Optimum TV Plans for Seniors
Optimum offers several cable TV packages with a variety of channels, on-demand content, premium add-ons, and bundle options.
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Optimum offers cable TV, internet, mobile, and landline services in 21 states, although not every area within those states has access to their services. The company offers affordable TV packages and bundles starting at $30 per month for streaming packages and $50 per month for traditional cable.
To help you decide if Optimum cable is a good choice for you, I’ll cover all aspects of their service, from packages offered to costs and customer service, along with how the brand compares to other popular companies. I have been an Optimum Cable TV customer at two locations, including my current address, in Brooklyn, NY, so I’ll cover my long-term experience with the provider, as well as feedback we’ve received from other Optimum cable customers.
Browsing channels on Optimum's cable TV
Optimum TV
- Affordable TV packages
- Low-cost internet-only TV package
- Some packages include premium channels, including HBO and Paramount+
- Free basic installation with internet orders
- Bundles available
Optimum TV
- Prices creep up annually
- Tech support quality is spotty
- Limited availability nationwide
Optimum TV Plans and Pricing At a Glance
Optimum offers several TV plans. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite options for older adults.
| Entertainment TV (streaming only) | Basic TV | Core TV | Select TV | Premiere TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price* | $30 per month | $50 per month | $120 per month | $140 per month | $165 per month |
| Number of channels | 80+ including AMC, TLC, History Channel and Hallmark | 50+ local channels including NBC, ABC, and CBS | 125+ including AMC, Bravo, ESPN, HGTV, and local sports | 200+ including Hallmark, Magnolia Network, NFL Network, and TV Land | 250+ including HBO Max, Starz, Paramount Plus, and Showtime |
| Contracts | None | None | None | None | None |
| Promotional add-ons | None | None | None | Free Optimum Sports Package for 4 months | Free Optimum Sports Package for 4 months |
*Price reflects opt-in to autopay and paperless billing. Available to new residential customers only.
Choosing an Optimum TV Plan
Optimum plans offer great value with a nice selection of channels. We’ll take a closer look at a few of our favorite packages for seniors below.
Entertainment TV: Best for Those on a Budget With a Solid Internet Connection
In July of 2024 Optimum launched Entertainment TV, a streaming package that requires an internet connection to watch content. You can access Entertainment TV on a television set using a streaming device or on a mobile device like a phone or computer. This is comparable to DIRECTV Stream packages, though DIRECTV’s packages are more expensive and offer a wider variety of channels.
>> Compare Your Options: DIRECTV review
If you’re a solo TV watcher on a budget, you may enjoy this package. At $30 per month, it really can’t be beat from a cost perspective. I’m a big fan of this streaming package that I can use from my mobile devices. My favorite way to watch TV is on a computer so I can view up close and personal, with captions added and the volume just right. If, however, you’re looking for a large variety of channels or you don’t have a strong internet connection, you’ll want to consider one of Optimum’s traditional cable packages.
Basic TV: Best for Budget-Conscious Users Who Just Want Local Channels
Just looking for a simple TV package so you can stay up-to-date on the local news? Optimum’s Basic TV package might be just for you. This package starts at $50 per month and offers access to 50 local channels, such as NBC, ABC, and CBS.
While this is an inexpensive package for Optimum, some other providers offer more channels for the same price. For instance, Xfinity’s Popular TV package offers 125+ channels for $50 per month. Still, if Optimum is the best option in your area or you opt for a bundle, the Basic TV package may be a solid choice.
>> Learn More: Xfinity Cable TV Review
Core TV: Best Middle-of-the-Road Package
At $125 a month for 125+ channels, the Core TV package is hardly budget friendly, though it is one of Optimum’s less expensive packages. In contrast, the Verizon Fios Your Fios TV package includes 125+ channels at $85 a month. The Spectrum TV Select Signature package includes 150+ channels at $64.99 a month.
