Optimum Internet Plans for Seniors

Optimum Internet offers a variety of high-speed plans starting at $40 per month.

SeniorLiving.org Rating:
3.5 of 5
View Plans Links to Optimum Internet
Questions? Speak with a Optimum Internet Specialist:
855-589-5542
21 States
$40 per month starting price
Up to 8 Gbps of Speed
No contracts

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SeniorLiving.org Rating:
3.5 of 5
View Plans Links to Optimum Internet
Questions? Speak with a Optimum Internet Specialist:
855-589-5542
Taylor Shuman Corey Whelan Headshot
Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert & Editor Corey Whelan, Health Writer and Patient Advocate

Optimum is a well-established internet company that offers plans in 21 states. The provider’s plans are fairly affordable, starting at $40 per month with download speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 8 Gbps. I’ve been an Optimum internet user for eight years, and some of SeniorLiving.org’s staffers are Optimum customers as well. We’ve gotten to know the provider pretty well through our collective experience, so we can sum up the pros and cons of their internet plans and other services. Let’s dig into the plans Optimum offers.

Using Optimum s gateway

Using Optimum s gateway

Taylor Shuman
Expert Insights
From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert
Optimum is a solid internet provider. My team of tech experts and I have found that the company offers solid bundles, great introductory rates, and reliable, fast speeds. Just know that your rates may increase after the introductory period ends.

Pros

  • Accessibility adjustments for multiple disabilities are available
  • Plans start at $40 monthly
  • No equipment fees, contracts, or data caps
  • Technical support is available 24/7
  • Over 125 stores nationwide for in-person support
  • 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Prices increase $15 yearly
  • No senior discounts
  • Coverage area is only 21 states
  • Fiber internet (the fastest option) isn’t always available

Optimum Fiber Internet Plans at a Glance

Plan 300 Mbps 500 Mbps 1 Gig 2 Gig
Price per month without discounts $45 $65 $75 $95
Discounted price per month with unlimited mobile plan, autopay, and paperless billing discounts $40 and $50 prepaid Mastercard $60 and $100 prepaid Mastercard $70 and $200 prepaid Mastercard $90 and $300 prepaid Mastercard
Download speeds Up to 300 Mbps Up to 500 Mbps Up to 940 Mbps Up to 2 Gbps
Activation and installation fees $100 for professional installation, $0 for self-installation or for online purchase $100 for professional installation, $0 for self-installation or for online purchase $100 for professional installation, $0 for self-installation or for online purchase $100 for professional installation, $0 for self-installation or for online purchase
Included equipment and extras Free gateway and Wi-Fi extenders if needed Free gateway and Wi-Fi extenders if needed Free gateway and 1 Wi-Fi extender if needed 1 free gateway and 1 Wi-Fi extender if needed
Price guarantee 1 year 1 year 2 years 3 years
Data Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Installation type Professional or self-installation Professional or self-installation Professional or self-installation Professional or self-installation
Contract required No No No No

Which Optimum Internet Plan Is Best for Me?

Optimum is an internet service provider owned by Altice USA, an American cable television provider. Optimum offers six fiber internet plans, along with three cable plans. Plans are powered by either fiber optic or coaxial cable, based on your location. Of the two connection types, fiber is faster and more reliable.

None of Optimum’s plans require you to sign an annual contract. They also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with your service, and installation is free when you order online. None of Optimum’s plans have data caps, so you can eat up data to your heart’s content. Xfinity and Cox, on the other hand, charge overage fees of up to $50 if you exceed your data allowance.

Optimum’s plans do not include antivirus software, like the Cox Security Suite powered by McAfee that comes with all Cox internet plans and provides security for your home.

Pro Tip:

Pro Tip: Check out SeniorLiving.org’s picks for the best internet for seniors to compare your options.

Unlike AT&T, which offers accessibility plans for only hearing and speech disabilities, Optimum lets you set up accessibility profiles for many situations that could make internet use challenging. These include epilepsy, low vision, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cognitive disability, and more.

Below is a breakdown of Optimum’s plans and who they’re best for.

