Cable internet is a type of broadband connection that offers high-speed internet access using the same coaxial cables that provide cable television. It is a popular choice for many households because of its widespread availability and fast speeds, suitable for activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
However, the quality and speed of cable internet can vary depending on network congestion and the quality of the infrastructure provided by your internet service provider.
Best Cable Internet Providers
Cable internet is a type of broadband internet service that utilizes the same coaxial cable network that’s traditionally used to deliver cable television. It works by transmitting data through multiple frequency bands within the cable.
Provider | Price Range/Month | Speed Range (Download) | Data Cap | Contract Required | Additional Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cox | $49.99 – $99.99 | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 1.25 TB | No | Includes Panoramic Wi-Fi with Essential 100 plan |
Xfinity | $19.99 – $120 | 75 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 1.2 TB (unlimited for $30) | No | Prices vary by location |
Spectrum | $49.99 – $89.99 | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | None | No | Includes free modem and antivirus software |
Wow! | $19.99 – $94.99 | 100 Mbps – 1200 Mbps | 1.5 TB – Unlimited | No | Promo pricing available, 30-Day Money Back Guarantee |
Astound | $25 – $80 | 100 Mbps – 1200 Mbps | None | No | Free modem included, prices guaranteed for 24 months |
Mediacom | $24.99 – $59.99 | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 350 GB – 3000 GB | No | Installation and activation fees, optional modem fee |
Midco | $29 – $99 | 250 Mbps – 1.25 Gbps | None | No | Available in rural areas, no contracts or data caps |
Sparklight | $55-$85 | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | None | No | Available in 19 states, no contracts or data caps |
Breezeline | $19.99-$49.99 | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | None | No | Available in 12 states, no contracts or data caps |
A cable modem is required to decode the signal and provide you with internet access. Cable internet is widely available and offers high-speed connections suitable for online gaming, streaming, and other data-intensive activities.
Best Cable Internet Providers in the U.S.
Cox
Founded more than 50 years ago, Cox Communications is a family-owned broadband communications and entertainment company. Today, Cox is the largest private telecom company in the United States, servicing over 6 million homes and businesses across 19 states.
Pros
- Wide availability across the United States
- Includes access to over 4 million Wi-Fi hotspots
- Offers 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- Limited upload speeds
- All plans have data caps
Available Speeds: 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps
Price Range: $49.99-$99.99 per month
Data Cap: 1.25 TB
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+
Among other communications and entertainment services, Cox sells high-speed residential internet. While the company does offer fiber internet in select areas, Cox’s main offering is cable internet.
Plans & Pricing
Plan Name | Speed (Download/Upload) | Price per Month | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Essential 100 | 100 Mbps / 5 Mbps | $49.99 | Supports 3-5 users, good for virtual learning, HD streaming, social networking, smart home devices. Includes Panoramic Wi-Fi, no annual contract. |
Preferred 250 | 250 Mbps / 10 Mbps | $49.99 | Supports up to 7 users, suitable for home work/learning, videoconferencing, gaming, HD video streaming. 1-year term agreement, Panoramic Wi-Fi not included. |
Ultimate 500 | 500 Mbps / 10 Mbps | $69.99 | Supports up to 9 users, ideal for 4K streaming, heavy gaming, home work/learning. No contract required. |
Gigablast | 1000 Mbps / 35 Mbps | $99.99 | Supports unlimited users and devices, best for gamers, 4K streaming on multiple devices, ultra-connected homes. No contract required. |
All plans come with a 1.25 TB data cap per month.
Plans start at $49.99 per month. At this price point, customers can choose from two plans: Essential 100 or Preferred 250.
Essential 100 – starting at $49.99
As its name implies, the Essential 100 plan has 100 Mbps download speeds and 5 Mbps upload speeds. This plan includes Panoramic Wi-Fi equipment for no additional charge. It is also the only Cox internet plan with no annual contract or cancellation fees.
Preferred 250 – starting at $49.99
Also priced at $49.99 per month is the Preferred 250 plan. For the same price as the 100 Mbps plan, customers can get 250 Mbps download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speeds. However, there is a 1-year term agreement, and this plan does not include Panoramic Wi-Fi.
