AT&T vs Cox Internet – Is AT&T Better than Cox?

AT&T and Cox are top-rated internet providers with impressive offerings and coverage. However, where AT&T has a variety of networks, delivering different internet speeds depending on the location, Cox uses a fiber-backed cable network to provide internet connections.

Both give you a choice between different speed tiers and offer remarkable perks. Go on online shopping sprees, play competitive games, and binge-watch your favorite shows without worrying about slow speeds and interruptions! Let’s determine which internet provider is the most suitable for your daily online activities.

AT&T

As a multinational telecommunications giant, AT&T is known for its transformative internet services. While the company was originally a telephone service provider, it is presently known as one of the best internet suppliers in the US for delivering internet speeds up to 5,000 Mbps.

AT&T uses a variety of networks, including fiber, IPBB (its hybrid DSL connection), fixed wireless, and 5G, to provide a reliable internet service to millions of Americans. Currently, its internet service is available in 23 states, but you might see it in more areas in the future as AT&T continues its network expansion.

Pros

• Highly available internet provider
• Impressive variety of fiber internet speeds
• Unlimited data with every fiber internet plan
• Contract free internet service
• Excellent record for customer satisfaction
• Free equipment with every plan

Cons

• Non-fiber internet plans have data caps
• Limited availability of fiber internet

Cox

Cox Communications is a telecommunication subsidy of a privately owned global conglomerate Cox Enterprises. It provides internet, TV, home phone, and security services to over 6.5 million customers in 670 service areas in the country. Unlike AT&T, Cox only uses a fiber-backed cable network to deliver internet access to its customers.

The provider is currently the third largest cable operator in the country and one of the few to provide multi-gigabit internet speed. Cox also has the best internet and TV bundles for entertainment lovers.

Pros

• Excellent promotional deals
• Free equipment for some time
• Impressive internet and TV bundles
• Contract-free internet plans

Cons

• More expensive
• Data limits on every plan
• May charge monthly equipment rental fee after the promotional period
• Below-average customer service

Internet Service Comparison – AT&T vs Cox 

Plans & Pricing Details – AT&T vs Cox Internet

AT&T has a longer list of internet plans since it depends on multiple technologies to deliver internet access. Hence, from 5G internet to fiber, the provider offers a variety of connectivity options with prices starting from just $55 a month. Although AT&T has a higher starting price than Cox, its service is more valuable, especially if your address is within its fiber network. 

In contrast, Cox primarily offers four fiber-backed cable internet plans with maximum speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. However, some areas also have access to its 2 gigabit speed. Moreover, they all have data caps of 1,280 GB (1.25 TB).

AT&T Internet Plans

Cox Internet Plans

Additional Costs – AT&T vs Cox Internet 

Generally, AT&T is a more budget-friendly internet provider. It has fewer additional costs than Cox and doesn’t significantly increase its prices after a year of service. But you may be required to cover the installation costs, state cost recovery fee, taxes, and surcharges on top of your monthly internet fee. 

However, with Cox Communications, your expenses keep piling up with add-on costs, like equipment lease, early termination, data overage, and technician-assisted installation fees. 

Data Caps & Overage Fees

While AT&T’s fiber and 5G internet services offer unlimited data, some of its IPBB and fixed wireless internet plans have data caps of 1.5 TB and 350 GB, respectively. On the other hand, Cox only offers unlimited data with its 2 gigabit internet speed. It restricts monthly data usage to 1.25 TB (1,280 GB) on every other plan.

AT&T and Cox employ similar policies for data overage fees, charging $10 for each additional 50 GB of data until you reach their limit, $100.

Installation Options – Cox vs AT&T Internet

Like most internet providers, AT&T and Cox also offer two installation options. You can either opt for their free self-installation process and order their kit online or pay a one-time fee to get assistance from a professional. AT&T and Cox charge similar fees for their professional installation service, with Cox requiring one dollar more.

However, AT&T’s self-setup option is not available at every address. AT&T will only give you this option, only if your home is fiber-ready and just needs a simple ONT-to-gateway setup. 

TV & Internet Bundles – Cox vs AT&T

Both providers also offer exciting bundles. But where AT&T has to partner with DIRECTV to provide internet and TV packages, Cox lets you combine its internet plans with its Contour TV service. However, you will not get bundling discounts with either option.

Nevertheless, AT&T’s bundles are slightly cheaper than Cox’s, offering better value and network reliability at reasonable monthly prices starting from $124.99. On the other hand, Cox bundles give you up to 250 channels, allowing you to indulge in your favorite genre. The provider has options for every type of entertainment fan, from sports to movie lovers.

Perks – Cox vs AT&T Internet

Both AT&T and Cox make their offers more attractive by including various perks. Although AT&T offers a variety of wired and wireless internet plans, its fiber internet service is more valuable. The provider offers unlimited data, free equipment, advanced antivirus software, and an impressive network of hotspots, letting you reliably connect to the internet even on the go.

In comparison, Cox offers reasonable introductory discounts, a 30-day money-back guarantee, free Panoramic WiFi equipment until the end of your promo period, and excellent bundles. Moreover, you can access Cox 4 million+ WiFi hotspots while on the road. 

Better Option for Gaming – AT&T or Cox?

Internet speed is not the biggest hurdle for gamers. The most important element is a network’s latency (ping rate). The lower it is, the better your gaming experience.

Therefore, AT&T Fiber is the better option for gamers as it offers a perfect combination of high-speed internet plans with ultra-low latency. It also provides unlimited data, so you can easily download new games and use other apps without worrying about crossing data limits. But if AT&T Fiber is unavailable at your address, opt for Cox since cable internet has the second-best latency rate for gaming.

Wider Coverage Area – AT&T or Cox?

AT&T covers more ground than Cox, offering internet connectivity to over 15 million customers in 23 states. 

Cox, on the other hand, operates in 670 locations within 19 states. Cox’s availability is sparser than AT&T’s because it mainly relies on a hybrid fiber-coaxial technology to provide internet access. Meanwhile, AT&T uses multiple networks to expand its reach. 

The coverage of both providers overlaps in the following 11 states.

AT&T has recently expanded its network to Pennsylvania. So, keep an eye on AT&T’s availability map to stay updated on its network expansion.

Better Customer Service – AT&T or Cox?

Internet providers are known for anything but excellent customer service. AT&T, however, is one of the few internet service providers with consistent performance, holding the top position in every customer service survey.

AT&T is famous for its reliable fiber internet service and ranks first in the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s (ACSI’s) ‘fiber internet providers’ category. ACSI has given AT&T a score of 80/100 due to its uninterrupted service, call center satisfaction, simple bills, reliability, friendly staff, and more. 

And even though its score has dropped by 3 points this year in the ‘non-fiber internet providers’ category, AT&T remains one of the top three on the list.  

Cox’s customer satisfaction ranking has also improved quite significantly this year. It now ranks just below AT&T in the ‘non-fiber internet providers’ category with a score of 68/100, three points above the industry average.

AT&T vs Cox Internet – Winner: AT&T

Both AT&T and Cox offer top-notch internet connectivity. However, AT&T is generally a much better option than Cox, providing cheaper internet plans, more connectivity options, faster internet speeds, and greater network reliability in 23 states. It also takes a much simpler approach and has fewer additional costs. 

AT&T’s fiber internet service is a clear winner for being more valuable in the long run, offering symmetrical internet speeds with unlimited data, and free equipment. Moreover, AT&T’s multi-product discounts (Internet and Wireless), top-notch customer service, and unparalleled gaming experience make it a clear winner when compared with Cox.