Cable vs. 5G home internet
A reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury but a necessity, as we depend on it for work, education, entertainment and communication. As the demand for internet connectivity grows, users may find it challenging to choose between cable internet and 5G home internet for their online needs.
Cable has been the most common choice due to its fast speeds, stable connection and widespread availability. On the other hand, 5G home internet provides fast speeds and wireless convenience, with a simple installation process and no need for cables.
This article will discuss the differences between cable and 5G home internet options, explore their advantages and disadvantages and explain which one you should choose.
What you'll learn:
- Is cable faster than 5G?
- Is wired internet better than 5G?
- Challenges of 5G home internet
- Pros of 5G home internet
- The technology gap
- Should I switch from 5G to cable?
- Cable vs. 5G home internet: Side-by-side comparison
- Which internet option is right for you?
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
- Looking for more topics?
Is cable faster than 5G?
While cable and 5G home internet both provide high speed connectivity, speed capabilities depend on infrastructure and other factors, including coverage and network congestion.
Explanation of speed
Cable internet is a high speed broadband connection with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps, depending on the WiFi plan you choose.
Ookla’s June 2025 Speedtest Global Index Report highlights the national median fixed broadband speed of 287.59 Mbps download and 51.83 Mbps upload, with a low median latency of 12 ms. The report demonstrates the reliable, real-world performance of wired internet connections like cable for bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications like video conferencing, 4K/8K live streaming and competitive gaming.
In addition, according to the FCC’s May 2025 Report on Internet Access Services (based on data through June 2024), major cable internet providers consistently deliver 100% or more of their advertised download speeds, even during peak periods.
5G home internet fixed wireless connections by contrast, showed significantly more variance with some providers delivering as low as 80% of advertised speeds during high-traffic times. While cable’s upload speeds are generally lower than fiber internet connections, they remain stable and exceed expectations.
5G home internet is a high speed connection but does not offer specific speed tiers like cable internet. The speeds 5G home internet providers offer range from 40 Mbps to 300 Mbps, although optimal conditions may allow for higher rates. Performance depends on several factors:
- Distance from the nearest 5G cell sites
- Weather and physical obstacles
- Network congestion
- The density of 5G coverage
For example, a Reddit user reported that their 5G home internet speeds would go up to 300 Mbps and subsequently drop to 20 Mbps, showing the inconsistent performance of 5G home internet. Such fluctuations can be frustrating, especially for activities that require stable speeds like streaming, gaming or video calls.
That’s why understanding how to optimize your WiFi speed can help improve your overall internet performance, regardless of which internet service you use.
Speed comparison of cable and 5G home internet
Is wired internet better than 5G?
Wired internet connections, such as cable and fiber internet, transmit data through physical cables, delivering more stable, low-latency internet compared to wireless 5G home internet.
The main difference between fiber and cable is their transmission medium. Cable internet uses coaxial cable to transmit data as electrical signals, while fiber internet relies on fiber optic cables with thin strands of glass that transmit data as light signals.
Advantages of wired connections
Reliability and signal integrity
Wired connections generally offer a more stable, consistent and reliable internet service than wireless 5G home internet. The coaxial cables and fiber optic lines that transmit data are less susceptible to signal interference, attenuation and damage from unfavorable weather patterns.
Wired connections maintain signal integrity over long distances, reducing distortion and offering lower latency. Lower latency is crucial in online activities and applications that require real-time response, such as internet gaming, live streaming, video calls and smart automation with Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
High performance
If you are a passionate streamer or gamer who frequently streams 4K/8K content, consider wired internet access, like Astound’s fiber-powered internet plans, to provide a stable, consistent, low-latency internet experience that meets gaming demands.
To further enhance your experience, consider investing in a gaming router, which prioritizes gaming traffic, reduces lag and optimizes bandwidth allocation for smoother, real-time gameplay.
Widespread availability
Cable internet access is also widely available in urban and suburban areas because it leverages the existing cable infrastructure for TV, allowing many internet providers, such as Astound, to offer flexible home internet plans with convenient bundling options that combine TV, mobile and internet services for added value.
5G wireless coverage, on the other hand, while continuing to expand across urban and suburban areas, still varies depending on your location and the cellular network provider, due to the ongoing development of its 5G home internet fixed wireless infrastructure.
