Verizon vs. Optimum - Which Is Best For You? (2024)

Let’s explore in further detail the differences between these popular internet providers.

Plans and Pricing

Verizon offers a range of internet plans tailored to meet various needs, utilizing fiber-optic and 5G technology. Here are the main plans available:

• 300 Mbps Plan (Fiber). This fiber-optic plan offers speeds up to 300 Mbps and is priced at $24.99 per month. It’s ideal for streaming, downloading movies and online TV viewing and includes a 2-year price guarantee.
• 500 Mbps Plan (Fiber). This fiber-optic plan is designed for homes with multiple internet users. It provides speeds up to 500 Mbps for $44.99 per month and a 3-year price guarantee​.
• 1 Gig Plan (Fiber). This gigabit fiber-optic plan is tailored for intensive internet use, such as gaming and large file transfers. It offers speeds up to 940 Mbps for $64.99 per month and a 4-year price guarantee​.
• 2 Gig Plan (Fiber). This top-tier fiber-optic plan delivers speeds up to 2.3 Gbps for $84.99 per month. It includes a router and Whole-Home Wi-Fi at no additional cost and a 4-year price guarantee. This plan is ideal for households with multiple users and devices, offering virtually no buffering or lag time.
• 5G Home Internet Plan. Utilizing Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, this wireless internet plan offers speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps for $45 per month. This plan is available in select cities and comes with no data caps.
• Verizon Forward. Available for as low as $20 per month, this plan is designed for individuals participating in specific Federal Assistance Programs such as SNAP. New customers can get free internet for six months, making it affordable for those in need​.

Optimum provides a variety of plans aimed at different user needs, primarily using cable internet technology. Here are the main plans:

• 300 Mbps Plan (Cable). Priced at $39.99 per month, this cable plan offers sufficient speed for downloading large files and light gaming​​.
• 500 Mbps Plan (Cable). At $59.99 per month, this cable plan is ideal for larger households with multiple devices, providing ample speed for streaming, gaming and remote work​​.
• 1 Gig Plan (Cable/Fiber). This plan offers speeds up to 940 Mbps and is priced at $79.99 per month. It’s designed for households with high internet usage, such as 4K streaming and supporting multiple devices simultaneously. Depending on the service area, this plan may use cable or fiber.
• 2 Gig Plan (Fiber). This fiber-optic plan provides symmetrical speeds of up to 2 Gbps for $150 per month. It includes an HBO Max bundle and offers free installation for new customers​​.
• 5 Gig Plan (Fiber). Designed for tech enthusiasts and high-demand users, this plan offers speeds up to 5 Gbps for $180 per month. It also includes an HBO Max bundle and additional benefits like free installation and equipment​​.
• 8 Gig Plan (Fiber). This premier fiber-optic plan provides symmetrical speeds of up to 8 Gbps for $280 per month. It includes unlimited data, free equipment with mesh technology and free installation on online orders. This plan is currently available in select regions of the New York Tri-State area, catering to tech enthusiasts and businesses with high bandwidth requirements​​.

Connection Types

Verizon offers three types of internet connections to meet different needs and locations:

• Fiber Optic (Fios). Verizon Fios uses fiber-optic cables to provide high-speed internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 940 Mbps. This type of connection is known for its reliability and speed, and it is ideal for activities like streaming, gaming and video conferencing.
• 5G Home Internet. This wireless internet service utilizes Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network and delivers fast speeds and low latency. It is available in select cities and offers an average download speed of around 300 Mbps, with no data caps.
• LTE Home Internet. This service uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network to deliver internet to homes, particularly in areas where Fios and 5G Home Internet are unavailable. It provides reliable connectivity for everyday use.

Optimum provides two main types of internet connections:

• Cable Internet. Optimum’s primary service is cable internet, which uses the existing cable TV infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet. This connection type offers speeds ranging from 100 to 940 Mbps, suitable for high-bandwidth activities.
• Fiber Internet. Optimum offers fiber-optic internet in select areas, providing faster speeds and more reliable performance than cable. This service can reach speeds up to 940 Mbps, making it ideal for heavy internet users.

Availability

Verizon offers internet services to 9 states primarily through its Fios fiber-optic network and 5G Home Internet and LTE Home Internet in areas where fiber is unavailable.

On the other hand, Optimum offers services in 20 states, providing cable and fiber internet options.

