Top Cable Internet Providers
Xfinity
Download Speeds Up To:
10,000 Mbps
Prices Starting At:
$35
Spectrum
Download Speeds Up To:
1,000 Mbps
Prices Starting At:
$50
Cox Communications
Download Speeds Up To:
2,000 Mbps
Prices Starting At:
$49.99
Optimum
Download Speeds Up To:
8,000 Mbps
Prices Starting At:
$40
What is cable internet?
Cable internet is a type of broadband internet service that uses the same coaxial cable lines as cable television. These cables contain copper wires which enable the transmission of data. Cable internet is known for its relatively high-speed connections compared to traditional DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet, as it can support higher bandwidth.
What are the pros & cons of cable internet?
Pros:
- High Speed: Cable internet often provides higher speeds than DSL and satellite internet.
- Widespread Availability: It’s widely available, especially in urban and suburban areas.
- Bundling Options: Often bundled with cable TV and phone services, which can be convenient and cost-effective.
Cons:
- Shared Bandwidth: Speeds can decrease during peak usage times due to shared neighborhood bandwidth.
- Potentially Higher Cost: Compared to options like DSL, cable internet can be more expensive.
- Limited Upload Speeds: Cable internet usually has slower upload speeds compared to fiber.
Is cable internet a good fit for me?
Whether cable internet is a good fit for you depends on several factors:
- Internet Usage: If you need high-speed internet for streaming, gaming, or working from home, cable internet can be a good choice.
- Location: Cable internet is ideal if you live in an urban or suburban area where it’s widely available.
- Budget: Consider if the cost of cable internet aligns with your budget, as it can be more expensive than other options like DSL.
- Speed Requirements: If you need high download speeds but don’t require equally high upload speeds, cable internet is suitable.
- Bundling Services: If you’re interested in bundling internet with cable TV or phone services, cable providers often offer these packages.
What is the difference between cable and fiber internet?
Cable and fiber internet might seem similar as they both utilize cable infrastructure and offer higher-speed alternatives to traditional DSL. However, there are significant differences in technology and performance. The primary differences are:
- Technology: Cable internet uses coaxial cables, while fiber internet relies on fiber-optic cables made of thin glass or plastic fibers.
- Speed and Bandwidth: Fiber internet typically offers much higher speeds and greater bandwidth than cable. Fiber can support gigabit speeds (1,000 Mbps or higher), whereas cable internet speeds usually top out around 1,000 Mbps.
- Latency: Fiber internet has lower latency compared to cable, meaning less delay in data transmission.
- Reliability and Signal Strength: Fiber-optic cables are less susceptible to interference and signal degradation over long distances compared to coaxial cables.
- Availability: Cable internet is more widely available, especially in urban and suburban areas, while fiber internet is still expanding and more limited in coverage.