Fiber vs Cable Internet: Understanding the Difference
- Vanessa Merrell
- Comparison
They are not just different at their core, they are different in their price, performance, speeds, coverage, and much more.
If you have been wondering about the differences between fiber and cable internet services, then you are in luck because we will use the most recent data and real-life examples to explore these two broadband technologies.
It is their distinction that makes them unique so let’s understand those first before you ditch one for the other.
Table of Contents
What is Fiber Optic Internet?
Fiber-optic internet is the fastest broadband technology that is currently available in the USA. Thin strands made of glass are combined to form fiber-optic cables. These cables are used to transmit internet signals in the form of light pulses. So, it can be said that fiber-optic internet distributes internet data at the speed of light.
The high bandwidth capabilities of a fiber internet allow it to deliver equal upload and download speeds of up to 100 Gbps (100,000 Mbps). However, for home internet users, the maximum speeds are capped at 50 Gbps (only offered by Ziply Fiber).
Pros:
- Blistering-fast speeds
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds
- 99.99 percent network reliability
- Ultra-low latency
- Better gaming performance
- Future-proof
Cons:
- Limited availability around the country
- Expensive to construct and maintain
- Higher speed tiers can be costly
Best Fiber Internet Providers
There are over one thousand fiber internet providers in the USA. Together, they offer speeds of up to 50 Gigs for a starting price of $39.99 per month. The following are the 5 best fiber internet providers in the USA, serving more than 30 million subscribers.
| Provider | Starting Price | Maximum Speed | Customer Rating |
| AT&T Fiber | $55.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 4.50/ 5 stars |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 3.61/ 5 stars |
| Optimum Fiber | $40.00/mo. | 8,000 Mbps | 3.80/ 5 stars |
| Frontier Fiber | $44.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 3.30/ 5 stars |
| Kinetic (Windstream) | $39.99/mo. | 8,000 Mbps | 3.03/ 5 stars |
What is Cable Internet?
Cable internet is the second most popular type of broadband technology in the United States. Cable internet service providers use the existing coaxial cable network, installed by cable TV providers, to transmit high-speed internet service to individual homes.
Nearly 85 percent of the homes in America can access download speeds of up to 1 Gig on their cable internet plans. Some cable internet providers like Xfinity, Cox, and Mediacom can offer download speeds of up to 2 Gigs in select markets but the upload capabilities are limited to 1,000 Mbps or lower.
Pros:
- Widely available (even in rural areas)
- 99.90 percent network uptime
- Ultrafast download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps
- Comparatively less expensive plans than fiber
- Cost-saving cable internet and TV bundles
- Low latency rate
Cons:
- Asymmetric speeds
- Slower upload capabilities
- Less popular for high-bandwidth activities
Best Cable Internet Providers
Out of the long list of internet service providers in the USA, 400+ offer coaxial cable internet. You can get a cable internet plan for as low as $20 per month and receive asymmetric speeds of up to 2 Gbps. Here are the top 5 cable internet providers in the country.
| Provider | Starting Price | Maximum Speed | Customer Rating |
| Spectrum | $49.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 3.70/ 5 stars |
| Xfinity | $20.00/mo. | 1,200 Mbps | 4.20/ 5 stars |
| Cox Communications | $50.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 3.65/ 5 stars |
| Optimum | $40.00/mo. | 940 Mbps | 3.80/ 5 stars |
| Mediacom | $24.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 2.73/ 5 stars |
What is the Difference Between Fiber and Cable Internet?
The main difference between fiber and cable internet is their transmission method. The former uses fiber-optic cables while the latter relies on coaxial cables for broadband internet transmission.