Customer Support

Verizon offers a variety of customer support options to ensure users can get the help they need quickly and efficiently:

• 24/7 Phone Support. Customers can call Verizon anytime for assistance with technical issues, billing inquiries, or general questions.
• Live Chat. Available through Verizon’s website, live chat provides instant support from customer service representatives.
• In-Store Assistance. Verizon stores offer in-person support for technical issues, billing questions and account management.
• Online Support Resources. The Verizon website includes a comprehensive support section with FAQs, troubleshooting guides and forums to help customers resolve common issues independently.
• Social Media Support. Verizon offers customer support through its official social media channels, providing another convenient way for customers to get help​​.

Optimum provides multiple channels for customer support, ensuring comprehensive assistance for their users:

• Phone Support. Customers can reach Optimum customer service 24/7 by calling 1-866-347-4784. Regional phone numbers are also available for New York and New Jersey areas.
• Live Chat. The Optimum website’s live chat feature allows users to receive real-time support from customer service representatives.
• Online Support. The Optimum website includes a support section with extensive resources for internet, TV, phone and billing issues.
• Optimum App. The Optimum Support app, available in the Apple and Google app stores, allows customers to manage their accounts, pay bills, and access support.
• In-Store Assistance. Optimum stores offer in-person support, where customers can get

Customer Reviews

Verizon Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for Verizon generally reflect a positive sentiment towards their internet services, particularly their fiber offerings. Many customers praise the high speeds and reliability of Verizon Fios. Positive reviews highlight the ease of installation, consistent performance and minimal need for customer support due to the service’s reliability​.

However, some customers have reported negative experiences, particularly regarding customer service and billing issues. Common complaints include difficulties in reaching customer support, unresolved billing disputes and challenges with service availability in certain areas.

Optimum Customer Reviews

Optimum’s customer reviews are mixed. Positive feedback often centers on the affordability and speed of their internet plans, with many users appreciating the flexibility of no annual contracts and the availability of high-speed options. Customers also value the extensive Wi-Fi hotspot network provided by Optimum​​.

On the downside, Optimum has faced criticism for its customer service. Common issues include long wait times, inconsistent service quality and significant price increases after the first year. Despite these concerns, Optimum remains popular for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable internet service with flexible plans​.

Contracts and Data Caps

Verizon Contracts and Data Caps

Verizon’s internet plans offer considerable flexibility, with no annual contracts required. Customers can cancel their plans anytime without incurring early termination fees, providing a significant advantage for those who prefer not to commit to long-term agreements​​.

Additionally, Verizon does not impose data caps on any of their internet plans, including Fios and 5G Home Internet. This allows customers to use unlimited data without worrying about overage charges, making it an ideal choice for heavy internet users​.

Optimum Contracts and Data Caps

Optimum offers both contract and no-contract options for its internet plans. While no-contract plans are available, a contract plan often provides access to promotional pricing and other benefits.

For those who choose contract plans, early termination fees may apply if the service is canceled before the end of the term. Like Verizon, Optimum does not impose data caps on its internet plans, allowing users unlimited data usage without additional fees​.

When selecting an internet service provider, other features and services can enhance the overall experience beyond basic connectivity and add significant value.

Verizon Additional Considerations

Verizon offers these additional features:

• Whole-Home Wi-Fi. This feature includes Wi-Fi Health Check via the My Verizon app to optimize your network and an optional Wi-Fi Extender for better signal strength in hard-to-reach places.
• Waived Installation Fees. Fios installation fees are waived if ordered online, and there are no additional fees for installing 5G Home Internet​.
• Sign-Up Bonuses. New customers can receive up to $200 in gift cards depending on the plan chosen. Verizon also provides up to $500 to help cover early termination fees when switching from another provider.
• Entertainment Bundles. Verizon offers entertainment bundles such as Netflix and Max for $10 per month and Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for $10 per month.
• AutoPay Feature. It allows customers to manage their payments easily with a discount on monthly fees when using AutoPay​.

Optimum Additional Considerations

Optimum offers the following features:

• Free Installation. Available for new customers who order online.
• Free Equipment. Their internet plans include modems and routers. Higher-tier plans, like the 2 Gig and 5 Gig options, include additional benefits, such as HBO Max bundles.
• Smart WiFi 6. Optimum’s latest technology offers faster speeds with greater coverage and the ability to handle more than 100 devices simultaneously. This feature is free with a 1 gig fiber Internet plan and higher​.
• Promotional Offers. Discounted rates for the first year and free access to streaming services for new subscribers.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Provides a risk-free trial for new customers.

