Optimum vs Verizon: At a Glance
Optimum
Cable Fiber
Max Speed1 Gbps
Starting Price$40/mo
Connectioncable, fiber
In ChicagoVerify availability
View Optimum Plans →
VS
Verizon
5g
Max Speed1 Gbps
Starting Price$50/mo
Connection5g
In Chicago✓ Available
View Verizon Plans →
Check Exact Availability at Your Address
FCC data shows area coverage — actual availability varies by address. Use our lookup to see exactly which providers serve your home.
Search My Address → or see all providers in ChicagoSpeed Comparison: Optimum vs Verizon
| Speed Tier | Optimum | Verizon |
|---|---|---|
| Max Download | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Max Upload | 1 Gbps | ~35 Mbps |
| Connection Type | cable, fiber | 5g |
| Good for Streaming | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Good for Gaming | ✓ Yes (low latency) | ✓ Yes (low latency) |
| Work From Home | ✓ Recommended | ✓ Recommended |
Price Comparison: Optimum vs Verizon
| Optimum | Verizon | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $40/mo | $50/mo |
| Typical Range | $40–80/mo | $50–90/mo |
| Contract Required | Typically month-to-month | Typically month-to-month |
| Equipment Fee | ~$15/mo or buy | ~$15/mo or buy |
| Data Caps | 1.2 TB/mo (varies) | 1.2 TB/mo (varies) |
Which Is Better in Chicago?
Optimum Optimum (Altice USA) serves the NY metro area and parts of the South..
Verizon Verizon offers Fios fiber in the Northeast and 5G Home internet in select cities. and is available in Chicago.
The best choice depends on your priorities: Verizon is faster, while Optimum has lower starting prices. Use our address lookup to confirm which is available at your specific location and see current promotional pricing.
Find the Best Plan for Your Home
Prices and availability vary by address. Check both providers at your exact location.
Check My Address →FAQ: Optimum vs Verizon in Chicago
Which is better: Optimum or Verizon in Chicago, IL?
Both Optimum and Verizon offer competitive internet service. Both offer similar max speeds. Optimum has lower starting prices ($40/mo vs $50/mo). The best choice depends on your speed needs, budget, and whether each provider is available at your specific address.
Is Optimum available in Chicago, IL?
Optimum availability in Chicago may be limited. We recommend checking Optimum's website directly or using our address lookup tool to verify coverage at your specific address.
Is Verizon available in Chicago, IL?
Yes, Verizon is available in Chicago, IL based on FCC coverage data. Availability varies by address — use our address lookup to confirm service at your home.
How do Optimum and Verizon speeds compare in Chicago?
Optimum offers max speeds up to 1 Gbps in Chicago via fiber-optic technology. Verizon offers up to 1 Gbps. Both providers offer comparable speeds. Actual speeds vary by plan and location.
Which is cheaper, Optimum or Verizon in Chicago?
Optimum has lower starting prices in Chicago, with plans beginning at $40/mo. Verizon starts at $50/mo. Both providers may offer promotional rates — check current deals before signing up.
Does Optimum or Verizon offer fiber internet in Chicago?
Optimum offers fiber internet in Chicago. Verizon primarily uses 5g in Chicago, not fiber. Fiber internet provides the fastest speeds and most reliable connection for streaming, gaming, and working from home.
Which is better for gaming — Optimum or Verizon?
For gaming, low latency matters more than raw speed. Optimum's fiber connection typically has latency under 10ms, ideal for competitive gaming. Verizon (5g) typically offers latency of 20-40ms. Both are sufficient for online gaming; fiber is preferred for competitive play.
Can I get both Optimum and Verizon at my address in Chicago?
In most cases, only one of the two providers will be available at a given address — ISP service areas typically don't overlap at the individual address level. Use our address lookup tool to see exactly which providers serve your home in Chicago, IL.
All Internet Providers in Chicago
See how Optimum and Verizon compare against all other ISPs in Chicago: