Xfinity vs. Optimum: Which is the better internet provider?
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Most availability
- Prices: $19.99 per month
- Speeds up to: 6,000 Mbps
Fastest fiber speeds
- Prices: $40 per month
- Speeds up to: 8,000 Mbps
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Xfinity vs. Optimum
| Xfinity | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 40 states | 21 states |
| Max speeds* | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Starting price** | $19.99/mo. | $40/mo. |
| Fees | More fees | Fewer fees |
| Customer service | Average ratings | Below-average ratings |
**Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
How is Xfinity better than Optimum?
The largest cable provider, Xfinity, beats Optimum in availability, plan options and cheap internet deals.
Xfinity pros
- Availability: Xfinity is available in 40 states and 35% of the U.S.
- Options: Choose from eight or more internet plans and countless bundle combinations.
- Deals: Many Xfinity internet deals are lower than any Optimum plan.
Xfinity cons
- Contracts: Some plans come with a contract and early termination fee (ETF).
- Data: 1.2 TB data limit on internet plans.
- Fees: Equipment fees apply once the promotional period ends.
Read our full Xfinity review.
How is Optimum better than Xfinity?
Optimum offers faster high-speed internet, no contracts, unlimited data and a broader fiber network.
Optimum pros
- Speed: Get home Wi-Fi up to 8 GB.
- Technology: Fiber internet makes up a large portion of Optimum’s coverage area.
- Unlimited data: No data caps on any Optimum plans.
Optimum cons
- Price: Rates are slightly higher than Xfinity.
- Customer satisfaction: Optimum ratings are lower than Xfinity, based on ACSI data.
Read our full Optimum review.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
Xfinity vs. Optimum speeds
Both ISPs offer multi-gig speeds, placing them among the best internet providers. If you need the fastest speeds, Optimum’s true-fiber connection offers faster Wi-Fi options.
- Technology: Both Xfinity and Optimum use a hybrid cable/fiber connection type.
- Fiber: Optimum’s network has a greater proportion of true fiber areas with equal upload and download speeds.
- Max speeds: Xfinity top speed of 6 GB has limited availability; up to 2 GB is standard. Optimum offers up to 8 GB in nearly 40% of its coverage areas.
Xfinity vs. Optimum pricing
Expect similar monthly internet costs from Xfinity and Optimum.
- Starting price: Optimum starts at $40/mo. Xfinity starts at $19.99–$55/mo., depending on region.
- 1 GB internet: Both providers have 1 GB deals that start at $80/mo.
- Cheap internet: Both Xfinity and Optimum offer low-cost internet for qualified households starting between $10 and $15/mo.
- Equipment: Optimum does not charge extra for equipment. Modem and Wi-Fi routers are included with most Xfinity plans for 12–24 months and cost around $15/mo.
Optimum vs. Xfinity internet plans
Optimum plans
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Optimum 300 | $40/mo. | 300/20 Mbps |
| Optimum 500 | $60/mo. | 500/20 Mbps |
| Optimum 1 Gig | $80/mo. | 940/35 Mbps |
| Optimum Fiber 300 | $40/mo. | 300/300 Mbps |
| Optimum Fiber 500 | $60/mo. | 500/500 Mbps |
| Optimum Fiber 1 Gig | $80/mo. | 940/940 Mbps |
| Optimum Fiber 2 Gig | $100/mo. | 2,000/2,000 Mbps |
| Optimum Fiber 5 Gig | $180/mo. | 5,000/5,000 Mbps |
| Optimum Fiber 8 Gig | $280/mo. | 8,000/8,000 Mbps |
Xfinity internet plans
Xfinity pricing is determined by region. The values in the following table may vary based on your location.
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Connect | $19.99–$30/mo. | 150/35 Mbps |
| Connect More | $35–$45/mo. | 400/35 Mbps |
| Fast | $55/mo. | 600/35 Mbps |
| Superfast | $65–$70/mo. | 800/35 Mbps |
| Gigabit x2 | $95/mo. | 2,000/300 Mbps |
| Gigabit Pro | $299.95/mo. | 3,000–6,000 Mbps/3,000–6,000 Mbps |
Optimum vs. Xfinity deals
- Optimum frequently offers reward cards, bill credits or free streaming services for a limited time for new customers.
- Xfinity deals often include limited-time streaming and equipment discounts.
Where are Xfinity & Optimum available?
Xfinity covers 40 states and nearly 35% of the country. Xfinity regions include California, Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and more.
Optimum is available in 7% of the country, across 21 states, with the majority of its network in Arizona, California, Idaho, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia.
Does Optimum or Xfinity have extra fees?
- Equipment fees: Both Optimum and Xfinity include equipment — a modem and router — in most of their internet packages. Xfinity charges $15/mo. in certain areas or after promotional rates end, depending on the area.
- Data caps: Optimum internet is unlimited, while Xfinity plans have a 1.2 TB data cap.
- Installation fees: Optimum and Xfinity both offer free self-installation or $100 professional installation.
- Contracts & ETFs: All Optimum and most Xfinity plans are no-contract, although some Xfinity deals require a contract with an ETF.
Can you bundle with Optimum or Xfinity?
- Xfinity cable TV and internet: Plans start at $55/mo. for 150 Mbps and 10+ channels, or get 125+ channels starting around $140/mo. (equipment extra; prices vary by region).
- Optimum internet and TV: Starts at $120/mo. with 300 Mbps and 220+ channels.
- Xfinity internet and mobile: Add Mobile for $20/mo. when you add two lines, or choose a Pay by the Gig plan.
- Optimum internet and mobile: Adding one line of mobile service to an internet plan starts at $15/mo.
Xfinity vs. Optimum FAQs
Is Optimum or Xfinity worth switching to?
Switching internet providers to Optimum or Xfinity is worth it if you are dissatisfied with your current ISP’s speed, price or customer service. If you’re unsure, Xfinity offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, while Optimum provides a 60-day guarantee.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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