Frontier vs. Optimum Internet: Which Should You Choose?

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When looking for an Internet service provider, there are many factors to consider. Price is, of course, an important consideration-but it shouldn't be your only criterion. Internet speed, breadth of offerings, customer service, and the installation process should also factor into the equation. Optimum is here to help.

Below, we're comparing two leading providers: Frontier vs. Optimum . You'll learn about the features and services each company offers, as well as details on pricing, plans, and more. Find it all ahead.

How Does Frontier Compare to Optimum? 

Speed is one factor you'll want to take a close look at before choosing an Internet provider. Others include whether or not your chosen provider has a data cap, if packages are available, contract stipulations, and how long your potential provider has been operating. Here's a breakdown of how Optimum and . Frontier compare on those fronts:

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. Internet speeds may vary depending on location and connection type. Click here to see if 8 Gig is available in your area.

How Does The Installation Process Differ for Optimum Internet and Frontier? 

When you sign up for service with Optimum, you can either self-install or opt for professional installation. If you choose the former, you'll receive all of the necessary equipment, plus detailed instructions on how to set up your Internet connection. With professional installation, one of our certified technicians will install your service and set up your modem, which is provided by Optimum. The installation process also includes the hardwiring of one device, as well as assistance setting up your Optimum account.

With Frontier, you'll get free expert installation. You can opt to use your own modem or rent one from Frontier for a monthly fee. If you choose to switch to a different provider, you'll need to return the modem, or incur a fee.

What Service Types Do Optimum and Frontier Offer?

Optimum and Frontier both provide fiber Internet in some regions. In areas where fiber is not yet available, Optimum also delivers Internet via a hybrid-fiber coaxial, or HFC, network. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between these two Internet options.

Fiber Internet

Fiber Internet uses plastic or glass wires, rather than cables, to transmit data. It typically runs at high speeds and tends to be less vulnerable to disruptions and slowdowns than other types of connections. At Optimum, our Fiber Internet runs at speeds of up to 8 Gbps, with symmetrical upload and download speeds.*

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. Internet speeds may vary depending on location and connection type. Click here to see if 8 Gig is available in your area.

HFC

If you live in an area where Optimum Fiber isn't available, service is provided over a hybrid-fiber coaxial connection and connected to our larger 100% Fiber Internet network. This type of broadband connection delivers high-speed Internet at speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

Frontier vs. Optimum : Which Is Faster?

Both Optimum and Frontier offer fast Internet speeds, but Optimum has a greater range of speeds. Our plans range from 200 Mbps to 8 Gbps*, whereas Frontier's speeds range from 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps. Ultimately, both providers offer high Internet speeds that should suit a variety of needs.

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. Internet speeds may vary depending on location and connection type. Click here to see if 8 Gig is available in your area.

Which Is More Affordable: Optimum vs. Frontier ?

The price of your service will depend on which plan you choose and whether or not you've opted in to additional features (more on that shortly). That being said, both Optimum and Frontier offer competitive pricing and participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program , which offers discounted Internet for eligible households.

What Other Features Do Optimum and Frontier Offer?

With Optimum, you can bundle service with our double-play and triple-play packages. The former allows you to bundle your Internet and TV, while the latter bundles Internet, TV, and home phone service. You can also sign up for Optimum Complete , which combines Internet and Optimum Mobile . 

Frontier also offers bundling but to a lesser extent. Customers can bundle Internet with YouTube TV, and in some areas, home phone service is available to bundle as well.

One of the biggest advantages of Optimum is that all of our plans offer built-in security with 24/7 support. You can get security and support with Frontier, too, but you have to sign up for the Frontier Secure add-on for an additional monthly fee.

Frontier vs. Optimum: Which Provider Is a Better Deal Overall?

With Optimum, you'll get fast Internet speeds, flexible plans, and the ability to bundle your TV, Internet, mobile, and home phone services into one convenient plan. Plus, we offer built-in security and 24/7 customer service to help ensure you're always connected. If you live in one of the 21 states in which we operate, Optimum is an excellent choice for your home Internet service.

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Have a question about Optimum Internet service? Explore our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us for answers.