Cable internet is the most popular option for residential internet in the US due to its greater availability and noticeably superior speeds than DSL service. There are several cable internet service providers in the US telecom sector, but only a small number of them are well-known nationwide.
Despite being among the best internet providers, Spectrum and Cox often have different service areas. Since they serve different markets, you’ll seldom see them overlap in one place. However, a comparative evaluation may assist us in analyzing the caliber of their performance and offerings. So, without further ado, let’s discuss Spectrum vs Cox in more depth.
Spectrum
Charter Communications, a well-known provider of telecommunications and media services, markets its cable broadband service under the moniker Spectrum. The company’s award-winning network in 41 states allows it to reach 32 million clients. Spectrum has a solid reputation due to its straightforward and honest approach.
Spectrum is renowned for its cable TV, home phone, and Spectrum Mobile service in addition to its home internet service. So, this provider is often the most suitable option if you’re seeking the best fiber alternative.
Pros
- Broad Coverage
- No Contracts
- Free Spectrum Mobile Unlimited Line
- Free Advanced Wi-Fi
Cons
- Limited number of plans
Cox
Based in Atlanta, Cox Communications is the largest telecommunication company in the country. This family-owned company is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises and is mainly known for its cable internet. Besides broadband, the company also offers entertainment and home automation services. The provider has a network in 19 states and serves approximately 7 million customers.
Cox is a decent alternative to the fast fiber internet as it provides faster speeds than DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite connection.
Pros
- Wide variety of bundles
- Availability of no-contract options
Cons
- Limited availability
- Data caps
- Expensive gig plan
- 1 or 2-year contracts
Internet + Advanced Wi-Fi + FREE Unlimited Mobile Line
Avail of Spectrum One offer for $49.99/month
Internet Service Comparison – Spectrum Internet vs Cox
| Features | Spectrum | Cox |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Plans | 3 | 4 |
| Price Range | $49.99/month – $89.99/mo. for 12 mos* | $49.99/month – $99.99/month |
| Speed Range | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | 100 Mbps – 1200 Mbps |
| Internet Type | Hybrid fiber-coaxial cable | Cable |
| Data Caps | None | Yes |
| Bundle Deals | Yes | Yes |
| Contracts | None | Yes |
| Wide Coverage Area | Yes | No |
| Additional Fee | Yes | Yes |
| Learn More | Call Now | Call Now |
Both Spectrum and Cox are highly rated cable internet providers in the country, offering various high-speed internet plans and better performance than other connections. Despite using the same technology, they are nothing alike. They have different terms and cater to varied markets.
Overall, Spectrum offer plans with faster speeds and reasonable prices with terrific terms like unlimited data and no contracts. This Spectrum vs Cox analysis will compare these providers on different parameters to help you gauge their overall performance
Internet Plans
Spectrum and Cox are among the few providers that openly disclose all the specifics of their internet services on their websites. Check out the details below to find out what distinguishes them from one another.
Spectrum
With three contract-free, unlimited data options, Spectrum provides better value than Cox for the same price. Internet service from Spectrum starts at $49.99 and provides speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. However, the promotional prices are only for a year, and Spectrum charges regular rates from the second year of service. Additionally, it includes incredible extras like a free modem and antivirus software.
Furthermore, the business has just introduced a fantastic offer, Spectrum One, which entitles new clients to free Advanced WiFi and an Unlimited Mobile line with all Spectrum Internet® Plans for 12 months.
| Plan | Price | Internet Speed | Contact Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet | $49.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 300 Mbps | Call Now |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 500 Mbps | Call Now |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $89.9/mo. for 12 mos* | 1000 Mbps | Call Now |
Cox
While Cox offers more internet plans, some of them have slower speeds than similarly priced Spectrum internet plans. The plans have a one-year term agreement and start at a promotional price of $49.99.
Additionally, they have a 1.25 TB data cap, which is more than enough for an ordinary household. However, it does not relieve you from monitoring your data consumption. In case of exceeding the set data threshold, Cox will charge $10 for every 50 GB you use.
Like Spectrum, Cox also hikes your price after a year, but the increase rate varies with the plan. Here is an overview of all the Cox internet plans.
| Plan | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Data Caps | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox Internet Essential 100 | $49.99/month | 100 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Call Now |
| Cox Internet Preferred 250 | $49.99/month | 250 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Call Now |
| Cox Internet Ultimate 500 | $69.99/month | 500 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Call Now |
| Cox Gigablast | $99.99/month | 1000 Mbps | 1.25 TB | Call Now |
Internet Speed
Internet speeds define your online experience, which is why they are one of the most crucial elements of internet service. This is why people typically choose cable internet service over other internet options when fiber internet is unavailable.
Since they are both cable internet providers, their download and upload speeds are asymmetrical. But as most internet activities rely on download speeds, upload speeds are generally unimportant to users. Overall, Spectrum presents faster options than Cox, but the latter offers more choices. Here is a speed comparison of both providers.
| Internet Speed | Spectrum | Cox |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed Range | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed Range | 10 Mbps – 35 Mbps | 5 Mbps – 35 Mbps |
Bundle Deals
Bundles offer a practical way to manage your monthly expenses. We all understand that bundling your services under one bill is not only pocket-friendly but also makes it easier to deal with just one supplier. Therefore, it is preferable to bundle cable TV and phone service with your internet subscription if your home needs them.
Spectrum
Spectrum’s bundles are excellent for entertainment lovers. They provide high-speed internet, a spectacular TV bundle with 125+ cable channels, and a phone service with more than 28 features, making them a comprehensive entertainment and connection package.
Every Spectrum user also benefits from affordable access to hundreds of On-Demand titles and hours of DVR storage. Spectrum also offers premium channels and sports as add-ons, enabling you to tailor your bundle to your preferences.
Here is a list of the finest Spectrum bundle deals if you enjoy cable TV and wish to combine your services.
| Package | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Home Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet + TV Select + Voice | 300 Mbps | 125+ | Unlimited calling with 28 features | $114.97/mo. for 12 mos* |
| Internet Gig + TV Select | 1000 Mbps | 125+ | – | $139.98/mo. for 12 mos* |
Cox
Unlike Spectrum, Cox offers a wider variety of bundles since it has multiple TV packages. The company allows you to customize the bundles according to your tastes while giving access to top networks and streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Peacock at some additional cost. With Cox, you can bundle your internet plan with any Contour package and phone service to enjoy your favorite content and online activities. Here are some of the best Cox internet and entertainment bundles.
| Package | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Home Phone | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Essential 100 + Contour TV Preferred | 100 Mbps | 140+ | – | 147.99/month |
| Internet Ultimate 500 + Contour TV Preferred + Voice Preferred | 500 Mbps | 140+ | 14+ calling features | $187.99 |
Coverage Area
The popularity of cable internet is due to its broader coverage and accessibility. As the largest cable internet providers, Cox and Spectrum have a significant footprint than many other internet providers. Comparatively, Spectrum has much more comprehensive coverage since it is the second-largest cable internet provider in the county. This cable internet provider serves 41 states, and approximately 32 million people have a Spectrum internet plan at their homes.
On the other hand, Cox is only available in 19 states, which makes its footprint half the size of Spectrum. It has a stronger presence in cities like Topeka, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Omaha, and more.
Customer Service
However just a few national ISPs have a reputation for providing good customer service. Spectrum outperforms Cox in this area as their customer service is improving with time, as shown by the positive reviews and scores. In this year’s ACSI report, Spectrum is just one point behind the industry average. J.D. Power’s Study also revealed its good performance in the South region.
Cox, in contrast, has below-average customer service, as seen by the 2 points decrease in this year’s ACSI ranking. Even though it performed better in the J.D. Power’s Study, its average score lagged behind that of the top internet service providers.
| ACSI Report | Spectrum | Cox |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 63 | 61 |
| 2021 | 63 | 63 |
Additional Fee
Your internet service comes with a few additional costs. This Spectrum vs Cox comparison also reveals how these companies fare in this area.
Equipment Fee
Your internet provider charges a monthly equipment rental cost for the modem/router gateway included with your internet service. Spectrum is one of the most affordable providers since it only charges $5 for its WiFi service. Its modem is, however, completely free. In contrast, Cox’s Panoramic Gateway costs $13 per month. You can avoid this fee from both carriers by purchasing your own equipment.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|
| Spectrum |
|
| Cox | $13.00/month |
Installation Fee
In a similar vein, Spectrum charges a lower installation price than Cox. The cost of its professional installation is half that of Cox’s installation. Therefore, Spectrum will only charge you $65.00 instead of Cox’s costly $100.
On the other hand, both service providers give a free self-installation kit, although Spectrum will charge you $30.00 for service activation.
| Provider | Installation Fee |
|---|---|
| Spectrum |
|
| Cox | Pro-installation – $100.00Self-installation – Free |
Early Termination Fee
While Spectrum provides options without contracts, Cox locks you into a 1- or 2-year commitment. Therefore, in the case of contract termination, you will face a penalty in the form of a hefty early termination fee.
| Cox Contract Duration | Early Termination Fee |
|---|---|
| 1-year contract | $120.00 |
| 2-year contract | $240.00 |
Conclusion
Spectrum and Cox are the leading cable internet providers, but overall, Spectrum is a much better option. You can find this provider in the major metro regions of the 41 states, and benefit from its faster speeds, unlimited data, and contract-free alternatives.
To help you better understand both service providers, our Spectrum vs Cox comparison has provided you with a detailed analysis of each.
