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Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) and Spectrum each offer a good selection of cable internet, TV, and home phone plans, but there are a few differences that set them apart. Both providers provide TV and internet bundles, but Spectrum has a few more options to choose from. Optimum offers high speeds at lower costs compared to Spectrum, but lacks the availability of Spectrum.
Read on to see how they stack up on features and whether or not they fit your lifestyle needs.
- Reliable internet connection
- Cable & fiber options
- Fixed pricing available
- Contract buyouts up to $500
- Free access to WiFi hotspots
- Nationwide availability
Internet Plans
Our Picks | | |
|---|---|---|
Staring Price | $29.99/mo. | $49.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. |
Max Download | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps |
Data Caps | No | No |
Equipment Fee | $10/mo. | $5/mo. |
| Check Availability | Check Availability |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 6/27/22.
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) Internet Plans
Optimum internet plans (formerly Suddenlink) offer a variety of packages with speeds up to 1000 Mbps and many benefits to meet today’s online needs. In addition, annual contracts are not required, so you can cancel any time without having to pay early termination fees. And you’ll have plenty of time to ensure Optimum is right for you with its 60-day money-back guarantee.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Similar to Optimum, Spectrum internet plans include speeds up to 1000 Mbps in select areas. In addition to high speeds and wide availability, Spectrum does not impose data caps on its internet services, so you can stream, game, and work from home without worrying about data overage costs. Spectrum also offers WiFi access with thousands of hotspots nationwide.
Internet Features
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) and Spectrum offer many appealing plans and features with their internet services. Here is a look at each provider’s plan features to help you get a clearer picture of what you’d get at sign-up.
No Annual Contracts
Optimum plans (formerly Suddenlink) do not require an annual contract or impose early termination fees. Cancel if you need, any time.
No Annual Contracts
Spectrum plans do not require contracts or early termination fees. Cancel if you need, any time.
Data Caps
Some of Optimum’s higher speed plans include unlimited data, but the slower plans do impose monthly data caps.
Data Caps
You can game, stream, and work from home without worrying about exceeding a monthly data cap.
Fast Speeds
Using a cable-fiber hybrid network, Optimum can offer internet speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Fast Speeds
While availability is somewhat limited, Spectrum also offers internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Contract Buyout
If you want to get out of your current contract, Optimum does offer up to $500 towards paying off your existing contract. ($100 for internet-only.)
Contract Buyout
Looking to get out of your current provider contract? Spectrum may help cover cancellation fees up to $500.
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No Annual Contracts
Optimum plans (formerly Suddenlink) do not require an annual contract or impose early termination fees. Cancel if you need, any time.
Data Caps
Some of Optimum’s higher speed plans include unlimited data, but the slower plans do impose monthly data caps.
Fast Speeds
Using a cable-fiber hybrid network, Optimum can offer internet speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Contract Buyout
If you want to get out of your current contract, Optimum does offer up to $500 towards paying off your existing contract. ($100 for internet-only.)
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No Annual Contracts
Spectrum plans do not require contracts or early termination fees. Cancel if you need, any time.
Data Caps
You can game, stream, and work from home without worrying about exceeding a monthly data cap.
Fast Speeds
While availability is somewhat limited, Spectrum also offers internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Contract Buyout
Looking to get out of your current provider contract? Spectrum may help cover cancellation fees up to $500.
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Internet Fees
Oftentimes, there are unknown fees outside a provider’s advertised monthly price that can significantly increase your bill. It’s important to know and understand them before you click the buy button.
Installation Fees
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) charges $99 for standard installation and $149 for premium installation. Those prices can go up depending on what is needed to get your home connected.
Installation Fees
Spectrum charges a one-time fee of $49.99 for installation. You can save a little money by choosing self-installation for $19.99.
Data Overages
Optimum charges $15 per 50GB if you exceed the monthly data cap. If you know you will need more than the cap allows, you can pay an extra $10 a month for unlimited data.
Data Overages
Since Spectrum does not impose monthly data caps, you will not be charged for any data overages.
Price Increases
Many providers offer low introductory rates to new customers. Many times your monthly cost will increase, usually after a 12-month period.
Price Increases
Spectrum’s advertised monthly price is good for 12 months. After this introductory period, your monthly bill will increase.
Equipment Rental
Optimum charges $10/mo. for a modem or wireless gateway. Most providers allow you to buy your own modem or router, as long as it meets minimum requirements.
Equipment Rental
Spectrum equipment fees begin at $8.99/mo. for an internet gateway. Spectrum will allow you to avoid this fee by buying your own modem or gateway.
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Installation Fees
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) charges $99 for standard installation and $149 for premium installation. Those prices can go up depending on what is needed to get your home connected.
Data Overages
Optimum charges $15 per 50GB if you exceed the monthly data cap. If you know you will need more than the cap allows, you can pay an extra $10 a month for unlimited data.
Price Increases
Many providers offer low introductory rates to new customers. Many times your monthly cost will increase, usually after a 12-month period.
Equipment Rental
Optimum charges $10/mo. for a modem or wireless gateway. Most providers allow you to buy your own modem or router, as long as it meets minimum requirements.
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Installation Fees
Spectrum charges a one-time fee of $49.99 for installation. You can save a little money by choosing self-installation for $19.99.
Data Overages
Since Spectrum does not impose monthly data caps, you will not be charged for any data overages.
Price Increases
Spectrum’s advertised monthly price is good for 12 months. After this introductory period, your monthly bill will increase.
Equipment Rental
Spectrum equipment fees begin at $8.99/mo. for an internet gateway. Spectrum will allow you to avoid this fee by buying your own modem or gateway.
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Picking a Provider
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) and Spectrum are excellent providers that offer high-speed internet and useful extras. If you’re trying to choose between them, it likely comes down to cost and availability. Optimum’s plans are less expensive, but Spectrum has more availability.
Optimum: Best for Rural Customers & Budget-Shoppers
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) offers a thorough lineup of cable internet, TV, and home phone services in 17 states. Much of Optimum’s services are available in rural and suburban areas, making it an ideal choice for rural internet. Suddenlink’s services are full-featured at a budget cost.
Spectrum: Best Availability & Bundle Options
Widely available in 44 states, Spectrum’s robust network is backed by 99.9% uptime, making it one of the most stable networks with speeds to support your internet needs and lifestyle. Spectrum also offer the best internet and TV bundles for additional savings and convenience.
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