Technology Comparison
Cable vs Satellite Internet
Cable is faster with lower latency, but satellite works anywhere in the country.
📡
Cable Internet
Max Speed: 2 Gbps
🛰️
Satellite Internet
Max Speed: 500 Mbps
Performance Comparison
Max Speed2 Gbps vs 500 Mbps
Cable
Satellite
Latency (Lower is Better)10-30 ms vs 20-600 ms
Cable
Satellite
ReliabilityGood vs Fair (weather affected)
Cable
Satellite
Specification
Cable
Satellite
Max Speed
2 Gbps
500 Mbps
Typical Speed
100 Mbps - 1 Gbps
25-150 Mbps
Latency
10-30 ms
20-600 ms
Reliability
Good
Fair (weather affected)
Availability
Widespread (90% of US)
Everywhere (100%)
Installation
Self or professional
Professional required
Price Range
$25-$120/mo
$50-$200/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
🛰️ Satellite
Satellite internet beams data from orbiting satellites to a dish at your home. It's available virtually everywhere, making it ideal for rural and remote areas.
Best For:
- ✓ Rural areas
- ✓ Remote locations
- ✓ RVs/boats
- ✓ Backup connection
Limitations:
- • High latency
- • Weather affects service
- • Data caps common
- • Expensive equipment
Top Providers:
StarlinkHughesNetViasat
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Cable if:
- • You need the fastest possible speeds
- • Low latency is important (gaming, video calls)
- • You need the most reliable connection
- • You want wide availability at reasonable prices
Choose Satellite if:
- • You live in a rural/remote area
Related Technology Comparisons
Find Providers by Technology
Find Cable & Satellite Providers Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see which technologies are available at your address
Check Availability