Optimum 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gbps Cable Plans

Optimum has cable internet plans with speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Costs start at $40 per month and go up to $60 per month for the 1 Gbps plan. As with the fiber plans, prices increase by $15 each year. Optimum allows you to use your own equipment, such as a modem or router, but using your own equipment limits technical support and upgrades. Renting a modem costs about $12 per month. For most older adults, cable internet can be a cost-effective option unless you need heavy uploading or consistently high speeds. Cable can get you gigabit download speeds that can rival rural provider speeds, but it doesn’t compare to fiber in terms of speed and consistency.

Optimum 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 2 Gbps Fiber Plans

For older adults who want consistent fast speeds and better reliability, fiber is the way to go. Optimum also offers fiber 5 Gbps for $120 for four years and 8 Gbps for $280 for five years, but prices will increase by $15 each year after the first year. Here’s a look at some of their plans:

300 Mbps Fiber

This is Optimum’s least expensive package, at $40 after a discount. If you order online or self-install, you can save the $100 professional installation fee. It comes with one free gateway (a device that acts as a combined modem and router) and Wi-Fi extender if needed. We’ve found that installation is simple. When one of our contributors first ordered Optimum, they had a technician come to their home to make sure their wiring was up to date. When they moved to a new apartment, all they had to do was update their address with Optimum and set up their router in the new location, and they were good to go!

Speed

The 300 Mbps plan is the slowest one Optimum offers. Like all Optimum plans, the speed is based on a wired connection and not guaranteed. During a speed test with this plan, I clocked download speeds of 188.12 Mbps.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? You already know older adults are a force to be reckoned with, but it may surprise you to learn 88 percent of Americans ages 65 and up use the internet on a regular basis. That’s only 9 percent less than the highest-use age group, 18- to 29-year-olds.1

The 300 Mbps plan may be a good choice for smaller households. It should provide plenty of speed for streaming, surfing the web, and downloading files on multiple devices, but it probably won’t provide enough speed for heavy gamers or lots of HD streamers.

I live in Brooklyn, New York, and have had the 300 Mbps plan for around eight years. I’m on the internet nonstop and am a heavy user for work, but not for playing games or streaming video. During work hours I find the 300 Mbps plan to be fast enough, but with some annoying lag times. I live in a one-floor apartment with two other people (and a small dog who likes to watch animal videos, but can’t turn on the computer herself — at least not yet!). At night when everyone is home, this plan pretty much fills our needs.

Price

Optimum’s 300 Mbps internet package costs $40 per month and you get a $50 prepaid Mastercard.

Optimum locks in that price for one year only and after that it increases $15 each year. That’s pretty typical for large internet providers, which I’m not a big fan of. You can get discounts for autopay and paperless billing, as well as for adding on unlimited mobile service.

Enrolling in paperless billing through the Optimum mobile app

Enrolling in paperless billing through the Optimum mobile app

I currently pay $61.09 for the 300 Mbps plan as part of a bundled package that includes TV and a landline. Recently, I was pretty surprised when my bill jumped up by $42 unexpectedly. After calling customer service, I found out it was due to the expiration of promotional internet and TV prices, plus a surprise price spike for my landline service.

Taylor Shuman
Expert Insights
From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert
If your bill ever increases unexpectedly, give your internet provider a call. You can often negotiate your bill or learn about seasonal promotions you may be eligible for. I’ve used this tip several times to lower my internet bill.

Half of Americans ages 65 and over still have a landline phone in their home,2 and Optimum offers both landline and cellular options. I’m a die-hard New Yorker who lived through 9/11 when cell phone service was nonexistent for days, but landlines consistently worked. I also made it through Superstorm Sandy, when flooded streets crashed landline service for a week, but cell phones worked just fine. For those reasons, I keep both lines of communication open, just like many savvy older adults. I’m glad that Optimum still offers landline services. But enough about landlines, let’s get back to talking about Optimum internet!

>> Related Reading: Optimum Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

500 Mbps Fiber

The 500 Mbps plan may be a good choice for spread-out, multifloor households that contain many working devices and internet users. If you have grandkids who visit and love to play games and stream videos or you like to Zoom with your adult kids, this plan may be a good choice for you.

It may also be a good choice if you run smart appliances such as a touch-screen refrigerator or depend upon a medical alert system that uses Wi-Fi.

