If you’re in the process of comparing Verizon FiOS and Cablevision/Optimum Online then you’ve come to the right place.
Below you’ll find a detailed review of each provider. But before you read on it’s smart to check your availability with each provider before reading on, because if you can’t get service from both then you don’t need to read this. 
Check your Verizon FiOS Availability here: http://verizon.com/home/bundles/fios/
Check your Cablevision (Optimum) Availability here: http://optimum.com/order/select_offer.jsp
Verizon FiOS vs Optimum = Fiber Optic vs Cable
Fiber Optic Cable [1]
Verizon FiOS uses a fiber optic connection delivered directly to your home, where Cablevision uses old cable technology.
This allows Verizon FiOS to offer some of the fastest internet speeds in the country. That said, connecting Fiber Optic cables directly to customers homes is pretty pricey, so you can expect to pay about $10 more a month with FiOS than Cablevision.
With Cablevision you get an older coaxial internet connection which is slower than fiber optic, more prone to problems, and you are also more likely to get less speed than you pay for.[2] That said both companies essentially offer the same services, though FiOS routinely gets better customer service reviews,[3] has faster speeds, and a clearer HDTV picture. Also FiOS is one of the few providers that has the bandwidth to stream 4k TV content, so if you’re after TV quality then you should definitely look at FiOS’ offerings.
If you’re confused about the difference between Cablevision and Optimum Online, don’t be, they are the same company just marketed differently.
Which is Right For You?
Based on the thorough comparison below, here are our recommendations.
If you rely on your internet connection for your entertainment, then FiOS is your best bet. This is especially true if you work from home, have family members who play video games online, or if you watch a lot of Netflix. FiOS is superior because it’s speeds are MUCH much faster than what optimum can offer, but most importantly the internet “feels” faster because of the lower ping.
Check your FiOS availability here: http://www22.verizon.com/home/bundles/fios/
Price Shoppers: It’s a Tie
If price is the most important factor when comparing these two providers, then you need to compare the current deals and specials.
You can see the latest FiOS bundles and deals on this page: http://www22.verizon.com/home/bundles/fios/
You can see the latest Optimum deals and bundles on this page:
https://www.optimum.net/pricing-packages
TV Watchers: It’s a Tie
Though FiOS does have better picture quality than Optimum sometimes you can get access to more channels with Optimum depending on the package. If your family watched a TON of TV, you’ll also want to compare the total cost. Sometimes Optimum charges more than FiOS for their DVRs and sometimes FiOS costs more. In short, make sure you do a detailed comparison.
That said, FiOS is one of the only providers who’s broadband connection will allow you to stream 4k TV reliably in the future, so before you sign up for a long term agreement with Optimum, this is something you may want to consider.
Because FiOS deals change often we keep our FiOS deals page up to-date every time they roll out new deals.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Verizon FiOS | Optimum (Cablevision) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest Speeds Offered | 500mbps | 101mbps |
| Connection Type | Fiber Optic | Coaxial Cable |
| Average Latency by Technology [4] | 24.28ms | 30.92ms |
| Technology Available to Consumers | 2006 | 1997 |
| Netflix Ranking[5] | 1 | 2 |
Overview of Verizon FiOS
Verizon FiOS is the nations largest fiber optic provider. They delivery fiber optic connections directly to consumers homes instead of to the “node” or hub like most cable providers. This means you’ll experience a lower latency (resulting in the “feeling of speed” between page loads), faster download and upload speeds, and clearer HD television.
While many customers are upset because FiOS has stopped it expansion into new areas due to the cost of laying fiber optics, the customers who can get access to FiOS have an opportunity to have some of the fastest internet speeds in the USA.
You can check if you can get FiOS on this page here.
FiOS Services:
Verizon FiOS offers 3 main services, along with bundles of each service type. They are fiber optic internet, TV, and phone service.
- Fiber Optic Internet: FiOS currently offers internet speeds raging from 50/50mbps to 500/500mbps (upload and download). Even the lowest tier of FiOS is fast enough to stream online video to multiple devices, talk on the phone, and play video games at the same time.
- Digital TV: Depending on the TV package you choose, you can get access up to 300 channels with many in HD. There are also plenty of “OnDemand” options along with premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Starz, and more.
- Home Phone: As a general rule most internet providers offer similar packages of unlimited calling nationwide and to select countries. If this part of the plan is important to you, then it is often cheaper to get a bundled package.
Verizon FiOS Availability and Map
If you still haven’t checked your availability, you can do so on Verizon’s site or see the map below for a rough idea of where it’s available.
Overview of Cablevision (Optimum Online)
Which do You Prefer? Verizon FiOS vs. Cablevision
Optimum Services:
Like Verizon FiOS, Cablevision offers 3 key services. They are digital TV, internet, and home phone.
- Cable Internet: Optimum offers 4 main internet packages ranging from 15mbps download with 5mbps upload to 101mbps download with 35mbps upload.
- Digital TV: Optimum offers digital TV packages with up to 165 channels in HD, movies on demand, and premium channels as well.
- Home Phone: Optimum’s home phone plans start at 250 minutes and go up to unlimited for additional fees. If you are a heavy home phone user please compare plans on the optimum website.
Which Provider is Better: Optimum or FiOS?
That said, I’d go with FiOS every time, as long as you are OK paying $5-15 extra a month. Since I work from home and my family plays videos games, a reliable and fast internet connection is a must for me.
Feel free to share your experiences with each provider below.
(This article was last update on Jan 12th, 2015 but the comments below were left for reference.)
References and Footnotes
- Photo by Wikipedia ↩
- FCC's 2011 report ↩
- The ACSI compares customer service ratings across industries. ↩
- Every year the FCC measures the US's broadband. In the 2014 report the FCC showed that all fiber connections have a lower average ping than other connection types. For more details visit the FCC's website. ↩
- Based on December 2014 rankings. ↩
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