Optimum 500 Mbps Internet Review
Optimum 500 Mbps Plan
Starting From
$50/mo
4.5/5
- Download Speed 500 Mbps
- Upload Speed Up to 500 Mbps
- No Annual Contract
- Free Self Installation
Call to Order
(877) 783-2597 It is impossible to label a single speed tier as the perfect solution for everyone because the ideal internet speed varies depending on individual requirements. While providers continue to launch faster speed tiers each year, a half-gigabit connection is still an excellent choice for many families and individuals with high internet usage. Moreover, it is one of the most widely available speed tiers in the market, as many top internet providers, including Optimum, offer this plan to their customers. However, unlike others, Optimum uses both cable and fiber networks to deliver this internet speed. Let’s explore all the features of Optimum’s 500 Mbps plan to determine if it is a valuable option for your home.
Table of Contents
What is Optimum 500?
| Optimum 500 At a Glance | |
| Starting Price (Fiber) | $50.00/mo.* |
| Starting Price (cable) | $60.00/mo.* |
| Internet Speed | Download: 500 Mbps |
| Upload: 500 Mbps (Fiber) / 20 Mbps (Cable) | |
| Data Caps | None |
| Contract | None |
| Equipment | Included |
| Self-installation: | Free |
| Professional installation: | Free on online orders |
| Coverage | 21 states |
| Contact Optimum | Call (877) 783-2597 Now |
Optimum, owned by Altice USA, is famous for its attractive promotional rates. Consequently, its 500 Mbps plan appears as the most valuable option available in the market. While Optimum typically offers cable and fiber internet plans at the same price, it has recently introduced lower prices for its fiber internet plans. Therefore, the cost of the 500 Mbps Optimum internet plan may vary slightly depending on the network available in your area. It is worth noting that this pricing policy may evolve in the future, but as of now, Optimum Fiber 500 starts at an appealing $50, while the same plan via its cable network costs $60 for the first year.
In addition to its competitive starting price, the 500 Mbps Optimum Fiber internet plan offers symmetrical upload and download speeds. However, the availability of this plan is limited compared to the cable alternative. Aside from this, the core elements of Optimum 500 remain consistent across both networks; it is contract-free and includes unlimited data and standard equipment. Overall, the 500 Mbps Optimum plan is an excellent option for mid-sized households with heavy internet usage, but it is essential to consider the potential for price hikes in the long run.
Pros
- No contract
- No data cap
- Free professional installation on online orders
- Includes equipment
- Symmetrical upload & download speeds through fiber technology
Cons
- You can mostly access this plan via cable technology
- Steep price hike after 1 year
Optimum 500 Mbps Speed
This plan offers a half-gigabit download speed on both fiber and cable networks. The primary difference lies in the upload speed. While Optimum Fiber 500 delivers equal upload and download speeds, your upload speed will be limited to just 20 Mbps if you live outside Optimum’s fiber service area. Since Optimum primarily offers cable internet to its customers, you will most likely experience asymmetrical speeds at your location. However, there is no need to be concerned about the lower upload rate, as 90% of online activities rely on the download speed.
Optimum 500 is ideal for mid to large-sized families, as it can connect up to 8 devices, such as smart TVs, laptops, and more, while still providing smooth streaming, browsing, and more. You can use this plan to:
- Stream on multiple devices in 4K.
- Engage in multiplayer games.
- Learn and work from home.
Data Caps
Optimum’s services offer several customer-friendly policies to attract more users. One such policy is the provision of unlimited data with all internet plans, including the 500 Mbps plan. This allows users to access endless digital content, making it possible to fully utilize the capabilities of Optimum 500 to explore the digital world without any limitations. Therefore, multiple family members can engage in their favorite activities without worrying about consuming all the data and facing reduced speeds for the remaining billing cycle.
Best Modem for Optimum 500
Optimum 500 includes a WiFi gateway at no additional cost, but if you are curious about the best modems to use with this plan, it is better to choose a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. While DOCSIS 3.0 modems can also support this speed, modems with DOCSIS 3.1 technology provide better performance. Here are some of the best modems compatible with the 500 Mbps Optimum internet plan.
- ARRIS Surfboard SB800
- ARRIS Surfboard S33
- NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80
Perks
Optimum 500 includes a few appealing perks that add value to your connection. Here are some of the key benefits:
Free Equipment
You receive a Smart WiFi 6 Gateway at no extra cost when you sign up for Optimum 500. Moreover, Optimum also gives you a free WiFi extender on its technician’s recommendation. This ensures strong WiFi coverage throughout your home, eliminating dead zones and providing a consistent internet connection.
One Month Free
The provider also gives you credit during the sixth month of your subscription when you sign up for Optimum 500. In simple terms, it means that you will receive a month of free internet service. However, your customer account must be in good standing by the fifth month to qualify for this benefit.
