Quick Answer
Optimum is often the better value in the Northeast (NY, NJ, CT) if you can get their Fiber plans, which offer symmetric speeds and often cheaper pricing than Xfinity. Xfinity is a national powerhouse with a superior TV platform (X1), better mobile bundles, and more consistent customer service ratings, but typically has data caps (1.2 TB) in many regions (though typically not in the Northeast).
Choose Optimum if: You are in a Fiber service area and want symmetric speeds/unlimited data. Choose Xfinity if: You want the best TV interface, mobile bundling, or are outside Optimum’s fiber footprint.
| Feature | Optimum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Best Technology | Fiber (Symmetric) | Cable (Hybrid) |
| Max Speed | 8 Gbps (select areas) | 1.2 - 2 Gbps |
| Upload Speed | Symmetric (Fiber) | 35-200 Mbps |
| Data Caps | None (Unlimited) | 1.2 TB (varies by region) |
| Contract | No Contracts | 1-2 Year Options |
| Primary Region | NY, NJ, CT, PA | National (40+ States) |
Speed & Technology
Optimum: The Fiber Advantage
In its core Tri-State area, Optimum has aggressively rolled out FTTH (Fiber to the Home).
- Speeds: 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, up to 8 Gbps in select spots.
- Symmetry: Fiber plans have equal upload/download speeds.
- Cable Legacy: In non-fiber areas (and acquired Suddenlink markets), Optimum uses cable similar to Xfinity, with slower uploads (e.g., 35-50 Mbps).
Xfinity: The Gigabit Cable Giant
Xfinity uses a massive HFC (Hybrid Fiber-Coax) network.
- Speeds: Plans from 75 Mbps to 1.2 Gbps (Gigabit Extra). They are rolling out “X-Class” Internet (DOCSIS 4.0) to compete with fiber.
- Uploads: Historically limited (10-35 Mbps), but “Next Gen” markets are seeing upgrades to 100-200 Mbps uploads.
Pricing Comparison
Optimum Plans (Fiber/Cable mix)
Pricing is often aggressive for new customers but watch for jumps after year 1.
| Plan | Speed | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | ~$40/mo |
| 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | ~$60/mo |
| 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | ~$80/mo |
Xfinity Plans (Northeast Division)
Xfinity pricing varies heavily by region. Northeast prices are often more competitive due to Verizon Fios competition.
| Plan | Speed | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Connect More | 200 Mbps | ~$35/mo |
| Fast | 400-500 Mbps | ~$55/mo |
| Superfast | 800 Mbps | ~$70/mo |
| Gigabit | 1000 Mbps | ~$80/mo |
Data Caps
This is a critical differentiator.
- Optimum: No data caps on any plans. Truly unlimited.
- Xfinity: Historically enforces a 1.2 TB monthly data cap in many Central/West markets. However, in the Northeast (Optimum’s territory), Xfinity typically suspends data caps to compete with Verizon and Optimum. Always check your specific address terms.
Equipment & Features
Optimum:
- Gateway 6 (Wi-Fi 6) usually included.
- Altice One (TV + Internet box) available.
Xfinity:
- xFi Gateway (excellent app control).
- xFi Pods for mesh networking.
- X1 TV Box is widely considered the best cable TV interface.
Verdict
In the battle for the Northeast:
- Get Optimum Fiber if available. Symmetric gigabit speeds and unlimited data are hard to beat for the price.
- Get Xfinity if Optimum only offers non-fiber (coax) at your address, or if you value the X1 TV experience and Xfinity Mobile bundles more than raw upload speed.