Many cable providers offer fast speeds that match fiber internet but at similar or lower prices. And there are far more cable internet service providers (ISPs) out there than fiber ISPs. So, we took a look at the prices, data caps, contracts, internet speeds, and availability for a dozen or so cable internet providers across the US to determine which cable companies are the best. Let’s dig in and see what’s what when it comes to cable. Plus, this deal comes with the internet equipment included, a 2-year price guarantee and doesn’t require a contract. But before you sign up for service, here are a few things you should consider. Some nice to have options include unlimited data and no contracts, but not every ISP offers these features. Still, if you find a cable internet plan with no data cap that doesn’t make you sign a contract, it might even be worth paying a little bit extra each month to nab it up. Similarly, you’ll pay more each month if you bundle your cable internet with TV—but many service providers discount your bill when you bundle. So, bundling could really be a deal if you plan to get internet and TV anyway. To top all that off, Xfinity ranked in the top five for fastest internet service providers in our latest report, which means it’s more likely to give you the speeds you paid for—or better. One thing to watch out for, though, is that Xfinity’s plan names, speeds, and pricing can change depending on where you live. Here’s a quick look at how the price ranges compare in each region of the US that Xfinity services. Last but not least, Xfinity offers cable TV service too. If you love to channel-flip, bundling TV and internet together can save you some cash. And that’s never a bad thing. We’re also pretty smitten with the Xfinity DVR and love that you can access your Netflix library and YouTube channels from it. Why we picked it: Xfinity recently bumped up the speed of its Gigabit plan in the Northeast, and now its top download speed of 1,200 Mbps cracks the gig ceiling. Your price per Mbps with this plan is under 10 cents and that price lasts for three years, making it the most value-packed internet plans Xfinity offers. Why we picked it: The Xfinity Superfast plan comes with reasonable speeds at a reasonable price. This plan isn’t the best bang for your buck (that title belongs to the Gigabit plan), but we realize that not everyone needs gig speeds. With that in mind, Superfast should keep both your household netizens and wallet watchers happy. Why we picked it: The up to 300 Mbps download speeds that come with the Fast plan are solid enough to keep multiple devices connected around your home. At the same time, no less. And that’s perfect for anyone with a bunch of kiddos and teens under their roof who also needs a little guilty pleasure time with Marriage or Mortgage. View Plans | Read Full Xfinity Internet Review And Spectrum’s cable TV service comes without a contract too. When we compared prices, Spectrum’s prices for its up to 100 and 400 Mbps plans* are a little on the high end. But remember, that higher price comes with unlimited data and no-contract perks. So paying a little extra each month might be worth it. Why we picked it: While Spectrum’s price is a tad high for the speed you get, this plan also comes with unlimited data and no contract. That’s perfect for downloading every award-winning title out there and not worrying about going over your data cap. Or paying an extreme early termination fee if you end up moving to a new locale thanks to Out of Africa or Amélie. View Plans | Read Full Spectrum Internet Review Our TV experts found Cox’s TV prices to be a tad higher than competitors like DISH and Xfinity. But we love that Cox Contour TV doesn’t come with a contract—and if you also select the “No Term Agreement” option for your Cox internet service, your bundle becomes contract-free too. Cox’s TV and internet bundles also made our list of the top five cable bundles. Here’s a quick look at some of those bundles and channel counts, plus a few of the notable channels included in each one: When we tried to grab one of these bundles, we noticed that it’s a little confusing to figure out how to get the Contour TV Streamer as an option to rent. The trick is to select just an internet plan, and then the Contour TV Streamer appears as an equipment option. Why we picked it: This bundle comes with a well-rounded internet speed and selection of channels. You’ll get CBS, FOX, ION, and Telemundo, to name a few, which means there’s something on the tube for everyone. (Except ESPN. Ouch.) View Bundles | Read Full Cox Internet Review | Read Full Cox TV Review This might make things a little confusing, so we’ll try to keep it as clear as possible and update this review if any more changes roll down the line. On top of great prices for the speeds you get, Astound Broadband, powered by RCN comes with no data caps. This is another area where Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) tops Xfinity—and data caps are becoming more and more critical as we spend more time online. Also of note is Astound Broadband, powered by RCN’s speed performance. It zoomed into 6th place out of 32 ISPs we analyzed in our fastest internet providers report, and it was the number one fastest cable provider. Not too shabby. But just like Xfinity, Astound Broadband, powered by RCN’s available speeds and prices change depending on which city you live in. Generally, the cost is between $20 and $60 a month, though. Here’s a quick look at the plans and prices available in Chicago, Illinois, to give you an idea. Why we picked it: First off: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a gig plan at a price lower than this one. Second: Astound Broadband, powered by RCN’s gig speeds ensure that your household has enough bandwidth to support your home office hustle, your online learning classroom, and any fun activities like gaming or streaming. At the same time. So no more waiting until after your partner’s Zoom call to catch the next episode of WandaVision. The whole internet is at your fingertips. View Plans | Read Full Astound Broadband, powered by RCN Internet Review You’ll find more value in WOW!’s lower-tier packages, since its 1,000 Mbps plan is outshone by Xfinity’s lower prices for the same speed. Of course, WOW!’s price lasts for two years while most of Xfinity’s prices last for only one year. Why we picked it: These speeds should support a larger family with lots of devices, and the price you pay per month isn’t going to leave your wallet high and dry. It also comes with unlimited data, so you won’t need to throttle back on your kiddo’s mobile game downloads over Wi-Fi—or downloading that important PowerPoint your boss just sent over. View Plans | Read Full WOW! Internet Review
Price Download speeds Data caps Contracts and promotional pricing periods Availability
We also wanted to highlight some of the ISPs that offered excellent prices and features but weren’t necessarily available across most of the US. That’s why Astound Broadband, powered by RCN and WOW! Internet are featured on our list. We also considered Astound Broadband, powered by Grande Communications, but even though it advertises excellent prices, no data caps, and no contracts, we felt that its availability in only parts of Texas was too limiting. The same approach applied to Optimum, which is available mainly in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Availability was also the biggest reason we didn’t analyze smaller, more local cable ISPs. Even so, we recommend checking out what internet providers are available in your area, since many smaller providers also offer excellent speeds and prices, among other perks. As for Wi-Fi hotspots, Xfinity gives free hotspot access to its Xfinity Mobile and internet customers with a Performance plan or faster. If you live in an area where you can get Astound Broadband, powered by Grande, RCN, Optimum (formerly Suddenlink), or Xfinity, you might be able to score one of these cheap cable internet and TV packages:
