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Mediacom XtreamvsMetronet Holdings

Mediacom Xtream vs Metronet Holdings in Des Moines

Mediacom Xtream covers more of Des Moines for less, while Metronet Holdings delivers dramatically faster two-way speeds where available.

The 30-Second VerdictUpdated September 21, 2026

Metronet Holdings is the better overall pick for shoppers who want the strongest performance, with faster download and upload speeds where available; it comes out ahead because Mediacom Xtream’s broader coverage is offset by its much weaker upload ceiling. Metronet wins on speed, while Mediacom Xtream wins on coverage and starting price at $30 versus $49.95. Mediacom is the practical choice for basics or addresses Metronet does not reach; Metronet fits heavy streaming, gaming, video calls, and demanding home networks. Check availability first, since Mediacom reaches about 96% of Des Moines while Metronet reaches about 79%.

At a glance

Mediacom Xtream vs. Metronet Holdings, side by side.

ProviderTypeTop speedCity coverageStarting priceBest for
Mediacom XtreamMediacom Xtream Cable 1 Gig
50 Mbps upload
96% $30/moWidest availability
Metronet HoldingsMetronet Holdings Fiber 5 Gig
5 Gig upload
79% $49.95/moTop fiber speeds

Coverage map

Two different questions, two views. Top speed shows who offers the faster plan where you can actually get it. Coverage shows who reaches more of each ZIP. Or pick a single provider to see just its footprint.

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Showing the provider with the faster available plan in each ZIP. Click any ZIP for the breakdown.

Neighborhood breakdown

The better choice can shift by ZIP code and neighborhood because coverage varies block to block in Des Moines. Mediacom Xtream reaches about 96% of the city overall, while Metronet Holdings reaches about 79%, so check both providers at your exact address.

ZIPNeighborhoodsCoverageTop speedRank scoreWinner
Mediacom XtreamMetronet HoldingsMediacom XtreamMetronet HoldingsMediacom XtreamMetronet Holdings
50317 East Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Highland Park East 96%72%1 Gig5 Gig5670 Metronet Holdings
50320 South Des Moines, Southeast Des Moines, Easter Lake 95%81%1 Gig5 Gig5579 Metronet Holdings
50316 Union Park, Capitol Park, Fairground 96%89%1 Gig5 Gig5687 Metronet Holdings
50313 Highland Park, Oak Park, North Des Moines 94%80%1 Gig5 Gig5578 Metronet Holdings
50315 South Side, Watrous South, McKinley, Bloomfield-Allen 99%94%1 Gig5 Gig5892 Metronet Holdings
50310 Beaverdale, Merle Hay, Lower Beaver 100%96%1 Gig5 Gig5894 Metronet Holdings
50314 River Bend, Mondamin, Cheatom Park 99%74%1 Gig5 Gig5873 Metronet Holdings
50309 Downtown, East Village, Western Gateway, Sherman Hill 98%10%1 Gig5 Gig579 Mediacom Xtream
50321 Southwest Des Moines, Airport, Fort Des Moines 93%87%1 Gig5 Gig5486 Metronet Holdings
50312 Ingersoll, Grand Avenue, South of Grand, Woodland Heights 100%89%1 Gig5 Gig5887 Metronet Holdings
50311 Drake University, Drake Neighborhood, Waterbury 100%98%1 Gig5 Gig5896 Metronet Holdings
50301 Downtown Des Moines 96%98%1 Gig5 Gig5696 Metronet Holdings
50303 Downtown Des Moines 96%98%1 Gig5 Gig5696 Metronet Holdings
50305 Downtown Des Moines 96%98%1 Gig5 Gig5696 Metronet Holdings
50302 Downtown Des Moines 96%98%1 Gig5 Gig5696 Metronet Holdings
50304 Downtown Des Moines 96%98%1 Gig5 Gig5696 Metronet Holdings

Rank score (0–100) is each provider’s Speed Score, discounted for weak upload, times the share of that ZIP it reaches — the same rule that orders providers on the Des Moines city page, so it moves as availability changes street to street.

Which is better for…

The right pick comes down to what you actually do online.

Gaming
Metronet Holdings
Metronet Holdings offers much stronger upload capacity and a higher speed score of 98, which better suits multiplayer play, downloads, and busy households where available.
Streaming
Metronet Holdings
Metronet Holdings has more than enough two-way capacity for multiple high-bandwidth streams where available, while Mediacom Xtream remains suitable for typical streaming needs.
Video calls
Metronet Holdings
Upload speed decides this one: Metronet Holdings offers 5,120 Mbps upload, while Mediacom Xtream tops out at 50 Mbps. Choose Metronet where available for smoother calls alongside other uploads.
Just the basics
Mediacom Xtream
Mediacom Xtream starts at $30 per month and reaches about 96% of Des Moines, so its 1,000/50 Mbps tier is enough for browsing, email, and ordinary streaming where available.

Get connected

Pick your provider and check availability at your address.

Top speed1 Gig
Upload50 Mbps
Coverage96%
From$30/mo
  • 1 Gig down · 50 Mbps up Cable
Top speed5 Gig
Upload5 Gig
Coverage79%
From$49.95/mo
  • 5 Gig down · 5 Gig up Fiber

See what’s actually available at your address

Coverage changes from one street to the next. Check your exact address in seconds.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Metronet or Mediacom available at my Des Moines address?

Mediacom Xtream reaches about 96% of Des Moines, while Metronet Holdings reaches about 79%. Coverage can vary block to block, so check both providers with your exact address before choosing.

Which is cheaper in Des Moines, Mediacom or Metronet, and what will I actually pay?

Mediacom Xtream starts at $30 per month, compared with $49.95 for Metronet Holdings. These are promotional starting rates, so confirm the post-promo rate, equipment fees, and any contract before signing.

Which is faster for gaming, working from home, or 4K streaming?

Metronet Holdings offers up to 5,120/5,120 Mbps where available, while Mediacom Xtream offers up to 1,000/50 Mbps where available. Metronet is the stronger performance choice, but check availability at your address first.

How we compare. Coverage is the share of a ZIP where a provider offers a genuinely good plan (≥ 1 Gbps download, ≥ 20 Mbps upload, non-satellite), from FCC Broadband Map serviceability data. “Fastest available” ranks the providers present in a ZIP by top advertised download speed. Pricing reflects current promotional starting rates. Provider order and each ZIP’s winner follow the site’s one ranking rule (Speed Score, discounted for weak upload, times coverage); read the full methodology.