AT&T Internet vs Optimum: Complete Comparison

Choosing the right internet service provider can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. If you are weighing AT&T Internet against Optimum, you are comparing two providers that serve different needs and different types of internet users. AT&T delivers fiber + dsl connectivity with speeds ranging from 100-5,000 Mbps (Fiber), 10-100 Mbps (DSL), while Optimum offers fiber + cable service with speeds of 300-8,000 Mbps. Understanding the differences in technology, pricing, and availability will help you make the best decision for your household.

In this comprehensive comparison, we analyze every aspect of these two providers, including their speed tiers, monthly costs, coverage areas, contract terms, and customer satisfaction ratings. Whether you are a casual browser, a remote worker, a gamer, or a family with multiple devices streaming simultaneously, one of these providers is likely a better fit for your specific internet usage patterns and budget. We will also look at how each provider handles data caps, equipment fees, and promotional pricing so you can see the true cost of service over time.

Related comparisons: AT&T vs Spectrum | AT&T vs Xfinity | AT&T vs Verizon Fios | Optimum vs Verizon Fios

Speed Comparison

When it comes to raw download speeds, AT&T offers 5,000 Mbps (Fiber) / 100 Mbps (DSL) at the top end, while Optimum reaches 8,000 Mbps. These maximum speeds tell part of the story, but the typical speeds you will experience in your home depend on your plan tier, network congestion in your area, and whether you connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Both providers advertise their peak speeds prominently, but the entry-level plans are what most subscribers actually sign up for, so it is worth comparing the base tiers as well as the premium options.

Upload speeds are an increasingly important factor for remote workers, content creators, and anyone who regularly video conferences. AT&T provides upload speeds up to 5,000 Mbps (Fiber) / 20 Mbps (DSL), compared to Optimum's 8,000 Mbps (Fiber) / 35 Mbps (Cable). Since both providers offer fiber service, subscribers on fiber plans can expect symmetric or near-symmetric upload speeds, which is a significant advantage over cable or DSL connections where upload speeds are typically a fraction of download speeds.

Latency, often called ping time, measures how quickly data travels between your device and the server. AT&T delivers typical latency of 5-15 ms (Fiber) / 20-45 ms (DSL), while Optimum comes in at 5-15 ms (Fiber) / 10-25 ms (Cable). For everyday browsing, streaming, and social media, both providers offer latency well within acceptable ranges. The difference becomes noticeable primarily in competitive online gaming, real-time stock trading, and high-definition video conferencing where every millisecond counts. Fiber connections consistently deliver the lowest latency, making them the preferred choice for time-sensitive applications. Learn more in our complete internet speed guide.

Data caps determine how much you can download and upload each month before facing throttling or overage charges. AT&T has the following data cap policy: None on Fiber, 1 TB on DSL (waived w/ unlimited plan). Meanwhile, Optimum's policy is: None. In an era of 4K streaming, cloud gaming, smart home devices, and work-from-home demands, a household can easily consume hundreds of gigabytes per month. Unlimited data is increasingly important, and providers that enforce caps may penalize heavy users through throttling, reduced speeds, or extra fees. Check the fine print of any plan you are considering to understand exactly how data limits apply and whether there are options to upgrade to unlimited service.

Pricing Comparison

AT&T plans start at $55 per month and go up to 180/mo for its highest speed tier. Optimum pricing ranges from $40 per month to 180/mo at the top end. When comparing these prices, it is important to look beyond the headline number and consider what you actually get at each price point. The cheapest plan from one provider may deliver significantly more speed than the entry-level offering from the other, making the per-megabit value quite different from what the sticker price suggests.

Contract terms and promotional pricing play a major role in the true cost of internet service. Some providers offer attractive introductory rates that increase substantially after 12 or 24 months, while others maintain consistent pricing throughout your subscription. Equipment fees are another hidden cost to watch for. Router rental fees typically range from $10 to $15 per month, which adds $120 to $180 annually to your bill. Both AT&T and Optimum may offer options to use your own compatible router, potentially saving you money over the life of your subscription.

