Cox Internet Review 2024

Our Verdict

Cox Communications provides high-speed internet via a hybrid fiber/cable technology to 19 states. With internet speeds reaching 2 Gbps, its plans combine the speed of fiber internet with the reliability of cable.

Internet plans with Cox are ideal for families and households that rely on regular internet access for school or work. Its higher-speed plans are ideal for families who like to stream, game and join video chats from multiple devices simultaneously.

We score Cox 4.6 because of its fast and reliable plans and the array of customer support avenues it offers. However, Cox loses points because of its limited availability.

Pros

• Reliable service
• Offers a variety of speeds
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Limited availability
• Some customer service complaints
• Prices aren’t locked in

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On Cox's Website

4.6

Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team.

Lowest Price Plan

$50

Speeds Available

100 Mbps, 250 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps

Customer Rating

Okay

Cox Internet at a Glance

Company Overview:

The largest private telecom company in the United States, Cox Communications is a family-owned broadband communications and entertainment company that has been in operation for more than 50 years.

Cox offers high-speed hybrid fiber/cable internet service in addition to home phone, television and smart home services. Cox made our list of best internet providers of 2024 in part because of the ability to customize bundles for discounts. For example, customers can take advantage of a $14.99 per month discount when they bundle internet and mobile.

Five internet plans are available with Cox, with download speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps. That’s fast — which is why the company also made our list of the fastest internet providers of 2024. Prices for its high-speed plans start at $50 per month and reach $150 per month.

One downside to Cox is its limited availability—it’s currently only available in 19 states. However, we found Cox to be reputable and reliable, making the company an ideal ISP for customers who live in its service area. 

Other Features and Benefits

24/7 Tech Support as an Add-On

When you sign up for Cox internet, you can add a service called Cox Complete Care for an extra $10 monthly. Cox Complete Care gives users 24/7 expert tech support and protection from most costly in-home wiring and equipment repairs.

Streaming Devices

Another option for Cox internet customers is renting extra streaming devices. With the company’s Contour Stream Player, you can stream apps plus thousands of free shows and movies. If you decide to add on a Contour Stream Player for $5 per month per device, you’ll also get a voice remote to control it hands-free.

HBO Subscription

Cox customers can also add an ad-free subscription to Max.

Depending on the promotion, Cox customers can save a few monthly dollars on Max by adding it on through their subscription. We recommend doing your research to see how much a plan costs through Max directly versus through Cox when signing up. 

Cox Internet Internet Plans

Cox offers several internet plans at different price points. Cox says its internet is powered by fiber and connected to the premises via a coaxial connection, which makes it lightning-fast and reliable.

Plans have high download speeds, but upload speeds still need to be improved. While upload speeds under 10 Mbps are typically sufficient for casual internet users sending emails and sharing content on social media, those serious about gaming, live streaming and sharing large files (like uploading a YouTube video) should opt for plans with higher upload speeds.

None of Cox’s internet plans require a contract and only the “Go Fast” plan has a data cap. However, 1.25 TB should be more than enough for most internet users.

INTERNET PLAN	MONTHLY COST	CONNECTION	MAX SPEEDS	DATA CAP	CONTRACT TERM
ConnectAssist Internet Service	$30	Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial	117 Mbps download, 12 Mbps upload	1.25 TB monthly data	None
Go Fast	$50	Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial	100 Mbps download; 5 Mbps upload	1.25 TB	None
Go Faster	$70	Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial	250 Mbps download; 10 Mbps upload	1.25 TB	None
Go Even Faster	$90	Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial	500 Mbps download; 10 Mbps upload	1.25 TB	None
Go Super Fast	$120	Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial	1 Gbps download; 35 Mbps upload	1.25 TB	None
Go Beyond Fast	$150	Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial	2 Gbps download; 100 Mbps upload	1.25 TB	None

*Rates were accurate as of time of writing and for sample location.

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Go Fast – Ideal for Light Internet Users

With this basic Cox internet plan, you’ll see download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps. In our research, we found that an upload speed of at least 10 Mbps is ideal for sharing content, sending emails and joining video chats.

While some users can get away with slower upload speeds, we think this plan is only ideal for light internet users who don’t rely on it for work or school.

