Optimum vs Xfinity
Optimum ranks higher on our formula, 71 to 67 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (5 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
Optimum and Xfinity compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | Optimum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Cable, Fiber | Cable, Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 5 Gbps | 2 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 5 Gbps | 300 Mbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $40/mo | $30/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $60/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | On some plans | On some plans |
| Data caps | None | On some plans |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Up to $15/mo |
| States served | 14 | 40 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 71/100 | 67/100 |
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
Xfinity
CableFiberOut of date — checked Sep 11, 2026- Connect150 Mbps · $30/mo · real $60
- Fast500 Mbps · $55/mo · real $85
- Superfast800 Mbps · $65/mo · real $80
- Gigabit1.1 Gbps · $75/mo · real $90
- Gigabit X22 Gbps · $95/mo · real $95
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
Xfinity
- Available in 40 states
- Multi-gig tiers in most markets
- No contract on most plans
- Price rises after 12–24 months
- Slow upload on non-fiber tiers
- 1.2 TB data cap in many regions
Head to head
Cities where Optimum and Xfinity compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
Optimum vs Xfinity, answered
Is Optimum or Xfinity better?
Optimum ranks higher on our formula, 71 to 67 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (5 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, Optimum or Xfinity?
Optimum has the lower real cost: $55 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $60 for Xfinity. The advertised entry prices are $40 for Optimum and $30 for Xfinity.
Which is faster, Optimum or Xfinity?
Optimum sells the faster top plan, at 5 Gbps down and 5 Gbps up. Xfinity tops out at 2 Gbps down and 300 Mbps up. For most households upload speed matters more than the headline download figure.
Where can I get both Optimum and Xfinity?
We have both on record in 6 markets, including Newark, NJ; Jersey City, NJ; Little Rock, AR; Bridgeport, CT; New Haven, CT. Availability still varies street by street.
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