>> Related Reading: Cable TV For Seniors: A Buyer’s Guide
One of the nice things about the Core TV package is its inclusion of many sports channels. If you have a sports enthusiast in the house, Core TV may wind up being less expensive than comparable sports-focused packages from other providers.
Select TV: Best Channel Variety Without Premium Add-ons
If you’re looking for a wide range of channels but don’t need premium networks like HBO and Showtime, the Select TV package may be a good choice for you. At $140 a month it offers 200+ channels, including some that your grandkids will enjoy, like Nick Jr. Sports enthusiasts will like being able to watch the NFL Network or view local sports on channels like MSG.
When you sign up for Select TV, you’ll get four months of the Optimum Sport Package for free. It contains 24 channels including NFL RedZone, ESPNU, and bIN Sports. After the promotional period ends, you’ll automatically be charged $10 a month unless you cancel. This is fairly reasonable for a sports add-on, and I’m a big fan of the long promotional period!
Premier TV: Best for Those Who Want a Top-of-the-Line Package
Optimum’s Premier TV package is its most comprehensive, with 250+ channels for $165 a month. If you love seeing the latest and greatest hits on their debut nights, plus an unending supply of movies, this package may be a great option for you. It includes tons of kids channels, as well as sports channels and fan favorites, like HBO, Starz, and Showtime.
One of our staffers has the Premier TV package specifically so that she can watch NFL games. Even with that limited usage, she finds it worth the cost, since bundling cable TV with her Optimum internet lowered her bill. It only costs a few dollars more per month than her original internet bill. If you’re thinking of bundling television with internet, check out our Optimum internet review.
Did You Know? Watching TV is the most common leisure activity indulged in by seniors. It can ease feelings of loneliness, but also may enable long, sedentary stretches. If you love TV but also love your health, balance is key.
The Optimum Sports Package is included free for four months. When the promotional period ends, you’ll be charged an additional $5 monthly unless you cancel. That’s half the price you’d pay for this add-on with the Select TV package, so if you’re a big sports fan, it may be worth the upgrade.
Watching TV is the most common leisure activity indulged in by seniors. It can ease feelings of loneliness, but also may enable long, sedentary stretches. If you love TV but also love your health, balance is key.
Optimum Equipment and Add-Ons
Optimum charges equipment fees and add-ons that you’ll see on your monthly bill. To get the details about these charges, I reached out to customer service and talked to a representative named Abigail, who was very helpful and patient.
Modem/Router (Gateway)
Using Optimum's gateway
The Optimum Gateway is a modem/router combination device. Optimum sometimes runs promotions for a free gateway. I was never eligible for that, so I pay $24 a month for my modem/router/TV box combination.
I got the impression from customer service that customers can sometimes bargain to get a free gateway for a promotional period when they first sign up. If you decide to get Optimum, give it a try.
Keep in mind, you’ll need cable boxes for every television you connect to Optimum cable service. You can purchase your own modem, or rent one from Optimum for $12 a month.
Remote control
When I had two TVs, I needed separate remote controls for each one. You have the option of renting your remote controls from Optimum for a monthly fee or buying them outright.
Many retailers carry Optimum remotes. Walmart currently charges $8.25 to $13.85 for a remote, based on the type you need. Optimum cable boxes vary, so make sure you get the right remote controls for the ones you have. Optimum charges varying rates for their remote controls, based on the cable box you have. I currently have an Altice box, and my remote looks like this.
Using my Optimum cable TV
Premium Channels
If you want to add premium channels to your package, you’ll pay a monthly fee for each. Showtime, Cinemax, Paramount Plus, Starz/Starz Encore, and TMC are $11.95 per month each. HBO Max is $16.99 per month.
I added HBO and Starz premium networks to my Optimum package
Pay-Per-View and On-Demand
Pay-per-view and on-demand charges vary, based on what you’re renting. Prices and programming change every month. Offerings include a wide range of movies, from classics to new releases to live sporting events.
Customers can also browse thousands of free shows and movies. This is pretty standard with other popular TV providers, including Xfinity and Spectrum.