Go Faster – Get Higher Upload Speeds

This slightly faster plan features download speeds of up to 250 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 10 Mbps. It’s best for regular internet users who share content, send emails and join Zoom calls often. 

Go Even Faster – The Best Plan for Streaming

Cox’s “Go Even Faster” plan has the same upload speeds as its “Go Faster” plan, but it features higher download speeds of up to 500 Mbps.

We found that a 500 Mbps internet connection can support multiple users and devices, allowing a family to stream 4K HD video without interruption. Downloading an HD movie can take as little as 60 seconds with a 500 Mbps connection.

Go Super Fast – Perfect for Internet-Loving Households

With download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 35 Mbps, this high-speed internet plan is the best plan for households full of heavy internet users. Those who rely on the internet for work or school and are regularly joining video calls, sending emails or sharing large files will appreciate the high speeds facilitated by this plan.

Go Beyond Fast – Perfect for Professionals

With Cox’s fastest internet plan, you’ll see download speeds of up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps. 

Most users don’t need this much speed—100 to 500 Mbps is enough for one or two people to join video chats, stream in HD and play online games simultaneously. Regular users can stick to a lower plan and save money.

That said, if you’re a heavy internet user, especially a professional (or a house full of professionals) who processes large video files or plays high-resolution games, this plan is worth it.

ConnectAssist Internet Service — Best for Low-Income Households

Cox offers a plan for $30 per month internet for households that qualify. The plan has typical download speeds of 117 Mbps and upload speeds of 12 Mbps. Customers must participate in an eligible government assistance program like SNAP or Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC), certain Public Housing programs, Pell Grant, Veterans Pension, certain Tribal Programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)) and certain state Medicaid programs.

We recommend inquiring with the company for more specifics if you think you may qualify. 

How Much Does Cox Internet Cost?

Cox internet plans are fairly comparable to competitor pricing, with some competitors like Xfinity offering cheaper plans in some areas. That said, the company does offer ways to save, including bundling with other Cox services. For instance, you’ll save up to $25 per month when you sign up for its mobile service.

Cox plan prices are guaranteed for the first 24 months of service. At that point, the company may raise your price or encourage you to switch to a higher-priced plan. 

INTERNET PLAN	ONGOING RATE	EQUIPMENT FEE	TYPICAL THREE-YEAR COST
ConnectAssist Internet Service	$30	$15
Go Fast	$50	$15	$2,340
Go Faster	$70	$15	$2,580
Go Even Faster	$90	$15	$3,060
Go Super Fast	$120	$15	$3,900
Go Beyond Fast	$150	$15	$5,940

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Cox Internet Coverage

Cox internet is not nationwide — only 19 states are covered. Cox is available in:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

In our research, we found that Cox doesn’t cover the entirety of these states. Service may be limited to specific cities and metropolitan areas. The best way to see if you’re covered is by entering your address into the company’s website.

What Speeds Can You Expect With Cox Internet 

The download speeds facilitated by Cox internet are high—ranging from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps. Most users only need 100 to 500 Mbps, unless you’re sharing huge files and connecting to the internet with several devices simultaneously.

Upload speeds are significantly slower and range from 5 Mbps with its slowest plan to 100 Gbps with its fastest plan. Some light internet users can get away with 5 Mbps upload speeds, but those who wish to stream, send emails and share content will get frustrated with upload speeds that slow.

Cox Internet Contracts, Equipment, Fees and Hardware

Cox doesn’t require contracts for any of its plans, but the company does use promotional pricing on some plans, meaning your bill will likely increase after a set amount of time (typically 24 months). 

When you look at the information about its internet plans, be sure to note any extra equipment fees. You can occasionally waive these by using your own equipment or get this equipment for free for a time through certain promotions. 

Cox offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not pleased with Cox’s services within your first month of using them, the company will refund you for service fees, equipment charges and any installation fees.

Cox Internet Bundles and Deals

Customers who go with Cox internet can take advantage of various bundles to save money on their monthly bills. Bundles are available for internet, TV, smart home and phone services. The price of each bundle depends on the specific plan and services you choose.

How Does Cox Internet Perform On Customer Service?

Cox offers several customer support channels, including a bot-powered live chat, support phone line, community forum, blog and web-based support center with FAQs and how-to videos.

The company earns an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, but our research shows that the company has lower-than-average customer ratings on sites like Trustpilot and Google. 

