Compare Frontier vs. Optimum plans

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.

• • Affordability: With 500 Mbps speeds starting under $50/mo., Frontier Fiber plans are fast and competitively priced

  • Performance: Frontier Fiber can deliver max speeds as fast as 200 to 5,000 Mbps

  • Value: Frontier internet plans offer fast speeds with no hidden fees, your monthly fee includes your equipment rental and unlimited data
• • Affordability: Optimum’s rates jump up significantly after 24 mos.

  • Performance: Optimum’s Fiber Internet 500 Mbps and 1 Gig plans can keep a large household of gamers and work-from-home folks connected

  • Value: There are no data caps and contracts

Frontier vs. Optimum internet plans

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

Frontier Fiber plans & pricing

*w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill per month. Max speeds are wired. Location dependent. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. One-time charges apply. Last updated 08/29/24.

Optimum plans & 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 08/29/24.

Which internet plan should you choose?

When comparing Frontier plans and Optimum plans, there are a few things to consider before deciding. First, you need to identify the internet speed you will need. This depends on the number of people in your home and their online activities. This will also partially determine what type of internet you look for as 1 Gig or higher fiber plans are generally more expensive than a 5G home internet plan topping out at 300 Mbps. 

Next, know your monthly budget. Internet plan prices depend on the speed and type of internet you choose. If you are budget-conscious, combining your internet with a mobile plan may be the right avenue. 

Best overall: Frontier Fiber 500 

If you are looking for high-speed internet for a great price, Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan for $44.99/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 Fiber 500 plan at $44.99/mo.

Fastest speeds: Frontier Fiber 5 Gig 

Both Frontier and Optimum offer Gig speed internet plans, but only Frontier goes all the way up to 5 Gig. This is more than all but the most connected households need, but if you want the fastest plan available, Frontier gives you 5,000 Mbps upload and download speeds.

*per month w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Max wired speed 500/500 Mbps. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. One-time charges apply. 08/29/24.

Additional fees

Frontier: Equipment fees are included in the price. Therefore, the only additional fees you must worry about are a $50 professional installation fee and a $3.99/mo. infrastructure fee with fiber plans.

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.

Winner: Frontier

Data caps

Frontier: There are no data caps so you won’t have to worry about an overage fee either with Frontier.

Optimum: Optimum also does not have data caps or overage fees.

Winner: Tie

Frontier vs. Optimum internet and TV bundles

Frontier does not offer a cable TV service, but customers 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. For an extra $15 per month, you can add a home phone to any internet and TV bundle.

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.

Winner: 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 two years. Note that Optimum fiber wasn’t scored in 2023 by the ACSI.

Winner: Frontier

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. Most Frontier plans increase after the first year and three years.

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.

Winner: Frontier Fiber

Final verdict for Frontier vs. Optimum

When it comes to internet service, Frontier Fiber is your best bet. While Optimum offers the cheapest starting prices, you will face a $70/mo. price increase after the first 12 months, making Frontier the more affordable option in the long term. If you are considering bundling your internet and TV service, Optimum offers better TV options, but you will not get as fast speeds as you will with Frontier.

Frontier vs. Optimum FAQs