Optimum TV offers three primary residential cable TV packages: Core TV (220+ channels for $95.00/mo), Select TV (340+ channels for $115.00/mo), and Premier TV (420+ channels for $140.00/mo). For cord-cutters seeking a budget streaming tier, Optimum also provides an entry-level Optimum Stream Entertainment Add-on (50+ channels for ~$35.00/mo).
Optimum television operates contract-free and delivers content through the Optimum Stream 4K box ($10.00/mo) running on Android TV with cloud DVR. However, subscribers must account for substantial mandatory add-ons, notably a Broadcast Basic / Regional TV fee ($15.00 to $25.99/mo) and a Regional Sports Network (RSN) surcharge ($10.47 to $15.00/mo) on mid-to-high tiers.
Optimum (operated by Altice USA) provides traditional television and IPTV streaming across the New York Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) and parts of the South and Midwest (formerly Suddenlink regions). While its high channel counts and Spanish-language tiers are extensive, the total out-of-pocket cost is heavily influenced by mandatory regional sports fees and set-top box leases.
Below is an itemized breakdown of Optimum TV packages, channel lineups, broadcast surcharges, cloud DVR tiers, and side-by-side comparisons with live TV streaming competitors.
Optimum TV Packages & Pricing at a Glance
| Package Tier | Monthly Base Price | Channel Count | Key Channels Included | Best Suited For |
| Optimum Stream (App/Box) | ~$35.00/mo | 50+ Channels | Local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, Cheddar, News 12 | Budget streaming, local news & primetime TV |
| Core TV | $95.00/mo | 220+ Channels | Disney Channel, ESPN, HGTV, Food Network, CNN, Fox News | Everyday family viewing, essential lifestyle & cable news |
| Select TV | $115.00/mo | 340+ Channels | Everything in Core + MLB Network, NBA TV, SEC Network, Disney XD | Avid sports fans, expanded kids programming |
| Premier TV | $140.00/mo | 420+ Channels | Everything in Select + Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, Starz | Movie buffs, premium entertainment seekers |
Note: Base pricing reflects standalone television rates. Mandatory fees—including the Regional TV Fee ($15.00–$25.99/mo), Regional Sports Network Surcharge ($10.47–$15.00/mo on Select/Premier), and set-top box hardware rentals ($10.00/mo per TV)—are billed separately on monthly statements.
1. Optimum Channel Lineups by Package Tier
Core TV (220+ Channels): Features essential major broadcast networks alongside popular lifestyle, news, and entertainment cable staples. Includes ESPN, ESPN2, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, TNT, TBS, and USA Network.
Select TV (340+ Channels): Builds upon the Core tier by adding dedicated secondary entertainment networks and mid-tier sports channels. Includes MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, SEC Network, ESPNU, Golf Channel, FXM, and BBC World News.
Premier TV (420+ Channels): Optimum’s flagship bundle integrates premium commercial-free movie networks directly into your monthly channel guide. Includes Max (HBO East/West channels), Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, Starz, Starz Encore, The Movie Channel, and Sportsman Channel.
2. Mandatory Surcharges & Hidden Fees Explained
When budgeting for an Optimum TV subscription, the advertised package price does not reflect the total monthly cost. The following mandatory fees apply to residential statements:
| Fee Category | Monthly Cost | Applies To | Notes |
| Regional TV / Broadcast Fee | $15.00 – $25.99/mo | All standard TV tiers | Covers carriage fees paid to local broadcast network affiliates (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC). |
| Regional Sports Surcharge | $10.47 – $15.00/mo | Select TV & Premier TV | Mandatory fee for carrying local team networks (e.g., YES Network, MSG, SportsNet NY). |
| Optimum Stream / TV Box | $10.00/mo per box | Per connected television | Hardware rental for 4K streaming and guide navigation. |
| Cloud DVR Storage | $9.99 – $21.99/mo | Optional add-on | Billed based on hours: 25 hrs ($9.99), 75 hrs ($12.99), 150 hrs ($21.99). |
Advertised Base (Core TV): $95.00
+ Regional TV Broadcast Fee: $20.00 (avg.)
+ Optimum Stream 4K Box (1 TV): $10.00
──────────────────────────────────────
Estimated Real Monthly Bill: ~$125.00/mo + local taxes
3. Hardware & Equipment: Optimum Stream 4K
Optimum has largely transitioned away from bulky legacy coaxial cable set-top boxes in favor of its compact Optimum Stream hardware:
Android TV Operating System: The Optimum Stream box is a 4K-capable streaming device powered by Android TV. It integrates live cable TV channels, on-demand libraries, and third-party streaming apps (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube) into a unified home screen.
