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Similar to DSL, cable internet is a network that uses electrical signals to create a connection from an internet service provider to the home. But, instead of passing that signal through copper phone lines, cable internet runs on the same coaxial cables as your TV service. Coaxial cables are made of a sturdy outer material that allows the signal to travel faster and offers greater bandwidth for things like streaming movies or playing video games online. Today, 3 in 5 Americans subscribe to cable internet due to its wide availability and high speeds.
| Provider | Max Download Speed | Starting Price | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 1000 Mbps | $35.00/mo. | Yes |
| Cox | 1000 Mpbs | $29.99/mo. | Yes |
| Optimum | 1000 Mbps | $35.00/mo. | No |
| Spectrum | 1000 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | No |
| Suddenlink | 940 Mbps | $30.00/mo. | Yes |
| Xfinity | 2000 Mbps | $29.99/mo. | Yes |
| Provider | AT&T |
|---|---|
| Max Download Speed | 1000 Mbps |
| Starting Price | $35.00/mo. |
| Data Caps | Yes |
| Provider | Cox |
| Max Download Speed | 1000 Mpbs |
| Starting Price | $29.99/mo. |
| Data Caps | Yes |
| Provider | Optimum |
| Max Download Speed | 1000 Mbps |
| Starting Price | $35.00/mo. |
| Data Caps | No |
| Provider | Spectrum |
| Max Download Speed | 1000 Mbps |
| Starting Price | $49.99/mo. |
| Data Caps | No |
| Provider | Suddenlink |
| Max Download Speed | 940 Mbps |
| Starting Price | $30.00/mo. |
| Data Caps | Yes |
| Provider | Xfinity |
| Max Download Speed | 2000 Mbps |
| Starting Price | $29.99/mo. |
| Data Caps | Yes |
*Data sourced 7/9/21. Pricing and speeds may vary by provider and location.
Cable internet has a lot to offer if you’re looking for reliable internet at a reasonable price. Making up 3 out of 5 internet subscribers today, cable is widely available, moderately affordable, and offers speeds most households need to stay connected. Still, for some families, cable internet doesn’t match the overall performance of fiber internet. So, it’s best to compare all your options before selecting a provider.
Typically, cable internet is a great option for families with multiple connected devices. It’s also ideal for homes with smart security installed and users who frequently stream movies. However, one area where this connection lacks is upload speeds. Cable tends to cap out around 100 Mbps for upload speeds. This means people who require faster upload speeds – like remote workers or content creators – may want to consider looking at fiber internet for service.
Cable is very similar to DSL service in that it runs on a pre-existing infrastructure. Therefore, it’s more available to homes than fiber. However, satellite internet is still the most accessible service among all connection types thanks to its space technology. When it comes to performance, cable delivers speeds that fall roughly between what DSL and fiber connections offer. This makes it a popular choice for families that require high-speed internet. Overall, this connection is considered one of the best connections if you live in an area that delivers it.
Cable internet runs along a coaxial cable, the same cable used for cable TV service. There is a copper or copper-plated steel line inside the coaxial cable that carries internet signals from an ISP to your home. Other wires used to transmit internet signals include telephone lines (for dial-up and DSL) and fiber-optic cables (for fiber).
Cable internet is available to 90% of the U.S. population, primarily in urban and suburban communities. If you live in a rural location, you may not be able to get cable internet. However, DSL is slightly more available than cable, and satellites are available in most remote areas.
Plans and speeds vary depending on location and which internet service provider you choose. However, cable internet does support higher bandwidth and overall faster speeds than DSL internet. With cable, you can experience more than 10x the speeds of DSL in select areas.
Cable internet is capable of delivering speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps, though average speeds hover around 250 Mbps. Most homes opt for internet speeds of 100 Mbps or higher, but a good speed really depends on your lifestyle.
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