Cox Home Internet Review

About Cox Internet

Founded more than 60 years ago, Cox Communications is a leading broadband communications company providing internet, digital streaming, home phone, home automation and home security services to seven million homes and businesses across 19 states.

The company’s reliable fiber-based broadband network can deliver faster and more reliable internet speeds than 5G home internet providers—even during peak hours. Plus, Cox offers an expansive selection of bundling options, which have made it a popular pick among home and businesses owners alike.

Cox Internet’s Coverage and Availability

Cox Communications operates six cable systems in 19 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Virginia. Cox is constantly expanding their services and making improvements to their network, so customers can expect more availability in the future.

Cox Internet Plans and Pricing

Here’s a look at the pricing structure for Cox Internet’s various plans at the time of this review:

Cancellation Policy 

Cox offers a 30-day money back guarantee on new service activations (not including service transfers), which covers the standard installation charge, the first month’s service fee, and equipment charges if you’ve purchased or rented your equipment directly from the company.

Equipment Requirements and Costs

The Go Fast  100 Mbps plan includes Cox’s Panoramic Wifi Gateway, a modem and router in one, which delivers fast, reliable speeds regardless of your plan. Customers who purchase other Cox Internet plans can enjoy the Cox Panoramic Wifi Gateway free the first two years, with the option to rent this exclusive equipment for an additional $14 per month after that.

You can also opt to use your own equipment. You’ll need both a modem and a router since a modem connects your home to Cox Internet service, and a router delivers wifi to your devices.  You’ll need to ensure that your equipment can support your internet plan tier. You’ll want to consider your internet plan speed and the way you want it delivered to your network, as well as whether you prefer a wire-free setup. Cox provides a helpful guide for selecting the right equipment according to your plan type right on their website.

Additional Monthly Fees and Charges

All Cox Internet plans come with 1.25 TB (1280 GB) per month of data usage. Additional data plans are available, but require an additional monthly charge. To get unlimited data, you’ll need to pay an additional $40 per month. Excess usage is $10 per additional 50 GB block, and unused data does not roll over.

Bundles and extras

Cox offers a variety of internet bundles that offer customers opportunities to upgrade or add additional features to their plans, including:

•   Unlimited data bundles
•   Streaming bundles
•   Tech support bundles
•   Home monitoring packages

Cox also offers packages that deliver extra savings to customers who choose to purchase more than just their internet service. Bundling options are available for:

•   Internet & TV
•   Internet & Homelife
•   Internet, TV & Homelife
•   Internet, TV & phone

Cox Homelife is a smart home system that enables you to keep an eye on pets and deliveries, see who’s at the door, and more, while you’re out and about—all from your smartphone.

Offers and Discount Codes

Cox frequently offers discounts on their website. Be sure to check out their current offers and discount codes before signing up for a plan.

Plus, Cox Mobile customers get exclusive savings every month when they add a Cox internet plan of their choice to their account. With no annual contracts or cancellation fees, it’s easy for current mobile subscribers to test out Cox internet and save at the same time.

Cox Internet Speed Options and Tiers

Cox provides fiber-powered internet. Most homes are connected by a coax cable. In select areas, they offer a 100 percent fiber optic connection directly to the home. The network delivers up to one GIG download speeds everywhere, and even up to 2 GIG speeds in some areas.

These are faster speeds than you’ll get with DSL, satellite internet or a fixed wireless connection.

Download and Upload Speeds

Here’s a look at the max download and upload speeds you can expect with of each of Cox’s primary internet plans:

Data Caps

Cox does have data caps on its internet plans, which may be a deterrent for some users. However, it should be noted that the limits are extremely generous—they’re 1,280 Gigs, an amount even heavy internet users are unlikely to exceed.

If you do happen to surpass your data limit, the company will automatically add 50 Gig of data (that’s enough for about 15 hours of streaming HD video) to your plan, and an additional $10 to your next bill.

If you use that 50 Gig, Cox will automatically add another 50 Gig for $10 and will continue doing so until your next usage cycle begins. If you think you will exceed the data limits, you should consider one of Cox’s additional data plans, which increase your monthly data allowance for an extra fee.

Throttling

Cox does not throttle Internet speeds nor do they block or interfere with your Internet usage.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a family-owned company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that has been providing digital cable television, internet, phone and home security services for more than 60 years. Since its inception, Cox has been committed to providing customers with a quality, high-speed Internet experience. The company has grown to become one of the largest private broadband companies in America today.

Cox Internet Customer Service Information

Cox Internet offers customers several ways to connect with their customer service team. You can reach them via text (54512), live chat (with a virtual assistant or with a live agent), or by phone (1-800-234-3993). Customers who want the peace of mind that comes with having 24/7 technical support can pay an extra $10 per month to get advanced tech support whenever they need it.

Cox Internet vs. Other ISPs

Here’s a look at how Cox Internet stacks up against other leading ISPs on the market today:

AT&T vs. Cox Internet

AT&T and Cox are two of the most popular ISPs out there and with good reason: Both offer a wide range of plans, excellent speeds and reasonable prices. Both have a variety of bundling options for internet, TV and phone services, and both participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program through which qualified customers can receive internet service for reduced rates—or even for free.

However, there are some key differences between these two ISPS, including:

• AT&T offers a 5 GIG plan, which is faster than any Cox plan (2 GIG is their max)—but it’s important to keep in mind that those speeds are only possible in the few areas where AT&T fiber is available.
•   Cox offers more bundling options for other services as well as for internet service extras.
•   Cox’s lower tier plans are slightly less expensive than AT&Ts comparable plans.
•   AT&T has no data caps; Cox does—but they are very generous, so most users won’t need to worry about exceeding it.
•   Cox offers more than three million Wi-Fi hotspot locations; AT&T offers just 30,000.
•   Cox offers a 30-day money back guarantee; AT&T allows penalty-free cancellations only within 14 days.

Verizon 5G Home Internet vs. Cox

Verizon 5G Home Internet and Cox Internet have a few things in common. Both offer a variety of plans, packages and price points, and both have excellent customer service. That said, there are a few key differences between these two leading ISPs. The primary one has to do with how they transmit signals. Verizon’s 5G home internet uses nearby cellular towers to send a signal to the modem/router in your home. The speed and reliability of that signal can be compromised by several factors, including the distance it has to travel to reach your home, and if there are obstructions like trees, buildings, walls and windows on its path. Cox uses a fiber-based broadband network, which tends to maintain signal strength over greater distances, and is less impacted by obstructions. This explains why Cox Internet can deliver speeds that are faster and more reliable than 5G Home Internet—even during peak hours.

There are a few other differences between these two ISPs, including:

•   Cox Internet is more widely available—the company services 19 states compared to Verizon’s 10.
•   Cox offers a wider selection of bundles that combine internet, TV, phone, security and more for added savings.
•   While extremely generous, Cox enforces data limits, which may deter some very high usage customers; Verizon does not.
•   Verizon does not charge for equipment; with the exception of the Go Fast-100 Mbps plan, equipment is only included for the first 24 months on all other Cox internet plans
•   Cox does not increase prices annually or require contracts, while Verizon only offers a three year price lock

Bottom Line: Why We Love It

Cox Internet offers several benefits that make it a compelling choice for an internet service, including fast speeds and a reliable connection. The company offers a wide range of plans, bundles and optional upgrades, so customers get exactly what they need. While some customers may be put off by the fact that many of Cox Internet’s plans come with data caps, those caps are so large, even the heaviest internet users are unlikely to surpass their limits.