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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 is widely available in urban and suburban areas, but residents in rural areas may need to rely on alternatives like satellite or 5G internet.
Learn more about the pros and cons of the best cable internet, including the speeds, prices and features of the top cable providers in your area.
*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.
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.
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.
How do you know if cable internet is a good fit for you? The best cable providers cover a variety of internet needs and budgets, so if one or more of the following statements matches your lifestyle, then cable internet is likely a good option:
You live in an area where cable internet is the primary option near you.
You live in an area where DSL or satellite internet are the only other internet options.
Deciding among best internet providers and internet technologies like cable, fiber and 5G depends on what you use the internet for, how many Wi-Fi devices you connect and what providers are available in your area.
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 companies often offer discounts when you bundle cable internet and TV. Many cable internet providers like Spectrum and Optimum offer streaming packages as well.
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 bring internet service to your home. Cable internet is a shared connection that offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, or 1 GB. However, you may experience slower internet speeds or lag during busy times of the day, such as evenings and weekends.
Is cable internet better than fiber internet?
Most cable providers now supplement their cable lines with fiber-optic connections. This type of hybrid connection can compete with fiber for fast download speeds of up to 1 GB. However, you will not get the symmetrical upload speeds of true fiber internet unless you have fiber lines all the way to your home.
Is cable more expensive than other internet types?
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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 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.