Speed

It has up to 500 Mbps download and up to 500 Mbps upload speeds. Like Optimum’s other plans, there’s no equipment fees, data caps, or contracts. The connection can handle multiple devices at the same time for uninterrupted gaming, streaming, and browsing. Optimum’s 500 Mbps plan is best for tech-savvy older adults who enjoy regular video calls with the grandkids, streaming high-definition content, or playing online games. Plus, it supports smart-home systems to make your home living a smooth experience.

One of our staffers has a 500 Mbps Optimum internet plan. For the longest time, she didn’t get the speed she was paying for. Finally, she called the company. A representative told her that she had a modem that was a few years out of date. After upgrading her modem and purchasing a new router (rather than renting it monthly from Optimum), she typically gets close to the speed she pays for. Impressively, during one speed test, she actually had download speeds of around 540 Mbps. That’s 40 Mbps faster than what she pays for!

Taking a speed test with Optiumum

Taking a speed test with Optiumum.

Price

The Optimum 500 Mbps plan is $60 a month. You can cut that in half by adding mobile service (for an additional fee), plus autopay and paperless billing. The plan comes with a $100 Mastercard. That’s a nice little new customer perk!

Optimum’s prices are fairly competitive until their promos expire. That has definitely been the experience of our staffer who has this plan. Until about a month ago, she was paying for the 500 Mbps plan and TV through a two-year Optimum promotion. Since she didn’t use the TV portion, she dropped that part of the service when her promo expired and her bill went up.

If your bill increases after a promo ends, I recommend giving Optimum a call to see if there are any new deals going on. You can also change your plan straight from the mobile app.

Upgrading your plan

Upgrading your plan

1 Gig

The 1 Gig plan is significantly faster than the 300 or 500 Mbps plans. If you have a large household with multiple users who stream lots of media, play online games, or use smart-home devices, this may be a great choice for you. In my experience, however, most older adults won’t need this much speed.

Speed

Optimum’s 1 Gig plan provides download and upload speeds up to 940 Mbps. Just remember that these maximum speeds are through a wired connection, and the actual speeds aren’t guaranteed by the company, including those over Wi-Fi. Even so, I’ve found that this plan lives up to expectations. If you have a need for speed, this plan will fit the bill.

Price

Optimum’s 1 Gig plan starts at $70 per month with autopay and comes with a $200 prepaid Mastercard. It includes one free gateway and one free Wi-Fi extender if your installer recommends it for your home’s layout. Some internet providers charge extra for extenders, so I’m a big fan of this free equipment. The cost is locked in for two years, but it will increase by $15 a year after that.

2 Gig

This plan may be a good choice for heavy internet users who do lots of streaming and gaming. If you’re looking for speed and near-zero lag, this plan is your best bet from Optimum.

If you have a highly connected smart house with lots of internet-powered devices (think Alexa, Ring doorbell, etc.), the 2 Gig plan may also be a good choice. But similar to the 1 Gig plan, we think these speeds are overkill for the average user. Still, if you want the fastest option out there, it’s available!

Speed

Optimum doesn’t ensure its speeds up to the maximum 2 Gbps. They state that the plan provides download and upload speeds up to 2 Gbps through a wired connection. If you’re a gamer who uses a wired connection, you should experience significantly fast speeds. If Optimum doesn’t offer fiber internet where you live, your speeds may be lower through Optimum’s cable connection. Cable internet is typically slower and less consistent than fiber, so that’s something to note when you shop for a plan.

Price

The 2 Gig plan, which costs $95 per month with autopay, comes with one free gateway and one free Wi-Fi extender, if recommended by your service installer. It also includes a $300 prepaid Mastercard. These new customer perks are pretty enticing. Just remember that your prices will  increase by $15 each year after the first year.

Reliability

Optimum service is fairly reliable, but outages aren’t unheard of. When they do occur, I’ve found that they can last for up to two days and typically cover a wide service area.

I remember two instances when I — along with several of my neighbors and a slew of local businesses — lost internet for several days without explanation from Optimum. Several stores and supermarkets within a three-mile radius had to use dial-up to process transactions because Optimum was down. Talk about old school!

One of our staffers also wakes up some mornings to outages. But she’s glad that the Optimum app sends an alert when service goes down, as well as when it goes back up again. Luckily, these occurrences aren’t the norm.

Optimum Equipment

Unboxing Optimum s equipment, including their gateway and WiFi extender.