Setting Up Internet: We Put Cox Internet To The Test

Signing up for a Cox internet plan on the company’s website is easy. The only caveat is that it’s not available in a majority of the United States.

Enter your address to see if you’re covered. If not, you’ll be sent to one of its partner internet providers, like Spectrum or Xfinity.

But if you are covered, you can select a plan, choose to add on equipment (which is necessary unless you have your own) or add an extra, like a Max subscription.

The process of signing up is simple, but it requires some vetting to make sure you’re covered in its service area. If you hit any roadblocks, Cox has a live chat to help. If you still have issues, call the company’s phone line for personal support from an agent. Overall we found the process of signing up to be straightforward

What You Can Expect From Cox Internet

For new customers, Cox guarantees plan prices for 24 months. After that, your bill will increase to the set amount corresponding to your selected plan. 

Cox charges $100 for professional installation, while self-installation is free.

What We Like About Cox Internet

We like that Cox offers a variety of internet plans that combine the high speed of fiber and the reliability of cable. It’s also a nice bonus that Cox offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes signing up a little less risky.

Cox internet is best for users who live in their coverage area and want fast and reliable internet with the option to bundle TV, phone and smart home services for discounts.

What We Didn’t Like About Cox Internet

Cox’s internet plans tend to be slightly pricier than those of its competitors. Customers should also keep in mind that the promotional price advertised on the website doesn’t apply after two years, so they will likely experience a price hike eventually.

The other downside of this provider is its lack of availability. Cox internet is only available in select areas in 19 states.

What People Are Saying About Cox Internet 

Cox internet has mixed to negative reviews among customers. Some praise the provider for its reliable service, while others complain of poor customer support. Cox Communications currently has a A+ rating on the BBB website. Customers give it a 1.18 out of 5. Digging into the reviews can paint a clearer picture of the ISP.

The reviews of Cox Communications on Trustpilot are lower than average—the provider scores a 1.2, which Trustpilot categorizes as “bad.” Some reviewers note that their internet speed is slower than advertised. Others say Cox’s customer service is lacking. 

Cox Communications’ customer rating on ConsumerAffairs is just a bit better. It has a 2.0 rating, according to hundreds of customer reviews. We recommend researching local reviews and making review vetting part of your research when looking into different internet service providers.

How Cox Internet Stacks Up

Company	Company - Logo	Lowest Price Available	Customer Rating	States Available	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text	Learn More
Cox Internet		$50.00	1.2	19	Learn More	On Cox's Website
HughesNet		$74.99	4.1	50	Learn More	On Hughesnet's Website
CenturyLink Internet		$55.00	1.1	16	Learn More	On CenturyLink's Website

Cox Internet vs. HughesNet

Cox and HughesNet both offer high-speed internet plans at varying price points, but their internet connection type is different. HughesNet utilizes satellites to provide internet to customers, while Cox uses a hybrid fiber cable connection. That makes HughesNet widely available. Cox coverage is severely limited.

HughesNet has higher prices for similar speed plans compared to Cox. It will cost you $89.99 a month for 100 Mbps internet with HughesNet and $50 for 100 Mbps with Cox. In some areas, especially rural ones, HughesNet speeds may be the best you can get. But if Cox is available in your area, it’s typically a better deal.

Learn more: HughesNet review

Cox Internet vs. CenturyLink

Cox and CenturyLink are both good internet providers. The right one for you depends on what’s available in your area. CenturyLink offers fiber internet in some locations, which beats out Cox’s cable internet because of its high speeds. If fiber isn’t available near you, though, the choice may be up to personal preference.

Learn more: CenturyLink review 

Is Cox Internet The Right Internet Provider for You?

Cox internet offers high speeds at competitive rates, making it ideal for internet-loving families. But depending on where you live, competitors like Xfinity or Verizon may have lower prices for similar speeds.

Cox internet combines fiber and wired internet technologies, which makes it fast and reliable. It’s perfect for professionals and serious gamers who rely on the internet on a regular basis.

Methodology –  How We Selected the Best Internet Providers

To determine the best internet provider rankings, the Forbes Home editorial team compared 22 major internet providers across nearly 40 different metrics broken into the categories below:

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates internet providers in our detailed methodology page.