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If you’re in the process of shopping for a new internet provider, you’ve probably looked through a variety of options. With such a surplus of providers and plans available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Optimum, formerly Suddenlink, and Kinetic by Windstream both offer attractive internet options, but each provider has its advantages and disadvantages. Look through our breakdown to see which service best fits your needs.
- Great Affordability
- Built-In Security
- No Contracts
- Symmetrical Speeds
- Good Rural Coverage
- No Contracts
Internet Plans
Our Picks | | |
|---|---|---|
Max Download Speed | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 200Mbps – 50 Mbps |
Starting Price | $29.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. – $39.99/mo. |
Equipment Fee | $10/mo. | $9.99/mo. |
Contracts | No | No |
| Check Availability | Check Availability |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 5/31/22.
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) Internet Plans
Optimum internet (formerly Suddenlink) offers blazing-fast speeds and a host of features, including built-in security and available Smart WiFi 6. Touting a healthy assortment of plans starting under $50 per month and speeds ranging up to 940 Mbps, Suddenlink offers suitable service to support anything from basic browsing to heavy data use.
Kinetic by Windstream Internet Plans
With speeds up to 1000 Mbps, Kinetic internet offers plans that fit a variety of usage styles. With services under $20 in select areas, symmetrical speeds for fiber plans, and a variety of perks Kinetic by Windstream internet services provide a great value whether you’re a casual user or a multiple device streamer & gamer.
Internet Features
Both providers offer flexible plans with attractive integrated tech and security. Compare key internet features from each provider below to see which suits you best.
Available Coverage
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) delivers to 17 states with coverage mostly in the Southern and Western US. Heavy service concentrations are in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Available Coverage
Kinetic by Windstream services 18 states, with urban and rural coverage focused in the Eastern and Central US. Kinetic touts high availability in Georgia, Iowa, and Kentucky.
Connection Speeds
Download speeds range from 300 to 940 Mbps, offering options for casual streaming, high-speed gaming, and anything in between.
Connection Speeds
In Kinetic by Windstream’s coverage areas, many users have access to high-speed 1000 Mbps fiber internet. In rural areas, Kinetic offers DSL which maxes out at 200 Mbps.
Security Features
Optimum’s network features built-in security warnings designed to help users avoid threats like malware, phishing, viruses, and more.
Security Features
Protect your home internet with Kinetic Secure, which provides identity theft protection, content filtering, malware defense, and more.
Contracts
There’s no need for commitment with Optimum, as all internet plans do not require a contract.
Contracts
Kinetic by Windstream does not require annual contracts for any plans, but it is incentivized through discounts and deals.
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Available Coverage
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) delivers to 17 states with coverage mostly in the Southern and Western US. Heavy service concentrations are in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Connection Speeds
Download speeds range from 300 to 940 Mbps, offering options for casual streaming, high-speed gaming, and anything in between.
Security Features
Optimum’s network features built-in security warnings designed to help users avoid threats like malware, phishing, viruses, and more.
Contracts
There’s no need for commitment with Optimum, as all internet plans do not require a contract.
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Available Coverage
Kinetic by Windstream services 18 states, with urban and rural coverage focused in the Eastern and Central US. Kinetic touts high availability in Georgia, Iowa, and Kentucky.
Connection Speeds
In Kinetic by Windstream’s coverage areas, many users have access to high-speed 1000 Mbps fiber internet. In rural areas, Kinetic offers DSL which maxes out at 200 Mbps.
Security Features
Protect your home internet with Kinetic Secure, which provides identity theft protection, content filtering, malware defense, and more.
Contracts
Kinetic by Windstream does not require annual contracts for any plans, but it is incentivized through discounts and deals.
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Internet Fees
Prospective customers will find affordable initial plan pricing and relatively low overall fees from both providers. Check important pricing and internet fee information for Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) and Kinetic by Windstream below.
Setup Fees
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) charges a $40 WiFi installation fee and a $40 activation fee for service.
Setup Fees
Kinetic by Windstream charges a $35 installation (with optional free installation for DSL), and a $50 activation fee.
Data Caps
There’s no need to fear data overage charges – in most markets Optimum does not impose a data cap on any internet plan.
Data Caps
Users will never face a data cap with Kinetic by Windstream plans, meaning no data overage charges.
Equipment Fees
Optimum charges a $10 equipment rental fee per month, which is a fairly standard rate across the industry.
Equipment Fees
Similar to Suddenlink, Kinetic charges a $10 equipment fee per month if you choose to use their equipment.
Prices Increases
With Optimum internet plans, users can expect a fairly sharp price increase after the first year.
Prices Increases
Kinetic by Windstream plans often include price increases after the first 12 months, but we recommend calling to see what deals they offer.
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Setup Fees
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) charges a $40 WiFi installation fee and a $40 activation fee for service.
Data Caps
There’s no need to fear data overage charges – in most markets Optimum does not impose a data cap on any internet plan.
Equipment Fees
Optimum charges a $10 equipment rental fee per month, which is a fairly standard rate across the industry.
Prices Increases
With Optimum internet plans, users can expect a fairly sharp price increase after the first year.
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Setup Fees
Kinetic by Windstream charges a $35 installation (with optional free installation for DSL), and a $50 activation fee.
Data Caps
Users will never face a data cap with Kinetic by Windstream plans, meaning no data overage charges.
Equipment Fees
Similar to Suddenlink, Kinetic charges a $10 equipment fee per month if you choose to use their equipment.
Prices Increases
Kinetic by Windstream plans often include price increases after the first 12 months, but we recommend calling to see what deals they offer.
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Picking a Provider
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) and Windstream offer similar speeds and pricing. Windstream beats Optimum through its symmetrical speeds. For rural users, Windstream offers solid rural options in its DSL plans where Optimum may not offer coverage at all.
Optimum: Best for Cost-Conscious Users
Optimum internet plans (formerly Suddenlink) offer great promotional prices paired with fairly fast download speeds, no data caps, tech features, and lower equipment & setup fees. That being said, monthly plan pricing can shoot up dramatically after the first year – be sure to read the fine print when signed up for a plan.
Kinetic: Best for Data-Heavy Users
Kinetic by Windstream provides consistently quick fiber internet with symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, and enticing tech features. For those looking with data-heavy tendencies, this is the better option – but plan cost is slightly higher than Suddenlink and also includes 12-month price increase.
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