Top cable internet providers 2024: Pricing, speeds and more
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No-contract cable plans
Prices from
$49.99
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
for 12 mos with Auto Pay.
Most available cable internet
Prices from
$19.99
per month
Speeds up to
2,000
Mbps
Straightforward pricing
Prices from
$50.00
per month
Speeds up to
2,000
Mbps
The top cable internet 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) or more. Cheap cable internet can start as low as $9.95/mo., but the average cost is $91.89/mo. It’s usually worth it to pay a little more if you can to get better home Wi-Fi service.
Cable internet is available nationwide through various providers, but the best internet deals are typically found in urban and suburban areas. Communities outside of those areas are less likely to have access to cable internet and may rely on other rural internet technologies, such as satellite or 5G internet. The following page explains the pros and cons of cable internet and compares cable internet services in your area. Learn about the speeds, costs and other features of the top cable ISPs.
Best cable internet providers
- Straightforward pricing: Cox
- Affordable gigabit plans: Mediacom
- Fastest unlimited internet: Optimum
- Good for gaming: Shentel
- No-contract cable plans: Spectrum
- Cheap cable internet: WOW!
- Most available cable internet: Xfinity
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.
Compare the top cable providers
The following table shows the price, speeds, connection type and availability of the most popular cable internet providers.
Provider | Starting price range* | Speeds up to | Connection type | Availability (# of states) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cox | $35–$150/mo. | 2 GB | Cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial | 19 |
Mediacom | $24.99–$54.99/mo. | 1 GB | Cable | 22 |
Optimum | $40–$280/mo. | 8 GB | Cable, fiber | 21 |
Shentel | $80–$285/mo. | 5 GB | Cable, fiber | 4 |
Spectrum | $49.99–$79.99/mo. | 1 GB | Cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial | 41 |
WOW! | $30–$185.00/mo. | 5 GB | Cable, fiber | 6 |
Xfinity | $9.95–$299.95/mo. | 6 GB | Cable, fiber | 40 |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. 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
Compare the best cable internet providers in detail here. Find out which providers offer no-contract plans, unlimited data and free modem and routers.
Cox – Straightforward pricing
Overall score: 3.6 out of 5.
Read the full Cox review.
Cox Cable has been in the cable business for over half a century and is the third-largest cable internet provider with over 6.5 million customers. Plans range from $35/mo. to $150/mo. for speeds between 100 Mbps to 2 GB, which gives plenty of options for the average home. Cox also offers a prepaid cable plan starting at $50/mo. Cox falls behind other cable providers in customer satisfaction according to 2023’s ACSI scores. However, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all internet plans.
Pros
Simple plan lineup and no contracts
Cons
Does not offer FTTH, so you won’t find symmetrical upload speeds with this provider
Mediacom – Affordable gigabit plans
Overall score: 3 out of 5.
Read the full Mediacom review.
Mediacom has one of the cheapest starting prices at $24.99/mo. for 100 Mbps. Other Mediacom plans include 300 for $44.99/mo. and 1,000 Mbps for $54.99/mo. However, Mediacom plans can increase as much as $70/mo. after the first 12 months, so make sure to read the fine print so you know the standard rate. Other Mediacom fees include an additional $10 for installation and $13/mo. for equipment fees. Some Mediacom plans have early termination fees (ETFs) between $120 and $240, but the provider also offers no-contract plans, which do not have ETFs.
Pros
Offers one of the cheapest internet plans of 100 Mbps starting at $24.99/mo.
Cons
Some low data caps, starting at 350 GB for the cheapest plan
Optimum – Fastest unlimited internet
Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.
Read the full Optimum review.
Optimum offers a large plan selection ranging from 300 Mbps for $40/mo. to a lightning-fast 8 GB for $280/mo. With more options, you can customize your plan and are less likely to overpay for speeds you don’t need. All Optimum plans are high-speed internet with no contracts and no data caps. Optimum offers three cable internet plans at 300, 500 and 940 Mbps and five fiber internet plans from 300 Mbps to 5 GB. The fiber plans have upload speeds that match the download speeds, a great feature for quickly uploading large numbers of photos, video files or email attachments.