Customers who need faster internet can upgrade to the Ultimate 500 or Gigablast plan.
Ultimate 500 – starting at $69.99
For $69.99 per month, the Ultimate 500 plan provides 500 Mbps download speeds (10 Mbps upload speeds).
Gigablast – starting at $99.99
The Gigablast plan offers 1 Gbps download speeds with 35 Mbps upload speeds. It costs $99.99 per month.
Read the full Cox review >>
Xfinity
Pros
- Offers Multi-Gig speeds
- Wide selection of plans available
- No contract requirement
Cons
- Pricing varies significantly depending on location
- Data caps for most plans
- Prices can go up over time
Available Speeds: 50 to 2000 Mbps
Price Range: $9.99 to $120 per month
Data Cap: 1.2 TB (unlimited data adds $30)
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+
Xfinity by Comcast is a broadband cable internet giant. Xfinity operates the largest cable internet network in the United States, with availability in over one-third of the country.
The broadband internet company has some of the fastest cable internet speeds available on the market.
Plans & Pricing
Plan Name | Speed | Price/month | Suitable For |
---|---|---|---|
Connect | 75 Mbps | from $19.99/mo | Basic browsing, streaming, video calls |
Connect More | 200 Mbps | from $40 | Slightly larger households, streaming, gaming |
Fast | 400 Mbps | from $50 | Downloading large files, streaming on multiple devices |
Superfast | 800 Mbps | from $65 | HD streaming, multiplayer gaming, large downloads |
Gigabit | 1 Gig | from $75 | Heavy internet usage, smart homes |
Gigabit Extra | 1.2 Gig | from $90 | High-speed needs, smart home technology |
Xfinity has one of the most versatile cable internet plan line-ups in the industry. The company offers a total of 8 different plans ranging from 50 Mbps to 2 Gig speeds. This gives customers the freedom to pay for only what they need.
Plan prices are based on location. The prices listed below are based on Connecticut pricing. Specific pricing for your address may vary.
Connect
The 75 Mbps Connect plan costs just $19.99 per month. This limited plan is for individuals or small households that primarily use the internet for streaming, video calling, downloading music or photos, and internet browsing. It is designed for up to 4 devices at a time.
Connect More
For $40 per month, customers can get 200 Mbps speeds with the Connect More plan. This plan is good for up to 5 devices. Please note that the price of the plan may be higher in different states.
Fast
The Fast 400 Mbps plan starts at $50 per month. It is best suited for downloading large files and streaming on multiple devices. With this plan, up to 8 devices can use the internet seamlessly at the same time.
Superfast
For $65, customers can get 800 Mbps, which is best for HD streaming on multiple devices, multiplayer gaming, downloading large files fast, and connecting up to 11 devices simultaneously.
Gigabit
Next, we get into the Gig speeds. Xfinity’s Gig offering starts at $75 for 1 Gig (1000 Mbps). This is an extremely fast plan that supports up to 12 devices at a time and is designed for households with heavy internet usage needs.
Gigabit Extra
If you need even faster speeds, you can get 1200 Mbps for $90. It can support unlimited devices, including smart home technology.
Gigabit 2x (Limited Availability)
The fastest plan currently offered by Xfinity is the Gigabit 2x, which reaches 2 Gig speeds (2000 Mbps.) This lightning-fast plan costs $120 per month and has some of the fastest speeds in the industry.
While there are no contract requirements for most plans, there is a 1.2TB monthly data cap. If you go over the limit, Xfinity charges $10 per 50GB of data used, up to $100 per month. If you choose to rent Xfinity’s gateway each month, you can add xFi Complete with unlimited data for $25. Or, customers can pay an extra $30 per month to get unlimited data using their own equipment.
Mobile and internet bundling options are available. Xfinity customers can add on 2 unlimited mobile lines for just $30 per month.
