Cable internet is capable of matching fiber internet speeds, thanks to DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Instead of averaging 200 to 500 Mbps, cable speeds can reach as high as 1 Gbps. One key advantage for cable internet users is that the service has a large coverage area, making it accessible to many residents across the country. A cable network is also more reliable due to low latency. Below are more details about speeds, pricing, and user experience from common cable providers. For available cable providers in your area, be sure to use our ZIP search tool.

If you’re looking for additional services such as TV and phone, you’ll benefit from bundle savings when you choose cable internet. Because cable internet is capable of faster speeds now, you can stream on multiple devices, take video calls, upload large files, and play competitive online games. If you live in an area where fiber internet is hard to find, or you don’t care for lightning-fast gigabit speeds, find out if and which cable providers are near you.

Spectrum

Spectrum is a popular cable internet provider, covering 42 states. It offers gigabit speeds in select areas, though wireless speeds may vary. Its lowest-priced internet plan costs $49.99 per month for the first 12 months. Spectrum is also a big player in the bundling space, offering several packages that include internet, TV, and phone services.

Xfinity

Xfinity is available in 41 states and is another provider that offers robust packages that include internet, TV, and phone services. For its cheapest plan, you only need to pay $35 per month. It offers a price guarantee for new customers and doesn’t require a long-term contract. Xfinity also has over 8 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, allowing you to stay connected no matter where you go.

Cox

Another cable provider that has widespread coverage is Cox, which serves 19 states. Like other cable providers, Cox offers several bundles with internet, TV, and phone services. It has a wide coverage area across the country, and plans start at $49.99 per month.

These cable providers are the most well known, but that doesn’t mean it has 100 percent coverage in the U.S. Before you decide to sign up for one of these providers, see if your neighborhood has access to its cable service.

What to Know About Cable Internet

Cable internet uses existing cable TV infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet to residents. Rather than traditional copper wires like DSL and glass-threaded cables like fiber, cable internet uses coaxial copper cables, the same ones that transmit sound and video data to cable TV subscribers. Before DOCSIS 3.0 technology, cable internet was only capable of speeds up to 100 Mbps, but now it can deliver gigabit speeds.

Unlike fiber internet, its speeds are asymmetrical, meaning its upload speeds are significantly slower than its download speeds. That said, cable internet’s expansive coverage makes it an appealing choice for residents who need wired broadband service that’s faster than DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite.

If you think cable internet is the right choice for your online needs and household, make sure that there are cable providers available near you by using the ZIP search tool.