The Best Cable Internet Providers in 2024

Despite its existence since the late 1940s, internet service providers only started utilizing cable internet technology in the late 90s. Its pre-existing infrastructure, however, was quite useful to the ISPs in expanding internet access. Today, cable internet is one of the most widespread connections, reaching 89% of US households and serving millions. That is why, we have compiled a list of the best cable internet providers in 2023.

Top 7 Cable Internet Providers 

Due to their widespread availability, cable internet providers are more likely to be available at your address than other connections, especially if you live in an urban area. This connection is accessible to 97% of the urban population, delivering high-speed options capable of supporting your preferred online hobbies.

Several national internet providers use this technology to deliver internet access, creating an overwhelming situation as each option may appear highly appealing. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 7 best cable internet providers after thoroughly researching their offerings and availability and how effectively they maintain an overall balance between their performance and pricing.

Spectrum Cable Internet

With a significant customer base of over 32 million people across 41 states, Spectrum is the second-largest cable internet provider in the US. The provider has also gained quite a reputation for its transparent pricing policies, clearly displaying standard rates for its plans on its website. Spectrum sticks to simplicity, offering only three internet plans with initial monthly prices ranging from $49.99 to $89.99. These prices are only valid for a year, after which Spectrum increases the cost of each plan by $35.

Although Spectrum Internet plans are not cheap, the advertised download speeds, from 300 to 1000 Mbps, are notably high. On the other hand, upload speeds vary from 10 to 35 Mbps, but since most activities primarily rely on downloading rather than uploading, these rates are very generous. These cable internet plans are also contract-free. In fact, Spectrum even extends a contract buyout option for new customers who want to switch over but cannot do so due to their existing provider’s hefty early termination fees. However, this program is only available to customers who wish to opt for one of their Spectrum Bundles for Internet and TV services.

Further notable highlights of Spectrum’s Internet plans include unlimited data, a 30-day money-back guarantee, a free modem, and a Security Suite. Spectrum also caters to low-income households through Spectrum ACP, offering a $30 monthly discount on internet bills for eligible candidates.

Optimum Cable Internet

With nearly 5 million customers, Optimum is the fourth-largest cable internet provider in the country. Owned by Altice USA, Optimum has expanded its coverage to 21 states after merging with Suddenlink. The provider offers three cable internet plans to the majority of its customers. While its introductory rates are some of the most reasonable in the market, starting from $40 to $70, the provider is renowned for being an expensive option in the long run due to its high regular prices.

The offered download speed tiers are similar to Spectrum, ranging from 300 to 1000 Mbps. However, the entry-level upload speed is higher. Besides that, the plans are contract-free and come with unlimited data. The most noteworthy aspect of Optimum is that you don’t have to pay a monthly equipment rental fee for its Gateway, as its price is included in the plans. Optimum also provides affordable internet options to qualifying households via the Optimum ACP, allowing low-income families to save $30 on their monthly internet bills.

Xfinity Cable Internet

Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in the US, with over 32.4 million subscribers in 40 states. The provider is also one of the fastest cable internet providers, offering 2000 Mbps in some areas. Xfinity has a unique approach to its plans. While the internet plans of many providers vary with states, Xfinity primarily categorizes its offerings into three regional markets: Northeast, Central, and West. But, its speeds remain consistent across these areas, while prices and terms differ. For instance, some plans in the West and Central regions have data caps and contracts, while you can get the same speeds in the Northeast region without these restrictions.

Xfinity’s download speeds generally range from 75 Mbps to 2000 Mbps, and you can expect upload rates from 10 to 200 Mbps. Most areas within Xfinity’s coverage are limited to a maximum speed of 1200 Mbps, but the provider intends to expand its multi-gigabit plan to more locations by the end of this year. Regarding promotions, most internet plans in the Northeast feature a 12-month introductory period, after which Xfinity hikes your bill. However, residents of the other two regions can enjoy low promotional rates for up to two years on various options.

As for affordable internet service, Xfinity is also one of the ACP Internet Providers, offering eligible households credits of up to $30 per month toward internet and mobile services.

Cox Cable Internet

Besides being the third-largest cable internet provider, Cox is now also one of the fastest due to its 2 Gig plan. It has recently revamped its terms and no longer requires you to sign a contract with its plans. The provider gives you the choice of five-speed tiers with service charges starting from $49.99. However, Cox is relatively more expensive than other cable internet providers because it offers slower entry-level speed for the same initial price.

Another big difference between Cox and other cable providers is that Cox has a data cap of 1280 GB on its plans. If you surpass the monthly limit, the provider automatically adds $10 to your next bill for 50 GB of additional data. While this may seem like a drawback, most people don’t need the extra data since the monthly allowance is usually enough to support typical usage.

Cox is presently offering a short-term discount on its equipment. It means that you won’t have to pay a monthly equipment rental fee for its Panoramic Wi-Fi for two years. Like Xfinity and Spectrum, Cox also partners with the FCC to promote digital inclusivity, offering a $30 monthly discount on their internet plans.

Mediacom Cable Internet

Ranked as the fifth largest cable internet provider, XTREAM powered by Mediacom is known for its low promotional prices. Beginning at $25, the provider primarily delivers three internet plans to specific markets in 22 states, featuring asymmetrical download speeds ranging from 100 to 1000 Mbps and upload speeds from 10 to 50 Mbps. However, like Cox, Mediacom also has a data cap on its plans, but the difference is that these limits vary with each internet plan, starting at 300 GB and extending to 3000 GB. The provider has also unveiled a 2 Gig package with an upload speed of 1000 Mbps and an 8500 GB data cap, but it is only accessible in select markets.

Mediacom’s plans require an annual contract and a $10 activation fee. The provider’s unique selling point is that it has expanded its coverage to suburban and rural areas, making it a viable option for internet connectivity in locations lacking other high-speed options.

Despite its appealing introductory rates, Mediacom does not have many distinctive features. Significant price hikes, multiple additional charges, a limited monthly data capacity for the entry-level plan, and a one-year commitment are all associated with the service. But if you satisfy the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program’s requirements, you might get a $30 discount on your internet subscription with Mediacom. 

Astound Broadband Cable Internet

Astound Broadband is one of the most affordable cable internet providers, but it primarily operates in six metropolitan areas: Boston, Chicago, The Lehigh Valley, NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The provider offers a selection of four-speed tiers, ranging from 300 Mbps to 1500 Mbps, with initial prices starting from $25 to $60. Remarkably, the upload speed remains consistent across all plans at 20 Mbps.

In addition to being more affordable than other cable choices, Astound Broadband’s plans also come with free installation, variable price lock guarantees, and basic modem and Wi-Fi equipment. Moreover, the provider has fewer additional charges than most cable internet providers, making it an ideal option to enjoy high-speed internet at affordable prices.

Due to its partnership with the FCC, Astound Broadband also serves as a gateway for low-cost internet for eligible low-income homes.

WOW! Cable Internet

WOW! Internet’s prices and speeds are just like its name, evoking a sense of awe and excitement among its customers. The provider offers five contract-free internet plans, delivering a wide range of download speeds without imposing excessive costs, with rates starting at $19.99. These prices last a year, after which WOW raises the costs of three plans by $20 to $10.

You get a 100 Mbps download speed with the entry-level package and 1200 Mbps with the premium plan. The upload rates, ranging from 10 to 50 Mbps, are also decent. All internet plans include a 30-day trial period, unlimited data, and a free self-installation kit. Additionally, WOW! offers a discount on its modem with some internet plans, sparing you from the monthly equipment rental fee for some time.

However, one drawback of this provider is its limited coverage area. Presently, WOW! Internet serves 15 markets across six states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Nevertheless, this provider is also an official internet provider in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, reducing the costs of its services by $30 for qualifying households.

What is Cable Internet?

Cable internet is a high-speed wired connection that uses pre-existing cable TV networks to deliver internet access to people. Therefore, it is a widely available internet connection in the US and is more reliable than DSL.

Pros

• Available throughout the nation
• More reliable than a DSL connection
• High download speeds
• Affordable internet plans

Cons

• Speeds slow down during peak hours due to shared bandwidth
• Slower than fiber internet

How Does Cable Internet Work?

Cable internet operates on the existing coaxial cable infrastructure that delivers television signals. This system uses a cable modem to transform digital data from devices into signals that can be delivered via cable lines. Data is sent upstream from your house back to the internet service provider and downstream from the provider to your home. The shared bandwidth model divides available bandwidth among users in a neighborhood, enabling high-speed internet access.

Despite potential speed fluctuations during peak times, cable internet offers faster download speeds than older technologies like dial-up or DSL. It is worth mentioning that while cable internet is widely available and offers high internet speeds, actual performance can vary based on factors like location and local network congestion.

Conclusion

Cable internet is still in demand due to the limited accessibility of fiber internet. In fact, it’s now competing with fiber technology, with certain cable internet providers like Xfinity and Cox introducing multi-gigabit internet plans. Cable internet is a widely available and cost-effective solution for internet access. We have assessed some of the best cable internet providers in 2023 to simplify your search process and enable you to select the best option for your home without feeling overwhelmed.

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