Read the full Xfinity internet review >>
Spectrum
Pros
- No data caps or annual contracts
- Includes a free modem and antivirus software
- Straightforward pricing with minimal fees
Cons
- Spectrum One prices increase after 12 months
- Poor customer satisfaction
- Ranks below industry standard
Available Speeds: 100 to 1000 Mbps
Price Range: $49.99 to $89.99 per month
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: C-
Spectrum is owned by Charter Communications. They sell high-speed internet, mobile phone, and TV services.
Plans & Pricing
Plan Name | Price/month | Description |
---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet | $49.99 | Perfect for individuals or smaller homes using 1-7 devices, comes with 300 Mbps speed. Package includes unlimited data, complimentary modem, and antivirus. |
Internet Ultra | $69.99 | Best for medium-sized households with 8-14 devices, offering speeds up to 500 Mbps. Actual speeds may differ based on setup and area. Unlimited data included. |
Internet Gig | $89.99 | Tailored for extensive internet use in larger households with more than 14 devices, with speeds reaching 1 Gbps. Comes with unlimited data. |
Spectrum One | $49.99 | Offers a bundle of Spectrum internet, a year of advanced WiFi, and an unlimited mobile line for a competitive rate. Note: price goes up after the first year. |
Spectrum offers internet-only plans and Spectrum One plans, which include free Advanced Wifi and an unlimited mobile line. Not all speeds are available in every service area. Pricing varies based on location. The prices listed here are based on Dallas, Texas pricing.
Internet Only
For internet-only plans, you can get 300 Mbps for $49.99 per month. This is a starter option. If you have many devices or internet users, you can opt for the 500 Mbps for $69.99 per month. Or, you can get the fastest speed offered by Spectrum – 1 Gig for $89.99 per month.
Spectrum One
There are three Spectrum One plans: 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gig, priced at $49.99, $69.99, and $89.99, respectively. These plans include a free mobile phone line and state-of-the-art Advanced Wifi, which includes a Wi-fi 6 router and Security Shield.
Spectrum One plan prices are only guaranteed for the first year. After that, standard prices for Advanced Wifi and mobile lines apply. This averages out to a price increase of about $30 each month.
There is a $5 fee if you want to use a Spectrum router for Wi-fi, or you can bring your own for no additional cost. Additionally, there is a one-time professional installation fee of $60. Or, you can choose to get a self-install package for $20. All Spectrum plans also include free access to over 530,000 nationwide Wi-fi hotspots. Spectrum also offers convenient options to bundle your internet and TV services together.
The biggest drawback to Spectrum is its history of low customer satisfaction. Though it has improved since Charter Communications acquired Time Warner Cable in 2016, Spectrum is still ranked below industry standard.
Read the full Spectrum review >>
Wow!
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- No annual contracts
- Has some of the fastest upload speeds in the industry
Cons
- Only available in 6 states
- Data caps on most plans
- Monthly fees for modem rental
Available Speeds: 100 to 1200 Mbps
Price Range: $20 to $95 per month
Data Cap: 1.5-3TB (for most plans)
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+
Wow! (WideOpenWest) is the 8th biggest cable internet company in the United States. Currently, they serve over 1.9 million homes and businesses across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Plans & Pricing
Plan Name | Price/Month | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Data Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|
Internet 100 | $19.99 | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 1.5 TB |
Internet 200 | $29.99 | 200 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 1.5 TB |
Internet 500 | $54.99 | 500 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 2.5 TB |
Internet 1 Gig | $74.99 | 1000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 3 TB |
Internet 2 Gig | $94.99 | 1200 Mbps | Not listed | Unlimited |
Wow! offers hybrid fiber-coaxial cable internet plans at affordable prices. They also have 100% fiber internet in some locations, but the prices listed below focus on their cable internet option. Monthly costs are based on Alabama pricing.
Wow! offers 5 cable internet plans:
Internet 100
The cheapest plan is the Internet 100 plan, with 100 Mbps download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speeds. It costs $19.99 per month, and has a data cap of 1.5 TB.
Internet 200
For $29.99 per month, you can select the Internet 200 plan, which has 200 Mbps download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speeds. Both of the lower-tier plans have a data cap of 1.5 TB.
