Optimum vs. AT&T – A Detailed Comparison

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David

Monday, 24 March 2025

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Optimum and AT&T offer multi-gig speeds with unlimited data to users in 20+ states across the US. Both providers come with their own set of potential benefits and drawbacks.

While Optimum offers you the convenience of bundling up your internet with cable TV and a home phone plan - AT&T plans come with powerful All-FiTM home Wi-Fi and advanced internet security features.

Both providers are highly reliable and offer cut-throat features that users mostly look for in an internet service. So let us dig a little deeper and understand which provider suits your specific requirements.

 

checked icon Cost: $40/mo. – $280/mo. For 12 months In select markets

checked icon Download Speed: Up to 300 Mbps – 8 GIG

checked icon Data: Unlimited

checked icon Contract Term: None

checked icon Availability: 21 States

 

checked icon Cost: $55/mo.1 – $245/mo.2 plus taxes

checked icon Download Speed: Up to 300 Mbps – 5 GIG

checked icon Data: Unlimited

checked icon Contract Term: None

checked icon Availability: 25 States

1. Eligible Autopay & Paperless Bill req’d.*
*Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies.
One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas.  . See Broadband Facts: www.att.com/dapbbfacts
2. Eligible Autopay & Paperless Bill req’d.*
*Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in OH, NV, TX applies. Ltd. avail/areas.   See Broadband Facts: www.att.com/dapbbfacts

LocalCableDeals Review of Optimum and AT&T

Our team of industry experts tested both providers in terms of pricing, performance, value-adding features, and customer satisfaction to bring the best recommendations for you.
Our reviewing methodology includes various tests that help us score providers on standard criteria.

Apart from our own testing, we also compiled a Broadband Customer Satisfaction Report 2024 that ranks and compares internet service providers across the US. Combining these ratings with the ACSI results, here’s what we have come up with:

AT&T

  • Remarkable fiber internet service with over 21 million satisfied customers.

If you’re living in one of the 25 states where AT&T is available, you may be eligible for their fiber internet plans that offer remarkable value for money.

However, if your location does not have a fiber infrastructure yet, you will have to opt for AT&T’s DSL plan, which is not ideal.

Optimum

  • Reliable cable internet with affordable starting prices

Optimum offers both cable and fiber internet plans with low starting prices and a 1 to 2-year price-lock guarantee to customers in 21 states.

On the flip side, Optimum has a bad customer satisfaction rate according to both ACSI and J.D. Power.

Must-have Checklist – Optimum vs. AT&T

Choosing the right internet provider should always include checking a list of factors that affect your experience, and sometimes your bill. Here’s what you get with Optimum and AT&T plans:

Checklist Optimum AT&T
Gig Speeds checked icon checked icon
Fiber Network checked icon checked icon
No Contracts checked icon checked icon
Unlimited Data checked icon checked icon
Lower Promotional Pricing checked icon cross icon
Consistent Pricing cross icon checked icon
Free Professional Installation cross icon checked icon
Equipment Charges cross icon checked icon
Bundling Options checked icon checked icon
Built-in Wi-Fi checked icon checked icon
Early-Termination Fee cross icon cross icon
Auto Pay Discount checked icon checked icon
24/7 Live Customer Care Support checked icon checked icon

Optimum vs. AT&T Plans and Prices

Optimum and AT&T have almost the same price ranges, but Optimum has a lower per Mb price for multi-gig plans. Unlike Optimum’s low starting prices that increase after the promotional period ends, AT&T prices are straightforward and you’ll pay the amount you signed up for.

Optimum Plans and Pricing

300 Mbps – 8,000 Mbps

No Data Caps

No Contracts

No Early Termination Fees

One-time Installation Fee - $100

Starting at $40/mo.*

Order Now

Best for

  • checked icon Browsing, online shopping, social media
  • checked icon HD Streaming
  • checked icon Video-conferencing
  • checked icon Multi-player Gaming

*For 12 months. Additional taxes, fees and other charges apply. Auto Pay and Paperless Billing included. Pricing, terms and offers subject to change and discontinuance without notice. Wired connection speeds. Wi-Fi speeds may vary. All services not available in all areas. View Full Disclaimer.

