Best cable internet providers of 2025

Updated 3:50 pm ET Apr 16

Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.

No-contract cable plans
Spectrum Internet
Plans starting at
$30
/mofor 12 mos.
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
844-233-3218
Speeds up to
1000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Spectrum Internet
Plans starting at
$30
/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
1000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Spectrum Internet
Plans starting at
$30
/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
1000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
844-233-3218
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
844-233-3218
Most available cable internet
Xfinity Internet
Plans starting at
$19
99/mofor 12 mos.
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-203-1336
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Xfinity Internet
Plans starting at
$19
99/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Xfinity Internet
Plans starting at
$19
99/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
cable
Contract length
None
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-203-1336
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-203-1336
Straightforward pricing
Cox Internet
Plans starting at
$50
/mofor 12 mos.
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1928
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
Cox Internet
Plans starting at
$50
/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
Cox Internet
Plans starting at
$50
/mofor 12 mos.
Speeds up to
2000 Mbps
Connection type
fiber
Contract length
None
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1928
Call to learn more
Call to learn more:
855-417-1928

Why trust our broadband experts

Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.

Key takeaways
The best cable providers in the U.S. include Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Optimum, Mediacom and WOW!.
Cable internet uses coaxial lines to deliver speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (1 GB), with prices that average from $40–$60/mo.
Cable companies are widely available in cities and suburbs, but less common in rural areas.

Best cable internet providers

Straightforward pricing: Cox
Affordable gigabit plans: Mediacom
Fastest unlimited internet: Optimum
No-contract cable plans: Spectrum
Cheap cable internet: WOW!
Most available cable internet: Xfinity

Compare the top cable providers

Provider	Starting price range*	Speeds up to	Connection type	Availability (# of states)
Cox	$50–$150/mo.	2 GB	Cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial	19
Mediacom	$19.99–$59.99/mo.	1 GB	Cable	22
Optimum	$40–$280/mo.	8 GB	Cable, fiber	21
Spectrum Internet®^♱	$30–$70/mo.	1 GB	Cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial	41
WOW!	$30–$185/mo.	5 GB	Cable, fiber	6
Xfinity	$9.95–$299.95/mo.	6 GB	Cable, fiber	40

Disclaimers

*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. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

♱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. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of 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. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

Methodology

We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.

Cable internet provider reviews

Cox – Straightforward pricing

Pros

Simple plan lineup and no contracts.
$15 monthly discount when bundling with mobile.

Cons

Slower upload speeds.
Equipment costs and data overage fees may apply.

Availability: Cox Cable is the third-largest among U.S. internet and cable providers, with over 6.5 million customers.
Price & speed: $50–$150/mo. for between 100 Mbps to 2 GB; Prepaid cable plan starts at $50/mo.
Customer service: Average customer satisfaction, according to 2024 ACSI scores; 30-day money-back guarantee on all internet plans.

Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.

Read the full Cox review.

Mediacom – Affordable gigabit plans

Pros

Cheap internet plans starting at $19.99/mo.
No contracts.

Cons

Data caps on some plans.
Multiple extra fees.

Pricing: Starts $19.99/mo., but this cheap cable internet deal has a steep price hike after 12 months.
Fees: $75 installation and $20 activation.
Speed: 100 Mbps–1 GB.

Overall score: 3 out of 5.

Read the full Mediacom review.

Optimum – Fastest unlimited internet

Pros

Offers true fiber plans.
No contracts and minimal fees.

Cons

Rates increase after 12 months.
Limited fiber coverage.

Price: $40–$280/mo.; all unlimited, no-contract internet plans.
Technology: Fiber internet with symmetrical speeds available, depending on the area.
Speed: Up to 1 GB in cable regions; up to 5 GB in fiber regions.

Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.

Read the full Optimum review.

Spectrum – No-contract cable plans

Pros

Broad availability.
No data caps or contracts.

Cons

Average customer satisfaction.
Equipment fees on some plans.

