Table of Contents
HighSpeedOptions prides itself on providing honest, quality content. While we may be compensated when you make a purchase through links on our site, all opinions are our own. Here’s how we make money.
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) and Spectrum both deliver internet, TV service, and home phone services, but they stand out for different reasons. Optimum is known for faster speeds at lower prices, making it a budget-friendly option where available. Spectrum, on the other hand, offers broader coverage and more bundled service choices, making it the more accessible provider for most households. Here’s how they compare on plans, pricing, and features.
NOTE: Suddenlink rebranded to Optimum in August of 2022.
Quick Take: Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) usually costs less and can reach up to 2,000 Mbps, while Spectrum covers more homes in 44 states and offers more bundle choices—neither provider enforces data caps.
- 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 | | |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $40/mo. | $30/mo. – $90/mo. |
Max Download | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Data Caps | No | No |
Equipment Fee | Up to $14/mo. | Up to $10/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 8/25/25.
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) Internet Plans
Optimum internet plans offer a variety of packages with speeds up to 2000 Mbps and many benefits to meet today’s online needs. In addition, annual contracts are not required, so you can cancel at any time without having to pay an early termination fee. 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 (2000 Mbps in limited 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 racking up costly data overage fees. Spectrum keeps you connected on the go with thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
Internet Features
Optimum 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 do not require an annual contract or impose early termination fees. Cancel anytime – no long-term contract required.
No Annual Contracts
Spectrum plans do not require contracts or early termination fees. Cancel anytime—no long-term contract required.
Data Caps
All Optimum internet plans include unlimited data with no overage fees.
Data Caps
Unlimited data means that you can game, stream video, 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 2,000 Mbps.
Fast Speeds
While availability is somewhat limited, Spectrum also offers internet plans with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
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.
SHOW MORE
No Annual Contracts
Optimum plans do not require an annual contract or impose early termination fees. Cancel anytime – no long-term contract required.
Data Caps
All Optimum internet plans include unlimited data with no overage fees.
Fast Speeds
Using a cable-fiber hybrid network, Optimum can offer internet speeds up to 2,000 Mbps.
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.)
SHOW MORE
No Annual Contracts
Spectrum plans do not require contracts or early termination fees. Cancel anytime—no long-term contract required.
Data Caps
Unlimited data means that you can game, stream video, 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 1,000 Mbps.
Contract Buyout
Looking to get out of your current provider contract? Spectrum may help cover cancellation fees up to $500.
SHOW MORE
Internet Fees
Oftentimes, there are unknown internet 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. Here’s a look at additional fees Optimum and Spectrum might charge.
Installation Fees
Optimum does not charge for self-installation, but does charge $99 for professional 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 $65 for installation. You can save a little money by choosing self-installation for $30.
Data Overages
Optimum does not impose a monthly data cap, so you will not be charged for using too much data.
Data Overages
Since Spectrum does not impose monthly data caps, you will not be charged for any data overages.
Price Increases
Optimum offers a 12-month introductory period. Depending on your plan, price increases when this period ends can be significant.
Price Increases
Spectrum’s 3-year price guarantee simplifies long-term budgeting. After the guarantee expires, your monthly bill will increase.
Equipment Rental
You’ll pay up to $12/month to rent Optimum’s modem, but you can save by using your compatible modem or router.
Equipment Rental
Spectrum does not charge a lease fee for the modem, saving you money compared to most providers. For $10/mo., you can lease an advanced Wi-Fi router from them.
SHOW MORE
Installation Fees
Optimum does not charge for self-installation, but does charge $99 for professional installation. Those prices can go up depending on what is needed to get your home connected.
Data Overages
Optimum does not impose a monthly data cap, so you will not be charged for using too much data.
Price Increases
Optimum offers a 12-month introductory period. Depending on your plan, price increases when this period ends can be significant.
Equipment Rental
You’ll pay up to $12/month to rent Optimum’s modem, but you can save by using your compatible modem or router.
SHOW MORE
Installation Fees
Spectrum charges a one-time fee of $65 for installation. You can save a little money by choosing self-installation for $30.
Data Overages
Since Spectrum does not impose monthly data caps, you will not be charged for any data overages.
Price Increases
Spectrum’s 3-year price guarantee simplifies long-term budgeting. After the guarantee expires, your monthly bill will increase.
Equipment Rental
Spectrum does not charge a lease fee for the modem, saving you money compared to most providers. For $10/mo., you can lease an advanced Wi-Fi router from them.
SHOW MORE
Comparison Summary of Optimum vs. Spectrum Internet Plans
| Feature | Optimum | Spectrum |
| Starting Price | $30/mo. | $40/mo. |
| Max Speed | Up to 2000 Mbps | Up to 1000 Mbps (2000 Mbps in select areas) |
| Data Caps | No | No |
| Contract Terms | No annual contracts; cancel anytime | No annual contracts; cancel anytime |
| Availability | 17 states (more common in rural/suburban areas) | 44 states (broad nationwide availability) |
| Equipment Fees | Up to $12–$14/mo. for modem/gateway (own device allowed) | Free modem; $10/mo. for Advanced Wi-Fi router |
| Feature | Starting Price |
| Optimum | $30/mo. |
| Spectrum | $40/mo. |
| Feature | Max Speed |
| Optimum | Up to 2000 Mbps |
| Spectrum | Up to 1000 Mbps (2000 Mbps in select areas) |
| Feature | Data Caps |
| Optimum | No |
| Spectrum | No |
| Feature | Contract Terms |
| Optimum | No annual contracts; cancel anytime |
| Spectrum | No annual contracts; cancel anytime |
| Feature | Availability |
| Optimum | 17 states (more common in rural/suburban areas) |
| Spectrum | 44 states (broad nationwide availability) |
| Feature | Equipment Fees |
| Optimum | Up to $12â$14/mo. for modem/gateway (own device allowed) |
| Spectrum | Free modem; $10/mo. for Advanced Wi-Fi router |
Picking a Provider
Optimum 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 location. Optimum’s plans are less expensive, but Spectrum has more availability.
Optimum: Best for Rural Customers & Budget-Shoppers
Optimum 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 has the best internet and TV bundles for additional savings and convenience.
Enter your zip code to see providers near you.
FAQs: Spectrum vs. Optimum Internet
What happened to Suddenlink Internet plans?
Suddenlink internet plans were rebranded under the Optimum name in August 2022. While the name changed, customers still have access to many of the same plan options, speeds, and features—now marketed as Optimum internet.
How do Spectrum vs. Optimum internet services compare overall?
The main difference in Spectrum vs. Optimum comes down to price and coverage. Optimum tends to offer faster speeds at lower prices where available, while Spectrum covers more households across 44 states and includes more bundled service options.
What is Suddenlink, and how is it connected to Optimum?
Suddenlink was a regional internet and TV provider serving parts of the U.S. before rebranding as Optimum. The rebrand unified services under one name, so when you see Optimum internet today, you’re effectively looking at what used to be Suddenlink.
What is the Optimum modem fee?
Optimum charges an equipment fee of about $12–$14 per month if you rent their modem or gateway. To avoid this recurring cost, you can use your compatible modem or router, which is allowed on Optimum’s network.
Is Spectrum Optimum the same company?
No, Spectrum and Optimum are not the same company. Spectrum is owned by Charter Communications, while Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) is owned by Altice USA. They are separate providers that compete in some markets.
Which provider is better for rural internet—Spectrum or Optimum?
Optimum is often a strong choice in rural and suburban areas it serves, offering affordable packages and higher max speeds. However, Spectrum is more widely available overall, which may make it the only rural internet option.
Share this post:
