If you're comparing cable and streaming options, you've got a lot to choose from. Optimum cable TV packages offer a mix of live channels, streaming apps, sports, news, and entertainment at several price points. Below, I'll break down the latest Optimum TV plans and prices, including what each package offers and how the tiers compare.
The biggest differences between Optimum TV packages come down to channel count, sports access, local networks, and included apps. Entertainment TV is the most popular and affordable option, while Extra TV adds more traditional broadcast, news, and sports channels. Everything TV sits at the top of the lineup with the largest channel selection and more premium entertainment and sports options.
I'll also cover important pricing details, including promotional rates, Auto Pay discounts, add-ons, and potential price increases after the introductory period. Keep reading to find out how Optimum package prices stack up and how to get the best discount.
Optimum TV packages and plans
Optimum offers three TV packages: Entertainment TV, Extra TV, and Everything TV. Each plan combines live television with access to streaming apps, but the channel count, included networks, and extras increase as you move up the lineup.
| Plan | Monthly price | Live TV channels | Included apps |
| Entertainment TV | $30* | 70+ | 20+ |
| Extra TV | $95 | 125+ | 25+ |
| Everything TV | $150 | 200+ | 50+ |
*Optimum's $20 monthly advertised rate requires an Optimum internet plan, plus AutoPay and paperless billing to be effective.
Entertainment TV is Optimum's entry-level option, starting at $20 a month for a year when bundled with Optimum internet plans, or $30 a month without. It includes over 70 live channels and over 20 apps, with networks such as HGTV, Discovery, AMC, Paramount Network, Hallmark, and Lifetime. The plan is delivered through the Optimum Stream device, making it a better fit for viewers who want a lower-cost mix of entertainment channels without paying for a larger cable lineup.
Extra TV is the mid-tier package, starting at $95 a month. It includes over 125 live channels and over 25 apps, along with more than $500 in app value. In addition to the networks included in the starter plan, Extra TV adds major broadcast and news channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, and Fox News, as well as ESPN for live sports. This tier is the better fit for households that want a more conventional mix of local channels, news, entertainment, and national sports.
At the top of the lineup, Everything TV starts at $150 a month and includes over 200 live channels and over 50 apps, with more than $600 in app value. The package builds on Extra TV with a larger sports and entertainment lineup, including NFL Network, SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, Tennis Channel, Golf Channel, Starz Encore, FXM, and TCM. Certain regional sports networks, including YES, SNY, and MSG, may also be available depending on where you live.
Extra TV and Everything TV can each increase by up to $25 a month, a year after the promotional period, until the applicable standard rate is reached.
Optimum also offers several optional add-ons for shoppers looking to customize their lineup. Current choices include Family, Movie, Sports & Info, Sports Plus, and international packages, along with premium services such as HBO Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax, Starz Encore, and The Movie Channel. Exact channel availability, regional sports access, and pricing can vary by address, so it's worth checking the lineup available in your area before signing up.
One detail to keep in mind is how Optimum's billing discounts work. The prices above generally assume a $10 monthly Auto Pay and Paperless Billing discount when paying by EFT (electronic funds transfer) from your checking account. Card payments decrease or eliminate the discount. Additionally, in your first year of service, Optimum says plan prices may increase monthly until the applicable standard rate is reached.
Optimum TV and internet plan bundles
| Services | Monthly discount | Freebies |
| Internet and TV | $10 | $100 prepaid card |
| Internet and Mobile | $20 | $100 prepaid card, free third mobile line |
| Internet, Mobile, and TV | $30 | $200 prepaid card, free third mobile line |
Optimum gives customers a few ways to combine home internet with TV and mobile service, with discounts that increase as you add more products. The provider offers three prebuilt bundle combinations — Internet + TV, Internet + Mobile, and Internet + Mobile + TV — two of which include TV service.
The Internet + TV bundle pairs Optimum internet with Entertainment TV, the brand's entry-level TV package. This marks a $10 monthly bundle savings, along with a $100 prepaid card for eligible customers who sign up for one gig internet and TV. Entertainment TV itself costs $20 a month with an internet plan and eligible Auto Pay and Paperless Billing discounts, and includes more than 70 live channels and 20 apps.
For households that also need wireless service, the Internet + Mobile + TV bundle offers Optimum's biggest advertised discount. It combines internet, Entertainment TV, and an eligible Unlimited Mobile plan for up to $30 in monthly savings. The current offer also includes a $200 prepaid card exclusive to 1 Gig internet and a free third mobile line for qualifying customers.
Only shopping for an internet connection? Learn more about Optimum internet plans in my guide.
Optimum cable TV FAQs
What is Optimum Stream?
Optimum Stream is the provider's all-in-one streaming device. It eliminates the need to shop for hardware and minimizes compatibility issues by connecting to your TV and Optimum internet connection, bringing all your live TV channels and streaming apps to your living room display. It's only available for Optimum Internet customers.
Luckily, it's a free addition with any Optimum TV package.
Can you get Optimum TV without Optimum Internet service?
While Optimum does provide language suggesting otherwise, Optimum TV is only available to purchase if you are an existing or new Optimum Internet customer.
What add-on packages does Optimum have?
Optimum's base TV plans can be further customized by selecting one of its category-specific add-on packages. Here's what the provider offers:
- Optimum Sports package: NFL RedZone, NHL Network, NFL Network, and more
- Premium channels: HBO Max, Starz, Paramount Plus, and more
- International channels
Does Optimum offer international TV channels?
US customers can get their favorite international programming by adding Optimum's International Channel add-on to their TV plan. Here's a list of the countries and foreign language channels the provider offers:
- Arabic - ART
- Brazilian - Globo and TV Record
- Caribbean - CaribVision and TEMPO
- Chinese - Phoenix North American Chinese Channel, Phoenix InfoNews Channel, ET Global NY, and CCTV-4
- Spanish - Over 50 channels, including Fox Deportes and RCN Nuestra Tele International
- Filipino - The Filipino Channel and GMA Pinoy TV
- French - i24NEWS en Francais and TV5MONDE
- Greek - Alpha and Antenna Satellite
- Israeli - Israeli TV in Hebrew
- Italian - Rai Italian and Mediaset Italia
- Korean - MBC, The Korean Channel, KBS World, and CTS America
- Polish - iTVN and TVN24
- Portuguese - RTP Mundo, SPT, and TUDN
- Punjabi - Jus Punjabi
- Russian - RTVi, RTN, Shanson TV, and TUDN
- South Asian - TV Asia, ITV Gold, Zee TV, Willow, and Sony Entertainment Television (SET)
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