Best Cable Internet Providers of 2025: Speed and Good Prices Are the Priority

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Jacob Scholl
Jun 20, 2025
Icon Time To Read11 min read

Cable providers make up the bulk of internet providers around the country largely because of their wide availability, especially in more rural areas. While cable isn’t as fast or as stable as fiber, it’s the next best thing.

The best cable internet provider for you is always one that’s available at your address. It doesn’t matter how good it is if you can’t get it—keep that in mind as you consider providers.

But in an objective ranking of all the cable providers in the nation, Spectrum is number one. It offers accessible speeds, widespread availability, and straightforward prices with no contracts. Read on to learn more about Spectrum and other recommended cable internet providers.

Best cable internet
Spectrum
Spectrum Internet®
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
Starts at$25/mo
  • pro
    Download speeds: 500–1,000Mbps
  • pro
    Affordable internet available nationwide
Best bundle deals
Cox
Cox Internet
3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7
Starts at$9.95/mo
  • pro
    Download speeds: 300–2,000Mbps
  • pro
    Great deals on internet and TV
Best cable speeds
Xfinity
Xfinity Internet
3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7
Starts at$14.95/mo
  • pro
    Download speeds: 300–2,000Mbps
  • pro
    Nationwide availability and fast speeds
Best perks
Optimum
Optimum Internet
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
Starts at$14.99/mo
  • pro
    Download speeds: 300–8,000Mbps
  • pro
    Great provider with a great list of promos
Best budget pick
Xtream
Mediacom Internet
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
Starts at$14.99/mo
  • pro
    Download speeds: 250–979Mbps
  • pro
    Stable connection that fits any budget
What are the benefits of cable internet?
Info Box

The best cable internet providers can offer gigabit speeds at roughly the same price as its competitors like Google Fiber. But cable providers are substantially more available than most fiber options, giving it a leg up for many consumers. Cable is also more reliable than other types of connections, including DSL, satellite, or 5G home internet.

Spectrum: Best cable internet

Spectrum
Spectrum
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
Prices
$25-$70
Speed and reliability
4/5
Dollar value
3.8/5
Customer experience
4/5

Our take: There’s a reason why the Reviews.org team rates Spectrum highest of all the cable internet providers out there. Not only does Spectrum provide strong cable internet connections and up to gigabit speeds, but it also embraces consumer-friendly practices, like contractless service and unlimited data. Spectrum's speed tests even place it among the top five fastest providers in the US.

Spectrum internet plans pack plenty of punch to keep you online. Its Internet Premier package gives you up to 500Mbps of speed—plenty to power a house with multiple devices—for just $50 per month. That’s a lot of bandwidth for not a lot of money, which is one of the reasons why Spectrum is at the top of this list. And don't miss out on extra ways to lower your Spectrum internet bill. Spectrum review

How much does Spectrum charge for Wi-Fi?

Spectrum internet plans charge between $50–$70 per month for its service, depending on the tier of service you select.

What is the cheapest internet service from Spectrum?

The cheapest Spectrum Internet plan starts at $50 per month—but qualifying households may be eligible for the $30 Spectrum Internet Advantage plan instead. Check out our guide to affordable Spectrum internet options to see if you qualify.

Is Spectrum TV free with internet?

No, having Spectrum internet does not mean you get Spectrum TV for free. However, Spectrum gives you discounts when you bundle your TV and internet services.

Spectrum internet plans and prices

Plan
Price
Download speed
Details
Internet Premier$50/mo. 1 yr price guarantee*Up to 500 Mbps
Spectrum Internet® Premier w/ Advanced WiFi$60/mo. 1 yr price guaranteeUp to 500 Mbps
Internet GIG$70/mo. for 12 mos.Up to 1000 Mbps
* 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. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.
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. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig 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.

Share your experience and rate your internet provider

Your feedback helps others find the right internet provider. Whether your experience was great, frustrating, or somewhere in between, we want to hear about it.