Flexible options
In addition, most cable internet plans, including Astound’s, have unlimited data, so you won’t have to worry about monthly data caps, throttled speeds, or unexpected overage fees. This makes cable internet a reliable choice for households with heavy internet usage, including 4K/8K streaming, online gaming and remote work providing customers with the freedom to enjoy data‑heavy applications without limits or overage charges.
5G home internet
Challenges of 5G home internet
5G home internet performance varies depending on several factors. Some of the challenges it faces include:
Coverage issues
Despite the rollout of the 5G network, its coverage limits it to select urban and metropolitan areas. People living in areas without nearby 5G cell sites or in a zip code with low-density coverage of 5G cell towers can experience slower internet speeds or interrupted connections. In some cases, 5G connections may even fall back to LTE or 4G, resulting in reduced performance.
Signal interference
5G home internet is a wireless network with signals passing through the air as radio waves. In densely populated areas, buildings, walls and trees obstruct the transmission of 5G waves between the cell sites and the 5G receivers (router). The interference is more pronounced with 5G’s millimeter-wave (mmWave) deployments, which use high-frequency bands that are more sensitive to obstacles.
Network congestion
In areas with a high population of 5G users, many devices connect to the same network simultaneously, which may result in network congestion. A surge in users during periods of peak network usage can strain 5G networks’ bandwidth, leading to interference, slow data transmission and increasing latency. The impact can be especially noticeable in apartment complexes or crowded urban areas.
Data caps
Some 5G home internet providers impose data caps on their internet plans, limiting how much data users can utilize during a billing period. You may quickly exceed your data allowance if you engage in data‑intensive activities like streaming 4K content or downloading and uploading large files frequently.
Exceeding data limits may lead to speed throttling or overage fees that raise the price of users’ 5G home internet plans. To avoid surprise costs, it’s essential to review the fine print and understand any data limitations.
Weather conditions
Unfavorable weather conditions like heavy rain, fog or thunderstorms cause atmospheric disturbances that can attenuate 5G signals, causing distortion and signal degradation. The distortion and degradation cause internet interference and slow data transmission for users. In such cases, real-time tasks like mobile phone calls, video calls or online gaming may drop connections or become unreliable.
Device compatibility limitations
Many devices are not 5G-compatible. An old mobile phone, laptop, modem or router may not support 5G’s radio frequency bands, requiring users to upgrade their hardware or fall back to the slower 4G or 4G LTE networks.
Limited upload speeds for heavy tasks
While 5G home internet can deliver fast download speeds, upload speeds are slower, around 10 to 50 Mbps. This imbalance can impact users who regularly upload large files, perform cloud backups, or engage in live streaming, remote work and video conferencing, which affects their productivity and user experience.
Astound’s fiber-powered internet offers more consistent and higher upload speeds than 5G home internet, giving customers a better online experience for these upload-heavy tasks.
These challenges highlight the trade-offs to consider when comparing cable vs 5G home internet, where wireless technology limitations can compromise the overall performance and reliability of a 5G connection.
Pros of 5G home internet
While 5G home internet comes with its challenges, it also offers compelling benefits, especially to users seeking flexible alternatives to traditional wired networks.
High speed
5G technology can deliver high speed connectivity, often ranging between 40 to 300 Mbps, especially under optimal conditions like areas with strong coverage. These speeds make it suitable for everyday internet usage, including browsing, remote work and streaming.
Low latency potential
5G offers lower latency compared to older wireless networks like 4G and 4G LTE when signal strength is optimal and network congestion is low, enabling faster response times and more seamless real-time interactions across connected devices.
Wireless convenience
Unlike cable internet, 5G home internet is a fixed wireless internet service that doesn’t typically require professional installation. Most service providers offer plug-and-play routers or gateway devices, allowing users to get quick online access with a minimal setup. This approach provides convenience, especially to users requiring flexible or temporary internet access.
The technology gap
You deserve better internet
5G Home Internet Fixed Wireless Access uses radio waves, which are impacted by obstacles like buildings and trees, resulting in reduced reliability.
Should I switch from 5G to cable?
The decision to switch from 5G home internet to cable internet depends on your needs and the available internet solutions in your location. If you are considering moving from 5G to cable internet, here are the reasons why you should make that switch:
Faster and consistent speeds
Cable broadband internet offers faster speeds than 5G home internet, up to 1.5 Gigabit speeds, depending on the plan and internet provider, thanks to technologies like DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), which enable modern cable routers and modems to support high speed data transfer for fast and scalable performance that meet their needs.
