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Brightspeed vs. Optimum: Which Internet Provider Is Better?

Compare internet speeds, pricing, reliability, customer reviews, and fees so you can choose the best internet provider for your home.

100% unbiased. Provider information updated regularly.
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Brightspeed Vs Optimum

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4.0/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.5/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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4.0

Plans starting at: $29.99

Popular Package: 2 Gig

Download speeds up to: 8 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best Brightspeed internet deals
1-833-970-4123
3.5

Plans starting at: $35

Popular Package: 1 Gig Fiber Internet

Download speeds up to: 8 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Brightspeed Provider Information

Brightspeed is a relatively new name in the telecommunications industry, formed after Lumen Technologies sold its incumbent local exchange carrier assets in twenty states to Apollo Global Management. While the company is currently working to expand its fiber-to-the-premises footprint, much of its existing network still relies on legacy digital subscriber line (DSL) technology. This means your experience will vary significantly depending on your address. Where fiber is available, you get symmetrical upload and download speeds that are excellent for heavy data use. In areas where only DSL is offered, you will find much slower speeds that may struggle with modern household demands. Plans start at $29.99 for 200 Mbps, while their top-tier offerings reach $129.99 for 8000 Mbps. The provider is most common in rural and suburban areas across the Midwest, Southeast, and parts of the West. Brightspeed is a solid choice if you can access their fiber network, as it provides a reliable, high-speed connection without the data caps often found with other providers. However, if you are stuck with their older copper-based infrastructure, you might find the performance lacking compared to hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) or newer fiber competitors. They are best for customers who prioritize straightforward pricing and no long-term contracts, provided they verify the specific connection type available at their home before signing up. If you live in a rural area where options are limited, Brightspeed is often a dependable utility, but it is worth checking if their fiber service is actually available at your doorstep.

Optimum Provider Information

Optimum is a major internet service provider owned by Altice USA, serving millions of customers primarily across the New York tri-state area and parts of the Northeast, Midwest, and South. The company delivers connectivity through two primary methods: a traditional hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) cable network and an expanding fiber-to-the-home infrastructure. While the HFC network is reliable for most households, the fiber service is the clear winner for those who need symmetrical upload speeds and lower latency. Plans start at $35 for 300 Mbps, scaling up to $90 for 8000 Mbps.

The provider is a solid choice for households that want a balance of speed and availability, especially if you can access their fiber network. One of the biggest perks is that Optimum generally avoids data caps, which is a relief for heavy streamers or large families. However, the company has faced criticism regarding customer service consistency and occasional price hikes once promotional periods expire. You should also be aware that the upload speeds on their HFC cable plans are significantly slower than their download speeds, which might frustrate remote workers who frequently upload large files. Optimum is best suited for urban and suburban residents who prioritize a well-established network and want the flexibility of choosing between cable or fiber depending on what is wired to their specific address. If you live in an area where their fiber service is available, it is often the most competitive option in their portfolio.

PROS

Attractive, transparent pricing for fast fiber speeds No data caps or contracts, free premium modem with fiber plans Rapid fiber buildout in progress

Cons

Some customers on DSL will wait for fiber buildout Slower speeds for DSL service New company still building operations

PROS

Gigabit download speeds No data caps or contracts 5-year price lock on select plans

Cons

Poor customer satisfaction scores Slower upload speeds for cable than all-fiber Price hikes after promo rates

Brightspeed Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Up to $250 in Reward Cards + Save $120 in first year!
8 GigFiber InternetUp to 8,000 Mbps Only $129.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up to $250 in Reward Cards + Save $120 in first year!
2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $79.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up to $150 Reward Cards + Save $120 in first year!
1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up to $100 Reward Cards!
500 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $59.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
200 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $29.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Brightspeed internet deals
1-833-970-4123

Optimum Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Choice of $50 gift card
8 Gig Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 8,000 Mbps Only $90
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Choice of $50 gift card
2 Gig Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $65
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Choice of $50 gift card
1 Gig Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $55
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
1-year price lock
500 Mbps Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $45
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
1-year price lock
300 Mbps Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $35
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Brightspeed FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit BrightspeedSavings.com.
Brightspeed does not impose data caps on its internet service. You can enjoy unlimited data usage without worrying about any restrictions or additional charges.
Brightspeed offers several no-cost modem options for fiber installations, including premium Wi-Fi 6-capable modems. These modems are optimized to deliver the fiber connection into your home and come with remote network support from the Brightspeed customer success team. Newer fiber installations may include the Calix Wi-Fi router and mesh Wi-Fi extenders at no additional charge.
Yes, you can choose to provide your own Wi-Fi router if it meets certain specifications, such as maximum bandwidth capability equal to your purchased internet speed, a 1 Gbps Ethernet WAN port, DHCP to obtain a WAN IP Address, the same or newer Wi-Fi technology as your connected devices, accurate auto-channel selection, and firewall support. However, by using your own router, you won't get the benefits of using a Brightspeed modem, such as built-in security features and technical support from the Fiber Customer Success Team.
Restarting your modem/router (gateway) is often the first step in troubleshooting connection problems. You can simply unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
Brightspeed provides special programs to support low-income customers. They offer affordable internet options and participate in initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure that everyone has access to reliable and affordable internet service. Your customer support rep can help you set up your ACP benefit if you qualify.
Yes, Brightspeed is actively expanding its fiber infrastructure to provide high-speed internet access to more areas. They are committed to improving connectivity and delivering reliable fiber-optic internet service to customers. For specific information about the availability of fiber in your location, please contact the Brightspeed customer support team.
Call today & find the best Brightspeed internet deals
1-833-970-4123

Optimum FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit OptimumSavings.com.
No, Optimum does not impose data caps on any of its internet plans. You will have unlimited data on both hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) internet and fiber internet plans from Optimum.
Optimum offers a free internet speed upgrade service to loyal customers, providing faster speeds and better value without changing the current price.
Optimum provides two options for renting a modem: one includes tech support and equipment replacement, while the other option is for purchasing a compatible modem.
To explore different speed options for your Optimum Internet service, you can enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com to see what plans are available in your area.
Optimum offers savings on monthly bills through their Internet + Mobile Savings program, allowing customers to save up to $30/month by combining Optimum Internet and Optimum Mobile services.
Only Optimum Mobile and Optimum Internet customers are eligible for the Internet + Mobile Savings program offered by Optimum.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356