Cox: Best bundle deals

Cox
Cox
3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7
Prices
$9.95-$150
Speed and reliability
3.8/5
Dollar value
3.3/5
Customer experience
4/5

*for qualifying customers

Our take: Cox offers a number of great bundle deals for customers, you just have to find them. One example is adding Cox Mobile, a prepaid phone plan, to your service. The plan costs between $15–$45 per month, which is pretty good for a cell phone plan. When bundled with internet, the mobile plan can cut your internet bill by $15 a month. All things considered, that’s a pretty good deal. For even more ways to cut costs, read our handy guide with eight tips to lower your Cox internet bill.

Available in cities like Cleveland, New Orleans, and Phoenix across 18 states, Cox offers customers a simple, straightforward installation process that takes only a few minutes. But it does have some drawbacks—like data caps and slightly more expensive than average monthly rates. However, it's worth seeing if you qualify for one of Cox's low-income internet plans starting at $9.95 per month. Cox review

How much is the lowest Cox internet?

Cox internet plans start at $9.95 per month for its Connect2Compete plan, which is only available to families with K-12 students who are on government assistance. 

Who is the carrier for Cox Mobile?

Cox Mobile uses the Verizon cellular network.

Does Cox give you a free modem?

Yes, Cox provides a free modem and router when you sign up for its service.

Cox internet plans and prices

Plan
Price
Download speed
Details
Fast$50/mo.Up to 300 Mbps
Go Even Faster$80/mo.Up to 500 Mbps
Go Super Fast$110/mo. for 24 mos.Up to 1000 Mbps
Go Beyond Fast$150/mo. for 24 mos.Up to 2000 Mbps
Available in select markets only. No annual contract or cancellation fees.

Xfinity: Best cable speeds

Xfinity
Xfinity
3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7
Prices
$14.95-$90
Speed and reliability
4/5
Dollar value
3.3/5
Customer experience
3.8/5

Our take: Of the cable providers mentioned on this list, Xfinity offers some of the strongest download speeds, according to our Xfinity internet speed test. In select areas, Xfinity’s cable internet can reach speeds up to 2,000Mbps—a level of bandwidth more typically found with fiber internet providers. In addition to boasting some of the best cable speeds on the market, Xfinity is also one of the most prevalent cable internet providers in the country, with its service being available in 39 states.

Xfinity gives you great download speeds with a sturdy connection. Not only can it be fast, but it’s affordable, too. One of the best deals Xfinity offers is its Connect More plan, which includes up to 400Mbps for $35 per month for your first year. Xfinity does have some negatives: Plans have a monthly 1.2TB data cap, and monthly prices typically jump up after a year of service. Xfinity review

Best Xfinity Internet deal
Deals
Xfinity deal—limited time!

Get a five-year price lock on any Xfinity internet package. Valid until 6/23.

Can you get just internet with Xfinity?

Yes, Xfinity offers internet-only plans starting at $35 month for qualifying customers. Make sure to check out Xfinity's new-customer deals and perks.

Does Xfinity have a 55+ plan for seniors?

No, Xfinity does not have a specialized plan or pricing structure for seniors.

Does Xfinity offer deals to existing customers?

Most of Xfinity’s promotions and deals are only for new customers. However, you can always call Xfinity to negotiate a better price for your internet service.

Xfinity Internet plans and prices

Plan
Price
Download speed
Details
Internet Essentials$14.95/mo.^Up to 75 Mbps
Internet Essentials Plus$29.95/mo.^Up to 100 Mbps
Connect$19.99/mo.°Up to 150 Mbps
Connect More$35/mo.°Up to 400 Mbps
Fast$55/mo.**Up to 600 Mbps
Superfast$65/mo.**Up to 800 Mbps
Gigabit$65/mo.**Up to 1100 Mbps
Gigabit Extra$75/mo.**Up to 1300 Mbps
Gigabit X2$90/mo.††Up to 2000 Mbps
^ Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to residential customers meeting certain eligibility criteria. Subject to Internet Essentials program terms and conditions. Professional installation extra. Advertised price applies to a single outlet. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement.
° For 12 month, no term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Incl. up to $10/mo. auto-pay & paperless bill discount.
** For 12 month, no term contract. Taxes not included. Incl. up to $10/mo. auto-pay & paperless bill discount.
†† For 12 month, no term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Incl. up to $10/mo. auto-pay & paperless bill discount.