Internet 500
For faster speeds, you may prefer the Internet 500 plan for $54.99 per month. You get download speeds of 500 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps. This plan has a data cap of 2.5 TB.
Internet 1 Gig
Gig speeds start at $74.99 per month for 1 Gig (1000 Mbps/ 50 Mbps). This plan has a free modem rental for 2 years and a data cap of 3 TB.
Internet 2 Gig
The highest tier plan is 1.2 Gig for $94.99 per month. The Internet 1.2 Gig plan is the only plan with unlimited data and a free modem rental.
For the first one or two years, Wow! currently offers promo pricing up to $25 off regular rates (exact rate and term length depend on plan). All internet plan purchases come with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Read the full WOW! review >>
Astound Broadband (RCN)
Pros
- No contracts or data caps
- Free modem included
- Prices are guaranteed for 24 months
Cons
- Lower-than-average customer satisfaction
- Steep price hikes after promotional period
- Limited availability in metropolitan areas
Available Speeds: 300 Mbps to 1500 Mbps
Price Range: $25 per month to $80 per month
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: None
BBB Rating: D
Astound Broadband powered by RCN (Residential Communications Network) has been around since 1993. Their internet services are available in 6 metro areas: Boston, Chicago, New York City, Pennsylvania (Lehigh Valley), Philadelphia (Delaware County), and Washington, DC.
Plans & Pricing
Plan Name | Price/Month (Promo) | Download Speed | Data Cap |
---|---|---|---|
300 Mbps | $25 | 300 Mbps | None |
600 Mbps | $45 | 600 Mbps | None |
1000 Mbps | $55 | 1000 Mbps | None |
1500 Mbps | $75 | 1500 Mbps | None |
Astound has 4 tiers of cable internet plans. Their promotional period of two years offers some of the most competitive prices in the industry. However, after the two years, prices increase dramatically.
300 Mbps
The 300 Mbps plan costs $25 per month for the first two years. After this, the price will go up.
600 Mbps
For $45 per month (promo pricing) you can get 300 Mbps. The price goes up after two years.
1000 Mbps
The Gig plan provides up to 1000 Mbps download speeds for $55 per month. After the first two years, the rates will increase.
1500 Mbps
The fastest tier plan is 1500 Mbps, which costs $75 per month during the promotional period, then the price goes up.
While regular rates are expensive, the good news is there are no contract requirements or data caps with Astound internet plans.
Read the full Astound Broadband review >>
Mediacom Xtream
Pros
- 1 Gig internet available to over 97% of customers
- Wide geographical reach
- Upload speeds up to 50 Mbps
Cons
- Below-average customer satisfaction
- Prices can increase for the first two years in a row
- Tight data caps with no limit on overage charges
Available Speeds: 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps
Price Range: $24.99 per month to $59.99 per month
Data Cap: Yes
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: B-
Mediacom Cable is the 5th largest cable internet provider in the United States. Over 7.7 million Americans live in one of their service regions, which spans across the Midwest, California, Arizona, Gulf Coast, and Eastern Seaboard.
Plans & Pricing
Plan | Internet 100 | Internet 300 | Internet 1 Gig |
---|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $24.99/mo | $44.99/mo | $59.99/mo |
1st Year Price Increase | $34.99/mo | $64.99/mo | $79.99/mo |
2nd Year Price Increase | None | $84.99/mo | $99.99/mo |
3rd Year Price Increase | None | $99/mo | $119.99/mo |
Download Speed | 100 Mbps | 300 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Upload Speed | 10 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
Data Cap | 350 GB | 1500 GB | 3000 GB |
Mediacom offers 3 “Xtreme” internet plans. There are no annual contracts. Prices and speeds vary depending on location, but the pricing below is based on the Des Moines, IA area.
Internet 100 – $24.99/mo
The lowest tier plan is 100 Mbps for $24.99 per month. This plan has a data cap of 350 GB.
Internet 300 – $44.99/mo
The next plan is 300 Mbps, which costs $44.99 per month. It has a data cap of 1.5 TB.
Internet 1 Gig – $59.99/mo
The fastest speed offered by Mediacom is 1 Gig. It costs $59.99 and has a data cap of 3 TB.