• Connection Types: Verizon offers fiber-optic (Fios), 5G Home Internet and LTE Home Internet, while Optimum focuses on cable and fiber internet options.
• Price Range: Verizon’s plans range from $24.99 per month for the 300 Mbps Fiber plan to $84.99 per month for the 2 Gig Fiber plan. Optimum’s plans start at $29.99 per month for the 100 Mbps plan and go up to $280 per month for the 8 Gig Fiber plan.
• State Availability: Verizon is available in 9 states, primarily in the Northeast. Optimum has a state availability of 21 states, with a broader reach than Verizon.

• No Data Caps: Verizon and Optimum offer unlimited data on their internet plans, allowing users to stream, download, and play games without worrying about overage fees.
• Limited Service Areas: Both providers ask customers to check the availability of their services in their area.
• High-Speed Internet Options: Verizon and Optimum offer high-speed internet plans, with Verizon’s Fios and Optimum’s fiber plans providing speeds up to 940 Mbps and beyond.
• No Annual Contracts: Both providers offer no-contract plans, providing flexibility for customers who prefer not to commit to long-term agreements. This allows users to cancel their service without incurring early termination fees.

What We Like About Verizon

• High-Speed Fiber-Optic Internet. Verizon Fios offers some of the fastest and most reliable internet speeds available, with plans to provide up to 5 gigs for demanding activities like streaming 4 K videos, online gaming, and large file transfers.
• Unlimited Data. Verizon’s plans have unlimited data, allowing users to stream, download and browse without worrying about data caps or overage fees.
• No Annual Contracts. Verizon does not require annual contracts, allowing customers to cancel their service without incurring early termination fees​​.
• Comprehensive Customer Support. Verizon offers multiple customer support options, including 24/7 phone support, live chat, in-store assistance and extensive online resources.

Learn more: Verizon Fios Internet Review

What We Like About Optimum

• Affordable and Flexible Plans. Optimum offers a range of cheap internet plans starting at $39.99 monthly. The no-contract policy provides flexibility for customers who prefer not to commit to long-term agreements.
• Wide Availability and Extensive Coverage. Optimum services are available in 20 states, providing broad coverage that caters to many customers. The company offers cable and fiber internet options, ensuring high-speed connectivity is available in various regions​​.
• Advanced WiFi Technology. Optimum’s Smart WiFi 6 technology offers faster speeds, greater coverage and the ability to handle more than 100 devices simultaneously.

Learn more: Optimum Internet Review

To determine the best internet providers, the Forbes Home editorial team compared 22 major internet providers across 39 different metrics, such as average monthly cost, download speed and fiber availability.

Customer Reviews and Support Options (30%)

We evaluate each internet company’s performance based on customer reviews on platforms like Google, Consumer Affairs and Trustpilot. Additionally, we assess the available customer support options, including live chat and 24/7 phone service, which are crucial for addressing customer issues and inquiries.

Pricing (32%)

Our team reviews various pricing factors while researching internet companies. We examine each company’s website to note the highest- and lowest-priced plans available, favoring those with lower prices in both categories. We also consider other pricing aspects, such as contract requirements, bundling options and whether free professional installation is offered. Collectively, these data points provide a clear view of internet company pricing.

Plan Features and Specifics (21%)

Forbes Home carefully reviews every plan offered by each internet provider under consideration. We prioritize companies that provide a range of connection options, awarding the most points to those with cable, DSL, fiber and 5G options.

We also consider the minimum and maximum advertised download and upload speeds, favoring companies with higher speeds in each category. Since bundling is a popular option among consumers, we give extra points to companies that offer additional services like TV and phone.

Nationwide Availability (15%)

Our team determines each company’s availability by looking at its website and other public resources to see which states it serves. We also confirm availability for Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The more locations a company operates in, the higher its overall score.

Expert Score (2%)

We reserve the smallest category for an expert score. For this section, the editorial team dives deeper into existing or new categories not currently represented in our data (such as unique services and features and extra factors that set a company above the competition, like awards).

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates internet providers in our detailed methodology page.