Cox Internet Plans and Pricing
We tested and researched Cox internet for nine months. Read on to see if Cox internet plans are worth it.
Price: $49.99–$99.99*
Download speeds: 100 Mbps–1,000 Mbps
Data cap: 1.25 TB
Contract length: 12 mos.
Is Cox internet good?
Cox internet is generally good for most folks, but it really depends on which competitors are also available in your area.
In a nutshell, Cox cable internet plans are faster than telephone-line DSL internet but slower than fiber-optic internet. Still, some of Cox’s internet plans come close to fiber speed, and most of them can easily handle household needs. And most Cox internet plans are fairly affordable.
So, yes, for the most part, we’d say that Cox internet is good.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Wide range of packages
Cons
- 1.25 TB data cap
- 12-mo. contract
Cox internet deals and promotions
Cox frequently offers free promotions on features and equipment, low-income internet discounts, and bundle discounts. Check out our Cox Deals and Promotions page for the latest deals.
Cox internet-only plans and packages
| Package | Price | Download speeds up to | Upload speeds up to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Essential 100 | $49.99/mo.* | 100 Mbps | 3 Mbps | View plan |
| StraightUp Internet | $50.00/mo.** | 100 Mbps | 3 Mbps | View plan |
| Internet Preferred 250 | $59.99/mo.* | 250 Mbps | 10 Mbps | View plan |
| Internet Ultimate 500 | $79.99/mo.* | 500 Mbps | 10 Mbps | View plan |
| Gigablast | $99.99/mo.* | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | View plan |
*For 12 mos. w/ 1-yr. term agrmt.
**Same price for 3 yrs.
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
If you go with Cox Communications, get a Cox internet-only plan unless you’re fine with paying a pretty penny for a TV and internet bundle (more on that later).
Cox’s starting package, Essential 100, is an ideal internet plan. It costs $49.99 a month (the average price for internet in the US) and comes with 100 Mbps (our recommended internet speed for most folks).
And Cox’s cable internet speeds stay competitive with fiber internet, thanks to its Gigablast plan. With this plan, you’ll get download speeds as fast as 1,000 Mbps. But cable internet can’t match fiber’s fast upload speeds, so your video calls might not be as smooth as they’d be on a fiber internet service.
If you’re running a home business or uploading your weekly fly-fishing podcast, maybe look around for a fiber internet provider. And fiber internet providers like Google Fiber and Verizon Fios offer gig speeds for less cash, for example, so shop around.
We tested Cox for 9 months
“As a Cox subscriber with Gigablast internet, I can attest to its lightning speed, whether I’m doing essential work or playing games. It’s perfect when everyone in the house wants to retreat to a different room to use a device for everything from watching movies to downloading movies to watch on the phone—the download speed has never slowed down no matter what kind of activity is taking place.” —Amy Young
Cox internet and TV packages
| Package | Price* | Download speeds up to | Channel count | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Preferred 250 + Contour TV Preferred | $151.99/mo. | 250 Mbps | 140+ | View plan |
| Internet Ultimate 500 + Contour TV Preferred | $190.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | 170+ | View plan |
| Internet Gigablast + Contour TV Ultimate | $250.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 250+ | View plan |
*For 12 mos. w/ 1-yr. term agrmt. Data effective as post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
TBH, we don’t really recommend Cox TV and internet bundles because of the extremely high cost for most folks. For example, Cox Internet Gigablast + Contour TV Ultimate offers cranked-up download speeds and tons of channels, sure, but it’ll cost you a whopping $250.99 a month.
Unfortunately, aside from giving you one convenient bill and live TV, Cox internet and TV bundles don’t deliver much value. We recommend checking out the Cox internet packages and going with a standalone Cox internet plan. If you want TV, we recommend going with a more affordable live TV streaming option.
Still interested in Cox bundles? We analyze every Cox bundle (we only list the three best here) in our comprehensive review.
Cox internet equipment and features
Bundles and TV service aside, a couple of things that Cox gets right are its internet equipment and features. Smaller internet service providers can’t provide you the tech that Cox does, but it’ll cost you a little extra.
Read on to see what goodies Cox internet has to offer.
Cox Hotspots
All Cox internet plans come with a membership to Cox Hotspots, a network of 3 million Wi-Fi hotspots accessible from any mobile device. These Wi-Fi hotspots are free for Cox customers, but if you’re not one, you can also pay a fee to connect to a hotspot for a limited time. For more information on how to locate and connect to Cox Wi-Fi, check out our Cox Hotspots guide.
Cox Panoramic WiFi
Cox rents the Panoramic WiFi Gateway for $12 a month.
A combination cable modem and 2-port gigabit wired router, the Panoramic WiFi provides fast and reliable speeds across your home.
Download the app to manage your Wi-Fi from your home or mobile device.
You don’t have to rent this modem/router combo if you don’t want to though—you can buy a Cox-compatible modem and router instead.
Buying your own devices will cost you more upfront, but you might save some cash dollars in the long run.