Pros
One of the few cable providers offering FTTH fiber plans
Cons
Guaranteed pricing for 12 months for most plans; you will need to factor a future rate increase into your budget
Shentel – Good for streaming
Overall score: 3 out of 5.
Founded in 1902, Shentel is a regional telecommunications provider in Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Shentel provides download speeds from 150 to 940 Mbps, starting at $80/mo., making it great for connecting multiple Wi-Fi devices at once. All plans have a data limit between 1 and 3.25 TB, or you can pay an extra $30/mo. for unlimited data. Shentel is also one of the few providers that offers prepaid internet, starting at $45/mo.
Pros
Money-back guarantee (including service and installation) if you cancel for any reason within the first 30 days
Cons
$99 for installation and $12.95/mo. to rent a gateway (modem and router)
Spectrum – No-contract cable plans
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read the full Spectrum review.
Spectrum is a well-known name in cable internet. The company has been around for 30 years (under the Charter Communications name until 2014) and is available in 41 states. The starting price of Spectrum plans is similar to other cable providers. The three plans start between $49.99 and $79.99/mo. and go up by about $30 once the 12-month promotion ends.
Pros
Availability and simple plans are Spectrum’s best features; no data caps, contracts or expensive equipment fees
Cons
American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score for its cable services slightly below average
WOW! – Cheap cable internet
Overall score: 3.5 out of 5.
Read the full WOW! review.
WOW! cable internet ranges from $30/mo. for 100 Mbps up to $95/mo. for 1.2 GB. Costs stay relatively low after the first 12 months, unlike other providers that raise prices by $40 or more after the promotional period. WOW! also offers fiber-to-the-home where available at 100 or 500 Mbps, or 1, 3 or 5 GB. These plans range from $30 to $185/mo. WOW! is available in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Pros
Offers fiber speeds with symmetrical download and upload speeds starting at $30/mo.
Cons
$14/mo. equipment rental and a $50 installation fee
Xfinity – Most available cable internet
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read the full Xfinity review.
Xfinity covers 40 states and over 31 million customers, being the most available cable provider in the country. Xfinity costs, terms and speeds vary regionally, and you can expect extra fees for equipment ($15) and installation ($40–$100). Money-saving internet and TV bundles are available, along with phone or home security options. Promotional prices typically last 12–24 months, and ETFs may apply for canceling early, although Xfinity offers plenty of no-contract plans too. Xfinity has a variety of internet plans starting at $9.95/mo., with the fastest Xfinity speeds of 3 or 6 GB costing up to $299.95/mo.
Pros
Vast coverage area and multiple internet plans
Cons
Regional pricing differences can be perplexing
Who should purchase cable internet?
How do you know if cable internet is a good fit for you? Cable internet is widespread and covers a variety of internet needs and budgets. 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.
- Good internet speed is an important factor for your internet service.
- Download speeds are more important than upload speeds.
- Your household requires unlimited data.
- You want a cheap internet service of $50 or less.
- You prefer to bundle TV or home phone service with your internet plan.
- Your household’s internet usage includes activities like streaming, gaming, working from home (WFH) and online school.
- The flexibility to upgrade or downgrade your plan is attractive.
- You are considering a prepaid internet service.
Cable internet vs. other technology types
The five main internet technologies include cable, fiber, satellite, 5G and DSL internet. The technology type that works best for you depends on what you use the internet for, how many devices you connect and what is available in your area.
Cable has the most availability in cities and suburban areas. It has faster download speeds than 5G, satellite or DSL technologies but slower upload speeds than fiber. The price for cable internet is similar to fiber and 5G services. In general, cable has fewer outages than 5G and satellite but is less reliable than fiber.
The following table highlights the pros and cons of each technology type vs. cable internet.
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. |
Cable bundling options
The term “cable” is often synonymous with TV because cable TV was the main product before home internet existed. Most cable internet companies offer TV and phone services as well. If you want internet and TV, you can often get a better deal when you bundle cable internet and TV on one bill. Check with your local cable provider for bundle deals for high-speed internet and TV at your address.
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?
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.
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