STAFF REVIEW

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Researched by

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Reviewed by

Bri FieldAssigning Editor

Updated 2/7/23

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Huge value for internet-based TV

Optimum offers exceptional value. You get tons of channels, a solid DVR, and a good selection of sports and premium channels for a very reasonable price. Despite some additional fees, Optimum is an excellent choice.

What we like

No contracts
High channel count
Excellent value

What we dislike

Some areas can't get fiber internet
High fees
Second-year price hikes

Our expert assessment

Value

4.5

Optimum TV offers a lot for the money

Optimum TV offers excellent value, whether you live in an area that gets only cable internet or one wired for fiber-to-the-home. Internet-basedTV packages are available for as little as $30 per month (for basic TV), while the higher-tier plans offer high channel counts for the price. There are as many as 420+ channels available—one of the highest channel counts of any provider.

All those channels aren’t just for show, either. The lineup includes all the most popular networks, including CBS, NBC, ESPN, HGTV, Univision, and History. Finally, the internet service is also a fantastic value, offering faster speeds for the money than many competitors.

There's a 2-year price lock on most plans, which is great! Prices go up in the third year of TV service, though, and the company doesn't say by how much. We've heard customers complain about price hikes in the range of $85–$115, though, and that's just for TV. Since you also need internet, your price could balloon by $200 per month by year three.

You may be able to save on your bill by calling in and threatening to switch to a competitor, so we recommend it!

Features

4.0

A solid DVR, but fees for storage

Optimum’s Cloud DVR system offers up to 150 hours of storage for your favorite shows and movies, and you can record up to 15 shows at the same time—perfect for large families or households with lots of roommates. The system comes with all the modern features we expect from a DVR: voice control, an Apple TV app, support for streaming services, and more.

You can also access your DVR and on-demand content from your iPhone, iPad, or Android device with the provider’s app. Our only gripe is that the DVR storage is costly—more than $20 per month for the full 150 hours, in addition to the fee for renting the box. You'll also be charged a DVR service fee for every set-top box you rent.

Equipment and installation

4.0

Premium installation with a premium price

Optimum gives you the first set-top box for free, but you'll be charged an additional $10 per month each if you want to upgrade to an Apple TV or lease additional boxes. The equipment itself is more-or-less on par with other providers and should serve most users just fine.

Installation is a little complicated to explain, although the actual appointment should be simple enough. There are two cost structures for installation: one for customers who order online, and one for those who don’t.

If you order online, standard professional installation is free, or you can pay around $60 for a premium installation service if you want the technician to help set up your devices and walk you through using the service. If you don’t order online, these standard installation costs about $100 and premium installation costs about $150. You can also get an Optimum self-installation kit, which is a nice option if your home is already wired for service.

Sports and premium channels

4.0

A good selection of add-ons

Optimum offers all the expected premium channels, with the exception of EPIX, and prices are about average. Some packages also include premium channels in the price: the Premier package, for example, includes HBO Max, SHOWTIME, and STARZ.

Optimum also offers a Sports Pack, which includes more than 20 popular channels for $15 per month. You get NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NBA TV, the Golf Channel, and more. The higher-tier packages also include a number of channels by default—sports aficionados should opt for at least the Select TV plan to get the best selection.

If Optimum's offerings aren't quite right, you're in luck! A lot of games and matches are now available via streaming or over the air. Find out how to watch the MLB, how to watch pro football, and how to watch the NHL.

We stand by the validity of our reviews and are committed to transparency: Our team uses consumer sentiment software to source customer reviews, which are entirely unique to this website. Reviewers attest to being current customers of the providers they review and are not incentivized to speak positively or negatively about their experience. We do not alter the reviews in any way. Learn more about how we source reviews.

Optimum customer ratings overview

Optimum

3.6

(22)

5 Star

27%

4 Star

32%

3 Star

27%

2 Star

1 Star

Our reviews come from real customers who weren't incentivized to leave a review. The rating distribution typically shows a range of experiences and opinions that helps you get a sense for the average customer experience, not just extremes.

Top reviews from Optimum customers

Melanie from North Haledon , NJ

Optimum Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 9/14/2022

They offer great rates and customer service

Abdulrasheedfrom Brooklyn, NY

Optimum Customer for Less than a year

Reviewed on: 9/12/2022

Good thinking good product

Christie from Washington , NC

Optimum Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 9/3/2022

Our service has been wonderful. It's not too expensive. They have great customer service.

Karlfrom Beckley , WV

Optimum Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 8/31/2022

They r good and the TV service it pretty goodm yet they have serious issues with tryin to over charge ppl

Eugeniafrom Louisville'S, KY

Optimum Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 8/29/2022

It has been great better then other service's ive had

Bethfrom Charleston, WV

Optimum Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 8/22/2022

it has been great, I haven't had any problems with them at all

Nikifrom New Haven, WV

Optimum Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 8/21/2022

They are good only complaint I have is it takes them days to come out to your residence if you need them

Edwardfrom Manalapan , NJ

Optimum Customer for 4+ years

Reviewed on: 8/15/2022

Service is good but we lost channels in the last change of offers

Darafrom Prestonsburg, KY

Optimum Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 8/10/2022

I haven't used any of their features other than just regular cable TV. I don't have a recording device or option. Or any extra channels that I could subscribe to. But the quality has been great for a great price. I would say I am a loyal customer and trust them very much as well.

Williamfrom New York, NY

Optimum Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 8/7/2022

I nthink i am being overcharged. Inever rexeive mu potage credit. It has failed to connect with my acs

Sarah from Ruston , LA

Optimum Customer for Less than a year

Reviewed on: 7/16/2022

Have good signal and service, and Wi-Fi service is great too. I have all I need through them for all my tv needs.

Amyfrom Rocky Point , NY

Optimum Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 7/15/2022

They are way too expensive, their customer service is awful, their plans and whats included suck, they have a monopoly on the market so its the only option we are stuck with.

Joann from Fairfield , CT

Optimum Customer for 8+ years

Reviewed on: 7/14/2022

Too expensive. Difficult to contact by phone

Danielle from Eatontown , NJ

Optimum Customer for 1+ years

Reviewed on: 7/11/2022

More channels included

David from Hackensack, NJ

Optimum Customer for Less than a year

Reviewed on: 7/2/2022

My optimum bill is included in the rent.I use it mostly for the wifi. I like to use the Amazon firestick as it offers first run movies.i don't think that there is any way to improve on that.

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