Cox Internet vs Xfinity Internet: A Useful Comparison Guide

In spite of over 2800 ISPs serving residents across the U.S., it is no less than a challenging task to land the right provider and the perfect plan for your home needs. Speed, data, contracts, equipment, additional costs, price a number of considerations must be made before you are able to assess which of the available options bring you the better value for money. And, when you have more than one worthy options, it becomes still more perplexing even if you know exactly what you are looking for.  

Cox and Xfinity are two major players in the nationwide broadband market that deliver comparable services. Not only high-speed internet, but cable TV, home phone, and smart home security. While you may not see the two giants competing in the same markets too often, it is also not unlikely to encounter both. And when you do have concurrent access to Cox Internet and Xfinity Internet in your neighborhood, it’s only prudent to assess their offerings before you pick either.  

Our article today endeavors to review services offered by Cox and Xfinity from a variety of angles, so you can compare better and bring home the one that best fits your needs.

Cox vs Xfinity: A General Comparison of Internet Services

There is no “best internet service provider” as such. Every provider gets you something new and different and any one of these unique features may just end up working for you while it may not for someone else. So the internet service provider best for your home may not be the ideal fit for another.

For instance, the Xfinity Internet service offers a variety of speed-based plans with downloads from 50 Mbps to 1200 Mbps. There are perks such as the FREE of cost Flex 4K streaming box. And you get the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional WiFi experience with the add-on xFi Gateway that comes with built-in Advanced Security. The opportunity to bundle your internet and earn savings with multi-product discounts is yet another appealing aspect.  

On the other hand, with the Cox Internet service as well you can enjoy a variety of speed-based plans though fewer than Xfinity speeds range from 25 Mbps to 1 GIG. There are perks like the Internet Security Suite powered by McAfee, and the Elite Gamer that is FREE when you rent out the Cox Panoramic WiFi Gateway the Cox Panoramic WiFi Gateway delivers fast and steady speeds, and connects multiple devices, so everyone in the family can enjoy a seamless connection.

You must consider all these aspects before you opt for either service but here is a quick general comparison that may help you form an overall picture before you get into all the nitty gritty.

Cox Internet vs Xfinity: Plans & Prices

As we said, Xfinity offers a range of download speeds starting from 50 Mbps to 1200 Mbps. In select areas you can also take advantage of the Fiber-to-the-Home connection that delivers a 3/3 Gbps connection. While Xfinity Internet plans differ in price, and terms & conditions from one region to another, the good thing is speeds up to 1200 Mbps are easily accessible across its service territory. So no matter where you are located, you will get a full spectrum of speeds to choose from.

Here is a look at Xfinity Internet plans and prices in the 3 service regions:

Again, as we said earlier, Cox Internet also boasts an impressive lineup of speed-based plans ranging from 25 Mbps to 1 GIG. Which means, there is plan to fit every home and budget. The good thing is like Xfinity, Cox also manages to offer the entire variety of speeds across its all service locations. The price of Cox Internet plans may also vary with the region you are in, but not as often as with Xfinity.

Also, if you want to opt out of the 1-year service agreement, Cox gives you the choice to do so, but that does add $10/mo. to the monthly service charge for the internet service.

Do bear in mind when you sign up for a promotional offer with Cox and Xfinity, there is a price hike after the promo term ends and you pay at the standard rate thereafter.

Cox Vs Xfinity: Internet & TV Packages

Xfinity TV and Internet bundles are easily among the very best in the market and offer great value for your money you earn a considerable saving by packaging more than one Xfinity service. The variety of Xfinity Internet and TV bundles puts different download speed tiers and channel packages at your disposal, making it possible for you to cover your connectivity and entertainment needs under the same roof, and on one bill.   

The Xfinity X1 TV service offers a basic, mid-tier and top-tier channel lineup you can access a variety of popular broadcast and Cable networks, and top up live TV with Xfinity On Demand. Plus the X1 set top box brings you one of the most innovative entertainment operating systems in the market it integrates live TV, On Demand, DVR and your favorite streaming apps all in one place and together with the award-winning Xfinity Voice Remote, makes for a convenient and flexible cable TV regime.

Here is one of the most popular Xfinity Internet and TV bundles, which makes an ideal match for a mid-sized family it gets you 300 Mbps for downloads, and over 125 popular channels to watch at a great price!

Like Xfinity bundles, you get to pick from a variety of download speed tiers and channel packages with Cox too. Cox takes pride in the fact it allows for a completely personalized buying experience in that you get the liberty to pick any speed tier to pair with any of the channel packages, just the way you like it. The variety of Cox bundles revolves around 5 internet speed tiers that can be matched with 3-4 channel lineups.

As for Cox Contour TV, the channel lineup gives you a good range of broadcast and cable TV networks the Starter plan is ideal for any home where streaming dominates in-home entertainment. The higher tiers, Preferred Plus and Ultimate, also include America’s favorite premium networks. The Cox Contour TV set-top box together with the Cox Voice Remote, helps you transform how you’ve always watched Cable.

The Contour TV Preferred lineup is one of the most popular and when paired with Internet Preferred, it makes for an all-round solution for any mid-sized household. You get download speeds up to 250 Mbps and 140+ channels. Plus the first Contour TV box is included in the price.

Cox vs Xfinity: Availability

Making it to the top in the list of U.S. cable service providers, Xfinity and Cox both offer network coverage across multiple states.

Xfinity services are available in 36 states with the most impressive footprint in California, Florida and Illinois. Top Xfinity cities include Philadelphia (PA), Minneapolis (MN), Chicago (IL), Denver (CO), San Jose (CA), Miami (FL), and Houston (TX). Nearly 112 million people are able to access Xfinity’s cable broadband, while its fiber internet reaches about 18,000 people in select service locations. With over 31 million broadband subscribers, Xfinity holds the biggest share in the U.S. market.

