Fiber vs. cable internet: Compare speeds & prices

Fiber internet is known as the best type due to its reliability and symmetrical upload and download speeds, but it is not as widely available as cable. If fiber is available at your location, we recommend going with this connection type. If it’s not, cable is a solid alternative that can still provide fast download speeds to a large, connected household.

Cable vs. fiber: Main differences

The technical difference between fiber and cable internet is the type of cables used to provide homes with an internet connection. Find out how these cables differ and why that matters when it comes to speed, reliability, availability and pricing. 

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. **Wireless speeds may vary. Last updated 08/30/24.

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What is fiber internet?

Fiber-optic internet is a type of broadband technology that uses light and glass cables to deliver an internet connection to your home. This technology results in fiber being the fastest and most reliable internet type available. It offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, whereas most technology types offer much slower upload speeds than download speeds.

Fiber internet pros and cons

If fiber is available to you, however, it is likely your best option, as fiber optic is known for being a faster and more reliable form of internet, compared to cable, DSL or satellite internet. The main selling point of fiber internet is that speeds can reach up to 6,000 Mbps and the fiber optic cables are less susceptible to weather conditions than traditional cables. Find out if fiber internet is available at your address.

What is cable internet?

Cable internet is a broadband technology type that relies on coaxial cables to deliver an internet connection, the same kind of technology used for cable television. Cable is widely available across the country and can offer competitive pricing and download speeds, but tends to have slower upload speeds than fiber internet.

Cable internet pros and cons

Cable internet is a type of broadband connection that uses copper coaxial cable lines to transmit data through radio frequency signals. Cable internet uses the same coaxial cable line that cable TV uses, which is why most cable internet providers offer internet and TV bundle deals. 

Cable internet is a widely available type of internet service. Cable internet is much more available than fiber internet because the cables are much easier to install. Although cable internet tends not to provide as fast internet as fiber, it is still a superior option compared to DSL or satellite internet. 

Fiber vs. cable speed comparison 

Download speeds: Although both fiber and cable internet will provide the speed you need for streaming, work from home, gaming and more, fiber internet can reach higher max speeds (10,000 Mbps) and tends to offer a cheaper cost/Mbps than cable.

Upload speeds: When it comes to upload speeds, fiber internet is the clear winner. All fiber internet providers have near-symmetrical upload and download speeds. In contrast, cable internet providers will supply significantly slower upload speeds than their download speeds (the speed that is advertised).

Fiber vs. cable price comparison

Fiber and cable both offer competitive pricing, but fiber delivers on value. With fiber, you’re getting a faster and more reliable connection, even if you choose a lower speed tier. If you choose the same fiber speed as another provider’s cable option, you are getting more bang for your buck due to fiber’s reliability and speed. 

In some cases, fiber plans are even cheaper than cable internet plans. Frontier offers a 500 Mbps fiber plan for a cheaper price than Spectrum’s 500 Mbps cable plan.

Fiber vs. cable availability

According to the FCC, fiber internet is not currently as widely available as cable internet. However, fiber internet providers are working as quickly as they can to continue expanding their services throughout the country.

Cable is the most widely available internet technology behind satellite internet, which is available to almost 100% of the U.S. Fiber is less widely available because it is very expensive for providers to build out, so service is largely concentrated within areas with higher populations. Cable tends to have more consistent coverage within its service areas, while fiber availability can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Fiber vs. cable: Additional considerations

Before you decide between a fiber and cable internet connection, consider a few more factors like equipment fees, installation and contracts.

Equipment and installation

If your home is already wired for cable and fiber internet, installation is a breeze and you can usually take advantage of your provider’s self-installation option. 

If your home is not already wired, you will need professional installation for both technologies, which can be expensive. 

Once your home is wired and ready for you to set up your internet, you will likely get equipment from your service provider. Cable internet requires a modem and router or a gateway device (a modem-router combo), while fiber uses an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) instead of a modem to translate data signals into an internet connection. A router allows you to connect your devices wirelessly to the internet. 

The only downside with fiber equipment is you sometimes have to place your router in undesirable parts of your home based on where your ONT is (if your home is already wired for fiber). This could mean placing your router in a closet rather than a central part of your home.

Contracts and other added fees

When it comes to contracts, it really depends on your provider. Most fiber providers — like AT&T, Verizon and Frontier — do not have contracts, while cable providers like Xfinity usually lock you into a contract to get lower pricing. Other cable providers, like Spectrum, offer no-contract options. 

Extra fees may include installation fees, early termination fees or equipment rental fees. Again, these will depend on your chosen provider.

Fiber vs. cable internet provider comparison

Fiber plans are more costly than most cable plans, but you are paying for faster speed with nearly symmetrical upload and download speeds. AT&T is a fiber leader, offering 300 Mbps for just $55/mo. It covers about 11% of the country with speeds up to 5 Gig, some of the fastest in the country. There are other providers hitting 10,000 Gbps, but those service areas are limited.

*Taxes & terms may apply. Verizon mobile plan, Auto Pay & paper-free billing required. Add’l. cost without mobile plan. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Fios avail. in select areas. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info. **w/ Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount + taxes & equip. charges. © 2024 Verizon.

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