Browsing Optimum's on-demand content
International Programming
International programming gives you the option of watching shows you love that are broadcast in other countries. This can be entertaining and relaxing, especially if English is not your first language.
Optimum offers a wide range of international programming options, including the Español package, Russian package, Chinese package, and South Asian package, to name just a few. We appreciate this variety of international add-ons, as some providers only offer one or two options in other languages. Monthly costs vary, based on the package you choose, from $4.95 to $24.95 per month.
DVR Services
DVR lets you tape and store programs you love, so you can watch them over and over again. If you love watching holiday movies in July, or want to make sure you don’t miss your favorite game when you’re not home, you’ll enjoy this feature.
Optimum’s DVR services range from Cloud DVR at $9.99 monthly to Cloud DVR Plus at $17.99 a month. The differences in cost are based on the number of shows you can record simultaneously, and the amount of time they are stored.
Miscellaneous Add-on Costs
Optimum automatically charges various fees that you can opt out of. These include:
- Home Entertainment Protection & Support ($9.99 month): This fee covers technical support services for home entertainment devices within your immediate household.
- Service Protection ($7.99 month): This fee covers the cost of service visits to repair internal wiring
One of the things I’ve noticed about Optimum is that the prices for add-ons sneak up without warning, usually (but not always) when a promotion ends. It’s a good idea to skim your bill each month to maintain a handle on what you’re paying for. For example, I have a landline included in my service. For years it was an affordable $10 per month. Without advance notice that cost went up by 50 percent.
Optimum Mobile App
The Optimum app is available through the App Store for iPhones and through Google Play for Android. Through the app, you can watch TV, pay your bill, and chat with customer service 24/7. You can also record shows to watch later on a larger-screened device.
Setting up a DVR recording through the Optimum mobile app
One of my favorite features about the Optimum app is that you can use it as a remote. If you’ve ever lost your remote in the couch cushions (or it’s your dog’s favorite chew toy), this feature is great.
Using the remote feature in the Optimum mobile app
Optimum Bundles to Help You Save
When I started with Optimum many years ago, I signed up for their Triple Play package, which at that time included television, internet, and a landline. This package is no longer available, since mobile is, by far, more popular than landline access.
However, you can still get landline service through Optimum at $15 per month. You can also bundle mobile service, starting at $14 per month. Bundles that include TV and mobile, or TV, internet, and mobile, vary significantly in cost and services between locations. If you bundle services together, you may get a cost savings. It also saves you the hassle of paying multiple bills.
Not every bundle is available in every area. You’ll have to check your eligibility directly with Optimum. Here are some examples of packages available in my area and their costs:
- Optimum 300 Mbps and Core TV ($135 per month): This package includes 220+ television channels and internet speeds up to 300 Mbps.
- Optimum 500 Mbps + Select TV ($175 monthly): This package offers faster internet with speeds up to 500 Mbps, plus gives you access to 340+ channels.
>> Related Reading: Best Internet Plans for Seniors in 2024
Installation
Optimum gives you the option of DIY or professional installation. For me it was easiest to go the professional route. Two technicians came out together to install my boxes and check the wiring. You have to allocate a half day for them to show up, but they arrived within that time frame. They also sent text updates on their arrival time, which was great because it let me leave the house to walk my dog! When the workers arrived they were polite, speedy, and efficient.
Standard installation is free when you order Optimum online. This is typically enough to cover installation for cable TV. If you’re also getting internet and need to configure Wi-Fi for many devices or need outlets installed, you may incur an installation fee. This can run anywhere from $100 to $149, although discounts are often given.
One of our staffers who has Optimum chose to do DIY installation instead. She found it to be an easy and seamless experience.
Customer Service
Optimum’s customer service has improved significantly over the years. At one time it left a lot to be desired. Now, the service reps are much more knowledgeable and helpful. Tech support is still spotty. It’s not uncommon to get a support rep on the phone who doesn’t know how to correct your issue. When that happens to me, I hang up and call back. Usually, I get someone who can help eventually. You can access customer service 24/7 via phone or through the chat feature in the mobile app.
