Cox vs. Xfinity TV

Cox wins when it comes to bundles. Its cable TV prices can be expensive, but adding internet or phone adds value to your TV package, especially with its superfast internet speeds.

Cox also doesn’t mess around when it comes to adding channels. The Sports & Info Pack, Latino Pack, and Variety Pack are some of the add-on options you can select to beef up your plan.

Xfinity TV is your choice when availability is the primary concern. Its pricing is similar to Cox, and it rates high with customers, based heavily on its reliability. When you check to see its availability in your area, you can see the plans and pricing specific to you.

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• Head-to-head comparison
• Packages and prices
• Equipment
• FAQ

Cox vs. Xfinity TV pros and cons

Compare Cox and Xfinity TV head to head

Data effective as of post date. Not all offers available in all areas.

It makes sense to go for the package that’s going to give you the most. Cox and Xfinity TV packages are so close in price that it’s important to take a broad look at all that each provider offers. Cox costs a little more, but has higher channel counts and a DVR option that lets you record up to 24 programs at the same time.

Should you pick Xfinity TV, you could pick a DVR with unlimited storage.

Cox vs. Xfinity packages and pricing

Looking at the package options between these two providers, it’s easy to see they have similar tiers. Take deep dives into the channel lineups so you can get the biggest bang for your buck.

Cox packages

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Cox is going to cost you more than Xfinity TV, whether you get a solo TV plan or pick a bundle to add internet and phone. The upside is that you get an outstanding DVR and higher channel counts on some of their TV plans.

The Cox TV Ultimate package is Cox’s best. It has around 100 more channels, including more than 10 HBO^® channels and a slew from Disney and ESPN, so it caters to a large household with diverse tastes.

If you’re going to have a cable TV plan that costs money, it’s worth getting one that makes everyone smile.

Xfinity TV packages

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Xfinity’s Digital Preferred package is its best offering. It costs a little more than the Digital Starter plan, but it’s more robust in its sports and kids programming.

Xfinity’s packages also cost less than Cox’s, which is a major plus for budget-minded TV lovers, but its lower channel counts match the cheaper price. If a lower monthly price is your priority, pick Xfinity. But otherwise, we’d still recommend Cox’s Preferred Plus and Ultimate packages for the overall better value.

Cox vs. Xfinity DVRs

Cox’s Contour DVR is the clear winner over the Xfinity X1 DVR. Both have fees, so while either one will definitely tack dollars onto your monthly bill, Cox has a better payoff. With cable TV hits like HBO’s Succession and SHOWTIME’s^® Dexter dropping new seasons, think about how much storage you need for proper binging.

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The COX Wireless 4K Contour DVR is a top DVR choice around here. The storage potential is enormous—serious TV viewers know how important that can be. Whether you have a big household with tons of storage needs or you’re a single dedicated TV watcher, this has you covered.

Let’s get specific. Cox Contour DVR is one hearty recording option. With 50–1,000 HD hours of storage and up to 24 simultaneous recordings, you can create one huge library that holds everything from shows you’re dying to watch to unbelievable moments in sports that you have to rewind to watch over and over again.

Xfinity’s X1 is not without its charms. It offers a hands-free voice remote—like Cox does—and a smooth, easy to maneuver interface.

Both DVRs knock on the door of your wallet to ask for extra money, so if you want to get the most bang for your buck, with the charges, we suggest the Cox Contour.

Cox vs. Xfinity installation

Both Cox’s and Xfinity’s TV services allow for self-installation. That’s great because you don’t have to adjust your schedule for a technician’s visit, and you don’t have to pay an extra fee.

You don’t have to be a technician or even tech-savvy to complete the installation process. Both providers offer simple step-by-step instructions to get you through the process.

You don’t have to do it yourself, though. You can schedule a technician to do it for you, but be prepared to pay an extra fee.

I personally used the Cox Easy Connect self-installation kit—with no assistance—and had my system up and running in about 10 minutes. Take a look at our Cox installation guide to see the steps involved.

We have handy Xfinity TV installation guides to help you move through the process smoothly.

The one advantage Cox’s self-installation offers is that it’s completely free. Xfinity charges for shipping. Here’s a guide to the installation prices for both providers.

Data effective as of post date. Not all offers available in all areas.

Cox vs. Xfinity mobile apps

The Cox Contour app and Xfinity Stream app are on-the-go viewing apps that turn your phone or tablet into a mobile television.

Cox Contour app

Cox likens its Contour App to a portable TV, and it’s not wrong. Once you’re a subscriber, you can have the whole world (of TV) in your hands—you know, like the song.

Using your phone or tablet, Cox’s live and on-demand TV is at your fingertips. You can also access and manage your DVR library from the app and download programs to watch offline at your convenience. Keep in mind that with some live TV shows and recordings, you have to be signed in to the in-home Wi-Fi network in order to watch.

Xfinity Stream app

Like the Contour app, the Xfinity Stream app allows you access to all of your DVR recordings, live channels, and Xfinity On Demand titles.

Overall, the Cox Contour and Xfinity Stream apps are very similar. Both allow you to not only watch shows but also view accounts, pay bills, and manage parental controls.

With either app, the amount of content you can view, record, or download is based on the plan you subscribe to.

Xfinity and Cox’s apps are so well-matched that whichever provider you pick, you’ll be able to set and direct content with the tap of a finger.

Cox vs. Xfinity internet bundles

Double-Play and Triple-Play are the names of the bundles Xfinity TV offers when you combine TV with internet and phone options. Just like with its TV packages, Xfinity’s bundles are priced by region and can vary. Depending on the plan you choose, download speeds range from 400 to 1,200 Mbps. If you need a superfast internet speed, Xfinity currently has the fastest in the US, at 6,000 Mbps—just be prepared to spend more money.

Cox offers TV and internet bundles, but it cranks the price up a few notches. Taking a thorough look at the package options will help you determine the best option for you. That said, Cox’s high speeds overall add value to their bundles, but at 250 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps, its download speeds are slightly lower.

If you’re bundling, Xfinity TV is going to come in at a lower price—if you’re not getting the super high-speed internet—and it has channel packages comparable to Cox.

Before you pick an internet service provider, find out which ones are available in your area. Enter your zip code below to see internet providers in your neighborhood.

Final take: Is Cox or Xfinity better?

As premium TV providers, Cox and Xfinity TV both offer customers solid channels at similarly medium-to-high prices, but Cox takes home the title in this TV battle.

Cox’s highest level packages pack a solid punch to give you the highest channel count, best bundles, and a dreamy DVR option.

Xfinity TV plans are so similar that it may come down to channel specifics, like how many and the ones that best serve your household’s viewing needs.

Methodology

Our team of experts conducted hundreds of hours of hands-on testing, number crunching, and rating the Cox and Xfinity TV services on bang for your buck, reliability, features, and customer satisfaction.

We put the two industry powerhouses head to head to offer a comprehensive picture of their strengths and weaknesses. For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.

Cox vs. Xfinity TV FAQ