plans & Pricing Details – Xfinity vs Optimum Internet
Optimum’s introductory prices seem higher than Xfinity’s, but they are more budget-friendly in the first year. It is because Optimum’s Internet plans have fewer additional charges than Xfinity. Meanwhile, Xfinity gives you a wide range of options with lots of lower and mid-tier internet speeds.
Xfinity
Depending on your address, Xfinity offers up to at least six different internet speeds, with prices usually starting from $20 to $25 per month. The provider has recently increased its entry-level speed from 75 to 150 Mbps, delivering a more valuable experience to small households.
Xfinity also offers a multi-year price guarantee on various internet plans, but this benefit is usually tied to a contract. You might also have to restrict your monthly usage to 1.2 TB unless you live in the Northeast region.
All Xfinity internet plans have varying prices, promo deals, and terms depending on your location. So, verify the details yourself before selecting an internet plan.
| Xfinity Internet Plans – Northeast Region | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| Connect | $25.00/mo. | Up to 150 Mbps | Cable |
| Connect More | $35.00/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable |
| Fast | $45.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | Cable |
| Superfast | $60.00/mo. | Up to 800 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit | $70.00/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit Extra | $80.00/mo. | Up to 1,200 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit Pro | $300.00/mo. | Up to 10,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Prices are mentioned with a $10 Auto Pay & Paperless Billing discount.
Unlimited data with all plans.
A term agreement is required with some plans.
| Xfinity Internet Plans – Central Region | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| Connect | $20.00/mo. | Up to 150 Mbps | Cable |
| Connect More | $35.00/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable |
| Fast | $55.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | Cable |
| Superfast | $70.00/mo. | Up to 800 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit | $80.00/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit Extra | $85.00/mo. | Up to 1,200 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit Pro | $300.00/mo. | Up to 10,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Prices are mentioned with a $10 Auto Pay & Paperless Billing discount.
Some plans may have data caps of up to 1.2 TB.
A term agreement is required with some plans.
| Xfinity Internet Plans – Western Region | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| Connect | $19.99/mo. | Up to 150 Mbps | Cable |
| Connect More | $30.00/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable |
| Fast | $50.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | Cable |
| Superfast | $60.00/mo. | Up to 800 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit | $65.00/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit Extra | $70.00/mo. | Up to 1,200 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit X2 | $120.00/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Gigabit Pro | $300.00/mo. | Up to 10,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Prices are mentioned with a $10 Auto Pay & Paperless Billing discount.
Some plans may have data caps of up to 1.2 TB.
Some plans may require a contract.
Optimum
In contrast, most Optimum customers get three internet speed options, delivered mostly via coaxial cable. But if you live within its growing fiber footprint, especially in the New York metro area, you might have access to six fiber internet plans with symmetrical internet speeds up to 8,000 Mbps.
The cable and fiber versions of Optimum Internet plans, up to 1 gigabit, have similar starting prices, but their post-promotional rates are quite different.
Unlike Xfinity, all Optimum Internet plans offer unrestricted data usage and free equipment, and you don’t have to sign a term agreement to get the lowest prices.
| Optimum Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| Optimum 300 | $40.00/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| Optimum 500 | $60.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| Optimum 1 Gig | $80.00/mo. | Up to 940 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| Optimum 2 Gig | $120.00/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Optimum 5 Gig | $180.00/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Optimum 8 Gig | $280.00/mo. | Up to 8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Promo prices are valid for 12 months.
Speeds and availability may vary with location.
Actual speeds, including over WiFi, may vary.
Additional Costs – Optimum vs Xfinity
Optimum and Xfinity advertise their internet plans at reasonable prices, but we all know that internet bills are usually higher than the promo price of your plan. This is because most internet providers charge one or two extra fees with their internet plans.
Comparatively, Xfinity is the pricier option because it has more additional charges than Optimum. But if you understand these extra costs, you can easily enjoy your Xfinity internet connection at a better price.
Equipment
Both Xfinity and Optimum offer compatible equipment with their plans. But where Optimum does not charge anything for its modem/router, Xfinity has a recurring equipment fee. The provider gives you two rental options: a cheaper modem router combo for a monthly $15 or a pricier yet advanced xFi Complete for $25 per month.
The choice depends on your budget and home coverage requirements. You can also opt out of this additional fee by using your own device. Xfinity offers a list of compatible devices on its website. So, before purchasing your equipment, visit Xfinity’s website to verify its compatibility with your chosen plan.
| Equipment | Optimum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Fee | None | xFi Gateway: $15.00/mo. |
| xFi Complete: $25.00/mo. |
Installation
Optimum and Xfinity charge a similar one-time $100 fee for professional installation. But unlike Xfinity, Optimum waives this fee when you place an online order. Both providers also offer a free self-installation option to people who prefer a more flexible process.
| Installation Fee | Optimum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Installation | None | None |
| Pro-Installation | $100 (Free on online orders) | $100.00 |
Early Termination Fee
You might have to worry about another additional fee with Xfinity if you have signed its term agreement. If you cancel your Xfinity internet plan before the agreed-upon term, the provider will charge an early cancellation fee (specified in your contract).
