Best Cable Internet Providers
Compare All Cable Internet Providers
Using the same infrastructure as cable television, cable internet access has quickly grown in popularity among ISPs and consumers alike. Generally offering faster speeds than a DSL line, it's often the first choice when looking to use the internet for things such as streaming, gaming, or just visiting some of your favorite sites.
Who are the best cable internet providers?
Frequently Asked Questions about Cable Internet
What Is Cable Internet?
Cable internet is form of broadband access that delivers internet connections through an infrastructure that previously supported only cable television. The connection is made through a cable modem that is connected to a coaxial cable, which delivers two-way communication through radio frequencies.
Who Are The Top Cable Providers?
Speeds and download rates are important when ranking cable internet providers. It is also important to look at service prices, ability to customize your bundles, and additional fees.
Who Is The Largest Cable Provider?
Based on the amount of customers served and states covered, the largest cable ISP is Comcast. They are able to serve over 100 million customers across 41 states.
How Fast Is Cable Internet?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband connection as having download of at least 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. A cable internet connection can support download speeds that range from 8 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
How Much Does Cable Internet Cost?
There is a usually a one time setup fee from your provider that can range from $50-$100. After that your monthly bill is usually between $40-$50.
Why Should I Get Cable Internet?
A significant number of homes already have the proper wiring for cable TV, which makes adding internet a very easy task. Additionally, coaxial cables are able to handle a significant amount of bandwidth allowing the user to connect to the internet at a fast rate.
Using the same infrastructure as cable television, cable internet access has quickly grown in popularity among ISPs and consumers alike. Generally offering faster speeds than a DSL line, it's often the first choice when looking to use the internet for things such as streaming, gaming, or just visiting some of your favorite sites.
Pros
- Increased download speeds
- Widely available
Cons
- Shared bandwidth
- Reduced upload speeds
With the fastest speeds available through fiber, it's the perfect choice for the modern user. Through fiber internet, fiber-optic lines carry the signal back and forth from your home or business at near instantaneous speeds. It's one of the newest technologies on the market and demand is growing faster and faster.
Pros
- Lightning fast download speeds
- Highest upload speeds
Cons
- Higher cost
- Lower Availability
A Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a method of connecting to the internet through an existing telephone line. Faster and more reliable than dial-up, DSL has been the choice for most Americans ever since it gained traction in the late 1990's. Seeing as all that's needed is a telephone line, most households and businesses will have some form of DSL to choose from.
Pros
- Available to most addresses
- Highly reliable connection
- Affordability
Cons
- Reduced upload speeds
- Slower than other lines
Really meant for homes or businesses without grounded lines available, satellite internet access can be found almost anywhere. Using a geostationary satellite to connect you with the wider world online, all that is needed is a clear line of site to the southern sky and you'll have no problem connecting to the web.
Pros
- Available almost anywhere
- Multiple plans available
Cons
- Lag when gaming
- VPN incompatible
- Data restrictions
Fixed wireless is a form of internet that uses directional radio antennas to connect to your home or business. Great for areas that don't have access to cable, DSL, or fiber, it allows you to have internet access without the often prohibitory price tag that getting those lines laid would cost.
Pros
- Fast download speeds
- No lines required
Cons
- Weather affected
- Antenna required