There is also a $109.99 installation fee, a $10 activation fee, and a $14 optional modem fee.
Mediacom’s biggest drawback is its restrictive data caps with no limits on overage charges. Mediacom will charge you $10 extra for every 50 GB you use over your data cap. With tight data limits, especially on lower-tier plans, customers can easily rack up additional charges.
Read the full Mediacom Xtream review >>
Midco
Pros
- Fast speeds
- No contracts or data caps
- Available in rural areas
Cons
- Limited fiber availability
- Only operates in 5 states
- Fixed Wireless plans are expensive and slow
Quick Facts
Available Cable Speeds: 250 Mbps-1.25 Gbps
Available Fiber Speeds: 250 Mbps-5 Gbps
Available Fixed Wireless Speeds: 10 Mbps-50 Mbps
Cable Price Range: $29-$99/mo.
Fiber Price Range: Varies
Fixed Wireless Price Range: $29.95-$99.95/mo.
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+
Midco provides high-speed internet, cable TV, and home phone services to over 400,000 Midwest customers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
Midco Internet Plans and Pricing
Midco offers a variety of plans, from budget-friendly to high-speed gigabit options for different internet needs and budgets. Depending on your location, you may qualify for three types of internet: Cable, fiber, or fixed wireless. Midco also offers ways to save by bundling TV and home phone plans with an internet plan.
Midco Cable Internet
Midco’s primary service is cable internet, available in every city it serves. Cable internet plans range from $29 to $99 per month, offering download speeds between 250 Mbps and 1.25 Gbps.
Plan Name | Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Devices Supported |
---|---|---|---|---|
Midco Internet 250 | $29/mo | 250 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Up to 8 |
Midco Internet 500 | $39/mo | 500 Mbps | 30 Mbps | Up to 12 |
Midco Internet 750 | $49/mo | 750 Mbps | 40 Mbps | Up to 16 |
Midco Gig Internet | $49/mo | 1 Gbps | 50 Mbps | Up to 20 |
Midco 1.25 Gig Internet | $99/mo | 1.25 Gbps | 60 Mbps | Unlimited |
Midco cable internet plans are suitable for various needs, from basic web browsing and remote work to streaming high-definition videos and online gaming. With no contracts or data caps, it’s a flexible option for most households.
Midco Fiber Internet
Fiber internet, known for its high speed and reliability, is available in select areas and is rapidly expanding. Midco’s fiber plans offer download speeds from 250 Mbps to 5 Gbps, with pricing varying by location.
Plan Name | Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Devices Supported |
---|---|---|---|---|
Midco Fiber Internet 250 | Varies | 250 Mbps | 250 Mbps | Up to 8 |
Midco Fiber Internet 500 | Varies | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | Up to 12 |
Midco Fiber Internet 750 | Varies | 750 Mbps | 750 Mbps | Up to 16 |
Midco Fiber Internet 1 Gig | Varies | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | Up to 20 |
Midco Fiber Internet 2 Gig | Varies | 2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | Unlimited |
Midco Fiber Internet 5 Gig | Varies | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | Unlimited |
Fiber internet is ideal for heavy internet users, large households, and activities that require high bandwidth, such as 4K video streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming. The equal upload and download speeds provided by fiber plans also make them perfect for tasks that require significant data uploads, like cloud storage and content creation.
Midco Fixed Wireless Internet
For areas where cable or fiber isn’t available, Midco offers fixed wireless internet plans. These plans range from $29.95 to $99.95 per month and provide download speeds between 10 Mbps and 50 Mbps.
Plan Name | Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Midco Fixed Wireless 10 | $29.95/mo | 10 Mbps | 1 Mbps | Basic usage |
Midco Fixed Wireless 25 | $59.95/mo | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps | Light usage |
Midco Fixed Wireless 35 | $69.95/mo | 35 Mbps | 5 Mbps | Few devices |
Midco Fixed Wireless 50 | $99.95/mo | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Streaming, gaming |
Fixed wireless internet involves installing a dish on the roof to pick up wireless signals. This option is particularly useful for rural and remote locations. While it may not offer the same speeds as cable or fiber, fixed wireless internet is a viable option for basic web browsing, email, and streaming standard-definition videos.