Because of cable internet’s consistent speeds, internet providers like Astound can offer a range of plans, from 100 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps, giving users the flexibility to find the speed that meets their needs.
Better coverage
Cable infrastructure is widespread in most areas and is steadily expanding to support rural internet access as well. If you are moving to a location with weak 5G wireless coverage or if your current internet connection frequently experiences connection drops due to radio frequency interference, cable internet offers a reliable and stable alternative.
Furthermore, with a wired connection, you’re not reliant on proximity to a 5G cell site or as prone to weather-related disruptions as a wireless network.
Competitive prices and bundled services
Most cable internet providers offer competitive pricing, with prices varying depending on the speed tier you choose. Also, most ISPs, including Astound, provide bundled packages combining internet, TV and mobile phone services, offering significant cost savings and convenience by consolidating different services under one bill.
In addition, Astound allows customers to bring their own device, such as a modem or router, to make the switch easier and more affordable.
Cable vs. 5G Home Internet: Side-by-side comparison
The table below offers a quick side-by-side comparison between the two technologies in terms of performance, coverage, reliability and value.
| Feature | Cable Internet | 5G Home Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Wired connection using coaxial cables | Fixed wireless connection using 5G signals |
| Download speeds | Typically, 100 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps, depending on the speed tier. | Typically, 40 to 300 Mbps under optimal conditions, with potential fluctuations. |
| Upload speeds | Ranges between 20 and 100 Mbps | Ranges between 10 to 50 Mbps |
| Latency | Low latency, stable for real-time applications like gaming and video calls | Low latency, but is susceptible to network congestion and signal strength |
| Reliability | Consistent and stable connections. Less susceptible to minimal interference from weather or physical obstructions. | Vulnerable to signal drops from physical obstacles, network congestion or poor weather |
| Installation | May require professional installation or a self-install kit | Quick, plug-and-play setup |
| Coverage | Widely available in urban areas, suburbs and steadily expanding to rural areas | Coverage is limited to urban areas or places near 5G towers |
| Data caps | Usually provides unlimited allowance with no throttling | Often capped. Exceeding limits may trigger throttling or overcharging |
| Bundles and devices | Some providers provide bundling options combining TV, mobile and cable internet. | Bundling options depend on the service provider. |
| Ideal for | Multiple users engaging in latency-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive applications like streaming, gaming and remote work | Households with Light to moderate internet use, frequent movers, or locations without wired access |
| Customer satisfaction | High, due to speed and consistent performance | Mixed, especially in areas with limited or inconsistent coverage |
|
Feature
Connection type |
Cable Internet
Wired connection using coaxial cables |
5G Home Internet
Fixed wireless connection using 5G signals |
|
Feature
Download speeds |
Cable Internet
Typically, 100 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps, depending on the speed tier. |
5G Home Internet
Typically, 40 to 300 Mbps under optimal conditions, with potential fluctuations. |
|
Feature
Upload speeds |
Cable Internet
Ranges between 20 and 100 Mbps |
5G Home Internet
Ranges between 10 to 50 Mbps |
|
Feature
Latency |
Cable Internet
Low latency, stable for real-time applications like gaming and video calls |
5G Home Internet
Low latency, but is susceptible to network congestion and signal strength |
|
Feature
Reliability |
Cable Internet
Consistent and stable connections. Less susceptible to minimal interference from weather or physical obstructions. |
5G Home Internet
Vulnerable to signal drops from physical obstacles, network congestion or poor weather |
|
Feature
Installation |
Cable Internet
May require professional installation or a self-install kit |
5G Home Internet
Quick, plug-and-play setup |
|
Feature
Coverage |
Cable Internet
Widely available in urban areas, suburbs and steadily expanding to rural areas |
5G Home Internet
Coverage is limited to urban areas or places near 5G towers |
|
Feature
Data caps |
Cable Internet
Usually provides unlimited allowance with no throttling |
5G Home Internet
Often capped. Exceeding limits may trigger throttling or overcharging |
|
Feature
Bundles and devices |
Cable Internet
Some providers provide bundling options combining TV, mobile and cable internet. |
5G Home Internet
Bundling options depend on the service provider. |
|
Feature
Ideal for |
Cable Internet
Multiple users engaging in latency-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive applications like streaming, gaming and remote work |
5G Home Internet
Households with Light to moderate internet use, frequent movers, or locations without wired access |
|
Feature
Customer satisfaction |
Cable Internet
High, due to speed and consistent performance |
5G Home Internet
Mixed, especially in areas with limited or inconsistent coverage |
Which Internet Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between cable internet and 5G home internet depends on your daily internet usage. Below is a look at which type of connection is ideal for everyday online activities.