Optimum: Best perks

Optimum
Optimum
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
Prices
$14.99–$280.00
Speed and reliability
3.3/5
Dollar value
4/5
Customer experience
4.3/5

Our take: Among cable internet providers, Optimum is another great pick, especially for people living around New York City and parts of Arizona and Texas. Optimum is available in 21 states from coast to coast, and its sturdy cable connection can keep you online around the clock. Though it’s slowly rolling out fiber service around the country, the vast majority of Optimum customers have its cable internet service.

Of the cable providers on this list, Optimum offers some of the best new Optimum customer deals out there. Streaming subscriptions, monthly discounts, free professional installation, and other perks are available on a rotating basis, so be sure to check for the latest deals if you want to sign up for Optimum. Plus, Optimum allows customers to go month-to-month, ensuring you’re not locked into a contract. To get the most affordable monthly bill, take a look at our guide to lower your Optimum internet bill. Optimum review

What is the cheapest Optimum internet plan?

The cheapest Optimum plan is Optimum Advantage Internet, which gives you 50Mbps for $14.99 per month. However, you must meet eligibility requirements to get this plan. To learn more about Optimum's low-income internet packages, check out our guide.

Why is my Optimum Wi-Fi bill so high?

Optimum offers promotional pricing for a new customer’s first year, but prices typically go up after a year of service. You can always call Optimum customer service and negotiate a better price.

Does Optimum give you a router?

Yes, Optimum internet plans give you a free internet gateway. Professional installation comes with a fee, but self-installation is free.

Optimum internet plans and prices

Plan
Price
Download speed
Details
Optimum Advantage Internet$14.99/mo.‡‡Up to 50 Mbps
300 Mbps Internet$40/mo.^^Up to 300 Mbps
500 Mbps Internet$50/mo.°°Up to 500 Mbps
1 Gig Internet$60/mo.°°Up to 940 Mbps
‡‡ Wired connection up to 50 Mbps. WiFi speeds may vary. Must meet eligibility criteria.
^^ Offer for new residential customers. Advertised price reflects $5 discount for enrolling in Auto Pay & Paperless Billing, must maintain both to keep discount.
°° Offer for new residential customers. Advertised price reflects $5 discount for enrolling in Auto Pay & Paperless Billing, must maintain both to keep discount.

Mediacom: Best budget pick

Xtream
Mediacom
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
Prices
$14.99-$65
Speed and reliability
4/5
Dollar value
3.3/5
Customer experience
4.3/5

Our take: Mediacom is a great budget pick among cable internet customers in the South and Midwest. Mediacom is available in 22 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia, and Alabama. If you live in a smaller household that has minimal internet needs, Mediacom might be the perfect pick for you.

Its budget-friendly options are simple internet plans with no bells or whistles, starting at $50 per month. Its higher-end plan is a good pick for a larger home and comes with unlimited data for a good price. All Mediacom plans include unlimited data, so you won't have to worry about paying data overage fees; however, plans do come with other fees for things like activation, installation, and equipment rentals. However, despite added fees, Mediacom is still a wallet-friendly pick for prospective cable internet customers. Mediacom review

Is Xfinity the same as Mediacom?

No, Xfinity and Mediacom are two separate and competing internet companies.

Can you cancel Mediacom at any time?

Yes, you can cancel at any time as long as you give Mediacom at least seven days of prior notice.

Does Mediacom have self installation?

Yes, Mediacom allows customers to install their modem and internet themselves.

Mediacom internet plans and prices

Plan
Price
Download speed
Details
Xtream Connect$14.99/mo.***Up to 100 Mbps
Internet 300$50/mo.†††Up to 300 Mbps
Internet 1 Gig$65/mo. for 24 mos.†††Up to 1000 Mbps
*** *Plus taxes & regulatory fees. $14 modem rental included in price. Upload & Download speeds may vary.
††† 1 year plus one-time charges, taxes and gov't fees.