Installation costs are worth factoring into your budget as well. Fiber installation can sometimes be free during promotional periods but may cost $50 to $100 or more at other times. Self-installation kits are often available for simpler setups, reducing or eliminating the installation fee entirely. Look for seasonal promotions, bundle discounts if you also need TV or phone service, and special offers for new customers. Both providers typically offer their best deals to new subscribers, so it is worth checking their websites or calling to ask about current promotions before committing.

When calculating the total cost of ownership over a two-year period, consider the monthly rate, any rate increases after the promotional period ends, equipment rental fees, installation charges, and potential early termination fees if the provider requires a contract. A plan that appears cheaper upfront may end up costing more over time if the price jumps significantly after the introductory period. Conversely, a slightly more expensive plan with price-lock guarantees and no contracts may deliver better long-term value and peace of mind for budget-conscious households.

Coverage and Availability

AT&T offers fiber service (AT&T Fiber) in 21 states, primarily in the South and Midwest, covering about 19 million locations. Its legacy DSL network extends to millions more addresses across its traditional service territory. Major metros include Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Optimum, owned by Altice USA, provides internet service primarily in the Northeastern United States. Its coverage area includes significant portions of New York (including New York City suburbs and Long Island), New Jersey, Connecticut, and parts of Pennsylvania. Optimum has been investing in fiber-to-the-home upgrades, converting its cable infrastructure to deliver multi-gigabit speeds.

In terms of geographic overlap, these two providers serve largely different regions, meaning that for many customers, the choice is made by availability rather than preference. However, in markets where both providers offer service, competition typically drives better pricing and service quality. We recommend checking both providers' availability at your specific address using the phone numbers below or their respective websites. Even within a provider's advertised service area, availability can vary by neighborhood or even by street, so confirming with your exact address is essential before making a decision.

Customer Satisfaction

AT&T has improved its customer satisfaction significantly since expanding its fiber network. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, AT&T Fiber consistently scores higher than its DSL offerings. J.D. Power surveys generally place AT&T in the upper tier among large ISPs, though customer experiences can vary between fiber and DSL territories.

Optimum's customer satisfaction has been mixed. Under the Cablevision brand, it was known for relatively strong customer service, but the transition to Altice ownership brought some service challenges. Recent investments in fiber infrastructure and customer experience improvements have started to improve ratings, with fiber customers reporting notably higher satisfaction than cable subscribers.

When evaluating customer satisfaction, it is important to consider that experiences can vary significantly by location, technology type, and individual expectations. A customer on a fiber connection will almost always report higher satisfaction than one on DSL or satellite, regardless of the provider. Online reviews tend to skew negative since dissatisfied customers are more motivated to leave feedback, so industry surveys from organizations like J.D. Power and the ACSI provide a more balanced picture. We recommend checking recent reviews specific to your area, as service quality can differ meaningfully between regions even within the same provider's network.

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Choose AT&T Internet if: You live in the South, Midwest, or another AT&T fiber market, you want a massive and growing fiber network with proven reliability, you prefer a large national provider with extensive customer support resources, or you want AT&T Fiber's consistent pricing structure. AT&T's 5 Gbps fiber tier is competitive with Optimum's highest speeds at a reasonable price point.

Choose Optimum if: You are in the Northeast (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) and want access to extremely fast speeds up to 8 Gbps, you want competitive introductory pricing that often undercuts larger providers, or you prefer a regional provider that focuses on a smaller service area. Optimum's fiber upgrade program has brought multi-gigabit speeds to many neighborhoods in its coverage area.

How to Check Availability

The fastest way to determine whether AT&T or Optimum is available at your home is to check directly with each provider. Both offer online address-lookup tools on their websites where you can enter your street address and instantly see which plans and speeds are available. You can also call their dedicated sales lines for personalized assistance. Representatives can check availability, explain current promotions, and walk you through the sign-up process. If you are moving to a new address, checking availability before you finalize your housing decision can save you from settling into a home with limited connectivity.

If neither provider is available at your address, consider checking other options in your area. Fixed wireless providers like T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet are expanding rapidly, and local fiber providers may serve your specific neighborhood even if larger national brands do not. Our internet speed guide can help you determine what speeds you actually need based on your usage patterns.

Call to check AT&T Internet availability: 1-855-850-5977

Call to check Optimum availability: 1-866-200-7273