Additional Services
Midco also offers cable TV and home phone plans. Customers can save by bundling these services with their internet plan.
Read the full Midco review >>
Sparklight Internet
Sparklight provides cable internet services to rural and suburban areas, serving over a million customers across 19 states. The company has a solid reputation, with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It’s known for offering high-speed internet with no data caps and no contracts, making it a flexible option for many customers.
Pros
- Generous upload speeds
- No contracts or data caps
- Available in rural areas
Cons
- Prices increase after 1 year
- Bundles are not cheaper than standalone plans
- Expensive fees
Available Speeds: 100 Mbps-1000 Mbps
Price Range: $55-$85
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+
Sparklight’s internet plans come with no contracts and no data caps, which means customers won’t face overage fees or be locked into long-term commitments. However, prices increase after the first year, which is something to keep in mind when budgeting for the long term.
Sparklight Internet Plans and Pricing
Plan Name | Price (Introductory) | Price (Standard) | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Latency | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Connect Internet 100 | $39.95/mo | $55/mo | 120 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 29 ms | Light usage, HD streaming, basic online gaming |
Freedom Connect 300 | $44.95/mo | $60/mo | 350 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 29 ms | Streaming, gaming, smart home devices |
Freedom Connect 600 | $54.95/mo | $70/mo | 700 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 29 ms | Remote work, heavy users, 4K streaming |
Freedom Connect Gig | $69.95/mo | $85/mo | 1000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 29 ms | Large households, media professionals |
Pay-As-You-Go | $35/30 days | $35/30 days | 50 Mbps | N/A | N/A | Temporary service, travelers |
Sparklight Internet Plans and Pricing
Sparklight offers a variety of internet plans to fit different needs and budgets. These options range from basic plans for light users to high-speed plans for households with heavy internet usage. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans:
Connect Internet 100
The Connect Internet 100 plan costs $55 per month, with a promotional rate of $39.95 for the first year. This plan provides download speeds of 120 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps. It’s ideal for light internet usage, such as web browsing and streaming on a few devices.
Freedom Connect 300
For households that require more bandwidth, the Freedom Connect 300 plan is available at $60 per month, with a promotional rate of $44.95 for the first year. This plan offers download speeds of 350 Mbps, making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and supporting multiple smart home devices.
Freedom Connect 600
If even faster speeds are necessary, the Freedom Connect 600 plan costs $70 per month, with a promotional rate of $54.95 during the first year. This plan provides download speeds of 700 Mbps and is ideal for remote work, heavy internet users, and 4K streaming on several devices.
Freedom Connect Gig
At the top tier, the Freedom Connect Gig plan is available for $85 per month, with an introductory rate of $69.95. This plan delivers 1000 Mbps download speeds, making it suitable for large households or users who regularly download and upload large files.
Pay-As-You-Go
For those seeking a flexible option, Sparklight offers a Pay-As-You-Go plan priced at $35 for 30 days. This plan provides download speeds of up to 50 Mbps and is ideal for temporary internet needs or travelers.
Additional Services
Sparklight also offers cable TV and home phone services in addition to its internet plans. The company provides a variety of TV plans and phone plans with various features like cloud DVR storage and unlimited calling options. Customers can also bundle these services with internet plans for added convenience and potential savings.
Read the full Sparklight review >>
Breezeline
Breezeline is a cable internet provider based in Quincy, Massachusetts. It serves parts of the East Coast, Midwest, and some Southern regions in the United States. As the eighth-largest cable provider in the country, Breezeline offers reliable and fast internet to households and businesses. The company rebranded from Atlantic Broadband to Breezeline in 2022 to reflect its expanded reach.