To check availability of Xfinity service offers in your area speak to a representative of Xfinity Customer Service at 844-207-8721 anytime. For the Spanish-speaking, you can receive assistance from Servicio al Cliente de Xfinity at 844-207-8725.

Conversely, Cox offers network coverage in 18 states, and services are available to more than 20 million people. The Cox footprint is particularly expansive in Arkansas, Arizona, and California. And top Cox cities include San Diego (CA), Oklahoma City (OK), Las Vegas (NV), Virginia Beach (VA), Phoenix (AZ), Omaha (NE), and Tucson (AZ).

To determine the availability of Cox offers at your address call at 1-855-349-9316 anytime. For the Spanish-speaking, you can reach out at número de teléfono de Cox i.e. 1-844-520-8979 and have your questions answered.

Cox Vs Xfinity: Internet Service Type

Xfinity and Cox both provide cable broadband to the residential consumer. They make use of their pre-existing coaxial cable lines in conjunction with the extended Fiber backbone, thus creating a hybrid network which delivers more bandwidth and supports speeds up to 1 GIG. Such a hybrid Fiber-Coaxial network usually employs coaxial cable lines for data transfer over a very short “last mile”, and is capable of delivering a better performing internet connection than traditional Cable.

Fiber-to-the-Home connection from Xfinity delivers multi-gig speeds up to 3 Gbps, albeit it is available in select residential service locations. 

Xfinity Vs Cox: Internet Data caps

When it comes to data caps, Xfinity and Cox are definitely well-matched. Both providers cap the data allowance, going over which you’d have to pay an overage fee.

Xfinity offers 1.2 TB data to customers with the exception of its northeastern service region (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, PA, VA, VT, WV) where the data cap has not been placed back since it was removed during the pandemic. Cox on the other hand allows 1.25 TB data with all plans across its service territory.

If you do go over the data limit, the overage charge is typically $10 for every 50 GB block of data used in excess. However, both providers give you a courtesy month and waive off the overage fee when a breach occurs the first time in a 12-month period. Also, the option to buy unlimited data is available with both Xfinity and Cox Internet services.

Cox Vs Xfinity: Annual Contracts

Both Cox and Xfinity offer customers the choice to go for a plan with No Term Contract or one with a 1 or 2 year Term Agreement. Usually offers that give you an opportunity to save money through the term of the promotion require you to sign up an agreement. With Cox the service agreement is 1-year long, while with Xfinity it can be from 12-24 months depending on the offers available at your location.  

If you want to enjoy the freedom of a month-to-month plan, chances are you’ll have to forgo the promotional discount, and pay at a higher rate.  Since Xfinity comes with a contract, you are liable to pay an early termination fee if you violate the contract and cancel before it ends. Contract-free plans are available with Xfinity, at a slightly higher charge.  

Cox Internet Vs Xfinity: Additional Costs

When purchasing an internet plan, upfront installation fees and monthly equipment rentals must be taken into consideration. After all you may not be as tech savvy to set things up yourself, and maintain third-party internet equipment.  

As for Xfinity Internet service, the one-time upfront professional installation fee is $89.99. And there is a self-install option as well if you feel up to the task you can take advantage of this and save on the upfront cost. The equipment rental with Xfinity is $14 per month for the xFi Gateway, and this includes the built-in Advanced Security for your home network. You can however use third-party Xfinity-approved equipment as well.

Coming to the Cox Internet service, the professional installation fee is around $100. Self-install kits are available and help you save on the upfront cost that is if you feel confident about looking after your setup yourself. Cox however also charges a one-time modem-activation fee of $25 and this is applicable even to a self-installed service. The equipment rental for the Cox Panoramic WiFi Gateway is $13 per month, but you can hook up a Cox-approved third party device to save on this, if you’re tech savvy.

Both Cox and Xfinity charge an early cancellation fee when you sign up for a plan with a term agreement. Typically you pay $10 for each month remaining on your contract if you cancel the service earlier. 

Wrapping up: Picking the Right Service Provider

The journey to finding the perfect internet service provider does not come to an end with this article. Rather this is where you can take a start from ? with the necessary information on hand, we hope you’re able to compare better and pick the right fit for your home.

Cox and Xfinity provide comparable services, but largely speaking offerings from Xfinity are more lucrative and affordable especially when it comes to new customer promo deals. On the other hand Cox delivers quality services, albeit at a higher price point. Plus Xfinity services are available far and wide across the U.S., whereas Cox is limited to half the number of its service states moving with Xfinity can thus be much easier.

If you need more information about either of these service providers, or you wish to determine offer availability in your area, speak to an expert at 1-855-349-9328. Visit Cox Servicio al Cliente if you're a Spanish user.

For more information, call Xfinity customer service at 844-207-8721

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Xfinity Internet better than Cox Internet?

Xfinity Internet is delivered over the largest GIG speed network in the U.S., and gets you a variety of speeds starting from 50 Mbps to 1200 Mbps. All Xfinity Internet-only plans include perks such as the Flex 4K device. To check service availability at your address call at 844-207-8721.

What do you get with Cox Internet?

The Cox Internet service gets you a variety of speed-based plans ranging from 25 Mbps to 1 GIG. Plans include an internet security suite, and access to over 3 million out-of-home Cox WiFi hotspots. To check service availability at your address call at 1-855-340-9316.

Does Xfinity internet have data caps?

Xfinity Internet plans come with 1.2 TB data. However this is loads of data that suffices all standard home usage and then some.