Optimum vs. Wave Internet

Maintained by:Carson WardData & methodology:Wes WardLast updated:{{date_modified_text}}July 7, 2026

Whether you’re researching Optimum vs. Wave Internet 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: $25.00 - $55.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (246)
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Wave Internet

Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 100 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)
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Optimum and Wave Internet compete directly in approximately 0.08% of their service areas, with Optimum covering 20,642,705 people nationwide and Wave Internet serving 547,916. Optimum primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; Wave Internet specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Optimum and Wave Internet’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Optimum vs. Wave Internet | Pros & Cons

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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Pros:

Fast upload speeds
Service available in rural areas
Primarily fiber-based network
Works with smart home devices

Cons:

Limited service availability
Limited fiber availability
Performance depends on local infrastructure

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Optimum vs. Wave Internet | Availability

Optimum and Wave Internet 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 | Wave Internet Available | No Coverage

Optimum currently offers internet service in 3,357 cities and 358 counties across 21 states, reaching approximately 20,642,705 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Brooklyn, NY; and Bronx, NY. By comparison, Wave Internet serves 547,916 residents in 380 cities and 19 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as St. Louis, MO; Jefferson City, MO; and Rolla, MO.

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

Optimum vs. Wave Internet | Speeds & Technology

Optimum and Wave Internet 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 99.8% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 56.0% of their coverage area. Wave Internet relies on fiber technology, which comprises less than 1% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 100.0% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Optimum offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,787 Mbps compared to Wave Internet’s average speed of 101 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Optimum delivers faster speeds in 100.00% 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 56.0% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Wave Internet’s top-tier Fiber is available to 0.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Optimum vs. Wave Internet | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Optimum and Wave Internet, 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

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
100 Mbps Internet	$50.00	100 Mbps	5 Mbps	Cable
300 Mbps Internet	$45.00 ($70.00 after 12 months)	300 Mbps	25 Mbps	Cable
500 Mbps Internet	$45.00 ($90.00 after 12 months)	500 Mbps	25 Mbps	Cable
1 Gig Internet	$55.00 ($110.00 after 24 months)	1000 Mbps	50 Mbps	Cable
2 Gig Fiber Internet	$85.00 ($130.00 after 36 months)	2500 Mbps	2500 Mbps	Fiber
5 Gig Fiber Internet	$115.00 ($200.00 after 48 months)	5000 Mbps	5000 Mbps	Fiber

Sourced directly from Optimum'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.

Optimum Plans

Wave Internet Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
300 Mbps Internet	$30.00	300 Mbps	Not listed	Cable
1 Gig Internet	$40.00	1000 Mbps	Not listed	Cable
1.5 Gig Internet	$60.00	1500 Mbps	Not listed	Cable
2 GIG Internet	$80.00	2000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
5 GIG Internet	$175.00	5000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber

Compiled from current advertised pricing across industry sources, last verified June 2026. Typical speeds shown are the advertised tier speeds. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Wave Internet 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. Wave Internet | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

Optimum Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(47)

Cable

(209)

Optimum has an overall rating of 3.05 out of 5, with a total of 256 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 (82% of reviews) averages 2.98 / 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.

Optimum vs. Wave Internet | 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

Wave Internet Service

Fee

Not Provided by Wave Internet

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. Wave Internet | Top Cities

Optimum serves 3,357 cities while Wave Internet is available in 380 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.