AT&T vs. Optimum: Which Internet Provider Should You Choose?

Mon, Jun 19, 2023 9:55 PM

AT&T TV is a subscription service that offers fewer channels, contract-free plans, and an unlimited DVR. However, it's pricey, and it retains old cable-TV annoyances like second-year price spikes that true streaming services don't have. 

Optimum is a conventional cable TV network with hundreds of channels, no contracts, and contract buyout options—but the DVR service is expensive and only available in four states.  

AT&T TV and Optimum Quick Comparison 

Provider: AT&T TV 
Channels: 65-140+
Price:  $59.99-139.99/month
DVR Storage:  Unlimited (with contracts) and 20 hours(without contract)  
Simultaneous Recording: 3-20

Provider: Optimum 
Channels: 220-420+ 
Price: $74.99-$124.99/month
DVR Storage: 25-150 hours
Simultaneous Recording: 12

AT&T TV offers two-year packages or no-contract options (for an additional $10–$20 depending on the plan), and its channel count is significantly smaller than that of Optimum. If you already have a supported streaming system, you don't need to rent a TV box, and contract plans provide unlimited DVR storage.

Optimum offers a contract buyout (up to $500), has no contracts of its own, offers flexible options, Price for Life, has high channel counts, and includes premium channels in its top-tier package. However, the DVR capacity is limited and costly.

AT&T TV vs. Optimum plans and pricing

We did a little extra digging to show you the best offers for each because we're contrasting two vastly different utilities in Optimum and AT&T TV. We also provide you with an alternative.

AT&T TV plans and pricing

AT&T TV is not cheap. Its six plans cost $0.69–$1.07 per channel when paired with its $10-per-month unlimited DVR add-on. It's worth noting that this is only for a two-year contract, with a rate hike of 29–40% expected in the second year.

You'll have fewer options if you choose a no-contract AT&T TV package, and they'll cost an extra $10.00–$20.00 per month, depending on the plan. And, unlike Optimum's Price for Life contract, though AT&T's fine print says there will be "no major price jump at month 13," that doesn't mean you shouldn't expect price increases at all.

Also, Read: Frontier vs Mediacom 2021 Guide

With any package from CHOICETM and higher, AT&T TV has enticing new-customer deals:

1. HBO Max for a year (regularly $14.99 per month) is completely free.
2. Current season NBA League Pass (regularly $40.00 a month) is free.
3. Three months of CINEMAX®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and EPIX® (regularly $39.00/mo.) for free (regularly $39.00/mo.)

Just keep in mind that these offers are only good for three months, after which the value will start to dwindle and your payment will skyrocket.

If you can't get Optimum where you live but still want to try AT&T TV, go with CHOICETM ($84.99 a month, 90+ channels) on a no-contract basis. Before you switch providers, you'll get a year of HBO Max and NBA League Pass for free.

Optimum plans and prices 

Optimum's four plans cost $0.33–$0.44 per channel, even with the most costly DVR add-on. Premier TV ($124.99 a month) comes highly recommended. It contains all of Optimum's live channels as well as the best premium channels (HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and STARZ ENCORE). Your gross monthly payment for DVR service would be $145.98–$157.98.

It may be too much for your pocket, switching to Select TV will save you $40.00 a month. You'll miss some of your favorite premium channels, but you'll still have NFL Network, STARZ ENCORE, and 338+ additional live channels, which is quite a variety.

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