| Activity | Best type of connection | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 4K/8K streaming | Cable internet | Higher bandwidth, unlimited data allowance and a consistent connection |
| Remote work (video conferencing, file uploads) | Cable internet | Low latency, fast speeds and stable upload speeds |
| Casual browsing and social media | Either | Both offer adequate performance for light usage |
| Temporary or mobile setup | 5G Home Internet | Quick plug-and-play setup |
| Online gaming | Cable internet | Lower latency and consistent ping, especially for multiplayer competitive games |
| Smart home and IoT devices | Cable internet | Stable connection and lower latency ensure smooth automation performance. |
| A home without a wired infrastructure | 5G Home Internet | Wireless convenience, ideal for flexibility and temporary use |
|
Activity
4K/8K streaming |
Best type of connection
Cable internet |
Why
Higher bandwidth, unlimited data allowance and a consistent connection |
|
Activity
Remote work (video conferencing, file uploads) |
Best type of connection
Cable internet |
Why
Low latency, fast speeds and stable upload speeds |
|
Activity
Casual browsing and social media |
Best type of connection
Either |
Why
Both offer adequate performance for light usage |
|
Activity
Temporary or mobile setup |
Best type of connection
5G Home Internet |
Why
Quick plug-and-play setup |
|
Activity
Online gaming |
Best type of connection
Cable internet |
Why
Lower latency and consistent ping, especially for multiplayer competitive games |
|
Activity
Smart home and IoT devices |
Best type of connection
Cable internet |
Why
Stable connection and lower latency ensure smooth automation performance. |
|
Activity
A home without a wired infrastructure |
Best type of connection
5G Home Internet |
Why
Wireless convenience, ideal for flexibility and temporary use |
Conclusion
Cable internet is a preferred choice for reliable home connectivity. Its internet plans offer fast speeds, minimal latency, unlimited data allowance and cost savings with bundling options that combine internet plans with mobile and TV services.
Furthermore, its extensive infrastructure ensures broad coverage in urban and suburban areas, making it a viable option in regions with limited 5G coverage.
Internet providers like Astound deliver the full advantages of cable, with flexible plans, no data caps, bundling options with Astound Mobile and TV services and both BYOD and professional setup options.
If reliability, performance consistency and potential cost savings are essential, switching to cable internet with Astound may be worth your consideration.
Frequently asked questions
Will 5G home internet replace cable?
5G home internet is unlikely to replace cable internet. Cable is reliable and has extensive coverage, while 5G coverage is still limited and its performance is less consistent and reliable than cable.
What are the main differences between cable and 5G Home internet?
Cable internet is a wired internet connection that uses copper coaxial cables to transmit data as electrical signals. Its wired infrastructure enables it to provide stable, high-speed internet with low latency. In contrast, 5G home internet is a fixed wireless connection that transmits internet through radio waves from nearby 5G cell towers. Its wireless nature makes it more vulnerable to signal interference and performance fluctuation due to weather, distance and network congestion.
Is 5G home internet good for streaming or gaming?
5G home internet can handle gaming and streaming, particularly in locations with strong and consistent 5G coverage. However, performance may vary due to factors like network congestion, distance from towers, and signal interference. For latency-sensitive applications like online gaming or 4K/8K streaming, cable internet is ideal, offering faster speeds, lower latency and more stable connections.
Can I get unlimited data with 5G home internet plans or cable?
Some 5G home internet providers offer unlimited data but still impose data caps or throttle speeds after a certain threshold is reached to help manage network traffic. These limits impact most online activities. In contrast, cable internet plans provide unlimited data allowance with no throttling, making them a better option for data-heavy tasks.
What equipment do I need for 5G home internet vs. cable?
Most cable internet providers provide self-installation kits that are simple to set up, especially if your home already has existing cable TV wiring. For 5G home internet, setup is typically plug-and-play and requires a gateway router, a 5G-compatible antenna or receiver and a SIM card provided by the service provider.
Related Content
How fast is 5G home internet? (& is it good enough?)