Pros
- Cheap starting prices
- Fast upload speeds
- Unlimited data and no contracts
Cons
- Steep price hikes after second year
- Expensive bundles
- Limited availability
Available Speeds: 100 Mbps – 1,000 Mbps
Price Range: $19.99-$49.99
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+
Breezeline Internet Plans and Pricing
Plan Name | Price (Intro) | Price (Post Intro) | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Devices Supported | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core | $19.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Up to 3 | Basic browsing, light internet usage |
Fast | $29.99/mo. | $54.99/mo. | 200 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Up to 6 | Moderate use, streaming |
UltraFast | $39.99/mo. | $64.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Up to 11 | Streaming, gaming, large files |
GigaFast | $49.99/mo. | $74.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 12+ | Heavy usage, multiple devices |
Breezeline provides several internet plans to meet different user needs, with speed options ranging from 100 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. Each plan is available at an introductory price for the first two years before adjusting to standard rates. Here’s an overview:
Core Plan
The Core plan provides 100 Mbps download speeds, suitable for basic browsing and streaming on up to three devices. Initially priced at $19.99 per month, this plan increases to $44.99 after the introductory period.
Fast Plan
This option offers 200 Mbps, enough for streaming and moderate internet use across up to six devices. The introductory rate is $29.99 per month, rising to $54.99 after two years.
UltraFast Plan
At 500 Mbps, the UltraFast plan supports households with multiple users engaged in streaming, online gaming, and other bandwidth-heavy tasks. It starts at $39.99 per month and later rises to $64.99.
GigaFast Plan
Breezeline’s top-tier plan delivers speeds of 1,000 Mbps, ideal for households with many devices or heavy internet use. It costs $49.99 per month for the first two years, then increases to $74.99.
Each plan includes unlimited data with no contracts, giving users flexibility and freedom to switch services if needed.
Additional Services and Bundling Options
Breezeline also offers Cable TV and home phone services. Customers can choose to bundle these with their internet plan, creating a convenient package that often comes with added savings. This can be a cost-effective way to handle multiple services with one provider.
Read the full Breezeline review >>
How Does Cable Internet Work?
Cable internet operates using coaxial cable lines, the same lines used to deliver cable television. The process of cable internet service begins with data transmission, where all internet data, from emails to streaming videos, is segmented into smaller units known as packets.
Cable internet relies on a network of coaxial cables that are already installed in most neighborhoods for cable TV service. These cables connect your home to the cable provider’s network. This network facilitates data routing, where packets of data are routed from the cable company’s hub to your home.
At your home, a cable modem receives these packets and converts them back into digital data. The modem sends this data to your router, which manages the internet connection to your various devices in your home – either through Ethernet cables or WiFi.
One important thing to note about cable internet is that it’s a shared service, meaning that all homes connected to the same cable line share bandwidth. This can sometimes result in slower speeds during peak usage times when many people are accessing the internet at once.
How Fast Is Cable Internet?
Cable internet speeds can significantly vary depending on the specific plan you choose from your internet provider. Typically, cable internet providers offer download speeds ranging from about 20 Mbps to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps).
Faster plans provide higher download speeds, suitable for heavy internet usage like online gaming or streaming high-definition videos. With cable internet, upload speeds are typically much slower than download speeds. A slow upload speed can limit activities like video conferencing or uploading large files.
A 1 Gbps (Gigabit per second) cable internet connection provides extremely fast data transfer, enabling you to download a wide array of content very quickly. Here’s an idea of what can be downloaded with a 1 Gbps cable internet plan:
Music: A typical song of about 5 MB could be downloaded almost instantaneously, and you can enjoy uninterrupted listening to all the best music streaming services.
Movies: A high-definition movie, usually around 4-5 GB, could be downloaded in less than a minute.
TV Shows: An entire season of a TV show, which could range from 20 to 50 GB, could be downloaded in a matter of minutes.
Video Games: Most video games range from 40 to 100 GB, which means even the largest could be downloaded in under 15 minutes.
Large Files: Massive files or data sets, such as professional graphic designs or complex 3D models, can be downloaded quickly, improving productivity for many professions.
Streaming: With 1 Gbps speed, you can enjoy the best TV streaming services. Multiple devices in a household can stream 4K or even 8K videos, play online games, and use video conferencing simultaneously without buffering.
Keep in mind that actual download times may be influenced by other factors such as network congestion, the number of connected devices, and the speed of the server where you are downloading data.
