Frontier vs Optimum: Our Verdict
Frontier and Optimum both offer a mix of fiber and legacy cable/DSL infrastructure, but Frontier has made a more aggressive commitment to fiber expansion across its 25-state footprint. Frontier's fiber plans start at $49.99/mo for 500 Mbps with symmetrical speeds, no data caps, and no contracts, while Optimum starts at $40/mo for 300 Mbps on its cable network with no data caps. Optimum offers a $30/mo mobile add-on that Frontier cannot match, and its Northeast concentration in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut creates strong brand loyalty in those markets.
Our Pick
Frontier
Recommendation
Choose Frontier if fiber is available at your address for its symmetrical speeds, flat-rate pricing, and included eero Wi-Fi 6 router, especially if upload performance matters for your work or hobbies. Optimum makes more sense if you want a lower entry price, need mobile phone bundling at $30/mo per line, or if Frontier fiber hasn't reached your address and you're comparing Frontier DSL against Optimum cable.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Frontier | Optimum |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29.99/mo | $15.00/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | 7000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps |
| Available Plans | 7 plans | 13 plans |
| Internet | ||
| TV | ||
| Mobile | ||
| View Frontier Plans | View Optimum Plans |
Featured Plans
Frontier
Frontier Fiber 1 Gig
1 Gbps download speed
$49.99/mo
Symmetrical gigabit. Most popular plan. AutoPay + paperless required. eero Pro router included. Unlimited data. No annual contract.
Frontier TV — YouTube TV
100+ channels
$72.99/mo
- ✓100+ channels
- ✓Entertainment channels
- ✓Sports channels (ESPN, FS1)
- ✓News channels (CNN, Fox News)
- ✓Local channels
- ✓Unlimited cloud DVR (9 months storage)
- ✓No cable box or equipment fees
- ✓No contract
- ✕Premium movie channels (HBO, STARZ)
- ✕Regional Sports Networks (add-on available)
Powered by YouTube TV. Frontier internet subscribers save $10/mo for the first 12 months. No cable box or equipment fees. Billed on a single Frontier invoice.
Optimum
Optimum Fiber 1 Gig
1 Gbps download speed
$60/mo
Most popular Optimum plan. Symmetrical 1 Gbps fiber. 5-year price lock. No data caps. No annual contract.
Optimum TV Select
125+ channels
$80/mo
- ✓125+ channels
- ✓Entertainment channels
- ✓Sports channels (ESPN)
- ✓News channels (CNN)
- ✓Kids channels
- ✓Cloud DVR included
- ✕Premium movie channels
Most popular TV package. Mid-tier with sports and entertainment channels including ESPN and CNN. Cloud DVR included.
Optimum Mobile Unlimited
$30/mo
- ✓Unlimited talk & text
- ✓5G (T-Mobile network)
- ✓20GB premium data
- ✓5GB mobile hotspot
- ✕HD streaming
- ✕50GB+ premium data
20 GB premium data before deprioritization. 5 GB hotspot. SD streaming. T-Mobile 5G. Requires Optimum Internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frontier or Optimum offer better value for fiber internet?
Where both providers offer fiber, Frontier and Optimum compete closely on value. Frontier's fiber starts at $49.99/mo for 500 Mbps symmetrical with flat-rate pricing that never increases, while Optimum's fiber pricing varies by market with introductory rates that may change. Frontier includes a free eero Wi-Fi 6 router, providing additional value. The best choice depends on which technology each provider offers at your specific address.
Can I bundle mobile phone service with Frontier or Optimum?
Optimum offers a mobile phone add-on at $30/mo per line, providing unlimited talk, text, and data on a national network. Frontier does not currently offer a mobile phone service bundle, so Frontier customers need separate wireless plans from carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T. For households looking to consolidate internet and mobile under one provider, Optimum's mobile offering provides a genuine convenience and potential cost savings.
Where do Frontier and Optimum service areas overlap?
Frontier serves customers across 25 states with a broad geographic reach, while Optimum is concentrated primarily in the Northeast including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, with some presence in New Mexico and Colorado. There is meaningful overlap in Connecticut and parts of the broader Northeast. In these overlapping markets, customers may have a genuine choice between Frontier fiber and Optimum cable or fiber.
How do Frontier and Optimum upload speeds compare?
Frontier fiber delivers fully symmetrical speeds at every tier, meaning a 500 Mbps plan provides 500 Mbps upload and a 1 Gbps plan provides 1 Gbps upload. Optimum's cable plans offer asymmetrical speeds with uploads typically ranging from 20 Mbps to 50 Mbps, though Optimum's own fiber service in select areas does provide symmetrical speeds. If comparing Frontier fiber against Optimum cable, Frontier's upload advantage is enormous.
Which provider includes better Wi-Fi equipment, Frontier or Optimum?
Frontier includes a free eero Wi-Fi 6 router with its fiber plans at no monthly cost, which is a well-regarded mesh Wi-Fi system that typically retails for $100 or more. Optimum provides its own gateway device, though the specific model and any associated monthly fees vary by market and plan. Frontier's eero router supports Wi-Fi 6 standards with strong coverage for medium to large homes.