Optimum TV Review 2022

Optimum gives you lots of channels for decent pricing, but you’ll have to watch out for hidden fees.

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Optimum TV has limited availability, but this cable TV provider is a solid choice for those who live on the East Coast.

Ranging from $85–$105 per month, you’ll get one of the highest channel counts in the industry (seriously) with the Select TV and Premier TV plans. And you’ll love its Multi-Room DVR, which can record up to 15 programs at once. Say goodbye to family conflicts!

Even though the DVR is highly capable, you only get 25–150 hours of DVR storage. And you’ll also have to watch out for Optimum’s hidden fees.

Optimum has the most coverage in New York, but it’s also available in some areas of New Jersey, Connecticut, and literally some random cities in some random states. (Get it together, Optimum).

If another cable TV provider is available in your area, like Xfinity or Cox, and you want to know more about its service, check out our best cable TV providers or best TV providers piece.

How much does Optimum cost?

To give you an idea of how great Optimum’s pricing is, we’re going to compare it to Xfinity, our favorite cable TV provider.

Xfinity’s dollar-to-channel ratio is about .46 cents, while Optimum’s is about .30 cents! Optimum hands out a huge number of channels, so if you live in one of the areas it’s available, you’re one of the lucky ones.

Optimum could be our favorite cable provider if it were more widely available (just sayin’).

Does Optimum have a contract?

One of the best things about Optimum is it doesn’t have a contract! So you can cancel with no repercussions if you’re moving or want to switch to a live TV streaming service.

Does Optimum have fees?

What’s a cable TV provider without fees? Yes, it’s common for all TV providers to have fees, but we have to say we don’t like Optimum’s DVR fee.

The DVR fee is pretty pricey for the amount of (or lack thereof) storage hours you receive. An $11 per month fee for each set-top box is pretty standard, and they give you the option to rent a modem for $10 per month.

You’ll need a modem to connect your TV to Optimum’s internet (or any internet, but we recommend bundling to save the hassle of paying two separate bills. More on that below). If you don’t want to pay monthly for a modem, you could get one on Amazon.

Oh, and we almost forgot to mention–there are hidden fees.

At checkout, Optimum’s disclaimer says, “Depending on location, some or all service and equipment rates, plus certain add’l charges, are subject to state and/or local fee. A Network Enhancement Fee of $3.50, all other fees, equipment charges, surcharges, and taxes will be added to the monthly bill.” Geez, Optimum.

If you get the Select or Premier package, the installation is included. But whichever package you get, plan on spending–at the minimum–$21 in fees.

Astound Broadband, Powered by RCN, Cable Service Review 2022

* Signature pricing includes the cost of Limited Basic. Subscription to Limited Basic is required to access other levels of TV services, tiers and packages.

† Signature pricing includes the cost of Limited Basic. Subscription to Limited Basic is required to access other levels of TV services, tiers and packages.

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.

Looking for an RCN cable review? You’re in the right place.

RCN now goes by the name Astound Broadband, powered by RCN. You’ll also see other brands, like Grande Communications and Wave Broadband, using the new Astound Broadband name.

This might make things a little confusing, so we’ll try to keep it as clear as possible and update this review if any more changes roll down the line.

Most cable providers try to lock you into a long contract by promising sweet deals upfront. But not Astound Broadband, powered by RCN. All of its plans are month-to-month, and the prices are actually on the lower end of the spectrum.

But Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) isn’t for everyone. It’s only available in six different areas on the East Coast: Boston, Chicago, DC Metro, Lehigh Valley, New York, and Philadelphia. RCN also makes it simple with just one TV plan and one bundle option.

If you live in one of these areas, let’s get into the details to see if this is the right cable TV provider for you and your family.

† Signature pricing includes the cost of Limited Basic. Subscription to Limited Basic is required to access other levels of TV services, tiers and packages.

* Signature pricing includes the cost of Limited Basic. Subscription to Limited Basic is required to access other levels of TV services, tiers and packages.

How much does Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable cost?

Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) offers affordability and flexibility with its TV plan. Yep, there’s just one.

As we mentioned above, Astound Broadband, powered by RCN is only available in six cities in the US. Yes, there is only one TV plan for each city, but the pricing is different in all six areas.

Kind of confusing, we know.

Either way, the monthly price for your Astound Broadband cable bill will most likely be lower than any other cable TV provider in your area. So, why not take advantage! Save a few dollars for those Nike shoes you have your eye on.

† Signature pricing includes the cost of Limited Basic. Subscription to Limited Basic is required to access other levels of TV services, tiers and packages.

* Signature pricing includes the cost of Limited Basic. Subscription to Limited Basic is required to access other levels of TV services, tiers and packages.

While Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) only has one standalone package for its TV customers, that package can be custom built with channel add-ons and international packages (more on that below).

Does Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable have a contract?

Astound Broadband’s minimalist attitude also extends to its contracts: it has none.

None of the company’s plans require a contract. Its prices are guaranteed for 12-months, and you can cancel any time without penalty.

Does Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable have fees?

Astound Broadband’s (formerly RCN) fine print warns that there may be additional fees “for taxes, surcharges, equipment, activation and installation that are not included as part of the package and are subject to increases.”1

While that ambiguous statement may sound ominous, we’ll help clear up some fee prices.

The activation fee is self-explanatory (and also not too bad of a price), and if you need a TV outlet installed in your home, Astound kindly does the service for you for $35 each outlet (which isn’t too bad, as well).

TV outlet installation

*Data effective 9/24/2020.

