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Cable internet is an excellent choice for high-speed internet in areas without access to fiber optic service. Most cable internet providers offer multiple plan options with gig speeds available in many areas, making cable internet a viable option for nearly any need.

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What is cable internet?

David Anders Last updated: February 26, 2021

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Cable internet, much like cable TV service, uses coaxial cables that connect from your home through a modem receiver to a nearby node, and then to your internet service provider. The modem receives electrical signals, which then convert into internet service, similar to how a cable TV box receives a signal and displays an image.

What we like

  • Faster than DSL or satellite internet – Cable internet offers speeds up to 10x faster than DSL or satellite internet.

  • Widespread availability – Apart form satellite internet or fixed wireless, cable internet is the most available internet service, serving 89% of U.S. residents.

  • Easy installation – Cable internet is already installed in most homes, unlike fiber internet which requires a lengthy and expensive installation process for it to become available in your community. 

Things to consider

  • Irregular internet speeds – You may find that during peak usage hours of the day, your internet will slow.

  • Potential data caps – Select cable internet providers have data caps and may throttle your internet speed or charge additional fees when you go over your limit.

  • Fiber is a better option  – Cable internet is a good option, but it’s not the best option. Fiber internet has cable beat when it comes to cost, speed and reliability.

Is cable internet right for your home?

Cable internet is a popular option for many homes as providers typically offer a range of speed options and high data allowances to support streaming, gaming online and other internet activities on multiple devices. Along with numerous internet plan options, cable companies are also likely to have TV and phone options available as well, and often come with monthly savings when bundled together.

Cable internet is good for:

  • Speed options
  • Data allowance
  • Streaming
  • Gaming
  • Bundling
  • Video conferencing

What cable internet is not ideal for – Uploading files

If your household will be using the internet to work from home or to learn remotely, cable internet is not as ideal of an option as fiber internet. Though cable internet can deliver fast upload speeds, upload speeds are commonly much slower. Slow upload speeds can hinder performance when making a video call or uploading large files, such as homework.

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Top cable internet providers of 2021 

Cable internet providers

*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. Last updated 02/24/21.

Best cable internet customer satisfaction ratings

While many cable internet providers increased their satisfaction scores in the past year, none received anything above what could be considered a “passing” grade. This isn’t uncommon as cable providers are somewhat notorious for poor customer satisfaction, but the year-over-year increases from many providers indicate a continued effort to better customer satisfaction in the industry.

Source: ACSI

Cable vs. DSL vs. fiber

Cable vs. DSL: While cable internet is integrated into the cable television infrastructure, DSL is integrated into the telephone line infrastructure. Both share similar availability, but a coaxial cable supports higher bandwidth than a telephone line, which gives cable internet a significant speed advantage over DSL internet. With greater speeds, you can stream and search the internet with multiple devices at a time.


Cable vs. fiber: Coaxial cables are more common and less expensive than fiber optic cables. This makes cable internet more widely-available and sometimes lower-priced than fiber optic internet service. Cable can also be more convenient as it is already installed in most homes, as opposed to fiber. While cable tends to provide faster internet speeds than DSL, fiber is known for providing faster and more reliable internet. One more thing to consider when comparing fiber vs. cable? Although fast, fiber only covers approximately 41% of the country. Cable, on the other hand, covers close to 90%.

Cable internet availability and coverage 

Cable internet is the most widespread internet service option in the United States, with DSL as a close second. Although fiber internet is the most desirable option, it is also the least available. 

Cable – 89%

DSL – 88%

Fiber – 41%

Our take on cable internet service

Cable internet is widely-available and presents many speed options, making it a great option for many households. The fast speeds and high data allowances – many providers even have unlimited data – are ideal for streaming, gaming and more. 

Those needing fast upload speeds for video conferencing or uploading large files, however, may find cable internet a bit lacking. Furthermore, cable internet is more susceptible to slowed speeds during peak usage times.

Cable internet isn’t perfect, but it is one of the better internet connection options available.

Cable internet FAQs

Is ADSL or cable internet faster?

Cable internet supports higher bandwidth and faster speeds than ADSL internet. Cable internet plans vary by location, but cable internet can deliver more than 10x the speeds of DSL in select areas.

Cable internet uses a coaxial cable, the same as cable TV service. Within the coaxial cable is a copper or copper-plated steel line which carries internet signals from a provider to a residence. Other cables used for internet include telephone lines and fiber optic cables.

No. Unlike DSL and dial-up internet, which require a phone line for service, cable internet uses a coaxial cable. Home phone services are available from most cable internet providers, but one is not required for internet service.

Cable internet is capable of delivering a wide speed spectrum. A good cable internet speed for most homes is 100 Mbps or higher, but a “good” speed depends on your needs.

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David Anders

Written by:

David Anders

Senior Writer, Broadband Content

David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband & Wireless Content

Read bio

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