What’s the Difference Between Cable, Fiber, and DSL?
Today, homeowners can access the internet using a variety of broadband connections. The most common types of broadband are cable, DSL, and fiber internet.
Cable Internet is delivered through the same coaxial cable network that provides cable television. It generally provides faster internet speed than DSL, with download speeds ranging between 20 Mbps and 2000 Mbps (2 Gbps). One downside to cable internet is that speeds can slow down if the network is congested.
Fiber internet uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as pulses of light. It offers the fastest available speeds, often up to 5000 Mbps (5 Gbps) or more for both download and upload, making it ideal for heavy internet usage, such as streaming high-definition video, online gaming, and heavy file downloads and uploads. However, fiber optic internet infrastructure is expensive to install, and as a result, it’s not as widely available as cable or DSL.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Internet is delivered over telephone lines. It typically offers lower speeds than both cable and fiber, often ranging between 1 Mbps and 100 Mbps. The advantage of DSL internet is that it provides a dedicated connection to each user, so your connection speed isn’t affected by how many other users are online at the same time.
The quality and speed of a DSL internet connection can degrade over long distances, and users in general experience slower speeds compared to cable and fiber internet. While cable and fiber offer higher speeds, the availability of these services can vary widely depending on where you live. DSL, on the other hand, tends to be more universally available, but may not provide the speed needed for more data-intensive activities.
How Much Does Cable Internet Cost?
The cost of cable internet can vary significantly based on the internet service provider, the speed or plan you choose, your location, and whether you bundle your internet with other services, such as cable TV or home phone service. The cost of monthly internet service can range from anywhere between $30 and $300, or more.
For basic cable internet service with speeds suitable for browsing the web and streaming video, you can expect to pay somewhere between $30 and $60 per month. For higher speeds, suitable for activities like online gaming or streaming high-definition video on multiple devices at once, you might pay anywhere from $60 to $100+ per month.
These prices often don’t include additional costs like equipment rental fees for your cable modem or router, installation fees, or potential increases after promotional pricing periods end. You may also be able to get discounted rates if you bundle your internet service with cable TV or home phone service, or if you qualify for programs like the Lifeline Program.
Benefits of Cable Internet
Cable internet comes with several benefits that make it an attractive choice for many homeowners. Here are a few key advantages:
Download Speed: Cable internet typically offers higher download speeds compared to DSL and satellite connections. This allows for seamless streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities.
Availability: Since cable internet uses the same infrastructure as cable TV, it is widely available in many regions, including both urban and suburban areas where cable TV services are already established.
Bundling Options: Many cable internet providers also offer cable TV and home phone services, which can often be bundled together. This can lead to cost savings and the convenience of having all services on one bill.
Consistent Speeds: Unlike DSL internet, the performance of cable internet doesn’t degrade with distance from the ISP’s central hub. As long as you’re within the cable network’s service area, your internet connection should remain relatively stable.
Supports Multiple Devices: Cable internet can handle multiple devices connected at the same time, making it a good option for active households with many users or devices.
Should I Choose Cable Internet for My Home?
Deciding if cable internet is the best choice for your home depends on a variety of factors like your household’s internet usage, availability of services in your area, household budget, and personal preferences.
If your household frequently streams video or plays online games, the faster speeds offered by cable internet can be a significant advantage compared to DSL. But if your internet use is lighter, a slower, potentially less expensive option might be sufficient.
Cable internet is widely available in many urban and suburban areas, but it might not be an option in more rural locations. You’ll need to check which services are available in your specific area.
Cable internet is generally reliable, although severe weather can sometimes disrupt service. And keep in mind that cable internet speeds can decrease during peak times when the network is congested.
When it comes to cost, cable internet can be more expensive than DSL, though many providers offer bundle deals if you combine your internet service with cable TV or phone service. Many homeowners find that it’s worth paying more for the faster speeds that cable internet provides.
Ultimately, choosing the best internet for your home depends on the needs of your household and the services available in your area. It’s always a good idea to compare offers from different providers to ensure you get the best service for your home.