Compare the best cable internet providers: Plans and prices

Provider
Prices
Speeds
View plans
Spectrum$25-$7050-1000 Mbps‡‡‡
Cox$9.95-$150^^^100-2000 Mbps
Xfinity$14.95-$90°°°75-2000 Mbps
Optimum$40-$60****300-940 Mbps
Xtream$14.99-$65††††100-1000 Mbps
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.
‡‡‡ Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.
^^^ Prices exclude taxes, surcharges, usage-based charges, certain equipment, and other fees or charges, which are subject to change.
°°° Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
**** Prices w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill plus taxes. Terms apply. Not available in all areas.
†††† For the first 12 months.

Customers looking for a cable internet connection have plenty of options. Because not all cable providers operate in every state, your choice largely comes down to availability. Due to its lack of fees and contracts—which is atypical among cable internet providers—Spectrum ranks highly on this list. It offers varying speed options that can keep your whole family online around the clock, all without data caps.

Other providers like Cox and Optimum are similarly good picks, as both offer great deals and discounts on internet, home phone, TV and more when you bundle services. Like Spectrum, Cox and Optimum are widely available nationwide, but they might not be available everywhere.

Cable internet customers should be aware of hidden issues that companies might not be quick to disclose to new customers. Cox and Xfinity both have data caps on their plans. Though many of the data caps are generous and most people don’t hit their monthly limits, it’s still something to be aware of when you choose a provider. Check with any prospective internet provider to be sure you know what fees you could incur for your internet usage.

What makes this guide legit? How we picked the best cable internet providers

As an Xfinity customer myself, I can tell you that having cable internet is a really good option for most people. I rarely have outages or issues, mainly because cable is one of the most reliable forms of internet out there. Would I switch to a fiber provider if one was available near me? Possibly—I only hesitate because I get a great deal on my Xfinity service. But this gets back to a main point featured throughout this article—cable is the most readily available type of high-speed internet service for most people in the United States.

how we review products and services

My personal bias can only go so far though, and going by the facts, Spectrum is at the top of our list. Its speeds and fair prices make it a top pick in our book. Plus the lack of fees and contracts are both huge pluses.

At Reviews.org, we believe boring internet is usually the best internet. Most customers just want dependable service for an affordable price, so that’s what we look for in the best internet providers. If you want to know more about how we review internet providers, see our How We Test internet guide for a full rundown.

Honorable mentions: Other great cable internet providers

Although we picked out the best internet providers above, you can likely find other great options where you live. The internet providers below are all standouts too—you’d be pleased getting home internet from any of them. We picked them because they also performed well in our reviews and stand out for awesome speed and reliability, excellent dollar value, and smooth customer experience.

Google Fiber
Google Fiber—Best internet overall

Google Fiber is the best internet provider you can possibly get. If it’s available in your area, Google Fiber offers incredibly fast and symmetrical speeds for a price that’s still below the national average for what people pay for monthly internet. There’s little to no fees and equipment is included, but again, it all depends on whether Google Fiber is available near you. If it is, get it. Google Fiber review

Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband—Affordable gigabit speeds

Astound Broadband is a solid cable provider that has gigabit speeds available at prices that won’t break the bank. With plans including 300Mbps starting at just $20 a month, Astound is a great budget pick as a cable provider, though your monthly price largely depends on where you live. Either way, if Astound is available in your area, it’s a good option to consider. Astound Broadband review

Wow
WOW! Internet—Low-cost cable internet

If you’re looking for one of the cheapest ways to get online, WOW! Internet is a solid option. WOW! offers plans starting at $30 per month for 300Mbps, and its cable speeds go all the way up to 1,200Mbps in select areas. It has no contracts or data limits, which are both great perks for cable customers. WOW! isn’t available everywhere, but if it’s in your area, be sure to check it out. WOW! Internet review

Starlink
Starlink—Best satellite internet option

Here’s another non-cable option, but unlike the last one I suggested, Starlink is truly available anywhere in the U.S. If you don’t like the cable options in your area, satellite internet providers like Starlink can get you online from nearly anywhere. Now, the connection from a satellite internet provider isn’t nearly as fast or reliable as a cable connection, but if you’re short on options, Starlink could be your answer. Starlink review

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet—Best 5G internet provider

Rounding out this list is another non-cable provider, but one that’s available around the country that’s a good option for people. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet relies on T-Mobile’s cellular network to get you online quickly. The setup is simple, and the pricing structure is straightforward with almost no extra fees. If you’re not satisfied with the cable internet services in your area, you could consider getting a 5G home internet provider like T-Mobile. Your speeds largely depend on how close you are to a T-Mobile tower. If you have good cell reception, you can probably get a strong home Wi-Fi connection, too. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet review

What if I can’t get any of the internet providers on this list?