Contract Buyout
Optimum’s long list of perks also includes a contract buyout offer. The provider makes it easier to switch to Optimum 500 by covering the Early Termination Fee (ETF) of up to $100, provided that you maintain your account in good standing.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Optimum’s 30-day money-back guarantee offers you the freedom to try the service without any risks. You can request a refund if this plan does not live up to your expectations within the first 30 days of your membership.
Installation
The provider offers you two installation options with Optimum 500. You can set up this plan yourself or let Optimum’s experienced technicians handle all the details. While the first option is free, the second choice typically costs between $99 and $149. However, currently, Optimum is offering free professional installation on online orders.
| Optimum 500 Mbps – Installation | |
| Professional Installation | Self-Installation |
| $99.99 – $149.99 (Free on online orders) | Free |
Contract
Since Optimum is a contract-free internet provider, you can get its 500 Mbps plan without signing a contract. Therefore, you don’t have to commit to a long-term agreement with Optimum to avoid early termination fees (ETFs), and you are free to change providers whenever necessary.
Additional Costs
Besides installation, here are a few potential additional charges with Optimum 500.
| Additional Charges | |
| Late Payment Fee | $10.00 |
| Extra WiFi Extender | $3.00/mo. per extender |
| Returned check fee | $20.00 |
| Service Restoration | 1 – 2 products: $10.00 |
| 3 products: $15.00 | |
Optimum 500 Availability
Optimum’s merger with Suddenlink expanded its footprint beyond the greater New York area. As a result, you can now find Optimum 500 in urban areas across 21 states. However, its fiber network is limited, so you’ll get this plan via cable technology in most of Optimum’s coverage areas.
| Coverage in States | ||
| Arizona | Louisiana | Oklahoma |
| Arkansas | Mississippi | Nevada |
| California | Missouri | New Jersey |
| Connecticut | Nevada | New York |
| Idaho | New Mexico | Pennsylvania |
| Kansas | North Carolina | Texas |
| Kentucky | Ohio | West Virginia |
Optimum 500 vs. Competitors
500 Mbps is the most widely available speed tier. It is often included in the offerings of both top cable and fiber internet providers. So, how does the 500 Mbps Optimum internet plan compete against these alternatives? This plan is mainly offered through cable to most customers, making Spectrum its primary competitor. Both providers offer asymmetrical speeds but have different starting prices.
However, since you can access this speed via Optimum’s fiber technology in some locations, we have also compared Optimum 500 with some of the best 500 Mbps fiber internet plans. The following table shows a quick comparison between Optimum 500 and other alternatives, giving an overview of how this plan fares against the competition.
| Features | Optimum 500 | AT&T Fiber 500 | Spectrum Internet Ultra | Frontier Fiber 500 |
| Starting Price | Fiber: $50.00/mo. | $65.00/mo. | $69.99/mo. for 12 mos. | $39.99/mo. |
| Cable: $60.00/mo. | ||||
| Price After 1 Year | $75.00/mo. – $85.00/mo. | $65.00/mo. | $104.99/mo. | Call for details |
| Internet Speed | Depends on the Internet Type | Symmetrical | Asymmetrical | Symmetrical |
| Internet Type | Cable, Fiber | Fiber | Cable | Fiber |
| Coverage | 21 states | 21 states | 41 states | 16 states |
Is Optimum 500 Worth it?
Optimum 500 offers the best promotional rate in the market, but is this plan suitable for your home? This half-gigabit plan certainly has its merits, from being contract-free to offering some wonderful perks like free equipment, installation, a contract buyout offer, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, its biggest drawback is the steep price increase.
Optimum raises the cost of this plan by $25 after one year and then further revises the price periodically, eventually charging $129.99 for 500 Mbps speed. This high price can be an issue in the long run, causing many people to question the value of this plan, especially when cheaper alternatives are available at their location. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Optimum’s 500 Mbps plan is perfect for heavy internet users living in mid-sized to large households, but its high regular price can be a concern for many.
FAQs
The price of Optimum 500 increases by $25 after a year, rising from $50 to $75, or $60 to $85, depending on the network. It is then subject to further changes, eventually reaching the regular price of $129.99 per month.
Optimum charges $50 for Optimum Fiber 500 in the first year, but this plan costs $60 if you get it through a cable network.
It is difficult to provide a specific number since Optimum’s taxes often vary depending on your location and other factors. Therefore, it is better to contact Optimum customer service to get the exact information.
The upload speed of this plan depends on the technology. You will get symmetrical upload and download speeds if you live within Optimum’s fiber footprint. Otherwise, your upload speed will be 20 Mbps.
Yes, Optimum 500 is excellent for gaming due to its high speeds and low latency.
Optimum offers 500 Mbps via both fiber and cable technologies.
Optimum provides standard equipment at no additional cost with every plan. However, if you want to purchase your own router, the provider suggests using a router with DOCSIS 3.1 technology for cable internet and a WiFi 6 router for its fiber internet. To avoid any confusion, it is always advisable to double-check with Optimum or refer to their guidelines before making a purchase.
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