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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.
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 | ||
Fiber Network | ||
No Contracts | ||
Unlimited Data | ||
Lower Promotional Pricing | ||
Consistent Pricing | ||
Free Professional Installation | ||
Equipment Charges | ||
Bundling Options | ||
Built-in Wi-Fi | ||
Early-Termination Fee | ||
Auto Pay Discount | ||
24/7 Live Customer Care Support |
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.
300 Mbps – 8,000 Mbps
No Data Caps
No Contracts
No Early Termination Fees
One-time Installation Fee - $100
Starting at $40/mo.*
Order NowBest for
Browsing, online shopping, social media
HD Streaming
Video-conferencing
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.
300-5000 Mbps^ Speeds
No Data Caps
No Contracts
No Early Termination Fees
Starting at $55/mo.**
Order NowBest for
Browsing, online shopping, social media
HD Streaming music and podcasts
Video-conferencing
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 | ||
Home Phone | ||
Mobile | ||
Home Security |
Optimum vs. AT&T Additional Features
Optimum | AT&T |
---|---|
Wi-Fi 6E
|
AT&T All-Fi™
|
Free Wi-Fi Extenders
|
AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extender
|
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
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?
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?
No, Optimum uses T-Mobile towers to provide their users with 4G and 5G services.
Is Optimum cheaper than AT&T?
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.
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