Technology Comparison
Cable vs 5G Internet
Cable typically offers faster peak speeds, but 5G provides easy setup and no-contract flexibility.
📡
Cable Internet
Max Speed: 2 Gbps
📶
5G Home Internet
Max Speed: 1 Gbps
Performance Comparison
Max Speed2 Gbps vs 1 Gbps
Cable
5G
Latency (Lower is Better)10-30 ms vs 10-30 ms
Cable
5G
ReliabilityGood vs Good (signal dependent)
Cable
5G
Specification
Cable
5G
Max Speed
2 Gbps
1 Gbps
Typical Speed
100 Mbps - 1 Gbps
100-300 Mbps
Latency
10-30 ms
10-30 ms
Reliability
Good
Good (signal dependent)
Availability
Widespread (90% of US)
Growing (25% of US)
Installation
Self or professional
Self-install (plug & play)
Price Range
$25-$120/mo
$40-$70/mo
📡 Cable
Cable internet uses the same coaxial cables that deliver cable TV. It offers fast speeds and wide availability, making it the most common type of home internet.
Best For:
- ✓ Most households
- ✓ Streaming HD/4K
- ✓ Online gaming
- ✓ Video calls
- ✓ Downloading
Limitations:
- • Slower uploads
- • Shared bandwidth
- • Data caps common
- • Peak hour slowdowns
Top Providers:
XfinitySpectrumCoxOptimumMediacom
📶 5G
5G home internet uses cellular networks to deliver broadband-like speeds without cables. It's a newer technology that offers an alternative to traditional wired connections.
Best For:
- ✓ Renters
- ✓ Quick setup needs
- ✓ Areas without wired options
- ✓ Secondary connection
Limitations:
- • Signal dependent
- • Can be affected by weather
- • Limited to covered areas
- • May have priority data limits
Top Providers:
T-MobileVerizon 5G HomeAT&T
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Cable if:
- • You need the fastest possible speeds
- • You need the most reliable connection
- • You want wide availability at reasonable prices
Choose 5G if:
- • You want easy setup without cables
Related Technology Comparisons
Find Providers by Technology
Find Cable & 5G Providers Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see which technologies are available at your address
Check Availability