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Optimum vs. Arvig

Whether you’re researching Optimum vs. Arvig internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

Optimum
Price: $45.00 - $200.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (267)

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Arvig
Price: $65.00 - $105.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, DSL, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (2)

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Optimum and Arvig compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Optimum covering 20,813,462 people nationwide and Arvig serving 185,798. Optimum primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; Arvig specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Optimum and Arvig’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Optimum vs. Arvig | Pros & Cons

Optimum Logo

Pros:

  • Multi-gig speeds available
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Extensive fiber network

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Customers report dissatisfaction with pricing
  • Contracts required for best pricing

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Arvig Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • No contracts required

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited plan variety
  • Higher speeds require premium pricing

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Optimum vs. Arvig | Availability

Optimum and Arvig have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Both Providers Available | Optimum Available | Arvig Available | No Coverage

Optimum currently offers internet service in 3,300 cities and 356 counties across 21 states, reaching approximately 20,813,462 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Brooklyn, NY; and Bronx, NY. By comparison, Arvig serves 185,798 residents in 250 cities and 32 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Detroit Lakes, MN; Minneapolis, MN; and Alexandria, MN.

Optimum has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 12 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

Arvig is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 85, Arvig has a strong emphasis on rural communities, providing extensive coverage in less densely populated areas.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Optimum and Arvig at your location, use our address search tool:

Optimum vs. Arvig | Speeds & Technology

Optimum and Arvig utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Optimum primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 0.0% of their customers. They also offer fiber to less than 1% of their coverage area. Arvig relies on fiber technology, which comprises 0.0% of their network, with DSL available in less than 1% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Optimum offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,833 Mbps compared to Arvig’s average speed of 930 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Optimum delivers faster speeds in 0.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Optimum’s premium Fiber service reaches 57.1% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Arvig’s top-tier Fiber is available to 77.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Optimum vs. Arvig | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Optimum and Arvig, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

Optimum Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
100 Mbps Internet$50.00100 Mbps5 MbpsCable
300 Mbps Internet$45.00 ($70.00 after 12 months)300 Mbps25 MbpsCable
500 Mbps Internet$45.00 ($90.00 after 12 months)500 Mbps25 MbpsCable
1 Gig Internet$55.00 ($110.00 after 24 months)1000 Mbps50 MbpsCable
2 Gig Fiber Internet$85.00 ($130.00 after 36 months)2500 Mbps2500 MbpsFiber
5 Gig Fiber Internet$115.00 ($200.00 after 48 months)5000 Mbps5000 MbpsFiber

Sourced directly from Optimum's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, last verified September 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Optimum Plans

Arvig Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Internet 25$65.0025 Mbps5 MbpsDSL
Internet 100$75.00100 Mbps25 MbpsCable
Internet 300$75.00300 Mbps25 MbpsFiber
Internet 500$90.00500 Mbps50 MbpsFiber
Internet 1 Gig$105.001000 Mbps100 MbpsFiber

Sourced directly from Arvig's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Arvig Plans

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Optimum vs. Arvig | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Optimum and Arvig based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Optimum earns an overall rating of 3.10 / 5 stars from 273 customer reviews, while Arvig maintains a 4.00 / 5 rating from 2 reviews. Arvig outperforms Optimum by 0.9 points in overall satisfaction. Optimum’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.47 / 5 stars, compared to Arvig’s highest-rated service, Fixed Wireless, at 5.00 / 5 stars.

Optimum Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.47 of 5 stars

(53)

Cable

Cable: 3.02 of 5 stars

(219)

Optimum has an overall rating of 3.10 out of 5, with a total of 273 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Optimum’s ratings, their Cable service (80% of reviews) averages 3.02 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Optimum Internet Reviews page.

Arvig Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.00 of 5 stars

(1)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 5.00 of 5 stars

(1)

Arvig has an overall rating of 4.00 out of 5, with a total of 2 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Arvig’s ratings, their Fiber service (50% of reviews) averages 3.00 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This difference suggests that customers have notably different experiences with their various service types, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Arvig Internet Reviews page.

Optimum vs. Arvig | Fees & Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

Optimum Service

Fee

Professional Installation Fee

$100

Arvig Service

Fee

Installation Fee (Waiver available.)

$100.00

Gateway Access Charge

$3.95

Optional Managed WiFi

$8.00

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Optimum vs. Arvig | Top Cities

Optimum serves 3,300 cities while Arvig is available in 250 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Optimum Cities

New York, NY
  • Availability: 59.86%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 7,084 Mbps
Brooklyn, NY
  • Availability: 79.50%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,443 Mbps
Bronx, NY
  • Availability: 99.09%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,655 Mbps
Bridgeport, CT
  • Availability: 69.83%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 7,828 Mbps
Dallas, TX
  • Availability: 6.40%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 940 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Arvig Cities

Detroit Lakes, MN
  • Availability: 95.61%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 997 Mbps
Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 0.22%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Alexandria, MN
  • Availability: 27.14%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Park Rapids, MN
  • Availability: 75.43%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Perham, MN
  • Availability: 98.33%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 980 Mbps