What is Cable Internet?
Similar to DSL internet, 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.

Top Cable Providers




How Cable Providers Stack Up
AT&T
300 Mbps – 940 Mbps
Cox
1000 Mbps
Optimum
1000 Mbps
Spectrum
200 Mbps – 1000 Mbps
Suddenlink
940 Mbps
Xfinity
1,200Mbps – 3000Mbps
Is Cable Internet Right for Me?
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.
How Cable Compares to Other Connection Types
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.
