Are you trying to decide between CenturyLink and Cox for your internet service? You’re not alone! Deciding which internet provider is right for you can take time, especially when considering two leading providers like CenturyLink and Cox. They are two of the most popular internet service providers in the United States. Both offer a variety of plans to meet your needs, whether you’re looking for fast download speeds or reliable coverage. So which one is best for you?
To help you decide between CenturyLink Internet vs Cox, we’ll look at each provider, comparing their prices and services to find out what’s right for your budget and lifestyle.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink, now known as Lumen Technologies, is a distinguished telecommunications provider that offers a wide range of services, including internet, television, and home phone services. According to Statista, the company has over 3.02 million internet subscribers and serves a diverse residential and business population across the United States. Lumen is committed to delivering an extensive portfolio of services, from high-speed internet to home phone connectivity, with a special focus on reliability, quality, and competitive pricing. As a result, it is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the country, preferred by many Americans seeking dependable communication solutions.
Lumen provides both DSL and fiber-optic internet services. But it uses different brand names to market them. Quantum Fiber represents its fiber internet offerings, while it retains the CenturyLink brand to sell its DSL internet services to avoid confusion. CenturyLink’s DSL internet may not match the speeds of some other wired connections, but it is famous for its user-friendly terms, including no contracts or data caps, allowing customers to select the options that best suit their needs. Moreover, Lumen offers bundling options, enabling customers to combine multiple services into convenient, cost-effective packages.
Pros
- Affordable pricing plans
- Wide-reaching coverage
- No data caps for most plans
- 24/7 technical support available
Cons
- Reports of poor customer service experiences from some users
- DSL download speeds can be significantly slower
Cox
Cox has firmly established itself as a prominent player in the internet market, serving millions of households across 19 states. As the largest private telecommunications company, it offers a diverse range of internet plans, along with entertainment and home automation services, connecting people from various backgrounds. The speeds of its internet offerings can range from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps in select areas. While Cox typically enforces data caps on its plans, it remains an affordable option compared to many other alternatives in the market.
With its expansive coverage area and reliable speeds, Cox is an excellent choice for individuals who need a dependable connection, especially in fiber-limited areas. Cox is also famous for its remarkable bundles that give customers the variety they need to get the best packages for their homes.
As a result, Cox has made a prominent name in the market, often competing head-to-head with industry giants by offering competitively priced plans.
Pros
- Multiple speeds to choose from
- Excellent bundling options
- Internet plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Equipment included with some plans
- 2 years price guarantee on select options
Cons
- Data caps on some plans limit usage amounts
- Performance can be inconsistent due to high traffic periods
Internet Service Comparison – CenturyLink vs Cox
| Features | CenturyLink | Cox |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Plans | 1 | 5 |
| Price Range | $55.00/mo. | $49.99 – $149.99/mo. |
| Speed Range | Up to 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps – 2000 Mbps |
| Internet Type | DSL | Cable, Fiber |
| Data Caps | No | Yes |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Bundles | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment Fee | $15.00/mo. | Included for 24 mos. |
| Installation Fee | Standard: $15.00 | $100.00 |
| Professional: $129.00 | ||
| Wide Coverage Area | No | Yes |
| Learn more | Call 877-395-5851 Now! | Call 877-395-5851 Now! |
As you can see, CenturyLink and Cox are both reliable internet providers with different features and benefits to fit different needs. At the end of the day, it comes down to what kind of internet speed and price you are looking for and if the terms of that service align with your requirements. Through this CenturyLink vs Cox comparison, you will be able to make a reasonable choice for your home.
At a glimpse, it is evident that CenturyLink and Cox offer completely different broadband services. While Cox is mainly a cable internet provider, CenturyLink provides DSL internet access, giving you slower speeds. Additionally, both providers have distinct terms and conditions regarding contracts, data caps, and additional charges. This overview will discuss all of these features in detail.
Internet Plans
Both companies offer impressive plans. Let us take a closer look at their offerings to determine the best option for your home.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink usually has an edge on affordability. Its DSL internet plan may have a higher starting price, but since its price is not promotional, you don’t have to worry about an expected price hike after 12 months. That said, customers should still be aware that their prices may increase over time.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Unlimited Internet | $55.00/ mo. | Up to 100 Mbps | None |
**Speed varies per location and some areas can get up to 140 Mbps.
***Paperless billing is required. Additional taxes, fees & surcharges apply.
CenturyLink offers several speeds at the same price point. The maximum download speed goes up to 100 Mbps, with some areas receiving up to 140 Mbps. Although the speeds are not on par with Cox, CenturyLink’s Simply Unlimited Internet plan is contract-free and provides unlimited data, making it an ideal choice for individuals who want faster internet speeds without the hassle of promotional pricing or the worry of sudden price increases.
Unlike other internet providers, CenturyLink does not offer promotional pricing, so there are no guaranteed price increases after 12 months or other predetermined periods. That said, customers should still be aware that their prices may increase over time.
CenturyLink is a great option for those looking for faster internet speeds without the hassle of promotional pricing or the fear of looming price increases.
Cox
In comparison, Cox Communications offers a variety of internet plans to meet the needs of today’s consumers. It has also joined the league of multi-gigabit internet providers with the launch of its Go Beyond Fast Internet plan. Cox provides five internet plans, starting at a slightly more competitive rate than CenturyLink. However, the prices are promotional, and the regular rates kick in after one or two years, depending on the specific plan you choose. Additionally, these plans come with data caps, limiting your usage to 1.25 TB of data per month.
| Plans | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go Fast | $49.99/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps | 1.25 TB |
| Go Faster | $69.99/mo. | Up to 250 Mbps | 1.25 TB |
| Go Even Faster | $89.99/mo. | Up to 500 Mbps | 1.25 TB |
| Go Super Fast | $109.99/mo.** | Up to 1000 Mbps | 1.25 TB |
| Go Beyond Fast | $149.99/mo. | Up to 2000 Mbps | 1.25 TB |
**Price for 1 Gig internet plan is valid for 24 mos.
***Prices exclude taxes, surcharges, and other fees or charges, which are subject to change
****Pricing, packages, and policies are subject to change
In short, Cox delivers ample internet speeds to help you combat the bandwidth requirements of modern society. However, its pricing structure is relatively more complex than CenturyLink’s, with varying promotional periods and changing deals on different plans. On a positive note, Cox no longer requires customers to commit to long-term contracts.
Internet Speed
| Internet Speed | CenturyLink Internet | Cox Internet |
| Download Speeds | Up to 100 Mbps | 100 – 2000 Mbps |
| Upload Speeds | 2 – 12 Mbps | 5 – 100 Mbps |
The internet connection speed is one of the most important parameters to consider while choosing your internet plan. While CenturyLink’s service is reliable, its speeds can fluctuate significantly depending on your address. Its download speeds range from 20 Mbps to 100 Mbps, so it can easily accommodate casual web users and those who like to stream HD videos or download large files.
On average, Cox offers higher internet speeds, providing up to 1000 Mbps in most areas. It has also recently introduced a 2000 Mbps internet plan, but it is limited to certain addresses within its coverage. The actual speeds you receive may be lower than advertised due to your geographical location and other factors.
Bundle Deals
If you plan to subscribe to either Cox or CenturyLink internet services, explore their bundle deals. Both companies offer a variety of packages that bundle internet, TV, and digital phone services at competitive prices.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink’s bundle deals are designed to give customers the most value for their money. With various services offered, you can choose the bundle that best fits your needs and budget. CenturyLink allows you to combine its Simply Unlimited Internet with its home phone service. But for TV service, it partners with DirecTV and DISH to provide compelling internet and TV packages. Keep in mind that while CenturyLink is a contract-free service, both DirecTV and DISH require a 2-year contract. They offer two different bundles, shown in the following table:
| Deal | Starting Price | TV Channels | Home Phone |
| Simply Unlimited Internet + Home Phone | $95.00/mo. | – | Unlimited local & long distance calling |
| Simply Unlimited Internet + DirecTV | $119.99/mo. | More than 150 channels | – |
| Simply Unlimited Internet + DirecTV Stream | $119.99/mo. | More than 150 channels | – |
| Simply Unlimited Internet + DISH | $134.99/mo. | More than 290 TV channels | – |
**Paperless billing is required. Additional taxes, fees & surcharges apply.
***2-year contract on DirecTV and DISH packages
Cox
On the other hand, Cox has a TV service called Contour, enabling you to bundle your internet plan with its TV packages. The basic bundle includes internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps, over 140+ cable TV channels, and free WiFi hotspots.
While these bundles give you the convenience of dealing with only one provider, they are typically more expensive than CenturyLink’s offerings. However, Cox also provides budget-friendly options in the form of internet and streaming packages.
| Cox Bundles | ||||
| Bundle | Starting Price | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Home Phone |
| Go Fast + Contour TV Preferred | $154.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 140+ | – |
| Go Even Faster + Contour TV Preferred | $194.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | 140+ | – |
| Go Even Faster + Contour TV Ultimate | $234.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | 250+ | – |
| Go Fast + Contour TV Ultimate + Voice Preferred | $214.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 250+ | Unlimited calling |
**Price can vary at your address
Additional Costs
Additional charges are among the most important yet often overlooked factors. Unfortunately, many people don’t read the fine print when selecting internet plans and end up being surprised when they receive a higher bill than expected.
| Additional Charges | CenturyLink | Cox |
| Equipment Fee | $15/mo | $13/mo. |
| Professional Installation Fee | $99.00/mo. | $100.00/mo. |
| Self Installation | Free | Free |
| Early Termination | No | $10 |
Equipment Fee
While CenturyLink charges a monthly fee of $15 for its modem, Cox includes its Panoramic WiFi gateway at no extra cost. However, this equipment is only free for the first 24 months with most plans, after which you have to pay $14 per month.
