How does Frontier compare to Optimum internet?
If you’re looking for high-speed internet with free installation and no data limits, both Frontier and Optimum are potential options for you. The average speeds offered by Optimum are somewhat higher, with 300, 500, and 1000Mbps plans, opposed to Frontier’s, which top out at 940Mbps for their fiber plan but begin around 25Mbps for their entry-level packages. However, Frontier edges out Optimum when it comes to price, with their plans starting at $37.99/month, while Optimum’s entry price is $49.99/month.
To make it easier to determine which service is best for you and your household, we researched their prices and plans, as well as who each service is best for and online reviews.
- Who Frontier and Optimum internet are for
- Comparison of internet services
- What others say about Frontier and Optimum internet
- How do Frontier and Optimum internet packages compare?
Who Frontier and Optimum internet are for
If you live in an area where both Frontier and Optimum offer fiber-optic service, it would be hard to go wrong with either choice, particularly because they both have 1 Gig fiber plans. This makes both providers solid choices for online gaming, streaming high-definition content, and for those who work or learn from home. Optimum’s 1 Gig internet plan costs $84.99/month, and Frontier’s FiberOpticGig Service comes in at the same price.
However, in many cases, Frontier’s highest speed plan may not be available because they’re still in the process of expanding their fiber offering. So if you can only access their DSL service area you may have to go with lower speeds, such as 25Mbps. If you have to opt for a 25Mbps plan, you can still do some online gaming and stream high-def content, but the number of users that can do it simultaneously may be limited.
Another limiting factor may be your location. Optimum only serves four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, but Frontier serves 26.
Comparison of internet services
While considering Frontier vs Optimum internet, if you live in an area that offers all of Frontier’s service plans you have plenty to choose from because they have three plans ranging from $37.99/month to $84.99/month and 25Mbps to 940Mbps. Optimum also has three plans: Optimum 1 Gig, Optimum 500, and Optimum 300, that cost $84.99/month, $64.99/month and $49.99/month respectively.*
Both Frontier and Optimum provide users with free installation and unlimited data. Also, because they both have fiber optic packages, if you choose to go the fiber route, you can expect fast speeds for both uploading and downloading.
What others say about Frontier and Optimum internet
Even though Frontier is available in many states and offers good prices, they have struggled a bit with their customer service. For example, U.S. News noted that Frontier has received a number of poor customer satisfaction ratings — to the point where the FTC is allegedly suing them for misleading customers regarding the speeds Frontier provides.
Optimum also has a spotty customer service history, particularly when it comes to price increases. CNET noted that price increases may vary from person to person, and there’s no way of knowing how much the price will go up, or whether yours will be consistent with your neighbor’s.
How do Frontier and Optimum internet packages compare?
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 2/6/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
Internet and TV tips
Switching providers and don’t know where to start? We can help.