Unboxing Optimum s equipment, including their gateway and WiFi extender.

Cable Plans

Optimum’s 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps cable plans require the use of a modem/router. You can rent Optimum’s modem for $12 a month, or buy a compatible one to use. If you want to save on your monthly bill, purchasing your own equipment is an easy way to save. But if you rent your modem from Optimum, it comes with 24/7 tech support, which is handy for less tech-savvy users.

If you choose to purchase your modem, Optimum recommends getting a DOCSIS-certified DOCSIS 3.1 modem for all internet plans.3

Fiber Internet Plans

Optimum will give you one free gateway with any of their fiber plans. If your home is large, multifloored, or has an unusual layout, you may need a Wi-Fi extender. If your installer recommends an extender, you’ll get it free of charge. Additional extenders cost $4.95 monthly. You’ll most likely need an extender if you have a large outdoor space where you’d like coverage. I’ve found that Optimum’s equipment, including their Wi-Fi extenders, is sleek and fairly small.

Using Optimum's WiFi extender

Using Optimum's WiFi extender

Does Optimum Have a Senior Discount for Internet?

Like Xfinity, Optimum does not offer senior discounts. Unlike AT&T, they do not have a customer loyalty program.

When speaking with Optimum’s billing department, I was told that senior discounts are negotiated within communities, based on Optimum’s franchising agreements. Your age, income level, and the internet or bundled package you choose will all be taken into account when you apply for a discount.

Since not every service area within the Optimum network offers senior discounts, you’ll have to go in person to an Optimum store to find out if you can get one.

Some municipalities, such as Hawthorne, New Jersey, advertise Optimum discounts for older adults. You can try reaching out to your local representatives to see if they have information about senior discounts through Optimum, or through other internet providers.

For some older adults, the Lifeline program may be the best bet for discounted service. Lifeline is a federal program that offers low-income households a discount on phone or internet service. Lifeline is available in every state, territory, and commonwealth of the U.S. It’s also available on Tribal lands.4

Optimum Internet Bundles

Viewing the channels in an Optimum TV and internet bundle

Viewing the channels in an Optimum TV and internet bundle

You can bundle TV into your Optimum internet package with any of these four add-ons:

Optimum bundles 300 Mbps Fiber Internet and TV 300 Mbps Fiber Internet and Mobile 300 Mbps Fiber Internet, Mobile, and TV
Cost Starts at $65 a month with autopay and paperless bill and taxes Starts at $65 a month with autopay and paperless bill and taxes Starts at $90 a month with autopay and paperless bill and taxes
Perks Prepaid Mastercard Prepaid Mastercard and iPhone 16 with trade-in Prepaid Mastercard and iPhone 16 with trade-in

Optimum Customer Service

We’ve found that Optimum’s customer service is unpredictable, unlike CenturyLink, which we rated best for customer service. Optimum has had a monopoly in many locations along the East Coast for a long time, which may be a factor in customer dissatisfaction over the years.

Optimum has logged almost 7,000 customer complaints on the Better Business Bureau’s website in the past three years and has a one-star F rating. AT&T, on the other hand, has an A+ rating with the BBB.

As glum as that sounds, internet providers don’t generally receive stellar online reviews. I’ve also noticed that Optimum’s customer service has improved recently. That may be a reaction to the addition of new internet providers, such as Verizon, in their local service areas.

Pro Tip:

Pro Tip: Want to compare your options? Check out our 2025 Verizon internet review.

We’ve found that Optimum’s customer service is currently pretty good. They’ve become more helpful and patient. They also engage in just the right amount of small talk on the phone.

Wait times to speak to representatives are also much shorter than they were in the not-so-distant past. This alone can reduce frustration when you’re waiting to talk to an agent.

To reach a live agent at Optimum, you can call their toll-free number. You can also use their online chat feature to get basic information from a bot or explore different ways to connect through Optimum’s mobile app.

Getting customer support through the Optimum mobile app

Getting customer support through the Optimum mobile app.

How Does Optimum Compare to Other Internet Providers?

