It is important to note that if you choose to bundle your Optimum internet with an unlimited mobile plan, prices for both services will be discounted by $10 per month.
Internet Speed
The speed of your internet connection is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing an internet service provider. Spectrum and Optimum offer cable internet with maximum download speeds of 1000 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary). However, their upload speeds vary significantly. Optimum offers upload speeds of 35 Mbps to 50 Mbps, while Spectrum’s upload speeds are capped at 35 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary).
In addition, Optimum provides fiber internet with symmetrical speeds of up to 5000 Mbps, which is perfect for households with multiple internet-connected devices and high-speed requirements. However, this fiber service is not accessible in all locations, so if it is not available in your area, Spectrum would be a better option for a reliable, high-speed internet connection.
Type of Internet
Spectrum offers hybrid fiber-coaxial cable connections. This type of connection uses a combination of fiber-optic and coaxial cables to deliver internet services. The main advantage of this type of connection is that it is highly reliable and can support high bandwidth speeds, up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).
Optimum provides both cable and fiber internet services. Cable internet is usually cheaper and more accessible than fiber. It also provides faster download speeds than other types of internet, such as DSL. However, it is not as reliable as fiber and can be prone to outages due to weather conditions. Fiber optic internet is the fastest type of internet available, providing equal download and upload speeds.
Data Caps
With the dramatic increase in online streaming services, internet speeds and data caps have become major considerations when choosing an internet service provider (ISP). Data caps limit the amount of data you can use each month, and if you exceed your limit, you may have to pay extra charges. Thankfully, Spectrum and Optimum offer unlimited data plans, so you won’t have to worry about data caps when choosing either provider. This means you can stream, download, and surf the internet without worrying about exceeding your limit.
Contracts
Both Spectrum and Optimum offer no-contract services, so there’s no commitment required. This is great news for those who don’t want to be locked into an expensive long-term contract or those who are looking for a short-term solution until they can move somewhere that offers more competitive rates.
Price After One Year – Spectrum vs Optimum
The debate between Spectrum and Optimum Internet providers can confuse customers. Both companies offer reasonable prices, fast speeds, and a variety of service packages to meet individual needs. But one area where they differ is their pricing structure after the first year of service. After the first year of service, the cost of Spectrum Internet typically increases to $25 per month. Meanwhile, the cost of Optimum Internet could skyrocket as high as $70 per month after the first year of service.
The price difference is quite remarkable and can be a major factor in choosing between the two providers. When looking at long-term cost, Spectrum has a clear advantage over Optimum. The rates stay lower over time, allowing customers to save on their monthly bills while still receiving reliable internet service.
Customer Service
No matter what type of internet service you are looking for, customer service is an important factor to consider. Luckily, Spectrum has excellent customer service with a 2021 score of 63 in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) 2022 report. This is five points above the industry average, which is a positive sign. They also scored well in J.D. Power’s latest study, with a score of 667.
On the other hand, Optimum has had a decline in its customer service. The ACSI 2022 report saw a 1-point decrease from 2021, scoring 59 and six points below the industry average. In addition, they scored 655 in J.D. Power’s study and ranked below Spectrum. This is concerning for this ISP and should be considered when making your decision.
Coverage Area
As more households become dependent on the internet to access educational resources, entertainment, and work-from-home opportunities. It is important for internet service providers (ISPs) to offer comprehensive coverage areas. In terms of coverage, Spectrum stands out above Optimum. Spectrum is available in 41 states except for Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington, DC. Spectrum is available in almost all other states across the US. However, Spectrum does not cover every area, mainly operating in areas where a cable network exists. As such, rural locations are usually not covered.
On the other hand, Optimum’s coverage spans 21 states but only in select areas, including parts of New York City, Arkansas, California, Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Additional Fee
One important factor that can sway your decision is the additional fees charged by each provider. Spectrum and Optimum charge an activation fee for all new customers and may also require an installation fee. Let’s dive in to uncover the fees lurking behind each provider!
Equipment
Spectrum and Optimum have different approaches when it comes to equipment rental. Spectrum provides a free modem with every internet plan, but they charge an extra fee of $5 for WiFi if you subscribe to Spectrum Internet® or Spectrum Internet® Ultra. If you want to use their WiFi Pod, you’ll need to pay an extra $3 for each unit. However, you can avoid these fees by purchasing your own compatible router or subscribing to Spectrum Internet® Gig.
On the other hand, Optimum does not charge an equipment rental fee. This means you can enjoy all of the benefits of Optimum Internet service without paying additional fees for equipment rental.