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Optimum Internet Vs Spectrum – Overview
Figuring out which ISP (internet service provider) to go for can be a super stressful conclusion.
This is because there are so many internet plans offered by these companies. You are offered internet, television and telephone packages
Not to forget, you also need to decide whether you want fiber, cable, or DSL (digital subscriber line) internet.
Fortunately, Optimum and Charter Spectrum offer the most amazing internet, television and telephone packages.
This review will cover the most vital differences and similarities between Altice Optimum and Charter Spectrum Internet.
We will also look at the services offered by both ISPs, and hopefully, by the end, this review will give you clarity on which is the best ISP for you.
Note that while either Altice Optimum or Charter Spectrum internet may seem appealing, remember that their services are not everywhere; their internet services vary based on location.
Read on to find out more.
Where Can You Get Altice Optimum and Charter Spectrum?
Both Charter and Optimum are very reliable cable providers in the USA. But their availability differs a lot.
For instance, Optimum is available only in 4 states. These states are New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
Charter Spectrum’s services are available in 44 states across the USA. Therefore, it is one of the most widely available cable providers across the USA.
That is why its services are so popular. So, in terms of the availability of services, the Charter is the apparent winner.
How Do Speed and Prices for Optimum and Spectrum Compare?
Both Optimum and Spectrum offer clients internet speeds that are in the hundreds of megabytes per second range.
Still, Optimum is capped at 400 Mbps in some areas, whereas Spectrum is widely available at 1Gbps. So if you want speed, Spectrum has you covered.
In terms of pricing, Optimum is the better pick. For about 50 dollars a month, you can enjoy internet speeds of up to 300 Mbps.
Spectrum is a bit disappointing when it comes to pricing because you need at least 50 dollars per month to get a 100 Mbps internet connection. Let’s look at the table below to see how both these ISPs compare.
| Optimum Internet Pricing and Plans | Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum 300 | $40.00/Mo | 300 Mbps | 30 Mbps | Cable |
| Optimum 500 | $65.00/Mo | 500 Mbps | 40 Mbps | Cable |
| Optimum 1 Gig | $75.00/Mo | 940 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Cable |
| Fiber Internet 300 | $40.00/Mo | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber Internet 500 | $65.00/Mo | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber Internet 1 Gig | $75.00/Mo | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | Fiber |
| Spectrum Pricing and Plans | Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Interent 200 | $49.99/Mo | 200 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Cable |
| Spectrum Interent | $49.99/Mo | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Cable |
| Spectrum Interent Ultra | $69.99/Mo | 400 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Cable |
| Spectrum Interent Gig | $109.99/Mo | 940 Mbps | 35 Mbps | Cable |
Note that there is a promotional period to take into account; this is usually your first year as a subscriber.
When the advertising period is over, the prices offered by both Optimum and Charter Spectrum can be pretty high, depending on your package.
Optimum’s prices usually go up by 20 to 50 dollars. In contrast, Charter Spectrum’s prices go up by 20 to 30 dollars, which means Optimum is on the higher side when the advertising period lapses.
Therefore, it’s good to take this into account prior to subscribing to either ISP.
Which Bundle Packages Do Optimum and Spectrum Offer?
Both Optimum and Spectrum offer bundle packages that include internet, TV, and phone. However, Optimum’s TV bundles are better because you get over a hundred channels more than what Spectrum offers.
In addition, for the same price, Optimum will give you 100 Mbps more internet bandwidth Charter Spectrum.
Are There Monthly Charges for Optimum and Spectrum Equipment?
When it comes to monthly charges for equipment, Spectrum has the upper hand over Optimum because they throw in a free modem rental if you don’t have yours, but you’ll need to buy a router to enjoy wireless connectivity.
On the other hand, Optimum charges you a flat rate of 10 dollars a month to lease one of their modems.
But remember, neither Optimum nor Spectrum will make you sign a contract; therefore, you can terminate their services if you wish, and you get to bring your own modem or router if you’re not satisfied with what either company is offering.
What’s Customer Service Like for Both Optimum and Charter Spectrum?
A lot of factors come into play when it comes to the quality of internet services. Some issues are beyond the service provider’s control, but customer service is not one of them.
Both Optimum and Charter Spectrum have impressive customer support and reviews to back this up. Clients are highly impressed by the services offered by both of these companies.
So with regard to both these two metrics, Optimum and Spectrum perform well. As such, it’s only fair to say that the quality of client support offered by Optimum and Spectrum is similar.
Final Thought
To sum it all up, you get reliability, good speeds, and a massive LTE data allowance when it comes to Spectrum.
Therefore, it’s improbable that you can go wrong with an ISP that offers you all of those stellar features.
However, if you live in an area covered by Optimum and you’re looking for good TV bundle deals, it would be unwise not to check them out.