Voice-Activated Remote with Google Assistant: The included remote features dedicated microphone input to search for programs, launch apps, or change channels hands-free.
Optimum TV App: Subscribers can stream live channels and recorded DVR content on smartphones, tablets, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices using the Optimum TV App without leasing extra hardware for secondary bedrooms.
4. Cloud DVR Storage Plans
Unlike legacy boxes that stored recordings on internal physical hard drives, Optimum uses cloud-based DVR technology:
Cloud DVR 25 Hours: $9.99/mo (Basic recording for casual viewers).
Cloud DVR 75 Hours: $12.99/mo (Standard tier for weekly episodic series).
Cloud DVR 150 Hours: $21.99/mo (Recommended for households tracking simultaneous live sporting events and movie collections).
Simultaneous Recording: Because recordings exist on cloud servers, you can record multiple live shows airing at the same time without tuner conflicts.
5. Bundling Optimum TV with Optimum Internet
Optimum incentivizes customers to combine television with Optimum Fiber or cable broadband:
Combined Account Savings: Bundling Select or Premier TV with 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or 1 Gig fiber internet often qualifies for promotional billing discounts of $10.00 to $20.00/mo.
Unlimited Mobile Discounts: Adding an Optimum Mobile line to an existing Internet + TV bundle can unlock additional monthly statement credits and multi-line wireless savings.
No Annual Contracts: Standard residential Optimum TV and Internet bundles operate month-to-month, meaning you are not locked into early termination fees (ETFs) if you decide to cancel.
6. Optimum TV vs. Leading TV Alternatives
| Provider / Service | Monthly Cost (Real Cost with Fees) | Channel Count | Contract Required? | DVR Storage |
| Optimum Core TV | ~$125.00/mo (Base + fees + 1 box) | 220+ | No (Month-to-month) | Paid add-on ($9.99–$21.99/mo) |
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo (Flat rate, no hidden fees) | 100+ | No (Month-to-month) | Unlimited Cloud DVR included |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99–$89.99/mo (Includes Disney+/ESPN+) | 95+ | No (Month-to-month) | Unlimited Cloud DVR included |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $79.99–$109.99/mo (Choice tier for RSNs) | 90+ to 150+ | No (Month-to-month) | Unlimited Cloud DVR included |
| Spectrum TV Select | ~$105.00–$120.00/mo (Base + broadcast fees) | 150+ | No (Month-to-month) | Paid add-on ($4.99–$9.99/mo) |
Enter your ZIP code to view best TV plans available near you
7. Pros and Cons of Optimum TV
Pros
Extensive Channel Lineups: High channel counts across lifestyle, international, and regional sports networks.
Modern Optimum Stream Device: 4K Android TV box bridges traditional cable channel numbers with modern streaming applications.
Contract Freedom: Month-to-month service terms without multi-year commitments or early termination penalties.
Premium Inclusions on Premier: Top-tier package includes Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz directly in the channel guide.
Cons
Heavy Surcharges: Broadcast TV and Regional Sports Network fees inflate bills by $25.00 to $40.00/mo above advertised rates.
Paid DVR Storage: Unlike live streaming competitors that offer unlimited DVR for free, Optimum charges up to $21.99/mo for cloud space.
Non-Prorated Final Invoices: If you cancel mid-cycle, Optimum bills for the entire remaining billing month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get Optimum TV without subscribing to Optimum Internet?
In most service territories, yes. You can purchase Optimum TV as a standalone service. However, running the modern Optimum Stream 4K box requires an active broadband connection, and non-bundled TV plans do not qualify for bundle discount credits.
Does Optimum TV include regional sports networks like YES Network or MSG?
Yes. Depending on your geographical market (particularly throughout the New York Tri-State region), regional sports channels such as YES Network, MSG, MSG Sportsnet, and SportsNet NY (SNY) are available on the Select TV and Premier TV tiers, subject to the regional sports surcharge.
Can I use my own streaming device instead of renting an Optimum box?
Yes. You can access your channel lineup using the Optimum TV App on supported third-party hardware, including Apple TV (tvOS) and Amazon Fire TV devices, helping eliminate the $10.00/mo per box equipment rental fee on additional televisions.
Can I watch Optimum TV online?
Yes, you can watch Optimum TV online anywhere using the Optimum TV App or by visiting optimum.net/tv on a supported web browser.
Is Optimum TV good?
Yes, Optimum TV is a solid choice for households looking for large channel lineups, modern streaming hardware, and contract-free flexibility. Optimum stands out by offering month-to-month billing with no long-term contracts, seamless integration with Apple TV 4K, and 4K Ultra-HD streaming capabilities.