If none of these best providers are available where you live, aim to sign up with a fiber or cable internet provider that gives you speeds of 300Mbps or faster for a price that fits your budget. Home internet costs about $81 a month on average, but you can get decent Wi-Fi for less in many parts of the country. In a rural area, try a fixed wireless or satellite internet provider.

You can also run a search with your zip code below to see what internet options are available in your area.

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Find the best internet near you.

Shopping for cable internet? Here’s what you need to know

Since not every reader lives in an area with access to these providers, let’s give you some context to help understand how to pick the best cable internet provider. The main things to consider when buying internet are availability, good pricing, and reliable speeds. Let’s break down those three key elements, shall we?

Availability

A cable provider is no good to you if its cable lines aren’t in your area. Thankfully, most places in the U.S. have at least one cable provider in the area. Many providers, like Xfinity or Spectrum, are available in dozens of states across the country.

Having a cable provider that’s available around the county makes it easier to do a number of things, like transfer service if you move, for example. Folks with multiple providers in their area also have a special advantage. Here’s a dirty little secret among cable companies: if a cable provider thinks you’re going to leave for a different provider, they’re more likely to keep promotional pricing. It’s common for cable internet providers to increase monthly prices after your first year, but having other cable internet options in your area is a tool you can use. That brings us to the second item on our list.

Good pricing

Obviously you want to make sure your home internet plan fits within your budget, and cable internet providers can either make or break your bank. Like I said above, cable providers often increase your monthly price after a year of service, but not all of them do that. Providers like Spectrum and Xfinity are known for increasing your monthly rates, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into when signing up with a provider.

Another great thing about cable providers is the variety of service levels they offer. Providers like Xfinity offer faster-than-gigabit speeds, which isn’t all that common for cable internet companies. Or, consider a provider like Optimum, which offers 300Mbps of speed for just $40 a month. That’s plenty of speed for not that much money! Great offers like that are one of the many benefits of going with a cable internet provider. Finally, that brings us to our last point.

Reliable speeds

Because of its hardwired nature, cable internet is inherently one of the most reliable forms of internet, second only to fiber internet. That makes it a great option for those who are sick of their internet connection cutting in and out. Now, cable still isn’t perfect and has the capacity to fade in and out, but it’s more reliable than 5G home internet, satellite, or fixed wireless connections.

Cable providers like Spectrum or Xfinity are not only reliable, but they also carry more than enough punch to keep your whole home online with multiple devices online at once. Xfinity, for example, offers download speeds over 1,000Mbps in select areas, which is on the same level as fiber providers like Google Fiber! It shouldn’t be understated that those speeds are very hard to find, but if you need a provider that can give you seriously good performance, cable providers can fill that void.

FAQ about the best cable internet providers

Xfinity offers download speeds of up to 2,000Mbps, which is some of the fastest speeds available among cable internet providers.

Yes, an internet provider that offers 300Mbps of download speeds is more than enough to stream live video or download a movie on Netflix.

No, fiber internet providers offer much faster download and upload speeds than Starlink, or nearly any internet provider for that matter. Fiber internet can boast speeds of up to 8,000Mbps, and Starlink’s fastest download speeds top out around 220Mbps.

Now get out there and get online!

Well! We’ve given you all the info you need to find the cable internet provider that’s best for your needs. Want to check and see which providers are available near you? Enter your zip code below to search for internet providers in your area.

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Jacob Scholl
Written by
Jacob is a staff writer at Reviews.org, covering internet providers and services. Before that, he was a journalist for over seven years, covering the court system and local government. He worked at The Salt Lake Tribune, the Idaho Statesman, and other newspapers and digital news outlets across Utah and Idaho. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri's School of Journalism. When he's not working, Jacob is hiking in Utah's mountains or playing with his two dogs.

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