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Best cable and internet providers 2025


If you’re after a reliable and affordable way to stay connected, cable internet is hard to beat. It combines high-speed capabilities with widespread availability and is a go-to option for households and businesses. As someone who’s spent years researching internet services, I’ve seen firsthand how cable internet stands out for its value, offering faster speeds than DSL without the hefty price tag of fiber.

Together with the Cybernews research team, I’ve looked into the 5 best cable internet providers on the market. In this guide, we’ll break down the top options to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Best 5 cable and internet providers – shortlist

Xfinity offers a variety of internet plans with various add-ons. Their affordable plans start at just $25.00/month, with flexible bundling options and over 99.99% reliability to suit every household. WiFi equipment included. No annual contract.
Spectrum offers no-contract plans with unlimited data, which is great for families and heavy internet users. Starting at $40.00/month, it’s a smart choice for high-speed cable internet without the commitment!
Optimum now offers competitive pricing and impressive speeds, with internet plans starting at $29.99/month. Its advanced WiFi technology makes it a hot pick for tech-savvy households. Equipment included.
WOW! offers affordable cable internet with competitive speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps and no contracts. Starting at just $49.99/month, it’s an excellent choice for heavy online activities
WOW! offers affordable cable internet with competitive speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps and no contracts. Starting at just $30.00/month, it’s an excellent choice for heavy online activities.

What is cable internet?

Cable internet is one of the most accessible and widely used internet connection types in the US, thanks to the existing network of coaxial cables originally installed for cable TV. It delivers high-speed internet that’s fast enough for streaming, gaming, working from home – you name it. Most internet providers deliver download speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps. The main draw is its affordability compared to fiber, while still offering speeds that outpace DSL by a mile.

I’ve always appreciated how neatly cable internet balances between cost and performance. It’s a practical choice for most homes, especially in urban and suburban areas where it’s readily available. Plus, it often comes with bundling options for TV and phone services, which can sweeten the deal even more.

That said, it’s not without its downsides. Cable internet speeds can sometimes fluctuate during peak usage times, and it might not be the best fit for those in rural areas where coverage is limited. However, for most, cable internet provides a reliable and budget-friendly solution for everyday internet and TV use.

Best internet and cable providers – our complete list

Below, you’ll find an in-depth look at 5 top internet and cable providers, covering each other’s strengths, pricing, and unique features:

1. Xfinity – best cable internet provider in the US

xfinity broadband banner
Connection type:Cable/fiber
Max speed:2 Gbps
Availability:Available in 36 states (including urban and suburban areas)
Price range:$25.00-$115

General overview. Xfinity (Comcast) is one of the most widespread cable internet companies in the US. It’s available in 36 states and is known for speed and flexibility. With a strong emphasis on customizable bundles, Xfinity is a popular choice for homes looking to combine internet with TV and phone services. It also has a robust network infrastructure, which is why it has widespread availability in metro and suburban regions.

Speed and reliability. Xfinity offers plans with speeds ranging from 150 Mbps to 2 Gbps. Its mid-tier packages, like the X-300 plan, are great for streaming and gaming. With such speeds, it’s one of the best internet providers for gamers.

Pricing and value. Plans start at an affordable $25.00 (Connect plan, 150 Mbps, up to 4 devices at a time), but higher-tier options can climb past $115. The overall value, especially for families needing high-speed internet, is solid.

User reviews. I noticed users like Xfinity for its consistent speeds and customizable packages. However, common complaints include customer service issues and the added costs of unlimited data.

2. Spectrum – reliable cable internet provider with the widest coverage

spectrum banner
Connection type:Cable
Max speed:1 Gbps
Availability:Available in 41 states (focus on urban and suburban areas)
Price range:$40.00-$80

General overview. Spectrum is a stellar choice for reliable, no-contract cable internet with expansive coverage. As one of the largest providers in the US, Spectrum covers 41 states, offering dependable speeds and unlimited data for households with diverse needs.

Speed and reliability. Spectrum’s plans deliver speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, suitable for HD streaming, gaming, and large file downloads. Its upload speeds are standard for cable providers but sufficient for most home users. During my analysis, I found users consistently highlight Spectrum's network reliability, with fewer outages compared to competitors. However, speeds may fluctuate in high-traffic areas.

