Optimum vs Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios ranks higher on our formula, 80 to 71 on each provider's best plan. Verizon Fios is cheaper over two years (from $40/mo all-in), and both top out at 5 Gbps.
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
Optimum and Verizon Fios compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | Optimum | Verizon Fios |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Cable, Fiber | Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $40/mo | $40/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $40/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | On some plans | No |
| Data caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Included |
| States served | 14 | 10 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 71/100 | 80/100 |
Plans
Every plan from both
Optimum
CableFiberNot yet checked- 300 Mbps300 Mbps · $40/mo · real $55
- 500 Mbps500 Mbps · $60/mo · real $72.50
- 1 Gig1 Gbps · $70/mo · real $82.50
- 5 Gig Fiber5 Gbps · $180/mo · real $180
Verizon Fios
FiberChecked Sep 11, 2026- 300 Mbps300 Mbps · $40/mo · real $40
- 500 Mbps500 Mbps · $75/mo · real $75
- 1 Gig940 Mbps · $90/mo · real $90
- 2 Gig2.3 Gbps · $100/mo · real $100
- 5 Gig5 Gbps · $110/mo · real $110
Honest assessment
Where each one wins
Optimum
- No data caps
- Fiber tiers up to 5 Gig in NY/NJ/CT
- Frequent promotional pricing
- Service quality varies by market
- Price increases after promo
- Legacy Suddenlink areas run older plant
Verizon Fios
- Symmetrical fiber
- Multi-year price guarantee available
- Router included on gig tiers
- Only 10 states
- Not available in every building it passes
- Perks are bundled into higher tiers
Head to head
Cities where Optimum and Verizon Fios compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
Optimum vs Verizon Fios, answered
Is Optimum or Verizon Fios better?
Verizon Fios ranks higher on our formula, 80 to 71 on each provider's best plan. Verizon Fios is cheaper over two years (from $40/mo all-in), and both top out at 5 Gbps.
Which is cheaper, Optimum or Verizon Fios?
Verizon Fios has the lower real cost: $40 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $55 for Optimum. The advertised entry prices are $40 for Optimum and $40 for Verizon Fios.
Which is faster, Optimum or Verizon Fios?
Optimum sells the faster top plan, at 5 Gbps down and 5 Gbps up. Verizon Fios tops out at 5 Gbps down and 5 Gbps up. For most households upload speed matters more than the headline download figure.
Where can I get both Optimum and Verizon Fios?
We have both on record in 5 markets, including New York, NY; Newark, NJ; Jersey City, NJ; Stamford, CT; Yonkers, NY. Availability still varies street by street.
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