Cable internet providers

Best cable internet providers

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Find a cable internet provider near you

Cable is the most widely available internet connection type behind satellite internet. You can find cable in your area by inputting your address with Allconnect. Spectrum is the largest cable provider serving more than 30 million U.S. addresses, with Xfinity following. Spectrum serves about 30% of the country, mostly in Midwest and East Coast states, but with some coverage in the West and South.

Compare cable internet providers

Cable internet is one of the most common types of internet available and relies on cable TV wiring, such as coaxial cables, to deliver your internet connection to your home.

Compare top cable internet providers by price and speed. Mediacom, Breezeline and Buckeye Broadband have some of the lowest starting prices, but Cox, Xfinity and Optimum offer some of the fastest speeds.

*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 09/17/24.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

Advantages of cable internet

Cable internet is a popular option for many homes as providers typically offer competitive pricing, a range of speed options and high data allowances to support streaming, gaming online and other internet activities on multiple devices.

Cable speeds range from 100 to 2,000 Mbps and vary with data allowances and equipment fees.

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.

Disadvantages of cable internet

If your household will be using the internet to work from home or to learn remotely, cable technology is not as ideal of an option as fiber internet. Though cable internet can deliver fast download 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. Some cable providers also have data caps and will charge you an overage fee if you exceed your monthly data limit.

Weather or other outside issues can affect an above-ground cable depending on the installation, causing service cutoff.

It’s also important to keep in mind that cable internet infrastructure relies on a coaxial cable connected to a cable television network. You may find that your internet speeds could be slowed during peak usage times if you and your neighbors are using the same cable line for your cable internet subscriptions.

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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” in customer satisfaction.

This isn’t uncommon, as internet providers are notorious for poor customer satisfaction in general, but the year-over-year increases from many providers indicate a continued effort to improve customer satisfaction in the industry. Compare customer satisfaction scores from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for top cable internet providers below.

Source: ACSI

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Cable internet vs. other connection types

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.

Cable is much more widely available than fiber internet, but fiber provides a faster and more reliable connection. Satellite, on the other hand, is available throughout the entire country but provides much slower internet speeds. 5G Home Internet is a newer addition to the broadband playing field and provides an affordable alternative to cable and fiber connections. 5G connections can sometimes be inconsistent, however. DSL connections aren’t as common anymore, but are still available. Just be prepared for the slowest speeds of all the tech types mentioned above.

Our take on cable internet

Cable internet isn’t perfect, but it is one of the better internet connection options out there. It is widely available and offers 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 FAQs

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