Which is better, Verizon or Optimum?

Optimum is faster and cheaper to start where you can get it, but Verizon reaches 14 times as many people, so at most addresses Verizon is the one on offer (and it is better rated). Where both are offered (about 19.2 million people), Optimum has the faster top speed for 96% of homes.

FasterOptimumTop speed 8,000 Mbps vs 2,300 Mbps; faster for 96% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startOptimumFrom $30 a month (promotional), then $75, vs $49.99.

Better ratedVerizon3.8 of 5 from 802 reviews, vs 3.1 from 275.

Available to more peopleVerizon282.2 million people in 49 states, vs 20.8 million in 21 states.

Verizon
Price: $49.99 - $119.99 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,300 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (772)
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Optimum
Price: $35.00 - $300.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (267)
View Plans

Verizon vs. Optimum at a glance

Measure	Verizon	Optimum
Available to	282.2 million people in 49 states	20.8 million people in 21 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 93%, fiber 15%	Cable 100%, fiber 57%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,300 Mbps	8,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up	8,000 Mbps down, 8,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$49.99 a month	$30 a month (promotional), then $75
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,200 (300 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	3.8 of 5 (802 reviews)	3.1 of 5 (275 reviews)
Rated for speed	4.0 of 5	3.5 of 5
Rated for price	3.5 of 5	2.8 of 5
Where both are offered	About 19.2 million people (92% of Optimum's area); Optimum is faster for 96% of them

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 Verizon and Optimum are available

Verizon and Optimum 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.

Verizon currently offers internet service in 41,951 cities and 2,829 counties across 49 states, reaching approximately 282,939,228 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, Optimum serves 20,813,462 residents in 3,300 cities and 356 counties in 21 states, with a presence in population centers such as New York, NY; Brooklyn, NY; and Bronx, NY.

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

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

Verizon vs. Optimum Speeds and Technology

Verizon and Optimum 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 Verizon’s average speed of 499 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Verizon’s premium Fiber service reaches 14.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Optimum’s top-tier Fiber is available to 57.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Verizon vs. Optimum Plans and Prices

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

Verizon vs. Optimum Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Verizon earns an overall rating of 3.77 / 5 stars from 815 customer reviews, while Optimum maintains a 3.09 / 5 rating from 279 reviews. Verizon outperforms Optimum by 0.7 points in overall satisfaction. Verizon’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.87 / 5 stars, compared to Optimum’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.40 / 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.

Verizon vs. Optimum Pros and Cons

Verizon

From 455 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 205 of 455 written reviews (61 call it slow). "overall speeds are fast"
• Reliable connection: praised in 189 of 455 written reviews (58 report outages). "My provider gives me reliable service"
• Good value: praised in 137 of 455 written reviews (95 call it overpriced). "the robust performance and stability make it well worth the investment"

Cons

• Bills that go up: a complaint in 30 of 455 written reviews. "It goes up every year"

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.

Verizon vs. Optimum Top Cities

Verizon serves 41,951 cities while Optimum is available in 3,300 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.