AT&T Plans and Pricing

300-5000 Mbps^ Speeds

No Data Caps

No Contracts

No Early Termination Fees

Starting at $55/mo.**

Order Now

Best for

  • checked icon Browsing, online shopping, social media
  • checked icon HD Streaming music and podcasts
  • checked icon Video-conferencing
  • checked icon Multiplayer Gaming

**Eligible Autopay & Paperless Bill req’d.*
Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas.  
See Broadband Facts: www.att.com/dapbbfacts
^Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101

Optimum vs. AT&T – Additional Charges

Users often complain about hidden fees that are reflected in their monthly bills and just don’t add up. To understand your bill, here’s a list of additional fees that may make your bill higher than the price you signed up for:

Provider Monthly Charges

These include extra charges that are reflected in your bill every month. Monthly charges may include, equipment rental, equipment lease, or late payment charges.

Fees Optimum AT&T
Equipment Rental N/A N/A
Lifetime Lease N/A N/A
Late payment N/A $9.99
Optional Wi-Fi Extender $3.00 N/A
Government Taxes Varies by location Varies by location
Additional data N/A N/A

One-time Charges

One-time charges appear on either your first or last bill. First bill charges include professional installation charges, and last bill charges may include an early termination fee. The early termination fee is a price you have to pay to leave your provider before your contract expires.

Fees Optimum AT&T
Installation $100 N/A
Early Termination N/A N/A
Non-return Equipment N/A $150 - $215
Late payment N/A $9.99

Bundling Options

Service Optimum AT&T
TV checked icon checked icon
Home Phone checked icon cross icon
Mobile checked icon checked icon
Home Security cross icon cross icon

Optimum vs. AT&T Additional Features

Optimum AT&T

Wi-Fi 6E

  • Greater bandwidth
  • Powers 100+ devices
  • Reduced lag

AT&T All-Fi™

  • All-home coverage
  • 24/7 ActiveArmorSM Security
  • Compatible with 5 GIG speeds

Free Wi-Fi Extenders

  • Whole-home coverage
  • Compatible with gig speeds
  • Easy setup process

AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extender

  • Included with 2 Gbps or higher plans
  • Enhanced speed and coverage
  • Seamless pairing process

Optimum vs. AT&T: Which One is Best for Business?

Optimum and AT&T offer high gig speeds that are ideal for businesses requiring greater bandwidth for excessive internet usage. While Optimum offers speeds of up to 8 Gbps, it is only available in limited areas. AT&T Fiber on the other hand has a considerably wider coverage area and offers better security features for your business.

  • Internet, phone, and mobile plans designed for business users
  • Built-in security that actively detects and safeguards against potential threats
  • 24/7 Committed technical support
  • Internet, voice, wireless, and cybersecurity features tailor-made for business users
  • AT&T Dynamic Defense™ security specifically designed to secure sensitive data
  • Dedicated business customer support

Final Verdict

Choosing the better provider between Optimum and AT&T ultimately comes down to your requirements.

As discussed both Optimum and AT&T offer no contracts, unlimited data, with no early termination fee. Their prices are somewhat similar and both offer a 100% fiber connection.

AT&T has a stronger customer satisfaction rate, a more mature fiber network, and straightforward pricing.

Optimum has better bundling options, a limited, but higher gig-speed plan, and a 60-day money–back guarantee.

Pick Optimum if you’d like

  • Lower introductory prices
  • Bundling options like Cable TV, and home phone
  • Free equipment with internet plans

Pick AT&T if you’d like

  • Straightforward prices that don’t rise after the promotional period ends
  • Free Installation
  • Advanced Internet security

Methodology

At LocalCableDeals, our industry experts independently rate and test internet service providers to review their performance, reliability, and overall value.

We don’t just compare options; we help you make the best choice for your household and business needs. For more details, visit our page on how LocalCableDeals rates and reviews internet service providers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Optimum and AT&T

Is AT&T the same as Optimum? faq arrow icon

No, AT&T and Optimum are two different providers that offer internet, phone, and TV services to users across the U.S.

Does Optimum Mobile use AT&T towers? faq arrow icon

No, Optimum uses T-Mobile towers to provide their users with 4G and 5G services.

Is Optimum cheaper than AT&T? faq arrow icon

Yes, Optimum is relatively cheaper than AT&T with lower per Mb prices for internet plans—however, AT&T and Optimum fall almost in the same price range.