If Optimum isn’t for you or isn’t available in your area, there are other internet providers that may be a better fit. Let’s compare some popular options below:

  • Xfinity is available in 41 states, compared to Optimum’s 21. At $30 per month, Xfinity’s internet plans start at a lower price point for those who qualify. Optimum’s money-back guarantee is longer, however, at 60 days, compared to Xfinity’s 30. You can read our full Xfinity internet review to learn more.
  • AT&T is one of the largest and most popular internet providers around. Plans start at $55, compared to Optimum’s $40 (with discounts). AT&T and Optimum don’t have data caps on any of their plans. AT&T offers a very fast 5 Gbps plan, which is probably overkill for most people. Not to be outdone, Optimum has an 8 Gbps plan too. To get the inside scoop on AT&T, check out our 2025 AT&T internet review.
  • Like Xfinity, Spectrum is available in 41 states. They offer two plans that start at $50, so they’re a bit more expensive than Optimum. They give you a free modem, though, which Optimum doesn’t do, so their overall costs may balance out in the long run. Head to our Spectrum internet review for all the details.
Did You Know?

Did You Know? Granfluencers have become a phenomenon on social media. You don’t have to be a teen to get a following. All you need is a larger-than-life persona and a story to tell.5

Our Methodology: How We Tested and Reviewed Optimum Internet

Many of our staffers have Optimum internet, so we used our personal long-term experience, plus over 50 hours of research and hands-on testing to evaluate the provider. We also used industry data, customer testimonials, and conversations with Optimum’s customer-service team to build a well-rounded review of the company’s service. Below is a closer look at the most important factors we considered.

  • Price and value: We researched all prices associated with Optimum’s service, including monthly fees, startup costs, hidden fees, contracts, and equipment costs. We also looked for seasonal promotions and new customer deals.
  • Internet speeds: Our team ran 10 speed tests using Optimum’s service to determine average speeds and consistency. We tested the connection in different rooms of the home for well-rounded results.
  • Customer service: The quality of a provider’s customer service is a very important factor, especially if you ever have questions or run into issues with your service. We spoke with Optimum’s representatives multiple times over the phone and via online chat, assessing the quality of service.
  • Reliability: A fast internet plan will be of no use if the connection is unreliable! We considered the reliability and consistency of service, noting any outages or slowdowns.

 

The Bottom Line

Optimum is a leading internet provider that offers plans in 21 states. The provider’s fiber plans have speeds up to 8 Gbps in select areas, while their cable plans have speeds up to 1 Gbps. You can get Optimum internet starting at $40 a month with discounts. With their fiber service, you can get reliable high-speed internet and a great introductory rate in the first year. Plus you get unlimited data, no contracts, and no equipment fees, but your monthly bill will rise $15 every year.

From our experience, we’ve found that Optimum's less-than-stellar reputation has improved in recent years. Even if you’ve had a bad experience with them in the past, it may be worth taking another look. They offer fast speeds, great introductory deals, and options to bundle. Just remember to leave some wiggle room in your budget for price increases down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions About Optimum Internet

  • Is Optimum expensive?

    Optimum’s internet plans start at $40 a month with discounts, but costs creep up once their promotional periods end. Even so, they’re comparable to other internet leaders, such as Spectrum.

  • Is Optimum good for gaming?

    Optimum’s higher-speed plans are fast enough to accommodate gaming and video streaming. If you or your loved ones can’t get enough of Fortnite or The Last of Us (our favorite), you’ll find Optimum to be a good choice.

  • Is Optimum internet safe?

    Optimum has built-in security features to help keep you protected online. Scammers are everywhere, however, and they often prey on older adults. Make sure to put safeguards in place for you and your family, such as antivirus protectors, parental controls, and strong passwords.

  • Can I self-install Optimum?

    Optimum offers a self-installation option on most of its plans. If you’re buying a high-speed plan, it may make sense to have a technician do the heavy lifting, especially if you think you might need a Wi-Fi extender. If you live in an older building, you should also have your wiring professionally checked to avoid connectivity issues.

  • What are AT&T’s bill payment options?

    AT&T has several options to pay your bill. You can pay online and even set up automatic payments through their website. You can also pay your bill by phone, mail, or in person.

Written By:
Corey Whelan
Health Writer and Patient Advocate
Corey has been writing about Medicare, senior living, and health for over 10 years. Her career spans 20+ years in the nonprofit sector, where she served as an educator and patient advocate for organizations including The American Fertility Association and… Learn More About Corey Whelan
Reviewed By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman