When choosing an Internet service provider, you might have to decide between cable and DSL (dial up is irrelevant in 2011). So, which is better? The truth of the matter is that it depends: are you a casual Internet user or are you dependant on your Internet?
Cable and DSL differ in how they transport information. Cable transports information through the same cables as your TV service; DSL transports it through phone lines.
In theory, cable Internet is by far the faster of the two. While the most up-to-date DSL download speeds top out at a max of 15 mbps, cable download speeds can reach as high as 150 mbps with a national average of roughly 11 mbps.
However, while faster is usually better, having super fast Internet is useless to most people. It’s like buying a race car to get you to and from work.
Most Internet users only use between 2 and 5 mbps. Check speedtest.net to see how much you are using at the moment.
In sum, if you are downloading movies and streaming sports every night, cable is the way to go. However, if you just need to check your email and read the news, DSL will get the job done, probably for a cheaper price, too.