As for the equipment, the charges increase with each TV you add on to your plan. You can choose between an HD converter or a digital converter, Astound Broadband, powered by RCN’s versions of set-top boxes.

So if you need an HD converter in your living room, your bedroom, and your daughter’s bedroom, expect to add $43 to your monthly bill (yikes).

We don’t like that price, but if you want to enjoy high definition . budget accordingly.

*Data effective 9/24/2020.

How much are Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable installation costs?

When you check out, Astound Broadband will want you to add on a $50 installation fee to your bill. But don’t do it: you can get free installation.

The company gives out free installation coupons like they grow on trees. Just Google“ Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) installation coupon” and you’ll find a coupon code. Use that $50 to treat you to something nice.

How much do Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable bundles cost?

If you decide to bundle with Astound Broadband, you’ll have a few packages to choose from. In fact, you can get a wider variety of TV plans by bundling than by buying a standalone TV plan.

Astound Broadband’s TV/internet/phone plan combinations and prices vary widely by service area (check Astound Broadband, powered by RCN’s website to see what it offers in your area), but here are some of its most widely available bundles to give you an idea.

‡ No contract required. 12 Month Internet Pricing. Equipment priced separately. Multi-product discount applies. Includes $5 discount for 12 months w/ ebill & autopay.

^ No contract required. 12 Month Internet Pricing. Equipment priced separately. Includes $5 discount for 12 months w/ ebill & autopay.

° No contract required. 12 Month Internet Pricing. Incudes $5 discount w/ ebill & autopay. Observed speeds may vary. Exludes surcharges and fees. Equipment extra. New residential customers only.

As you may have noticed, it’s not too much more for internet or phone service on top of your TV service. And the best thing about it is you only have to worry about one bill. We can all use a little more simplicity in our lives.

You also have the option to keep your bill lower if you’re just fine with 60 channels, but also want the internet for streaming and unlimited nationwide calling.

Which channels does Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable have?

Game of Thrones is over—you gotta move on. But what comes next? Well, that largely depends on what cable channels you’ve got (or, of course, streaming services).

If you sign up for Astound Broadband’s Digital TV package, then you’ll have lots of popular channels that will give you plenty of new shows to obsess over. (And 77 high-definition channels to enjoy).

You can get the full channel lineup on Astound Broadband, powered by RCN’s website, or get the sneak peak right here:

• BBC America
• Cartoon Network
• Comedy Central
• Discovery Channel
• Disney Channel
• FX
• Hallmark Channel
• HGTV
• Lifetime Movie Network

• MSNBC
• National Geographic
• Nickelodeon
• Paramount Network
• TBS
• Telemundo
• TNT
• Univision
• USA

Digital Basic TV includes the following channels in its lineup:

• NBC
• Telemundo
• PBS
• PBS Kids
• QVC
• Univision

Which premium channels does Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable have?

When it comes to premium channels, Astound Broadband, powered by RCN’s prices are about the same as other major television companies, besides HBO Max. We’ve never seen HBO Max for this high of a price with any other TV service, so we recommend subscribing for HBO Max through the app itself.

SHOWTIME + The Movie Channel

Premiere News & Information

Premiere Family & Kids

Premiere Total Pack

Date effective 9/24/2020.

Keep in mind, the HBO price will stay the same for 12 months, but your year is up, the pricing will go up to $14.99/month (the original price).

Premiere Sports includes channels like NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, and NHL Network.

Premiere Entertainment will have your Starz Encore, MTV2, Nat Geo Wild, and VH1 Classic.

Premiere News & Information is for the newsies who like their daily CNN International, Bloomberg Television, and Smithsonian Channel.

Perfect for families, Premiere Family & Kids has channels such as Nick Jr., Cooking Channel, and Discover Family.

And lastly, Premiere Total Pack includes all of these channels, with select channels from the Premiere Sports add-on.

Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable has three international packages to choose from at checkout: MiVision package, Sona package, and Portuguese package. They range from $22.95–$39.95 per month.

What equipment and features does Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable have?

How many times have you said no to a dinner party so you could stay in and watch your team dominate (or not) in a home game? With a DVR system, you’ll never have to ditch on dinner again. (You can still use the game as an excuse—we won’t blow your cover).

The company has teamed up with TiVo, one of the best DVR services on the market, to offer DVR rental options. And heads up, the pricing for the DVRs will differ based on which area you live.

Monthly price

Storage hours

75 HD hours or 650 SD hours

150 HD hours or 1,000 SD hours

Simultaneous recordings

Date effective 9/24/2020.

Recap: Is Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) Cable worth it?

If you live on the East Coast and you want an inexpensive standalone TV package or an affordable bundle, Astound Broadband Cable is for you. It’s also for you if you don’t like committing to a contract.

: $91.52/mo.* : $94.07/mo.* : $94.90/mo.* : $84.59/mo.* : $96.31/mo.* : $83.80/mo.*

Data effective 12/9/2021. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
* For the first 12 months.

Astound Broadband Cable is not for you if you want more TV packages to choose from. If this is you, check out our top cable TV providers. Or we suggest a live TV streaming service to avoid the headache of fees and equipment.

Sources

Chantel is all about finding the best tv or streaming service to watch as many football games as possible to keep her Fantasy Football team in check. Prior to being a TV and Streaming Tech Reporter for Reviews.org, she worked for NFL Network and The Alliance of American Football. Before that, she received a B.A. https://jiji.ng/ of Communication at the University of Utah and an M.S. in Sports Journalism at USC. Go Utes and Fight On. Contact her at chantel@reviews.org

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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. This is not a guarantee. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.