Optimum Fiber vs. Verizon Fios: Everything You Need to Know

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Choosing an Internet service provider can be a difficult task, especially if you have several strong contenders available in your area. Optimum Fiber and Verizon Fios—two leaders in fiber optic Internet—both offer competitive prices, unlimited data, quick download speeds, and zero contracts. With that being said, the services aren’t identical, and each has its own unique features. Below, we’ve created a chart highlighting the key similarities and differences between the two providers’ services. But don’t stop reading there—keep scrolling for answers to all your Optimum vs. Verizon questions.

How Does the Installation Process Differ For Optimum Fiber and Verizon Fios?

Optimum Fiber offers you a professional installation by Optimum’s certified technicians as well as self-installation, check if your self-install order is eligible. The service includes the hardwiring of one device and assistance with setting up your Optimum account. Additionally, Optimum provides a modem—which is required for Internet access—as part of your Internet service.

Verizon Fios also offers professional installation as well as self-installation. If you wish to self-install, you’ll need to check if your order is eligible. You can find instructions on the Verizon website or in the app. With either type of installation, you’ll need a modem, which you can either rent from Verizon or buy on your own.

What Service Types Do Optimum and Verizon Offer?

Optimum offers cable or fiber Internet to customers in 22 U.S. states, whereas Verizon Fios offers fiber and DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Internet to people across 13 states. Verizon Fios, specifically, is available in 9 states. Here’s a bit about each type of service:

Fiber

Fiber uses fiber cables made of plastic or glass for Internet service. It’s typically considered a strong Internet option because it provides high-bandwidth connections that allow for speedy uploads. In addition, fiber tends to suffer less than cable from slowdowns caused by high traffic. (Learn about the differences between Fiber and 5G home Internet here.)

About Optimum Fiber: Optimum Fiber Internet uses glass fibers. Glass fibers offer high reliability and symmetrical speeds, which means upload speeds are as fast as download speeds. This plan also includes Smart WiFi 6 to provide reliable WiFi coverage for your entire home. Plus, it supports high-resolution video streaming (up to 8k) and has low latency, allowing for optimal performance in videos, games, and virtual reality applications.

In areas where Optimum Fiber Internet isn’t available, service is provided over cable and connected to our larger 100% Fiber Internet network.

Cable

Cable Internet is a type of widely-used broadband connection that utilizes cable wires to deliver high-speed Internet access—generally up to 1 Gig.

About Optimum Internet: Optimum’s offering includes up to 1 Gig Internet and Smart WiFi 6 for seamless streaming, working, and gaming.

Cable vs. Fiber Speeds

If you have both options available, consider what Internet speed you need. At Optimum, we offer different speeds so you can choose an option that meets your broadband needs. Our fiber plans range in speed from 300 Mbps to 8 Gig, while our cable plans range from 200 Mbps to 1 Gig. (Find more information about picking the right Internet speed here.)

DSL

This type of Internet connection transmits data through unused frequencies of your telephone landline. It offers slower upload and download speeds than cable or fiber Internet. As such, it’s generally not ideal for larger households. Another thing to keep in mind is that DSL Internet requires having a working landline phone connection, which not everybody has. (Learn more about the differences between these types of Internet services here.)

Is Optimum Fiber or Verizon Fios Faster?

While Optimum and Verizon are both highly regarded and recognized for their quick Internet service, Optimum offers a broader range of speeds. Specifically, there are Optimum Fiber Internet plans with speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 8 Gbps, while Verizon Fios runs at 300 to 2 Gbps.

Which Option Is More Affordable: Optimum or Verizon?

In order to talk about pricing, you have to look at comparable plans. Optimum's prices for 300 and 500 Mbps plans are either similar to or cheaper than what Verizon Fios and other Internet providers charge for similar service.

What Other Features Do Optimum and Verizon Fios Offer?

Optimum allows customers to choose “double play” or “triple play” packages, which bundle the Internet with other services. Our double-play packages pair the Internet with Optimum TV, while triple-play packages include Optimum TV and Optimum Phone for your home phone. With one of these packages, you’ll also enjoy promotional benefits, such as a 30-day money-back guarantee, unlimited data, and the freedom of having no annual contracts. Optimum Complete is also an option, offering Internet at speeds of up to 5 Gbps.

Both Optimum and Verizon offer lower rates for those that enroll in auto-pay and paper-free billing. See our side-by-side breakdown below.

So, What Is the Best Deal Overall?

Thanks to competitive pricing, money-back guarantees, and flexible plans, Optimum is an ideal choice for the budget-minded Internet customer. With our home Internet plans, you’ll enjoy the fast speeds you need to game, stream, or listen to music without pauses or interruptions. Plus, our customizable bundles allow you to add phone and TV service to your plan without the need for an annual contract. Currently, Optimum Internet is available in 22 states (and counting). Check to see if Optimum services your address here.

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Have a question about Optimum Internet service? Explore our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us for answers.