Xfinity vs Optimum - Which One is Better?

Xfinity

Starting at

$20.00/mo

  • Speeds up to 10 Gbps
  • Available in 36 States
  • 1.2 TB Data Cap on some plans

Call to Order

(877) 783-2597
Optimum

Starting at

$40.00/mo.

  • Speeds up to 8 Gbps
  • Available in 21 States
  • No Data Caps

Call to Order

(877) 783-2597

Affordability and wide availability are the two main reasons behind cable internet’s popularity. Xfinity and Optimum are two well-known cable operators in the country, offering an assortment of services. While they are similar in some ways, such as providing high-speed internet plans and various bundling options, their business strategies and priorities differ.

Where Xfinity is deploying DOCSIS 4.0 technology throughout its footprint, Optimum is working to expand its fiber network. This Xfinity vs Optimum comparison can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of both providers so you can choose wisely.

Table of Contents

Xfinity

It is not a secret that Xfinity is a brand of Comcast, the largest telecom and media company in the country. The provider offers various connectivity solutions such as high-speed internet, home phone, and mobile packages to millions of Americans. It also distributes top news, entertainment, and sports networks, bringing incredible content to your home.

Xfinity’s widespread availability often makes it the only high-speed internet option available in various markets. The provider maintains its position through constant innovation and advancement. It is currently in the midst of deploying DOCSIS 4.0 technology throughout its footprint, so more people in non-fiber areas can experience multi-gig speeds via a cable network.

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 Pros:

  • Good variety of mid-range internet speeds
  • Low promotional prices
  • Widely available
  • Excellent bundling discounts and benefits
  • Price guarantee with some options
  • Largest network of WiFi hotspots


 Cons:

  • Asymmetrical internet speeds
  • Some plans have data caps and contracts
  • Fiber footprint is limited to a few addresses

Optimum

Optimum, on the other hand, is a brand of Altice USA, a cable television company based in New York City. Like Xfinity, Optimum is primarily a cable internet provider. However, it also has an impressive fiber network, mainly concentrated in the New York Tri-State area with over 100,000 customers.

Optimum’s services support the communication, entertainment, and information requirements of more than 20 million residential and business customers. This cable service provider delivers internet, cable TV, mobile, home phone, and home security services in 21 states, giving you the best experience at home and on the go.

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 Pros:

  • Offers a variety of fiber internet plans
  • Includes free equipment with every plan
  • Installation is free with online orders
  • No contracts or data caps


 Cons:

  • Asymmetrical cable internet speeds
  • Fiber internet is limited to the New York Tri-State area
  • Poor ratings for 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 75 – 10,000 Mbps
Upload Speed 20 – 8,000 Mbps 10 – 10,000 Mbps
Internet Type Cable, Fiber Cable, Fiber
Data Caps None Some plans have them (1.2 TB)
Contracts None Some plans have them
Equipment Fee None. xFi Gateway: $15.00/mo.
xFi Complete: $25.00/mo.
Installation Fee $100.00 (Free on online orders) $100.00 for professional installation
ETF None Yes
Bundles Yes Yes
Coverage 21 states 36 states

Xfinity and Optimum’s goal is to provide a reliable internet connection to their customers. While they mainly employ the same technology, they have different visions based on several factors, including technological innovation, market reputation, and more. As a result, they have different coverage areas, pricing strategies, and other terms.

Let’s assess these differences.

Plans & Pricing – Xfinity vs Optimum Internet

Optimum may not give you many cable internet plans, but it has a good list of fiber offerings. Xfinity is the complete opposite! It offers a good variety of cable internet speeds, with multiple lower and mid-tier options.

Xfinity

Xfinity’s plans are available to more than one-third of the US, but their prices vary with location. The provider usually offers seven tiers, ranging from 75 to 1,200 Mbps, with prices starting from $20 or $25 per month, depending on where you live.

Xfinity also enforces data caps and contracts on some plans. Its contract length varies across different speeds, with some requiring a 1-year commitment and others binding you for 2 years. Xfinity’s terms are more relaxed in the Northeastern region, giving you unlimited data with almost every plan.