Pricing and value. Plans start at $40.00/month (Internet Advantage plan), with straightforward pricing and no surprise fees. There are no contracts and data caps, which enhances its overall value. Installation fees and equipment rentals may apply, but promotional offers can offset these costs.

User reviews. Spectrum gets a lot of love for its easy setup, reliable service, and unlimited data. I’ve noticed some complaints about inconsistent customer service and price hikes after the promo period, though, so that’s worth keeping in mind.

3. Optimum – speedy cable internet with unlimited data

optimum banner
Connection type:Cable/fiber
Max speed:1 Gbps
Availability:Available in 21 states
Price range:$29.99-$60

General overview. Optimum, run by Altice USA, is a cable internet provider known for its simple pricing and no data caps. It’s got a solid reputation in cities and suburbs (available in 21 states) with reliable speeds and flexible bundle (TV, mobile) plans. It’s also a great internet provider for seniors, as it has outstanding 24/7 customer support if you have any questions.

Speed and reliability. Optimum has speeds from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps, perfect for everything from multi-device homes to gamers and remote workers. The best part? No data caps! It’s reliable overall, though some folks notice slowdowns during busy hours.

Pricing and value. The prvider has 2 main plans, starting from $40/month (300 Mbps). Optimum's no-data-cap policy provides extra value, particularly for households with high streaming or downloading needs.

User reviews. I’ve seen plenty of positive Reddit comments about the steady speeds and freedom to stream and download without limits. Only a few users have mentioned hiccups with service interruptions and frustrating experiences with customer support.

4. Cox – flexible cable internet plans for every household

cox banner
Connection type:Cable
Max speed:2 Gbps
Availability:Available in 18 states (mainly urban and suburban areas)
Price range:$49.99-$150

General overview. Cox is a solid choice for cable internet, with flexible plans that work for families, students, and remote workers. I like how they make bundling internet, TV, and phone services simple, as it’s convenient to keep everything in one place. Plus, you can customize each plan and have add-ons.

Speed and reliability. Cox speeds range from 100 Mbps up to 2 Gbps, so it works for casual browsers and power users. While download speeds are solid, upload speeds may not match fiber providers. Reliability is generally strong, though some users report slowdowns during peak evening hours.

Pricing and value. Plans start at $49.99/month, with promotional discounts for new customers. Extra fees for equipment rental and optional unlimited data plans can add up. Still, the customizable options make it easy to find a plan that works for your budget.

User reviews. Customers like Cox for its reliable speeds and flexible plans, but some mention issues with customer service and higher costs for top-tier plans.

5. WOW! – affordable cable internet provider across 6 states

WOW! banner
Connection type:Cable
Max speed:1.2 Gbps
Availability:Available in 6 states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee)
Price range:$30.00-$95

General overview. WOW! (WideOpenWest) has affordable prices and flexible internet plans. It’s a great option if you want solid speeds without breaking the bank. WOW! keeps things simple with straightforward pricing and no long-term contracts, which is a big plus if you want flexibility. WOW! primarily serves select areas in nine states, focusing on the Midwest and Southeast regions. It’s also one of the cheapest internet providers out there.

Speed and reliability. With speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1.2 Gbps, WOW! Is for light browsers, streamers, and gamers alike. While speeds are generally reliable, you can have occasional slowdowns during peak times.

Pricing and value. Starting at just $30.00/month, WOW! offers some of the most competitive rates around. Their no-contract plans and frequent promotional discounts make them a strong value pick, though added fees for equipment or unlimited data can increase the final bill.

User reviews. From what I’ve seen on Trustpilot and Reddit, WOW! Is likes for its affordable prices and no-contract flexibility. But, I’ve noticed some people mention occasional speed issues, same as with other providers, and frustrations with customer support, especially when it comes to billing or outage.

