The best choice relies on your special destination and necessity while selecting between Satellite Internet vs Cable Internet. Cable Internet is usually quicker with 2 Gbps speeds, maximum efficiency, low latency and some weather-associated problems. However, cable Internet is not always present, specifically in remote regions. On the other hand, satellite Internet is present everywhere as they offer slow Internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps for regular use. However, cable internet is not always available, especially in rural areas.
Cable Internet service providers such as Spectrum and Xfinity provide quicker Internet packages for quite less than satellite Internet service providers. For instance, a premier cable Internet package such as Xfinity 6000 Mbps package rates $85 per month whereas Starlink satellite Internet package provides speeds up to 220 Mbps for $99 monthly. Satellite Internet from Viasat and Hughesnet costs $99.99 to $119.99 monthly for speeds up to 150 Mbps. In this article, we will discuss Satellite Internet vs Cable Internet and how satellite internet is different from cable internet.
Satellite Internet vs Cable Internet
Satellite internet stands out primarily for its near-universal availability, serving as a crucial lifeline for individuals residing in remote or off-grid areas who would otherwise lack internet access. Nevertheless, it does come with limitations; including data caps, substantial latency, and relatively higher costs when compared to alternative internet technologies.
Conversely, cable internet excels in delivering high-speed connectivity. In numerous regions, cable download speeds can compete with those of fiber internet, often offering more budget-friendly pricing in comparison to satellite internet. However, the availability, package options, providers, and pricing for cable internet can vary significantly across the country, with some areas lacking access altogether.
Brief Comparison – Satellite Internet Versus Cable
| Internet Type | Internet Price | Internet Contract | Download Speeds | Installation Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite Internet | $49.99 to $299.99/month | Up to 2 years | 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps | No additional charge |
| Cable Internet | $20 to $300/month | Up to 2 years | 10 Mbps to 2000 Mbps | $9.99 to $75 |
Satellite Internet Providers
In the United States, there are two prominent satellite internet service providers – HughesNet and Viasat. HughesNet is often the preferred choice for budget-conscious users due to its faster speeds on cost-effective packages. On the other hand, Viasat caters to power users, offering a maximum speed of up to 100 Mbps. It’s worth noting that both providers offer nationwide coverage.
Best Service Provider of Satellite Internet
| Internet Provider | Download Speeds | Price |
|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | 15 to 50 Mbps | $49.99 to $174.99/month |
| Viasat | 12 to 100 Mbps | $69.99 to $299.99/month |
Features of Satellite Internet
- Satellite Speeds
The speed of satellite internet varies depending on your choice of provider. HughesNet offers consistent speeds of 25 Mbps across all plans, with the only difference being the data cap. In contrast, Viasat provides a range of speeds, starting at 12 Mbps for basic plans and going up to 100 Mbps for top-tier packages.
While these speeds are generally sufficient for most everyday activities, including HD video streaming, there are two important considerations: latency and data caps.
Satellite internet tends to have higher latency compared to other connection types like cable or fiber due to the longer distance signals must travel (to and from space). This results in a slight delay between taking an action and seeing the corresponding result.
- Pricing for Satellite Internet
Satellite internet pricing typically surpasses that of other service types offering the same speed. To illustrate, you can secure a cable connection of 200 Mbps for as low as $25.00 per month through Xfinity (subject to your location). In comparison, the nearest equivalent with satellite internet would be Viasat’s 100 Mbps plan, which comes with a monthly cost of $150.00, increasing to $200.00 per month after the introductory period.
Cost-Efficient Cable Internet
The abundance of cable and internet bundles can be attributed to the advantage of utilizing existing cables to establish their internet networks, rendering cable a cost-efficient choice compared to fiber networks, which frequently necessitate starting from scratch. Among the notable cable internet providers are Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox.
Best Service Provider of Cable Internet
| Internet Provider | Internet Speeds | Internet Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | 75 Mbps to 1200 Mbps | $25 to $80/month |
| Spectrum Internet | Up to 1000 Mbps | $49.99 to $89.99/month |
| Cox | 100Mbps–2000 Mbps | $49.99 to $149.99/month |
Features of Cable Internet
- Cable Speeds
Cable internet typically outpaces satellite internet in speed, benefitting from the inherent advantage of being based on Earth. With speeds reaching up to 2,000 Mbps, cable consistently offers higher minimum speeds compared to satellite services. The efficiency of coaxial cables in data transmission surpasses the current capabilities of satellite transmissions, contributing to the cable’s superior performance in the speed race.
- Cable Pricing
Typical cable internet falls within the range of $50 to $70 per month, making it a cost-effective choice when compared to satellite pricing. This affordability is the primary advantage of opting for cable over satellite. While both options can provide sufficient speed, satellites tend to come with a significantly higher price tag for the same level of performance.
Conclusion
If you have access to a reliable cable provider in your area, such as Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox, choosing cable is a straightforward decision. Cable internet offers rapid speeds at a more budget-friendly price compared to satellite. However, satellite internet has a distinct advantage in that it is available nationwide. Therefore, if your location has limited internet service options, it can serve as an excellent alternative to ensure connectivity with the best satellite internet.