When choosing an ISP, speed is essential. Typically, 5G home internet speed varies depending on a variety of factors, which can negatively impact what you can do online.
Why is my 5G home internet so slow?
Router and device issues, network congestion, data caps and bad weather all affect 5G. Read on to learn what to do about a slow 5G home internet connection.
Is 5G home internet good for gaming?
Discover why 5G internet might not be the best choice for gaming. Learn about its limitations in terms of cost, reliability and coverage compared to fiber and cable internet options.
Why Fiber internet is (probably) better than 5G for your home
Discover why fiber internet is a better option than 5G. Faster speeds, better coverage, reliable service and more plan options make it an excellent choice.
Create the perfect bundle
Get the speed, WiFi, mobile and TV that’s just right for you.
*Internet speeds may vary & are not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required to reach advertised speeds. DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 2.5GE physical LAN port is required for 1 Gigabit speeds and higher. See astound.com/yourspeed for why speeds may vary. To view Astound’s FCC Network Management Disclosure see astound.com/policies-disclaimers. Limited time offer, subject to change without notice. Advertised promotional price valid for duration of the stated promotional period from time of service activation. Regular rates apply after promotional period ends. Equipment not included and is extra. Modem required for Internet service. Enhanced Wi-Fi or Whole Home Wi-Fi (eero) not included and is add’l. Offer includes a monthly discount for enrollment in both automatic payments (autopay) & paperless billing (e-bill). Discount of $10 applies with automated bank account deduction or a discount of $5 applies with automated credit/debit card payment. Valid email address required. Must complete enrollment in autopay and e-bill within 30-days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the discount does not apply. Discount appears on bill within 3 bill cycles after enrolling. If either autopay or e-bill is canceled, services are changed, or the account is not in good standing, then the monthly discount will be discontinued. Offer valid only for new residential Astound customers or previous customers with an account in good standing who have not had Astound service within the last 60 days. Any add’l services, equipment, premium channels & other tiers of service are subject to an add’l charge & regular increases. A one-time activation fee of $14.99 (in addition to any installation fees) will be charged & is subject to change. Add’l fees apply for taxes & surcharges, and are subject to change. WA RESIDENTS: unless otherwise specified, price does not include a 2% Regulatory Administration Fee. For details about taxes, fees & surcharges visit astound.com/fees. No early termination fees apply in the event service is terminated in advance of the promotional end date. Customer is responsible for any accrued service charges in the event service is canceled. Subject to credit check. Not all services & speeds are available in all areas. A multi-product discount may be available to qualifying addresses with a subscription to mobile, TV, and 600 Mbps Internet or higher. Discounts will be reflected in your order cart at time of purchase, if available. Other restrictions may apply. All services are governed by the Astound Customer Terms & Conditions that can be found at astound.com/policies-disclaimers. © 2025 Radiate HoldCo, LLC d/b/a Astound Broadband. All rights reserved.
While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this site has been obtained from reliable sources, Astound is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Certain links in this site connect to other websites maintained by third parties over whom Astound has no control. Astound makes no representations as to the accuracy or any other aspect of information contained in other websites.
AT&T Internet Air, T-Mobile 5G home internet and Verizon 5G home internet details were pulled from their respective websites on December 5, 2023. *Internet speeds may vary & are not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required to reach advertised speeds. Limited time offer, subject to change without notice. Advertised promotional pricing valid for 12 or 24 months from service start date, subject to change thereafter. Astound offers month-to-month service with base discounted introductory rate tiers. Prior to the end of any discounted rate tier, subscribers receive a notice informing them of the end of the discounted rate tier and providing information about the next discounted rate tier. Unless otherwise specified, 2-year price lock only available w/ promo internet pricing for speeds of 500 Mbps or greater. Additional fees apply for taxes and surcharges, and are subject to change. For details about fees & taxes visit astound.com/fees. Offer includes a monthly discount for enrollment in both automatic payments (autopay) & paperless billing (e-bill). Discount of $10 applies with automated bank account deduction or a discount of $5 applies with automated credit/debit card payment. Valid email address required. Must complete enrollment in autopay and e-bill within 30-days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the discount does not apply. Discount appears on bill within 3 bill cycles after enrolling. If either autopay or e-bill is canceled, services are changed, or the account is not in good standing, then the monthly discount will be discontinued.
**Source
eero Plus is available for an additional $9.99/month and requires subscription to whole home WiFi powered by eero.