Comparison of the best cable internet providers

Get a side-by-side look at the best internet providers offering cable and compare them in terms of monthly cost, speed options, coverage, and more key aspects:

ProviderSpeed rangeMonthly price rangeCoverage area Internet technologyContract
XfinityUp to 2 Gbps$25.00-$115NationwideCable/fiberNo
SpectrumUp to 1 Gbps$40.00-$80RegionalCableNo
OptimumUp to 1 Gbps$29.99-$60RegionalCable/fiberNo
CoxUp to 2 Gbps$49.99-$150NationwideCableNo
WOW!Up to 1.2 Gbps$30.00-$95RegionalCableNo

How we tested and ranked these cable internet providers

At Cybernews, we take an extensive approach to evaluating the best internet providers (ISPs). Our research team analyzed over 20 major providers in the US, focusing on key factors like speed, pricing, contract flexibility, coverage, and overall user experience. To guarantee accuracy, we gathered and systemized data from providers’ official websites, customer reviews, and third-party reports, alongside trying services wherever possible.

Then, we ranked providers based on their overall value – factoring in speeds offered, pricing tiers, coverage areas, and extras like bundling options, TV add-ons, or unlimited data. Coverage throughout the US and ease of use were also important, guaranteeing our recommendations are for a broader audience. While the facts and figures are accurate as of publication, we encourage you to check with providers for the most up-to-date details. This methodology certifies our list is fair, thorough, and customized to help you choose the provider that’d work best for you.

Cable internet vs cable TV

One common misconception I noticed is that cable internet always comes bundled with cable TV. Yet – while both use the same coaxial cable infrastructure, they serve different purposes. Cable internet gives you broadband access and high-speed connectivity for browsing, streaming, and gaming. Cable TV, on the other hand, focuses on transmitting television channels.

Cable internet is widely accessible, covering nearly 87% of US households. It’s often a more affordable option than fiber, offering speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, which is great for most online activities. Meanwhile, cable TV’s popularity has declined with the rise of streaming services, so standalone internet plans are increasingly appealing.

If you don’t need traditional TV, going for cable internet alone can save you money while providing the speed and reliability you need. If you want even faster speeds or symmetrical upload and download rates, fiber internet may be a better fit, though availability is still limited in some areas throughout the US.

Pros and cons of cable and internet providers

After researching internet options, I’ve found that cable internet is a great middle-ground for most people. But, like anything, it has its ups and downs. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Comparing cable internet vs other connection types

I know that it can be hard to figure out the different internet connection types, especially with so many options. Here’s a simple breakdown of how cable internet stacks up against fiber, DSL, and satellite.

Cable vs fiber

Fiber is the speed champion, capable of delivering lightning-fast downloads of 1 Gbps or more. It’s for heavy-duty users like gamers or large homes with multiple devices. But here’s the catch – it’s not as widely available as cable, and the installation can be pricey. Cable internet, on the other hand, offers excellent speeds (up to 1 Gbps) for most needs.

Plus, it’s far more accessible, especially in suburban and urban areas. Unless you’re chasing extreme speeds or live in a fiber-ready zone, cable provides a better balance of cost and reliability.

Cable vs DSL

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a budget-friendly option, using phone lines to deliver internet. While it’s cheaper, it’s also slower, with speeds averaging around 5-100 Mbps. That’s fine for basic tasks like browsing or checking emails but can struggle with HD streaming or gaming.

Cable outperforms DSL in speed and reliability by a long shot. If your budget allows, I’d suggest cable for smoother streaming and faster downloads.

Cable vs satellite

Satellite internet is best for rural areas where cable or DSL isn’t available. But it’s slower (20-100 Mbps), has higher latency, and is often affected by weather. It’s also one of the priciest options (for example, Starlink).

Cable internet wins here with faster speeds, lower latency, and stable performance. If cable is an option where you live, it’s the clear choice for everyday use. In most cases, cable internet strikes the perfect balance – affordable, reliable, and fast enough for most homes.

Final word on the best cable and internet providers

When it comes to cable internet, there are so many benefits – reliable speeds, broad availability, and plenty of affordable options. Each provider I reviewed in this article has unique strengths, so the choice depends on your budget, coverage area, and how you use the internet, whether you’re a light user or need lots of data for HQ streaming.

While we didn’t test these services firsthand due to geographical constraints, together with the Cybernews team, I carefully analyzed user reviews and online data to bring you unbiased recommendations. Personally, I think cable internet is a solid middle ground between performance and price, especially for everyday households. Take your time, weigh the pros and cons, and pick the provider that checks all the boxes for you.

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