If you already own compatible equipment, both providers allow you to use it and avoid the monthly fee. Keep in mind that this means limited technical support from your provider and the possibility of needing to purchase a new router if your current one isn’t compatible. Make sure to consider all the costs involved before making a decision.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|
| CenturyLink | $15.00/mo. |
| Cox | Included for 24 mos. |
Installation Fee
When it comes to setup fees, both CenturyLink and Cox allow you to set up your internet by yourself for free. However, if you prefer to have a professional do the installation, you can expect to pay up to $100 with CenturyLink or $99 with Cox.
| Provider | Installation Fee |
|---|---|
| CenturyLink | Professional Installation: Up to $129.00 |
| Standard Installation: $15.00 | |
| Cox | Self-installation: Free |
| Professional Installation: $100.00 |
Type of Internet
CenturyLink offers DSL internet service to its customers. While this technology has high accessibility, it also has its limitations. As a result, most CenturyLink customers can only get up to 100 Mbps download speed, with only certain addresses reaching speeds of up to 140 Mbps.
In contrast, Cox provides cable internet plans that operate over a hybrid fiber-coaxial network. This type of internet is also widely available, but its accessibility is limited to large urban centers. Although cable internet offers high download speeds and better reliability than DSL, it does not provide symmetrical upload speeds, a feature associated with fiber internet. Still, cable is a much better option than DSL, which means Cox will give you more consistent and faster internet speeds than CenturyLink.
Customer Service
Both CenturyLink and Cox have struggled to satisfy their customers, which often results in below-average scores in major customer service reports. Understandably, both companies rank below the industry average in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index’s Non-Fiber Internet Service Providers category. Even though Cox and CenturyLink have shown improvements in their scores compared to last year, Cox, with a score of 64, ranks 7th in this category, and CenturyLink, with a score of 62, holds the 9th position.
Their rankings in the J.D. Power US Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study for 2023 are also average. CenturyLink is evaluated in only two regions, while J.D. Power has assessed Cox in all four. In the East, Cox Communications ranks 2nd with a score of 706, and CenturyLink ranks 2nd in the North Central region with a score of 709. However, both companies fall below average in the West, with Cox scoring 706 and CenturyLink ranking last in this region with a score of 687. Additionally, Cox scored 677 in the North Central region and 702 in the South.
In the end, it is difficult to say which provider has better customer service definitively. The two companies offer similar levels of support, but some customers may find one more helpful than the other, depending on their individual experiences.
| ACSI Rankings | CenturyLink | Cox | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 62 | 64 | 68 |
| 2022 | 60 | 61 | 64 |
Coverage Area
CenturyLink has a strong presence in the rural areas. After selling its assets in the 20 states, its coverage area is now only limited to the following 16 states.
| CenturyLink Coverage | |
| Arizona | Nevada |
| Colorado | New Mexico |
| Florida | North Dakota |
| Idaho | Oregon |
| Iowa | South Dakota |
| Minnesota | Utah |
| Montana | Washington |
| Nebraska | Wyoming |
Cox’s internet service coverage area may not be as large as other cable internet providers like Spectrum and Xfinity, but it provides broadband to 647 areas in the US. Cox is available in specific parts of the following 19 states.
| Cox Coverage | |
| Arkansas | Louisiana |
| Arizona | Massachusetts |
| California | Missouri |
| Connecticut | North Carolina |
| Florida | Nebraska |
| Georgia | Nevada |
| Iowa | Ohio |
| Idaho | Oklahoma |
| Kansas | Rhode Island |
| Virginia | |
Cox’s service is concentrated around the following cities:
- San Diego, California
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Wichita, Kansas
- Pensacola, Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Topeka, Kansas
- Omaha, Nebraska
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Macon, Georgia
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Santa Barbara, California
Internet for Gaming
Internet speed is important for gaming, but it is not as crucial as latency. High-speed internet facilitates quick game downloads and updates and maintains overall network performance. However, it is latency that plays a critical role in the real-time responsiveness of online gaming. As a result, an optimal gaming experience demands a blend of high speed and low latency, ensuring swift downloads and gameplay without irritating delays.
Although CenturyLink provides internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps, its latency is higher than cable or fiber internet services. Therefore, Cox is the best choice for playing your favorite online games or even pursuing a gaming career.
Final Verdict
Generally speaking, it is challenging to compare CenturyLink with Cox as both providers cater to different markets. However, this CenturyLink vs. Cox analysis has revealed that despite their distinct terms and conditions, both are household names with significant coverage areas and reliable services.
While Cox excels in offering high internet speeds, CenturyLink provides better value for your money with its straightforward pricing. Both providers also offer remarkable bundle deals, but Cox’s packages are generally more expensive. In summary, for most people, the choice between Cox and CenturyLink ultimately depends on the available speeds in their area.
