Compare Frontier vs. Optimum

Is Frontier or Optimum better for your home?

Frontier and Optimum provide internet, TV and home phone services in many areas across the U.S. While Optimum will get you the cheapest starting prices, Frontier is the more affordable option long-term and provides faster upload speeds.

• • Symmetrical download/upload speeds on fiber plans
  • Great value
  • No contracts or data caps
• • Cheap starting prices
  • Great bundle options
  • No data caps

Frontier vs. Optimum review 

Although Optimum offers cheaper internet plans in the first year compared to Frontier, after the first year, Optimum’s plans will increase by around $70/mo. Frontier Fiber, in contrast, will only increase by $10/mo., making it a more affordable option and better value for the long-term.

Although Frontier Fiber is a better option, if only Frontier DSL service is available in your area, you will want to consider choosing Optimum instead.

How we scored internet providers

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of 1 to 5, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 180 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between 3 and 4. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 400 Mbps plan got a 4.16.

We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.

Learn more about our methodology

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On this page:

• Frontier vs. Optimum internet 
• Frontier vs. Optimum fees
• Frontier vs. Optimum internet and TV bundles
• Frontier vs. Optimum customer satisfaction ratings
• Final verdict

Frontier vs. Optimum internet

Frontier’s DSL internet service is the most widely available, but select metro areas may have access to Frontier Fiber internet. Optimum internet is available in 21 states. Locations without access to Optimum’s fiber network may have fewer internet options and slower upload speeds.

Allconnect Rating

3.50 / 5

Frontier Fiber plans and pricing

Allconnect Rating

3.55 / 5

Optimum plans and pricing

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 8/1/22.

Which internet plan should you choose?

Best overall: Frontier Fiber 500 

If you are looking for high-speed internet for a great price, Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan for $39.99/mo. is the way to go. While Optimum offers a similar 500 Mbps plan for $60/mo., we would recommend choosing Frontier 500 because after the first year, Optimum’s 500 Mbps plan will cost you $119.99/mo. Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan, in contrast, will only cost $10/mo. more after the first 12 months. 

Cheapest: Frontier Fiber 500 and Optimum Internet 300 

Optimum offers 300 Mbps for $40/mo, although this price will increase to $99.99/mo. after the first 12 months. Frontier’s cheapest plan is its High Speed Internet and Fiber 500 plans at $54.99/mo.

Fastest speeds: Frontier Fiber 2 Gig 

Both Frontier and Optimum offer gig speed internet plans, but only Frontier goes all the way up to 2 gig. This is more than all but the most connected households need, but if you want the fastest plan available, Frontier gives you 2000 Mbps upload and download speeds.

Additional fees

Frontier: Equipment fees are included in the price. The only additional fee you have to worry about, therefore, is a one-time activation fee of $85 and a $3.99/mo. infrastructure fee with Fiber plans. There are no data caps so you won’t have to worry about an overage fee either.

Optimum: Charges $10/mo. for equipment. However, you can always opt to provide your own equipment to avoid this fee. You can also expect a network enhancement fee of $3.50/mo. and a one-time activation fee of $40. Installation costs $99 for standard installation or $149 for premium installation.

Frontier vs. Optimum internet and TV bundles

Frontier is currently not offering its own cable TV service but customers who are interested in bundling can choose to bundle their Frontier internet service with YouTube TV.

Optimum internet and TV bundles are available in all Optimum service areas, but internet speeds and channels may vary by location. You can also add home phone to any internet and TV bundle for an extra $15 per month.

• Frontier Fiber 500 + YouTube TV

  • Starting at $109.98/mo.*
  • Download speeds up to 500 Mbps
  • Unlimited data
  • 85+ live channels
  • No contract

• Optimum Select TV and Internet 300

  • Starting at $135.00/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 300 Mbps
  • Unlimited data
  • 290+ TV channels
  • No contract

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 8/1/22.

Optimum bundles feature more TV channels and better pricing when compared to Frontier. However, you won’t receive as fast internet speeds with Optimum and will experience a major price increase after the first year. While Frontier is the best option for internet service, if cable TV is a priority, you may want to consider bundling with Optimum.

Frontier vs. Optimum customer satisfaction ratings

Each year, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) ranks internet and TV providers based on feedback from real customers. Here are the scores for Frontier and Optimum services over the last three years.