Satellite vs Cable Internet: Which One Is Better?
With the rise of social media in today’s world, high-speed internet has become a necessity for all households. Whether you need it for virtual learning, working from home, or surfing the web, your internet should deliver fast speeds. Or else, it can be very frustrating for the users to keep clicking or tapping on a button while the website takes too long to respond. This happens when your internet connection provides slow speeds that can’t keep up with your browsing activities. For this reason, cable internet and satellite internet are known to facilitate the speed needs of people living in urban and rural areas of the US.
What Is Cable Internet?
Cable internet is one of the most common internet connection types in the US. It is easily available in almost all states, including big metropolitan cities and small towns. It makes use of coaxial cables to carry internet signals from your modem to your devices. These signals may not be as fast as what you get with fiber internet, but they are fast enough to let you play, surf, and stream as much as you want. Similarly, Spectrum Internet has a wide range of internet plans to ensure that you have a smooth browsing experience.
Here are some of the best cable internet plans offered by top-rated internet service providers (ISPs) in the US:
| Internet Plan | Price | Maximum Download Speed | Maximum Upload Speed | Features |
| Mediacom Xtream Internet 400 | $49.99 per month plus taxes (for 12 months) | 400 Mbps | 30 Mbps | Up to 2000 GB data allowance
Connects multiple devices simultaneously Includes in-home Wi-Fi Total Defense online security software included |
| Internet Xtreme Internet 200 | $39.99 per month (for 12 months) | 200 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Up to 1000 GB of data allowance per month
Suitable for online gaming, downloading large files, and streaming movies and TV shows |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $89.99 per month (for 12 months) | 1000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | Connects up to 10 devices at the same time
Suitable for connected homes |
| Mediacom Xtream Internet 400 + Variety TV | $119.99 per month plus taxes (for 12 months) | 400 Mbps | 30 Mbps | Data allowance of up to 2000 GB
Access to more than 170 music, entertainment, and sports channels |
| Cox Internet Preferred 250 | $59.99 per month (for 12 months with a 1-year agreement) | 250 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Monthly data allowance of up to 1.25 TB
Connects up to 7 devices simultaneously Ideal for virtual learning, playing online games, and working from home |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | $69.99 per month (for 12 months) | 400 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Connects 5-7 devices simultaneously
Best for attending video conferences, downloading large files, playing online games, and streaming movies and TV shows |
| Mediacom Xtream Internet 400 + Variety TV + Digital Phone | $129.99 per month plus taxes (for 12 months) | 400 Mbps | 30 Mbps | Access to 170+ sports, music, and entertainment channels
Nationwide calling (unlimited) with 13 calling features Up to 200 GB data allowance
|
| Spectrum Internet Standard | $49.99 per month (for 12 months) | 200 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Connects up to 4 devices at the same time
Best for working from home, streaming movies and TV shows, and browsing the web |
The internet providers listed above deliver high-speed internet to fit your speed needs. Similarly, Spectrum offers unlimited data and allows you to connect multiple devices at the same time.
What Is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet is a wireless internet connection type that uses a satellite to provide internet signals to your devices. It makes use of dish receivers to get signals from satellites installed in orbit and carries them to the modem. Many internet providers in the US offer satellite internet plans in big cities as well as rural areas that may not have access to other internet connection types.
Here are some of the details about the best satellite internet provider in the US:
| Internet Provider | Price | Speed Range | Features | |
| HughesNet Gen5 | $64.99 per month (for 6 months) | 25 Mbps | Deal for streaming, working from home, and virtual learning
Connects multiple devices simultaneously |
|
| Viasat Internet | Starting at $39.99 per month | 12-100 Mbps | Data allowance of up to 300 GB
Free professional installation Best for sending emails and web browsing |
Which One Should I Go For? Cable or Satellite Internet?
For most users living in urban areas, cable internet is the best choice. It provides consistent speeds and high-quality internet signals, which makes it suitable for various online activities. In addition, it has a reliable internet infrastructure that does not disrupt by physical obstructions, such as furniture, walls, and even staircases. So, if you want high-speed internet without breaking the bank, then cable internet is ideal for you.
On the other hand, satellite internet is great for those who are living in rural areas with limited options available. Satellite is much faster and more reliable, compared to dial-up internet. However, it may cost you a hefty price every month. So, if you need high-quality internet service in a remote area for playing online games, surfing the web, or streaming movies and TV shows, then satellite internet is suitable for you.
The Bottom Line
While both, satellite and cable internet offer reliable internet connections, we recommend you choose the one that is available in your local area. Cable internet can be found in most cities and towns across the US. Whereas, satellite internet is readily available in rural areas. So, check out their specifications before concluding your search for the best internet plan.