Xfinity Internet Plans – Northeast
Plans Starting Price Max Download Speed Type
Connect More $25.00/mo. Up to 200 Mbps Cable
Fast $35.00/mo. Up to 400 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 X2 $110.00/mo. Up to 2,000 Mbps Cable
Gigabit Pro $300.00/mo. Up to 10,000 Mbps Fiber
Xfinity Internet Plans – Central Region
Connect $20.00/mo. Up to 75 Mbps Cable
Connect More $35.00/mo. Up to 200 Mbps Cable
Fast $55.00/mo. Up to 400 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 X2 $100.00/mo. Up to 2,000 Mbps Cable
Gigabit Pro $300.00/mo. Up to 10,000 Mbps Fiber
Xfinity Internet Plans – West Region
Connect $19.99/mo. Up to 75 Mbps Cable
Connect More $30.00/mo. Up to 200 Mbps Cable
Fast $55.00/mo. Up to 400 Mbps Cable
Superfast $65.00/mo. Up to 800 Mbps Cable
Gigabit $75.00/mo. Up to 1,000 Mbps Cable
Gigabit Extra $80.00/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
*Price may vary with location.
**Prices are mentioned with a $10 Auto Pay & Paperless Billing discount.
***Some plans may have data caps of up to 1.2 TB.
****Term agreement required with some plans.

Optimum

In contrast, Optimum only offers three cable internet plans across its entire footprint. The speeds of these plans range from 300 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps, with prices starting from $40. Now, this starting price may seem higher than Xfinity, but considering Xfinity’s entry-level speed is 75 Mbps in two regions, it is reasonable for a 300 Mbps connection.

On the other hand, Optimum offers six fiber internet plans within its fiber footprint. The initial three options have the same speeds and pricing as its cable internet plans. Its multi-gigabit plans are also competitively priced. However, they are only available in certain locations.

All Optimum Internet plans, regardless of the connection type, include unlimited data and equipment. Moreover, you don’t have to sign a 1 or 2-year contract to receive a discount. The only issue with Optimum is its high post-promotional rates.

Optimum Internet Plans
Plans Starting Price Max Download 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
*Internet-only plans with Auto Pay & Paperless Bill Discount.
**Price is valid for 1 year.
***Speeds may not be available in all areas.
***Actual speeds, including over WiFi, may vary.

Additional Costs – Optimum vs Xfinity

Setting up an internet service is quite costly. That’s why your first internet bill is always higher than what you will be paying in the future. Additionally, most providers impose a few monthly additional fees on your bill that can impact your internet budget. Let’s compare Optimum and Xfinity to see which provider has fewer additional costs.

Equipment

All Optimum Internet plans include a suitable modem or gateway at no additional cost. Meanwhile, Xfinity gives you two rental options. You can either choose xFi gateway, a modern modem-router combo, for a monthly $15, or a more advanced option, xFi Complete, for $25 a month.

However, if you don’t have the budget for this additional fee, Xfinity allows you to use a compatible modem or router with its service. 

Provider Equipment Fee
Optimum None
Xfinity xFi Gateway: $15.00/mo.
xFi Complete: $25.00/mo.

Installation

Both Optimum and Xfinity charge the same fee for their professional installation – $100. However, Optimum waives this fee with online orders, resulting in significant cost savings and making Optimum more accessible to a broader range of people.

Provider Installation Charges
Optimum Pro-installation: $100 (Free on online orders)
Self-installation: None
Xfinity Pro-installation: $100.00
Self-installation: None

ETF

Xfinity has one more additional fee, Early Termination Fee (ETF). While the provider no longer enforces contracts on every plan, some Xfinity plans require you to sign a 1 or 2-year term agreement. 

Therefore, you should carefully read the terms before choosing any Xfinity plan, especially if you are not looking for a long-term internet service. Otherwise, you might have to pay a substantial early cancellation fee for canceling its service before the end of the term.

