Are you confused between choosing Verizon or Optimum services? Verizon offers a faster internet connection and smooth customer service experience, whereas Optimum offers lower prices at your doorstep. Let’s have a look on ‘Verizon VS Optimum’.
Verizon Fios and Optimum both are available in parts of the North-eastern US. The major difference between them is that Verizon offers fiber internet services that ensure high download and upload speed, whereas Optimum is a cable internet service that offers good download speed but poor uploads. So, if you live where both the services are available, be smart and make the right choice.
Verizon VS Optimum: Coverage area and speed
Verizon internet service is available in nine US states, whereas Optimum is available in four US states. Verizon has nearly 36 million users and Optimum has 13 million users.
| Verizon Internet availability | Optimum Internet availability |
| New YorkNew JerseyMarylandDelawareMassachusettsPennsylvaniaVirginiaWashington, DCProvidence, Rhode Island | North CarolinaNew YorkNew JerseyConnecticut Tri-state area |
If we compare the internet speed of both the ISPs(Internet service providers), Verizon fares better because it’s 100% fiber internet service, and Optimum offers only 20% of fiber service and mostly cable internet service. The speed depends on the plan you choose.
Verizon offers 300 Mbps to 950 Mbps of download speed and up to 850 Mbps of upload speed. Optimum offers 100-950 Mbps of download speed and up to 35 Mbps of upload speed.
If you are working from home or if you need smooth internet speed then, Verizon is your best choice. Otherwise, if you are on a budget, choose Optimum.
Verizon VS Optimum: Plans and Pricing
Optimum costs are lower than Verizon, but after a year, you might be paying the same amount for Optimum because Optimum special price is only for a year, and after that, you have to pay their regular charges. Here is a comparison of both Internet providers.
Optimum plans
| Plan | Download and Upload speed | Starting Price | Price after 12 months |
| 1. Optimum 1 Gig | Download: 940 MbpsUpload: 35 Mbps | $55 monthly | $139.99 monthly |
| 2. Optimum 300 | Download: 300 MbpsUpload:20 Mbps | $35 monthly | $109.99 monthly |
| 3. Optimum 500 | Download: 500 MbpsUpload: 20 Mbps | $45 monthly | $129.99 monthly |
| 4. Fiber internet 500 | Download: 500 MbpsUpload: 500 Mbps | $35 monthly | $129.99 monthly |
Optimum also charges an additional fee of $10 monthly for the equipment, if you don’t have your Router and Modem, and there is no over usage fee or other hidden charges and no contracts so you can terminate your connection at your will. No setup charges if you order online.
Verizon Plan and Pricing
Verizon keeps it simple for its customers. It offers only three plans, and the prices remain stable.
| Plan | Download and Upload speed | Monthly charges |
| Fios 300 | Download: 300 MbpsUpload: 300 Mbps | $40 |
| Fios 500 | Download: 500 MbpsUpload: 500 Mbps | $65 |
| Fios Gigabit connection | Download: 940 MbpsUpload: 850 Mbps | $90 |
Verizon charges an additional fee of $15 monthly for its equipment, or you can also buy the equipment for $300. There are no setup charges if you purchase their plans online. No contract so, you can terminate at your will.
The above-given prices are subject to change. Kindly, contact your Internet service provider for exact prices.
Verizon Vs Optimum: Additional benefits
There are some additional benefits that both Verizon and Optimum offer their customers when you purchase their service.
Verizon customer perks
- 30-day money-back offer if you terminate your service within a month.
- Free subscription of AMC+ and Disney+ for the first 12 months
- Up to $500 of credit when you terminate your contract with your previous internet provider and switch to Verizon.
Optimum Customer Perks
- 60-day money-back guarantee for new customers.
- Free HBO Max for three months
- Up to 500$ of credit for terminating your previous contract and joining Optimum.
Verizon Vs Optimum: Customer service
Verizon has the best customer service than Optimum and many other Internet service providers. According to the American customer satisfaction Index(ASCI), Verizon ranked at the top with a score of 71 out of 100, whereas Optimum got only 61.
Verizon customer service is always available, and the same cannot be said for Optimum. So, if you want quick and hassle-free customer service, you have to go for Verizon Fios.
Verizon VS Optimum: Perks and Drawbacks
Every service comes with advantages and disadvantages. Before you select between Verizon and Optimum, you should know about what pros and cons they offer.
| Pros/Cons | Verizon | Optimum |
| Pros | Wide Coverage, No contracts, DSL internet options, fast download, and Upload speed. | No contracts, lower prices, gift cards, No hidden charges |
| Cons | Slightly higher costs | slow upload speed, small coverage area, price increases after 12 months |
To Conclude
If you have access to both Verizon and Optimum, choose a service that best serves your needs. If you use the Internet only for downloads and don’t really care about speed. Then, optimum can save you money. But if you are working from home, or need an Internet connection to attend classes online, go for Verizon. Your need should justify your choice.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does Optimum offer fiber internet service?
A. Optimum offers only 20% fiber internet service and the remaining is cable internet service.
2. Who offers the best prices Verizon or Optimum?
A. Optimum offers lower prices than Verizon but you have to pay almost similar charges as Verizon after 12 months.
3. Why is Optimum Upload speed slow?
A. Optimum is a cable internet service. Hence, slow Uploads. However, the company is expanding its fiber services, and you might be able to enjoy fast uploads soon.