The difference in the type of internet connection affects all the other factors such as their speeds, cost, reliability, coverage area, and network performance. In this section, we will compare the two most widely used, wired, broadband technologies, fiber and cable internet, to see how their distinct features translate to an increase or decrease in consumer demand.
| Fiber vs Cable Internet – At A Glance | ||
| Features | Fiber Internet | Cable Internet |
| Transmission Method | Fiber-optic cables | Coaxial cables |
| Starting Price | $39.99/mo. | $20.00/mo. |
| Maximum Speed | 50,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps |
| Upload/ Download Speed | Symmetric | Asymmetric |
| Availability | 85% of the US households | 51.5% of the US households |
| Reliability | 99.99% | 99.90% |
| Typical Latency | 10 to 12 ms | 13 to 27 ms |
| Best For | VR and AR gaming | HD video streaming |
| Customer Preference | 63% of the internet users | 25.2% of the internet users |
Price – Fiber vs Cable Internet
A decade ago, fiber internet would have been considered a luxury for most internet users. But today, the story is quite different. Increased competition in the fiber broadband market has led to a reduction in monthly internet fees as fiber providers continue to outcompete one another based on price points.
You can purchase a fiber internet plan for as low as $39.99 per month. However, multigigabit speed tiers can be as pricey as $300 per month.
When it comes to the cost of cable internet, providers have generally kept the prices unchanged. On average, cable internet plans cost between $40 to $60 per month, with Xfinity deals being the cheapest.
Speed – Fiber vs Cable Internet
The fastest speed available on a fiber internet connection is 50 Gbps. In contrast, cable internet typically delivers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. If we follow these numbers, then fiber-optic internet is 50 times faster than cable internet.
The hyperfast speeds of fiber internet become more obvious when we compare the maximum upload speeds of the two. Most cable internet providers in the nation can deliver up to 50 Mbps of upload speeds.
Whereas, fiber internet is the only internet technology that can deliver equal upload speeds of up to 50 Gigs. Therefore, the upload speed of fiber internet is 1,000 times faster than cable internet.
Availability – Fiber vs Cable Internet
Fiber-optic cables are expensive to manufacture and maintain. Also, as the most advanced internet technology, their adoption has remained restricted across the country.
At the moment, around 51.5 percent of U.S. households can access 100 percent fiber-optic network, of which AT&T and Verizon alone contribute 2.2 million route miles. In comparison, the cable internet network spans countrywide. More than 85 percent of the homes in America can connect to a coaxial cable network and enjoy gigabit speeds.
Network Reliability – Fiber vs Cable Internet
Both, fiber and cable internet are extremely reliable and deliver maximum uptime, guaranteeing uninterrupted broadband connectivity.
However, the structure of fiber-optic cables is better for reducing signal interference and the high bandwidth capabilities ensure that the connection is up and running even during peak hours. For this reason, the network reliability of fiber internet increases to 99.99 percent.
On the other hand, cable internet providers offer reliability of up to 99.90 percent because speed fluctuations during network congestion are a common occurrence.
Performance – Fiber vs Cable Internet
The performance of fiber internet is unmatched! With incredibly fast speeds ultra-low latencies and unlimited data allowance, fiber internet delivers the best value for the money.
You can enjoy virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming, ultra-high-definition (4K and 8K) video streaming, home automation, and cloud-based content sharing on fiber internet plans. It is the best type of internet to support multi-device connectivity on shared networks.
Cable Internet ranks the second best on performance charts. Even though the slow upload speeds, slighter higher latency, and data caps (in the case of some providers and plans) make it inferior to a fiber-optic connection, you can still rely on it for most of the bandwidth-hungry online activities.
Customer Preference – Fiber vs Cable Internet
According to an annual consumer research report, 63 percent of internet users in America, including those who are subscribed to cable internet, prefer fiber internet. They see it as a future-proof solution for digital connectivity and believe that applications for telehealth, home security, and senior independence work best over a fiber internet connection.
The same report states that customer demand for cable internet has dropped by 14 share points. Only 25.2 percent of the internet users who were surveyed still prefer cable internet over other forms of broadband technology.
Is Fiber Optic Better than Cable Internet?
After going over all the differences between fiber and cable internet, we can undoubtedly say that fiber is the way to go. Its symmetrical multigigabit speeds and other features like low latency, high network reliability, unlimited data, and market competitive rates make it a sustainable option for future internet needs.
However, if you are living in an area that is yet to become fiber-ready, then cable internet is a good alternative for gigabit internet connectivity. Ultimately, the choice between fiber and cable internet will depend on your needs and circumstances.
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