Provider ETF
Optimum None
Xfinity Mentioned in the term agreement

Overage Fee

Optimum’s internet service is free from data overage charges since it offers unlimited data with every plan. Xfinity, on the other hand, has various plans with a cap of 1.2 TB, depending on your location. While this data limit is sufficient for most users, it might not be enough for extreme users. 

Keep in mind that exceeding this limit will result in a penalty of an additional $10 for each 50 GB of extra data.

Provider Overage Fee
Optimum None
Xfinity $10.00 for each additional 50 GB of data

TV & Internet Bundles – Optimum vs Xfinity

Both Xfinity and Optimum offer plenty of bundling options. While Optimum gives a wider range of channels, Xfinity’s bundling discounts and perks make it an attractive option for many people.

Optimum

Optimum’s incredible TV and Internet bundles let you experience the best of everything at competitive pricing. These double-play packages give you gift cards, high-speed internet up to 5,000 Mbps, and more than 420 channels. While they don’t offer any particular savings, they offer simplicity and diverse content.

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+
*Prices and availability vary with location.
**Additional charges may apply.

Xfinity

On the other hand, Xfinity’s bundles are packed with incredible savings due to various discounts. The best part? These multi-product and promotional discounts are valid for a few years, allowing you to save a substantial amount. The only downside is that Xfinity’s channel lineup is smaller than that of Optimum’s.  

Bundle Starting Price Internet Speed Channel Count
Connect More + Choice TV $76.75/mo. Up to 200 Mbps 10+
Connect More + Popular TV $116.95/mo. Up to 200 Mbps 125+
Fast Internet + Popular TV $126.95/mo. Up to 400 Mbps 125+
Connect More + Ultimate TV $136.95/mo. Up to 200 Mbps 185+
*Price may vary with location.
**Includes autopay & paperless discounts, multi-product discounts, and promotional discounts.
***Price includes Broadcast and Regional sports fee (price subject to change). Taxes are not included.
****These bundles may require a contract.

Better Option for Gaming – Optimum or Xfinity?

On paper, both Xfinity and Optimum are acceptable options for gaming, offering high-speed internet plans with optimal latency rates. However, your actual gaming experience can vary due to your location and chosen plan. Moreover, factors like data caps, customer service, and shared bandwidth can also impact your gaming experience.

Therefore, Optimum is a much better option for gaming. While its cable internet is also ideal for playing games, Optimum’s fiber internet service gives it a notable advantage over Xfinity due to ultra-fast speeds and lowest latency.

Wider Coverage Area – Xfinity or Optimum?

While a few mergers and acquisitions have increased Optimum’s reach to 21 states, it cannot compete with Xfinity’s coverage. As per its website, Xfinity is available in 36 states, offering telecommunication services to one-third of the country. 

Optimum’s fiber footprint, on the other hand, is more impressive than Xfinity’s, covering more than 100,000 customers within the New York Tri-State area.

Better Customer Service – Xfinity or Optimum?

Although Xfinity receives mixed reviews, its customer service is significantly better than Optimum. The provider is rapidly improving its customer service based on the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s (ACSI’s) latest report

Xfinity ranks fifth in the non-fiber internet providers category with a score of 68, two points above the industry average. However, it ranks last in the fiber internet providers category, two points below the average score.

In contrast, Optimum’s customer service is less than impressive. It ranks last in the ACSI’s non-fiber internet providers category with 58 points and is not included in the fiber internet providers’ list. Optimum’s poor ratings are mainly due to innumerable complaints about unfriendly customer representatives.

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 evaluating both providers, we can conclude that Optimum’s strengths outweigh Xfinity’s. The provider offers better features, such as contract-free plans with unlimited data, and has fewer additional charges. Its fiber network is also more accessible and offers a variety of plans, providing a seamless connection for gamers and streamers. 

However, the ultimate choice depends on your specific requirements. If you prioritize reliability and friendly terms, choose Optimum, and if you are attracted to discounts and savings and prefer a better customer experience, choose Xfinity.

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