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Optimum vs. Viasat: 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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Optimum Vs Viasat

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3.5/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.9/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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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
3.9

Plans starting at: $39.99

Popular Package: Unleashed

Download speeds up to: 200 Mbps

Connection Types: Satellite

Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

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.

Viasat Provider Information

Viasat is a major satellite internet provider headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Unlike terrestrial options that rely on wires buried in the ground, Viasat beams data directly from space to a dish installed at your home. This technology makes it a top choice for people living in rural or remote areas where cable or fiber infrastructure doesn't exist. In September 2026, Viasat's ViaSat-3 F2 satellite entered service over the Americas, completing the company's next-generation ViaSat-3 network, which Viasat says has tripled bandwidth across its fleet. That added capacity powers a refreshed lineup of three home internet plans: Essentials, Unleashed, and Unleashed Max. Viasat now handles streaming, web browsing, and everyday work tasks well, and every plan includes unlimited data. Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data, while Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data with no long-term contract. You will still notice higher latency than hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) or fiber connections, so Viasat isn't ideal for competitive online gaming or lag-sensitive video calls. Plans start at $39.99 for 150 Mbps, while the most advanced options reach $109.99 for 200 Mbps. Availability is nationwide, covering all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and Viasat estimates that 99% of U.S. households can get its service. Viasat's biggest advantage is its reach, as it is often the only high-speed option for rural residents. However, the trade-offs are real. Your home needs a clear view of the southern sky for the dish, though standard professional installation is now free. Heavy rain or severe weather can also interrupt your connection, and the Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract. If you have access to a wired connection like fiber or HFC, it will almost always offer better performance and lower latency. For rural households without those options, Viasat is a stronger choice than ever.

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

PROS

Wide coverage means 99% of U.S. households can get satellite internet Unlimited data on every plan Burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max Free standard installation

Cons

Slower than fiber or hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) internet Higher latency or “ping” Can experience temporary “rain fade” during heavy rain or snow Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract

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

Viasat Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$30 off for 12 months
UnleashedSatellite InternetUp to 180 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$30 off for 12 months
EssentialsSatellite InternetUp to 150 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$70 off for 12 months
Unleashed MaxSatellite InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $109.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

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

Viasat FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit ViasatDeals.com.
Viasat internet uses a modem and dish system to transmit user requests to satellites, which then connect to a gateway station on the ground network.
Viasat internet covers all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The company estimates that 99% of the U.S. population can get its service.
Viasat internet frequently offers faster speeds compared to DSL or LTE, with burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max.
Yes, Viasat’s data plans and speed will allow you to stream HD videos.
Every Viasat plan has unlimited data, so you never lose your connection. Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data, while Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data followed by unlimited Standard Data that may slow down during congestion.
You can game on Viasat internet, but performance depends on the game. Turn-based and single-player games work well, but fast-paced multiplayer games struggle because satellite latency typically runs at 600 milliseconds or higher.
Both plans include unlimited High-Speed Data and no long-term contract. Unleashed Max adds burst speeds up to 200 Mbps (versus 180 Mbps on Unleashed), priority network access during busy hours, and EasyCare protection at no extra charge.
Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max are month-to-month plans with no long-term contract. Viasat Essentials requires a 24-month service agreement.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544