Xfinity charges an early termination fee (ETF) to recover the expenses incurred in installing and maintaining your service.
Therefore, it is better to choose an Optimum Internet plan if you move frequently or don’t like commitments.
| Early Termination Fee | Optimum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| ETF | None | Mentioned in the contract |
Overage Fee
Since Xfinity still enforces data caps on some of its plans in the West and Central region, you might have to pay an additional overage fee if you exceed your monthly limit.
However, Xfinity offers 1.2 TB of monthly data, which is, to be frank, more than enough for an average internet user. But if you manage to surpass this limit, Xfinity will charge an extra $10 for each additional 50 GB of data consumed.
In comparison, Optimum offers unlimited data with every plan, making it easier to use the internet without any restrictions.
| Overage Fee | Optimum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Data Overage Charges | None | $10.00 for each additional 50 GB of data |
TV & Internet Bundles – Optimum vs Xfinity
Optimum and Xfinity allow their customers to bundle their internet and TV plans. While Xfinity’s packages are famous for their bundling discounts, Optimum’s bundles are known for providing a complete entertainment experience. Let’s get to the details!
Optimum
Optimum’s Internet and TV packages might not offer monthly savings, but they are packed with incredible perks, providing ultimate entertainment and connectivity. Optimum offers four TV plans, which include all your favorite networks, On-Demand content, built-in streaming apps, and Cloud DVR.
Optimum’s internet and TV bundles are simple with straightforward pricing. You can combine any cable or fiber version of Optimum’s internet plans with these TV options. Regardless of the technology, Optimum’s bundled prices remain the same for the same speed.
| Bundle | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Channel Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum 300 + Basic TV | $80.00/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | 50+ |
| Optimum 500 + Core TV | $155.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | 220+ |
| Optimum 500 + Select TV | $175.00/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | 340+ |
| Optimum 1 Gig + Premier TV | $215.00/mo. | Up to 940 Mbps | 420+ |
Taxes and other additional charges may apply.
Xfinity
In contrast, Xfinity’s internet and TV bundles offer monetary value by giving you a monthly $20 discount. The provider has three cable TV plans, so you can pair any Xfinity internet speed with these options to enjoy a reliable internet connection, more than 180 networks, and Peacock Premium at no additional cost.
Unlike Optimum, Xfinity’s internet and TV bundles have varying prices depending on your location. However, its multi-product and promotional discounts last for more than a year.
| Bundle | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Channel Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connect + Choice TV | $68.95/mo. | Up to 150 Mbps | 10+ |
| Connect More + Popular TV | $116.95/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | 125+ |
| Fast + Ultimate TV | $141.95/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | 185+ |
Prices Include autopay & paperless discounts, multi-product discounts, and promotional discounts.
Broadcast and Regional sports fee (price subject to change) is included in the price.
These bundles may require a contract.
Better Option for Gaming – Optimum or Xfinity?
Both Xfinity and Optimum are suitable for gaming activities, providing high-speed internet connections at low latency. But choose Optimum Fiber if it is accessible at your address because while cable internet does offer decent internet speeds, it cannot compete with fiber’s low latency rate and reliability.
Optimum Fiber is a much better option for heavy gamers than Xfinity. It provides you with symmetrical internet speeds up to 8 Gbps, unlimited data, and ultra-low latency, making it easier to download and update games.
More Widely Available – Xfinity or Optimum?
Xfinity is more widely available than Optimum, covering more than one-third of the US and providing internet access to more than 32 million customers. You can mostly find this provider in the densely populated cities of 36 US states.
On the other hand, Optimum serves nearly 5 million customers in 21 states. Most of its customers receive internet access via a cable network. But its fiber internet service is available to 1.7 million people in the greater New York area and parts of Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas.
Better Customer Service – Xfinity or Optimum?
Overall, Xfinity has more satisfied customers than Optimum due to its rapidly improving customer service. It has above-average scores on most customer surveys due to its wide availability and impressive performance.
As a result, the top two customer service rating platforms, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power, also rate Xfinity above the industry average.
On the other hand, Optimum’s incredible internet service is brought down by poor customer reviews. The provider ranks last in the ACSI’s non-fiber internet providers’ category with a score of 58, eight points below the industry average.
The ACSI does not rank its fiber internet service. Moreover, it also performed poorly in the latest J.D. Power Study, ranking below the industry averages in the East and South regions.
| ACSI Report 2023 | Optimum | Xfinity | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Internet Providers Category | N/M | 73 | 75 |
| Non-Fiber Internet Providers Category | 58 | 68 | 66 |
Final Verdict – Xfinity or Optimum?
After a complete analysis, Optimum is a much better choice than Xfinity. The provider offers affordable internet service with fewer additional charges and more relaxed terms such as no contracts, unlimited data, and free equipment. Optimum also waives the one-time installation fee for new customers when they opt for online purchases.
Moreover, Optimum has an impressive fiber network, serving over 100,000 customers with symmetrical speeds up to 8 Gbps. The good news is that Optimum plans to build a 100% fiber network in more areas.
But the final call is yours! Optimum and Xfinity are both ideal options for home internet, the former known for its reliability and the latter for its wide coverage.
