Which is better, Optimum or Southeast Broadband?

Optimum is faster, cheaper to start and available to more people. They do not serve the same areas, so you will not usually choose between them.

FasterOptimumTop speed 8,000 Mbps vs 1,000 Mbps.

Cheaper to startOptimumFrom $30 a month (promotional), then $75, vs $50.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (275 and 1).

Available to more peopleOptimum20.8 million people in 21 states, vs 7,823 in 1 state.

Optimum
Price: $35.00 - $300.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (267)
View Plans

Southeast Broadband
Price: $50.00 - $160.00 / mo.
Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and cable
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

Optimum vs. Southeast Broadband at a glance

Measure	Optimum	Southeast Broadband
Available to	20.8 million people in 21 states	7,823 people in 1 state
Main technology	Cable 100%, fiber 57%	Fiber 74%, cable 57%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	8,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	8,000 Mbps down, 8,000 Mbps up	300 Mbps
Starting price	$30 a month (promotional), then $75	$50 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	Not listed	$1,200 (25 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.1 of 5 (275 reviews)	4.0 of 5 (1 reviews)
Rated for speed	3.5 of 5	4.0 of 5
Rated for price	2.8 of 5	4.0 of 5

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Optimum and Southeast Broadband are available

Optimum and Southeast Broadband 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.

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, Southeast Broadband serves 7,948 residents in 18 cities and 3 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Belzoni, MS; Rolling Fork, MS; and Anguilla, MS.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Optimum coverage map and Southeast Broadband coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Optimum, Southeast Broadband or both are offered at your home.

Optimum vs. Southeast Broadband Speeds and Technology

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

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 Southeast Broadband’s average speed of 1,000 Mbps.

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, Southeast Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 72.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Optimum vs. Southeast Broadband Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Optimum and Southeast Broadband, 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.

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. Southeast Broadband Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Optimum earns an overall rating of 3.09 / 5 stars from 277 customer reviews, while Southeast Broadband maintains a 4.00 / 5 rating from 1 reviews. Southeast Broadband outperforms Optimum by 0.9 points in overall satisfaction. Optimum’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.40 / 5 stars, compared to Southeast Broadband’s highest-rated service, Cable, at 4.00 / 5 stars.

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. Southeast Broadband Pros and Cons

Optimum

From 175 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 59 of 175 written reviews (39 call it slow). "the connection and internet speeds have been surprisingly good"
• Easy installation: praised in 18 of 175 written reviews (11 had install trouble). "the installation was fast and easy"

Cons

• Poor customer service: a complaint in 56 of 175 written reviews (22 praise the service). "the representatives read from scripts and are painfully difficult to understand"
• Outages and drops: a complaint in 54 of 175 written reviews (34 call it reliable). "I have constant outages in my area"
• Expensive for what you get: a complaint in 51 of 175 written reviews (31 call it good value). "The pricing is a bit expensive every month"
• Promotional price: starts at $30 a month, rises to $75 after the promotion.

Southeast Broadband

Too few written reviews to sum up yet (1); these lines come from our data.

Pros

Cons

Optimum vs. Southeast Broadband Top Cities

Optimum serves 3,300 cities while Southeast Broadband is available in 18 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.