How to run an Optimum speed test
- Connect your computer to the Optimum router or gateway with an Ethernet cable for the most accurate result. On WiFi, stay close to the router.
- Pause streaming, downloads, cloud backups and video calls on other devices.
- Press START above to measure your download, upload, ping and jitter.
- Compare the result with your Optimum plan, and test again at a busy time such as 8–10 pm.
What speed should you get from Optimum?
Optimum (Altice USA) runs a cable network in most of its area and a growing fiber network in parts of the New York region and other markets. Plans change over time and depend on your address, but they typically look like this:
| Connection | Typical download | Typical upload |
|---|---|---|
| Optimum cable | about 300 Mbps – 1 Gbps | about 20–50 Mbps |
| Optimum Fiber | about 500 Mbps – multi-gig | Usually the same as download (symmetrical) |
On a wired connection you should usually get close to your plan’s download speed. If WiFi results are much lower, the bottleneck is most likely your WiFi, not the Optimum line.
Why is my Optimum internet slow?
- WiFi coverage – a gateway in a corner, cabinet or basement leaves other rooms with a weak signal.
- Older equipment – older gateways and devices may not reach gig speeds over WiFi.
- Evening congestion – cable bandwidth is shared in each neighborhood, so peak hours can be slower.
- Background usage – updates, backups and streaming on other devices.
- Cabling problems – loose or damaged coax cables and old splitters.
How to fix slow Optimum internet
- Restart your equipment – unplug the modem/gateway for 60 seconds, then plug it back in (modem first if you have two boxes).
- Test wired vs WiFi – if wired is fast and WiFi is slow, improve router placement or add a mesh system. See our tips to boost your WiFi signal.
- Check cables – tighten the coax connection and remove splitters you don’t need.
- Use the Optimum app to check for outages and restart your equipment remotely.
- Check your ping with our ping test if games or calls lag even when speed looks fine.
- Contact Optimum with your wired test results if speeds stay well below your plan.
Speeds drop mainly in the evening? Read why your internet is slow at night.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Optimum upload speed lower than download?
On Optimum’s cable network that’s normal – upload is much lower than download. Optimum Fiber plans usually offer the same upload and download speed.
How fast should Optimum WiFi be?
Close to a modern router, many devices reach 300–600 Mbps over WiFi. Farther away or through walls, 100–200 Mbps is common. For full gig speeds, use Ethernet.
Is this an official Optimum speed test?
No. WiFiTest is independent and not affiliated with Optimum or Altice USA. It measures your connection to the nearest Cloudflare server, which reflects your real-world internet speed.