I am a big consumer of popular media. I game regularly on my PC, I have a 4K 5.1 home theatre, and I’m just now getting into VR experiences on my new Meta Quest 2. I couldn’t care less about communications networks and technologies used to power the internet. But everything I love relies upon a fast and reliable Internet connection, which is why I’ve been closely following the Internet service industry for the last two years.
Currently, I’m with Cox Communications. They’re doing more work in their hybrid fiber-coaxial networks to stay competitive in my area than any other ISP. I get maximum speeds of around 800 Mbps during off-peak hours and around 200 Mbps during peak hours. They don’t have fiber here yet, but I never felt the need for faster upload speeds, so I’m quite satisfied. Cox’s terms and policies are pretty straightforward and reasonable too.
However, there are some things that I think Cox can improve upon and I hope it will when more customers recognize the need for these features, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me start with some of the reasons I prefer Cox Internet to others.
Things I Like About Cox Internet
Widely Available Gig Tier
Because I need a lot of bandwidth for downloads, I’m on Cox’s 1 Gbps speed tier. You may think the gig tier may be reserved for a few markets where Cox has a healthy network, but that’s not the case. Cox’s network meets CableLabs’ DOCSIS 3.1 specifications across 100% of its infrastructure, allowing it to support speeds up to 1 Gbps everywhere.Â
Now, you may not want or need these speeds, but the fact that Cox has gig speeds available everywhere entails something we all appreciate in Internet service: speed consistency.
Consistent Speeds
ISPs can only offer speeds their network bandwidth allows. Cox’s wide gig availability implies that its network has high bandwidth everywhere. High bandwidth means that the local network can support higher speeds for the entire neighborhood and speeds don’t plummet to frustrating levels at peak times.
I can attest to Cox’s speed reliability, but you don’t have to take my work for it. According to analysis Speedtest.com, Cox is among the only three ISPs in the US whose download/upload speeds stay above 25/3 Mbps 90% of the time people run the speed test.
Straightforward and Transparent Pricing and Terms
Cox Internet sets itself apart with clear and transparent pricing structures that don’t involve short-term discounts and hidden actual standard fees, as is the case with many other ISPs. All plans are offered at standard prices which don’t suddenly spike after the discounts end.
The fine print is also clearly laid out and easily accessible. Coming from other ISPs that make it excessively difficult to figure out how much you’ll be paying after the promotional period, I appreciate Cox’s transparent standard rates.
Prices can vary depending on location and the type of internet service offered in your region. However, with Cox Customer Service and Cox en Español Customer Service just one call away, you learn about all the offerings in your area.Â
Risk-Free Choices
Because Cox internet plans don’t require an annual contract and are offered at standard rates, you can change speeds any time you want without having to pay extra or lose any perks. You can also cancel at any time, no termination fee will be charged.
Additionally, Cox gives a 30-day money-back guarantee for all speed tiers, making switching even easier.
Free Panoramic WiFi Gateway
Cox Internet includes Panoramic WiFi Gateway for free for 24 months if you choose the 250 Mbps to faster tier, and forever if you choose the 100 Mbps. Generally, I’d recommend buying your equipment instead of leasing it from your ISP, but when it’s included for free, I don’t mind.
Besides, you might want to upgrade to a faster router 2 years from now anyway, possibly one with the future WiFi 7 technology.Â
Enough of the good stuff, now it’s time for things I’m not a fan of.
Things I Don’t Like About Cox Internet
Limited Fiber Availability
Cox is not available everywhere even in the states it does service, but its fiber service is scarcer still. I don’t miss symmetrical speeds as I don’t upload heavy files, but this may be a turnoff for content creators that post 4K videos regularly on YouTube.
Data Cap (1.25 TB)
All Cox Internet plans have a 1.25 TB data cap, which can be restrictive for users with high data consumption habits. For me, 1.25 TB is a lot of data to consume in a month unless you’re downloading heavy files almost every single day.
Still, I’d be more satisfied if I didn’t have to fear reaching a data cap even when I do download a lot.
If you’re like me and you think Cox’s shortcomings are overshadowed by its merits, here are the internet speed tiers available with Cox.
Cox Internet Speed Tiers
100 Mbps
At $49.99 per month, the “Go Fast” plan offers a decent entry-level option for those seeking reliable internet without breaking the bank. With a download speed of 100 Mbps, it’s suitable for basic online activities like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming.
The inclusion of the Panoramic WiFi Gateway adds a nice touch, enhancing the overall value. The absence of an annual contract provides flexibility, making it a practical choice for short-term commitments.
250 Mbps
Priced at $69.99 per month, the “Go Faster” plan steps up the game with a download speed of 250 Mbps. This plan is ideal for households with multiple devices and moderate to heavy internet usage.
The lack of an annual contract is a plus, giving users the freedom to adapt their plans according to changing needs without being tied down.
500 Mbps
At $89.99 per month, the “Go Even Faster” plan is positioned as the most popular choice among Cox Internet plans. With a download speed of 500 Mbps, it caters to homes with high-speed requirements.
The absence of a term contract provides flexibility, making it suitable for users who want a reliable, high-speed connection without a long-term commitment.
1 Gbps
The “Go Super Fast” plan, with a standard price of $119.99 per month (or a promotional price of $109.99 per month for 24 months), offers a significant bump in download speed, maxing out at 1000 Mbps. This plan is designed for power users and households with demanding online activities.
While the promotional price for the initial 24 months is enticing, users should be mindful of the standard price afterward. The absence of an annual contract adds to the appeal.
2 Gbps
Priced at $149.99 per month, the “Go Beyond Fast” plan is the premium offering in Cox’s lineup. With a maximum download speed of 2 Gbps, it caters to users in select areas who require the utmost in speed and performance.
The lack of an annual contract aligns with the premium nature of the plan, providing users with the flexibility to opt for this high-speed option without a long-term commitment.
And that’s it for this article. I want to add that I’ve tried to stay as unbiased as possible in this article, making sure facts back my claims.
Still, this content is mainly based on my opinions and may not reflect the experiences of others. Make sure to do your research before choosing any ISP.
