Optimum vs. Xfinity: Which Should You Choose?

Want to get more out of your home internet?

Selecting an Internet service provider (ISP) is an important decision that can affect everything from how easily you can stream your favorite TV show to whether or not you're able to work from home. But picking an ISP can be challenging, especially if you're deciding between two well-respected providers. We're here to help.

Below, we compare two providers: Xfinity, which is owned by Comcast, and Optimum. You'll learn about the Internet speeds and services offered by each company, as well as some specific features that can help you choose which provider is a better fit for your needs.

Speed is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing your ISP. Whether you use your Internet to game, stream, or work (or all three), you'll want to pick a provider that offers Internet speeds fast enough to complete your tasks with ease.

Other factors to look at when choosing a provider include whether they have a data limit, if there are mandatory annual contracts, and whether they offer bundled services.

Here’s a look at how Optimum and Xfinity compare on these fronts (and more):

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. In some areas, Internet is delivered over a cable network with different speeds.

Xfinity offers two ways to install your internet service. When you sign up, you can choose to install the service yourself or pay $100 for a professional installation. Customers can also rent a gateway from Xfinity for $15 per month, which must be returned if you close your account.

With Optimum Internet, you have two options: self-install or professional installation. If you opt for the former, we'll provide you with the equipment and instructions needed to quickly set up your Internet connection.

Those signing up for Optimum Fiber, meanwhile, will receive professional installation. One of our certified technicians will visit your home and get your connection set up. The installation process includes the hardwiring of one device, as well as assistance setting up your Optimum account.

Optimum offers high-speed fiber Internet in many areas. In regions where fiber is not yet available, we also offer hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) Internet.

Xfinity's Internet service is primarily delivered over an HFC network, which uses the communication lines that already exist in most homes. HFC is for standard plans, but Xfinity also offers fiber Internet service for new residential customers upon request and availability.

Ahead, we’ll break down the key differences between fiber Internet and HFC connections.

Fiber Internet uses glass or plastic wires to transmit data from one point to another (Optimum Fiber uses glass cables). This type of connection offers fast Internet speeds, and it tends to be less vulnerable to interruptions than traditional wired connections.

Optimum’s Fiber Internet runs at speeds of up to 8 Gbps*, with symmetrical upload and download speeds so you can game, stream, and work with ease. 

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. In some areas, Internet is delivered over a cable network with different speeds.

In areas where fiber connections are not yet available, Optimum provides Internet through a coaxial cable that connects to our larger 100% fiber network. Our HFC connection offers fast, reliable speeds of up to 1 Gbps-plenty for gaming, streaming, working remotely, and more. 

Fiber and HFC both offer fast speeds suitable for browsing, engaging on social media, streaming in HD, and uploading or downloading archives. That being said, fiber is generally faster. If you're not sure what speed is right for you, our article Internet Speeds Explained: How Much Do You Really Need? can help. 

Both Optimum and Xfinity offer fast internet speeds, but Optimum has a wider range of speeds available. Optimum's plans range from 25 Mbps up to 8 Gbps*, while Xfinity speeds go from 75 Mbps up to 10 Gbps.

Consider that Xfinity's speed up to 10 Gbps is only available on the Xfinity 10G Network. This service is extremely limited in where it's offered, and customers must sign a two-year minimum contract to receive service.

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. In some areas, Internet is delivered over a cable network with different speeds.

While the price of your service depends directly on the plan you choose, Optimum and Xfinity both offer competitive pricing. Both providers also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers discounted Internet for eligible households.

One of the most attractive features of Optimum is that you can bundle service with our double-play and triple-play packages. The first allows you to bundle Internet and TV, while the latter bundles Internet, TV, and home phone service. Alternatively, you can sign up for Optimum Complete, which combines Internet and Optimum Mobile. 

Xfinity also offers bundling in fixed plans. Customers can bundle Internet with mobile, Internet with TV, or Internet, TV, and streaming.

Another feature Optimum offers is built-in security with 24/7 support in all of our plans. You can get security and support with Xfinity as well, but you have to sign up for the $10/m compatible gateway.

While both Optimum and Xfinity have attractive features, Optimum offers a greater range of Internet speeds, as well as unlimited data and the option to bundle services into one convenient plan. Plus, with Optimum you'll get built-in security and 24/7 support-so if an issue ever arises, you can rest assured we'll take care of it quickly.

Are you getting everything you need from your home internet? 

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