Did You Know? Some local municipalities, such as Hawthorne, NJ, have arranged for eligible seniors to get a discount on Optimum services. Check with your local elected officials or your library to see if you have this option where you live.
Outages are infrequent, but do occur. Often, it takes a day or longer before the outage is rectified. Your bill won’t be automatically adjusted, but you can request a discount based on an outage. During an outage you may get texted updates, but they’re not always accurate.
Comparing Optimum to the Competition
| Optimum | Verizon Fios | Xfinity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV packages starting cost | $50 per month (excluding streaming-only package) | $69 per month | $20 per month |
| Availability | 21 states; most service areas are located in NY, NJ, and WV | 9 states, metro areas only | 39 states |
| Contract required | No | No | No |
When it comes to price, Optimum is a middle-of-the-road option, with affordable starting rates and premium packages that can get fairly pricey. Though Optimum is only available in 21 states, it has more widespread availability than some other popular providers, such as Verizon Fios. Similar to most of the competition, Optimum also offers bundles with internet and mobile that can help you save on your services.
To learn more about how Optimum compares to the competition, check out our guide to the best cable TV for seniors.
The Bottom Line
Optimum offers cable TV, internet, mobile,and landline services. Optimum’s TV packages start at just $30 per month, but top-tier packages can be expensive. Access to many channels, including premium channels, sports channels, and international packages, is a plus that may make the cost worth it to some users. Plus, new customers can often score promotions and bundle deals to save.
Optimum’s customer service has improved greatly over the last few years. They also have less outages than they did at one time. However, they do have limited national availability, even in the states where they offer service. For instance, nearby friends who live four blocks away from me do not have access to Optimum.
If you live on the East Coast and are looking for a comprehensive cable TV package that includes lots of sports, movies, news, and kid’s channels, Optimum may be a good choice for you.
Our Methodology
Our review was informed by our own experience as customers of Optimum cable TV. To make sure that the information we provide is similar to that of other customers, we spoke to local neighbors and customers in other states to gauge their experience with Optimum as well. Below is a closer look at how we reviewed and evaluated Optimum’s service:
- To make sure that the information we provided was up-to-date and of strong relevance to seniors, we researched Optimum’s current cable TV plan offerings online.
- We looked into Optimum’s special features, equipment offerings, and add-on costs.
- Our team reached out to customer service several times via phone, to check the information we accrued, and to assess the quality of the support we were given.
- We accessed Optimum’s mobile app for iPhone to see how easy it was to install and use.
- We compared Optimum to other cable TV providers, to assess which are most available, affordable, and easy to use for older adults. We also compared the bundled packages Optimum offers to those of other companies.
- Lastly, we read online reviews of Optimum and pulled out themes about the provider’s major pros and cons.
As we assessed Optimum’s service, we paid special attention to these important attributes:
- Cost and value: Optimum’s cable TV packages range from very affordable to expensive. We identified a senior-savings program that is available in limited locations, but included that information so you can do your own research. We researched monthly prices, equipment fees, extra costs, and seasonal deals.
- Reliability: Our experience as customers of Optimum started over 10 years ago. We were pleased to note that outages have become far less common and shorter in duration than they were years ago.
- Customer service: Technology is ever-changing, and this can sometimes be intimidating for seniors. For that reason, patience is very important in a customer service rep. We were happy to see that Optimum’s customer service has vastly improved, but would like to see better tech support services.
FAQs
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Is Optimum available in California?
Yes, Optimum is available in some locations in California. These include Monterey, Auburn, and Eureka. Optimum is not currently available in Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco.
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Can I transfer my Optimum service if I’m moving?
That will depend on where you move. Optimum’s availability varies, in some instances, from building to building on city blocks. You can check by calling Optimum to find out what your options are.
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What do I do with my equipment if I cancel Optimum service?
Optimum doesn’t routinely pick up rented equipment. You can return your equipment at an Optimum store location, or mail it back.