Cox Panoramic WiFi Gateway. Image credit: Cox.com
Cox Contour Stream Player
Cox Contour Stream Player (left side) on our tester’s entertainment console. Photo credit: CableTV.com
Cox also has a TV streaming device called the Cox Contour Stream Player that you can get with its internet plans. The streaming device costs $5 per month and comes preloaded with popular streaming apps like Netflix and Peacock.
Cox currently offers a free Peacock Premium subscription when you rent the Cox Contour Stream Player, add Cox Panoramic WiFi, and sign up for any Cox internet plan.
When you consider that the Cox Contour Stream Player features roughly the same functionality as the Xfinity Flex, which you can get free with an Xfinity internet plan, it’s not really much of a deal, though.
Still, going with the Cox Contour Stream Player and Panoramic WiFi for $47.99–$117.99 per month is a whole helluva lot cheaper than bundling internet and TV through Cox.
Cox prepaid internet service
Yes, Cox does offer prepaid internet. It’s called StraightUp Internet, and you pay for it before you use it. It’s a $50 fee that is paid upfront with no hidden or extra fees. It gives you 1 TB of data each month.
The service also includes prepaid Wi-Fi via a dual-band modem provided by Cox. There is no contract involved, so you decide each month if you want to pay ahead for another month of service. An auto-renewal option is available.
Cox Elite Gamer
Elite Gamer is a new option Cox is offering to Panoramic WiFi users. This feature comes included with Panoramic WiFi Gateway, and it’s designed to help gamers—both individuals and teams—head to victory.
By finding a faster path to the PC game server, it optimizes your gaming connection. Its comprehensive dashboard lets you analyze past performances to ensure future wins.
Cox internet plans for seniors
Cox does not currently offer a senior discount on internet plans. It does offer some low-cost internet options but none specifically tailored for older adults.
Final take: Is Cox internet worth it?
Cox’s Essential 100 package hits the internet sweet spot for price and speed. But if you’re looking at the Gigablast plan for your large family or many internet devices, check to see if you have a cheaper fiber provider in your area—Cox’s 1,000 Mbps plan is a bit overpriced.
To make sure you’re spending only what you want to, make sure to take a peek at our Hidden Cox Fees for Cable and Internet page.
Methodology
To determine the capabilities of Cox internet plans, we tested different internet plans on devices including TVs, iPhones, Androids, and tablets. In some homes, we tested on multiple products simultaneously to ensure download speeds when numerous users are enjoying the service all at once. We also explored Cox’s internet plans and packages to give you the most up-to-date information about pricing and features. We used data from our annual customer service satisfaction survey to present star ratings to help decision-making. You can learn more about our process on our How We Rank page.
Cox internet FAQ
Is Cox internet unlimited?
Like most cable internet providers, Cox imposes a data cap on service—but you’ll likely never hit it. Cox’s monthly 1.25 TB (terabyte) cap is comparable to streaming over 500 hours of HD movies and TV shows. If you can consume that in a month, you’ve earned an internet break.
If you need to keep track of your data usage, Cox has options. There’s a Data Usage Meter available on the Cox website and the Cox app. Opt-in alerts can let you know if you’re running low on data.
Can I just get Wi-Fi from Cox?
Cox offers standalone internet plans for those who have—or want—to cut the cable cord but still stream TV and movie programs. It’s one way to avoid getting locked into a bundle that will be more expensive.
Does Cox throttle internet speed?
No, Cox doesn’t currently throttle internet speed — at least during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting aside these unprecedented circumstances, it’s hard to prove that any internet company throttles speeds, let alone Cox. We have our theories, though. . .
Do I have to use the modem supplied by Cox?
Cox internet service is compatible with a long list of modems from outside sources, as long as they’re DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1. Plans below 250 Mbps will work with older DOCSIS 2.0 modems.
Is cable internet the same as satellite internet?
While there’s little noticeable difference between cable TV and satellite TV service, internet is another matter. Cable internet can deliver download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, but satellite internet maxes out at 100 Mbps (average speed: 25 Mbps).
Satellite internet is also more expensive than cable internet and far less reliable—in other words, it’s not a great deal (unless it’s the only internet you can get, especially in remote areas with little infrastructure).
How do I reach Cox internet support?
If you need technical support for your Cox internet service, call +1-800-234-3993 at any time, day or night. Check out our Cox customer service page for more ways to get in touch.
We also have a handy Cox Troubleshooting Guide that can help lead you to a solution.
How much data can I use with Cox internet?
All of the Cox internet plans include 1.25 TB (1280 GB) of data per month. Cox offers the option to add more. For $29.99 a month, you can add 500 GB to your base data for another 100 hours of HD streaming.
How much is Cox internet with unlimited data?
Unlimited data will cost you an additional $49.99 a month on top of your Cox internet package. You can work and play online to your heart’s content with the unlimited plan. Say goodbye (and good riddance) to worrying about any overage charges.
Check the Cox deals and promotions to see if there are ways to save a few bucks.
What is the fastest internet speed that Cox offers?
Gigablast is Cox’s fastest internet speed at 1,000 Mbps, perfect for people working from home or who live with multiple users.
This option has the speed to power several devices at once. and lets you stream 4K movies while downloading several more or play an online game while chatting via video.
