Cox Connect2Compete
From eligibility requirements to download speeds, here’s what you need to know about Cox’s family-friendly internet plan.
Price: $9.95/mo.
Download speeds: Up to 100 Mbps
Upload speeds: Up to 5 Mbps
Data cap: 1.25 TB
Contract: N/A
If your family has a child in school and you need low-cost internet access, look no further than Cox Connect2Compete. Cox’s low-income internet plan isn’t perfect, but at $9.95 a month for 100 Mbps download speeds, it’s the most affordable and fastest low-cost internet plan on the market.
How much does Cox Connect2Compete cost?
Simply put, Connect2Compete is one of the best low-cost internet plans we’ve seen from a major internet service provider (ISP).
For $9.95 monthly, you’ll get 100 Mbps download speeds, 5 Mbps upload speeds, and Cox’s standard 1.25 TB data cap. You’ll also get a free modem/Wi-Fi router combo and access to Cox’s hotspot network. On top of all that, you won’t have to deal with installation fees or a contract.
But Cox has a few requirements for Connect2Compete: to qualify for the internet plan, you’ll need to be enrolled in an eligible program like the National School Lunch Program or Section 8 housing. Unlike many low-cost internet programs, you’ll also need at least one child who’s in grades K–12.
Most subsidized internet plans simply require your household to be in a program like Medicaid, but these plans will also be slower compared to Connect2Compete. If your family meets all of Connect2Compete’s requirements, your kids will have fast internet, and you’ll save a lot on your monthly internet bill.
Interested in Cox low-income internet service?
If you don’t have a child and you’re still interested in affordable internet, you may qualify for Cox’s ConnectAssist package. The program costs $30.00 monthly and comes with 100 Mbps download speeds.
In most scenarios, Connect2Compete’s 100 Mbps download speeds will be enough for a regular family’s basic internet needs. Although tasks like Xbox game downloads might be a slog, your family can answer emails and have Netflix nights on Connect2Compete.
But with the plan’s meager 5 Mbps upload speeds, you’ll run into problems on video calls, especially if more than a few people are online at the same time. Unfortunately, Cox saves its best upload speeds for its standard internet plans.
How does Cox Connect2Compete stack up to the competition?
Comparing low-cost internet plans
| Low-cost internet plan | Price | Max download speeds | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox Connect2Compete | $9.95/mo. | 100 Mbps | |
| Internet Essentials From Comcast | $9.95/mo. | 50 Mbps | View Plan |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | $24.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | View plan |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Spectrum and Mediacom are among the ISPs with low-income internet plans that have 50 Mbps or less download speeds. Essentially, that means you’ll experience slow internet problems when more than a few people in your household are online.
By comparison, Xfinity’s Internet Essentials Plus ($29.95/mo.) and Cox’s ConnectAssist plan ($30.00/mo.) are a few of the low-income internet plans that come with 100 Mbps download speeds. Both plans are much pricier than Connect2Compete, although neither require you to have a child in school.
Connect2Compete is also a better deal compared to Cox’s standard internet plans, which start at $29.99 for 25 Mbps download speeds. For a standard 100 Mbps cable internet plan, you’ll typically pay between $30.00 and $50.00 a month depending on your region and provider.
Compared to its competition, Connect2Compete is the rare internet plan that’s cheaper and faster across the board. What’s not to like about that?
What to look for when choosing a new internet plan
Low-cost internet plans provide accessible internet access, but they’re not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution. Before you apply for Cox Connect2Compete, here’s what you need to know about cable internet plans.
Download/upload speeds
Connect2Compete’s 100 Mbps download speed is generous for a low-cost internet program, but its 5 Mbps upload speed comes up short. For example, Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plans come with faster 10 Mbps upload speeds, and they cost the same as Cox’s internet plans.
100 Mbps will be enough for most families, but if you’re regularly downloading large files like games, your family might get frustrated with Connect2Compete’s download speeds. Similarly, you’ll experience internet problems with Connect2Compete if more than a few people are regularly taking video calls.
Visit our internet speed guide to figure out if Connect2Compete’s download and upload speeds will meet your family’s internet needs.
Internet setup
Cox’s EasyConnect self-installation program is fairly straightforward, and it won’t take long to get your family online if you’ve ever set up a TV or computer. Check out our Cox installation guide for tips if you’re setting up Cox internet for the first time.
Cox customer service is middle-of-the-road
Cox earned a fourteenth-place overall finish (out of 25 ISPs) in our 2024 internet customer satisfaction survey. Although finishing around the middle of the pack, customers were generally fine with Cox’s customer service and internet performance, customers were generally fine with Cox’s customer service and internet performance.
I have been a Cox customer for over 10 years and I have always received exemplary customer service every time I had an issue.
Is Cox Connect2Compete worth it?
Consider signing up for Connect2Compete if you’re looking for low-cost internet service, have at least one child in school, and are enrolled in one of Connect2Compete’s qualifying assistance programs.
Although Connect2Compete’s upload speeds are lackluster, 100 Mbps download speeds for $9.95 monthly is an unbeatable deal and an excellent way to get your family online.
Cox Connect2Compete FAQ
What is Cox Connect2Compete?
Cox Connect2Compete is one of Cox’s low-cost internet plans. If you have a child in K–12 schooling and are enrolled in an eligible program like SNAP, you can apply for Cox Connect2Compete and get 100 Mbps download speeds for only $9.95 monthly.
How do I set up Cox Connect2Compete?
Cox includes a combo modem/wireless router with Connect2Compete. To install the Connect2Compete internet box, you’ll need to plug it in and activate it alongside your Cox account. Visit our Cox internet setup guide to learn more about installing Cox internet.
How fast is Cox Connect2Compete?
Cox Connect2Compete has download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 5 Mbps.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ending?
Yes, the ACP is projected to run out of funding after May of 2024. But don’t fret—many internet providers have low-income initiatives that people can turn to after the ACP ends.
Cox Connect2Compete is one of these initiatives, and can be a great alternative to the ACP if your family has a child grades K–12 and is enrolled in an eligible program like SNAP.
Why you should trust us
We spent nearly 20 hours analyzing Cox Connect2Compete in areas including cost, eligibility requirements, and download speeds. To further measure Connect2Compete’s competitiveness, we cross-referenced the plan against top low-cost internet plans from providers like AT&T, Xfinity, and Spectrum.
For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
