Online Connections: Comparing 5G Home Internet vs. Cable

Whether you’re tech-savvy and on the lookout for the latest internet advancement, you work or go to school from home and need reliable internet access, or you’re looking for a way to game and stream with the fastest speeds and lowest latency, you want to know which service provides the best performance. Two of the most important to compare are 5G home internet vs. cable.

Especially for people who live in areas with limited infrastructure (e.g., rural or underserved areas) or families looking for cost-effective options for the entire family, knowing how the options stack up can help you make a better decision for your situation. 

While 5G home internet and cable use different technologies and deployments, they have the same purpose and usage. That is, they’re both designed to provide high-speed internet access. You can use them to browse the web, stream videos, play online games, enable smart devices, or get your work done. 

They both are forms of broadband internet. So, they offer high-speed connectivity and transmit data over the internet. There are, however, also significant differences. 

5G Home Internet vs. Cable: How They Differ

The biggest difference between 5G home internet vs. cable is their technology, which affects the deployment, speed, reliability, and availability. Here’s how the two break down:

5G Home Internet uses the fifth generation of wireless technology. That is, data is transmitted over cellular networks via radio waves. (Using the same technology that powers your smartphone.) So, it requires a network of cellular towers equipped with 5G technology as well as a 5G gateway device to connect to the towers wirelessly. That makes it easy to set up. Typically, you just have to connect your device, and you’re set. 

5G is significantly faster than previous generations and appears to rival, or even exceed, cable. However, that depends on the access to 5G, the congestion on the network, and the signal strength, which may be affected by obstructions (e.g., buildings or the weather).

Because 5G is relatively new, availability may be limited. Right now, it’s available in mostly urban and suburban areas. However, 5G is currently expanding into more remote or rural areas. 5G still requires significant infrastructure (e.g., cell towers and connections); however, it could potentially cover larger areas as fewer physical installations are required. 

In addition, some government institutions have initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access into smaller towns and surrounding (e.g., rural) areas.

Cable internet, on the other hand, relies on physical cables (usually coaxial or fiber-optic) to transmit data using electrical signals or light pulses, respectively. So, users are dependent on comprehensive networks of physical cables. If the infrastructure is available in your area, you can typically sign up with a subscription to your local cable provider to connect via a modem for service. 

Cable is well-known for its high speeds and consistency, especially when fiber-optic cables are used. Some users note, however, that speeds can slow during peak times when many people are online. One of the biggest benefits of cable internet is how consistent and reliable it is. It’s typically not susceptible to weather or physical obstructions. However, service can go out if there is a power outage or the cable lines are damaged. 

Unfortunately, cable isn’t always available. While urban and suburban areas typically have good coverage, many more small cities or rural areas have limited, if any, access to cable. 

The Installation Process of 5G Internet vs. Cable

Installation of 5G home internet vs. cable differs significantly. 5G home internet installation is easier to set up. Often, it requires a simple plug-and-play to connect. You’ll receive a 5G gateway or router to connect wirelessly to the 5G network and enjoy Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Often, this is all DIY with no technician needed, though you will likely have access to someone remotely to help you set up your system if there are questions or concerns. 

To ensure you get the best signal strength, you can move the router to different locations in the home. And you may even be able to install a booster so you have enough signal throughout the house. 

As long as cable internet is already installed in your home, it may simply be a matter of signing up for service and connecting. However, if your house is not already wired, the installation process can be more complex. As with the 5G internet service, you’ll require a modem. In addition, you may need a router for Wi-Fi, though many companies offer combined modem-router units. 

If this is a first-time installation, especially if cable lines need to be added to the home, professional installation will be necessary. Technicians may need to drill holes into the home to run and install new lines. The process takes time and requires an appointment to set up the service.

For many, the ease of installation with 5G internet is appealing as they can do it themselves without disrupting their schedule while waiting for installation. 

A Question of Speed: Which One Is Faster?

Several factors can influence speed differences between 5G home internet vs. cable. For example, 5G technology has the potential to offer extremely high speeds, comparable to those available with cable internet, in ideal conditions. That said, the speeds can vary widely as conditions aren’t always ideal. 

Factors that can affect the speed of the 5G home internet include signal strength, which can be affected by how close to or how far from the nearest 5G tower is. Physical obstructions, like trees, buildings, and terrain, can also impact the signal quality. 

High-band frequencies offer higher speeds. However, they also have shorter ranges and less obstacle penetration. Mid-band and low-band frequencies provide wider coverage. However, speeds are generally slower. Network congestion—when many users are sharing a network—can also slow speed. 

Cable internet offers more consistent high speeds as long as the infrastructure is well-established and maintained. Newer fiber-optic technology generally provides the fastest speeds and the greatest reliability. 

Again, however, you may see speeds slow and latencies increase when many users are on the same line. In addition, if your area uses traditional cable lines (vs. fiber-optic), speeds can slow as you get further from the local hub. 

Which type of internet is the best option for you will likely depend on the infrastructure (and future network developments) available in your area and your internet usage habits. Check with your local provider for the most accurate information for your location to see which service best meets your needs.