Testing your Optimum connection
Optimum, Altice USA's internet brand, runs two different networks. Its cable plans go up to 1 Gig, with an upload of only 20 to 35 Mbps. Its fibre plans, where available, are symmetrical and go up to 8 Gig. Which one you have depends on your address, and it changes what a normal result looks like.
This test detects your provider automatically and measures download, upload, ping, jitter and latency under load against the nearest server on Cloudflare's network. Enter your plan speed under the result to see the percentage you really get.
Optimum speeds by plan
| Plan | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps (cable) | 300 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| 500 Mbps (cable) | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| 1 Gig (cable) | 940 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
| Fiber 300 Mbps to 1 Gig | 300 to 940 Mbps | same as download |
| Fiber 2 Gig, 5 Gig and 8 Gig | 2,000 to 8,000 Mbps | same as download |
Speeds from Optimum's published pricing and packages page. Existing customers may be on older tiers that are no longer sold. Checked on 31 October 2026; tiers change and vary by address, so confirm on the Optimum website.
What result should you expect?
On a 1 Gig plan, a wired test should land near 940 Mbps down. The upload tells you which network you are on: about 35 Mbps means cable, about 900 Mbps means fibre. On cable, a low upload is normal, not a fault.
Measure your connection now. Start the test
Common reasons for slow Optimum speeds
- Cable upload limits: video calls and cloud backups saturate 20 to 35 Mbps quickly. Run the bufferbloat test to see how much lag that adds.
- Evening slowdowns on cable: the neighbourhood shares capacity. See internet slow in the evening.
- Wi-Fi from the gateway: compare a test next to the router with one in your room using the Wi-Fi speed test.
- Multi-gig fibre on a gigabit device: you will not see more than about 940 Mbps. See Ethernet cable categories.
Before contacting Optimum support
- Restart the gateway from the Optimum app or by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
- Run three wired tests at different hours and keep the results.
- Check the Optimum app or website for service alerts in your area.
- If speeds stay below your plan, check for traffic throttling, then contact support with your saved results.
More help: slow internet: causes and fixes and all providers we cover.
Sources
- FCC: broadband labels (typical speed and latency)
- Optimum: official website
- Optimum: standard pricing and packages (speeds by tier)
SpeedFibre is an independent website, not affiliated with Optimum. The provider's name is used only to describe the service being tested.
Frequently asked questions
Is Optimum cable or fiber?
Both. Optimum sells cable internet in most of its area and fibre at a growing number of addresses. Your upload speed on a wired test is the quickest way to tell which one you have.
Why is my Optimum upload so low?
On the cable network, uploads are 20 to 35 Mbps by design. Only Optimum Fiber plans have an upload equal to the download.
Why does Optimum 1 Gig show 940 Mbps?
Optimum itself lists its 1 Gig tier at 940 Mbps, the practical maximum of a gigabit Ethernet connection.