Availability: Offers home Wi-Fi in 41 states.
Price: $30–$70/mo.; increases by about $30/mo. after 12 months.
Speed: 100 Mbps, 500 Mbps or 1 Gig.
Fees: $10/mo. router rental on select plans.

Overall score: 4 out of 5.

Read the full Spectrum review.

WOW! – Cheap cable internet

Pros

Fiber internet in select areas.
Unlimited data & no contracts.

Cons

Installation or activation fees apply.
Limited coverage area.

Price & speed: $30–$185/mo.; 100 Mbps–5 GB.
Technology: Fiber-to-the-home available in select areas.
Fees: No equipment fee; $10 self-installation/activation or $99 professional installation.

Overall score: 3.5 out of 5.

Read the full WOW! review.

Xfinity – Most available cable internet

Pros

Vast coverage area and multiple internet plans.
Multi-gig speeds available.
Discount for bundling services.

Cons

Regional pricing differences can be perplexing.
Price hikes after 1–2 years.
Average customer satisfaction scores.

Availability: Covers 40 states and over 31 million customers; the most available cable provider in the country.
Pricing: Prices vary regionally; Average starting cost around $50–$60/mo. with a 12–24 price guarantee. Cheap internet starting as low as $9.95/mo.; multi-gig speeds up to $300/mo.
Speed: 50 Mbps–6 GB, with 2.1 GB the most commonly found maximum speed.
Equipment & installation: $15/mo. modem rental; included with some plans. Free self-installation; Up to $100 for professional installation.
Contracts: Plans available with and without a contract. Contract prices are cheaper but come with an ETF.

Overall score: 4 out of 5.

Read the full Xfinity review.

Cable internet vs. other technology types

Technology type	U.S. availability*	Convenience & reliability	Speeds up to	General price range
Cable	50%	Reliable, but shared line can have lag	Up to 1 GB	$25–$80/mo.
Fiber	20%	Very reliable, not a shared connection, little to no lag	Fastest speeds available up to 8 GB	$39.99–$299.95/mo.
5G & fixed wireless	98%	Easy to set up, few additional fees, subject to speed throttling	Up to 1 GB	$50–$85/mo.
Satellite	100%	Data restrictions and lag, requires professional installation	Up to 220 Mbps	$49.99–$199.99/mo.
DSL	87%	Older technology, less support, slower overall	Up to 100 Mbps	$39.99–$64.99/mo.

*Based on data from Pew Trusts and Allconnect.com.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide if cable internet is the best connection type for you:

Availability: Cable internet is more commonly used in urban and suburban areas, though satellite and 5G internet technically have the broadest availability.
Speed: Cable and fiber have faster download speeds compared to other types of internet, but cable’s upload speeds are slower than fiber.
Pricing: Cable, fiber and 5G internet often have similar pricing and money-saving bundling options.
Reliability: Overall, internet and cable providers have fewer outages than 5G and satellite but are slightly less reliable than fiber.

Cable bundling options

Cable internet and TV: Get discounts of $20/mo. or more when you add TV or streaming packages from cable providers like Spectrum and Optimum.
Internet and mobile bundle: Combining your wireless bill with home internet can give you 20% or more off your Wi-Fi plan from AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile.
Home security: High-speed internet can also be combined with home security services through select providers, such as Xfinity.

Cable internet FAQs

Can you get internet service without cable?

Yes. You can set up internet service by itself without cable TV.

How does cable internet work?

Cable internet uses coaxial lines to provide speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (1 GB). Since it’s a shared connection, you may experience slower internet speeds when the network is busy.

Is cable internet better than fiber internet?

Many cable providers now use hybrid fiber-coaxial connections to provide faster download speeds, but without fiber lines to your home, upload speeds won’t match true fiber internet.

Is cable more expensive than other internet types?

The average price of cable internet is about the same as fiber and satellite service in most areas. On average, 5G or fixed wireless internet tends to be about $40 cheaper than other internet types.

This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.

Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

More Internet Comparisons