Spectrum Internet Vs Cox Internet: Compare Your Choices Better

The internet service industry is one of the most dynamic corporate entities – continually changing and evolving. And the many novel technological marvels in communications and entertainment industries constitute the core of what drives internet service providers to bring you unique and interesting service features ? as they vie to stand out in a competitive market.

Spectrum and Cox are 2 of the largest cable broadband providers in the U.S. Not only do they offer high-speed internet, but cable TV and home phone services for the consumer who wants it all in one place. Features such as unlimited data with Spectrum Internet, and a great variety of speed tiers with Cox Internet, make each service unique. In this article, we will run you through an in-depth comparison of these the 2 cable broadband services, so you can decide which fits your unique set of needs better.

Spectrum Vs Cox: A General Comparison of Broadband Services

When we talk about “the best internet provider”, we have to understand it is a relative term. While each of these providers offers a unique set of service features and perks, things are not all that different at the end of the day.

The Spectrum Internet service is popular among customers for fast and reliable speeds, unlimited data, free modem and internet security, as well as contract-free plans. In contrast, Cox Internet is one of the few in the industry to present an impressive range of download speeds in over 99% of its service territory ? as per according FCC data. Meaning you will have the entire spectrum of its speed-based plans available at just about any location under its network coverage. 

When you survey the market looking for the perfect internet plan for your home, and come across these two, you’ve 2 great choices at hand, but you must consider all the ins and outs of both. While Spectrum holds the prize in a few aspects of its service, Cox takes the spotlight in some other areas.

Here is a quick head-to-head comparison before we get into the nitty gritty.

Spectrum Internet Vs Cox Internet: The Pros and Cons

Deciding on an internet plan can be a tricky business because sometimes some things are difficult to compare. You may like this feature with Spectrum and that with Cox ? there will always be a few pros here and few cons there which you must consider. And, this is where you must judge the overall value of your investment in terms of price offer, terms and conditions, perks and service features.

Here are a few key pros and cons you must keep in perspective vis-à-vis Spectrum Internet packages and the Cox Internet service plans:

 

Spectrum Internet Vs Cox: Plans & Pricing

Spectrum packages for internet come in three types that vary on the basis of download speed, and of course price. Valuable service features such as unlimited data, free modem, and contract-free plans, add to the value of the Spectrum Internet service, making it as strong a contender in any market.

Cox Internet packages on the other hand are more diverse, as we said earlier. From an individual to a big family, there is a speed for all, and there are 2 good low-speed budget options too. Speed availability is remarkable which makes for a greater safety net. But then, the $13/mo. equipment rental fee comes on top of your monthly service charge, and data is limited even with the Gigabit plan.

At the end of the day it is about which price, offer, speed, and set of perks clicks better with you ? what may work for one household, may not be meet the preferences of another. So, check out speed-based plans and prices from both Spectrum and Cox ? and can get an idea of which makes a better match for your needs and budget.

 

Keep in mind the monthly service charge for Spectrum and Cox service plans hikes up after the first year once the term of promotion expires, you pay the standard rate prevalent at the time.  

Spectrum Vs Cox: TV and Internet Packages

You can subscribe to Spectrum Internet with Spectrum cable TV  in one convenient and value-packed bundle which gets you Up to 1 Gbps for downloads and 16+ diverse channels Spectrum On Demand, inclusive of access to Spectrum Originals, is a great feature that further adds to the return on your investment. And you can also build onto the base-level TV Select with an exciting and reasonably priced variety of add-ons. Spectrum makes it a fully-personalized entertainment experience for you. And overall, Spectrum Internet and TV easily make one of the best bundles in the market in terms of value.

Cox offers its users a variety of 5 internet speed tiers and 3 distinct primary TV channel lineups. And, you get the complete liberty to mix and match speed tiers with a channel lineup of your choice, so you can build a bundle that is cut to your needs. However, while Cox offers more variety of speed and TV lineups, and the freedom to build your bundle, you may find the services typically priced higher than Spectrum.

Here are the comparable and most popular TV and internet combos from Spectrum and Cox:

*Availability varies by location

Spectrum Vs Cox: Availability

Ranked 2^nd and 3^rd respectively on the list of top cable service providers in the U.S., Spectrum and Cox both offer network coverage across multiple states.

Spectrum services are available in 41 states ? primarily in urban and suburban regions, and in key metro areas on the East and West coasts. The Spectrum network coverage makes services available to over 102 million people. Cities with an impressive Spectrum footprint include Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Saint Louis, Orlando, and more. To check availability of Spectrum offers in your area you can call at 1-844-760-4219 anytime. For the Spanish-speaking, you can seek assistance from Servicio al Cliente de Spectrum at 1-844-487-2710.

Cox on the other hand, offers network coverage in 18 states, and services are available to over 20 million. In Arkansas, Arizona and California, the Cox footprint is particularly impressive. Top Cox cities include Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, Virginia Beach, Oklahoma City, Tucson, Omaha, and more. To determine availability of Cox offers at your address call at 1-855-349-9316 anytime. The Spanish-speaking can dial número de teléfono de Cox i.e. 1-844-520-8979 for assistance.

Even though both Spectrum and Cox depict network coverage across the U.S., it may not be too often that you’d encounter both options in the same neighborhood.

Spectrum Vs Cox: Internet Service Type

Both Spectrum and Cox provide the same type of residential internet service, and make use of their pre-existing coaxial cable lines, while supporting the network with an extended Fiber backbone. Such hybrid Fiber-Coaxial networks are able to deliver speeds much higher than traditional Cable, because data travels over coaxial cables only in the figurative “last mile” between the central distribution point in a neighborhood and your location. Fiber to the Loop helps improve bandwidth, but the connection is shared so it remains prone to slow downs at peak traffic hours.

Spectrum Vs COX: Data caps

Spectrum certainly has an edge when it comes to data allowance. All Spectrum internet plans have unlimited data so there is absolutely no restriction to worry about. You can game, video chat, and stream all you want, without the stress of an overage charge.

Cox, on the other hand, has internet plans that come with a data cap. You get virtually unlimited data i.e. 1.25 TB, which is hard to run out of with standard home usage, but there is a limit nonetheless that maybe off-putting for some customers.  

Spectrum Vs Cox: Annual Contracts

Spectrum offers services free of an annual contract which is an appealing feature for most consumers, and gives Spectrum more of an edge over competition. Not having a contractual obligation makes it easier to opt out of a service for any reason, quite without facing an early cancellation penalty fee.  

 

In contrast, Cox offers you the best price with a 1-year service agreement. You can avoid the contractual obligation, but that translates into a higher monthly service charge, in most cases by $10/mo. So while you get choice, it does not compare with Spectrum offers that are totally free of contracts and do not condition the best price with a service agreement either.

Spectrum Vs Cox: Additional Costs

Installation with Spectrum is fairly easy and is available in two types ? professional installation and self-install. All you have to do is pay $49.99 as a one-time charge, and have a professional set things up for you. Better yet, if you are tech-savvy, you can set up your internet service yourself with the Spectrum self-install kit that has a $19.99 one-time cost attached to it.

Cox also offers professional and self-install options. However, the professional installation is priced at around $100.00 which is a one-time fee. But, if you choose to self-install, the Cox Easy Connect self-installation kit is completely free.

Spectrum Vs Cox: Customer service

Spectrum and Cox both scored a 63 on the ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index) in 2021 ? which places these providers below the likes of AT&T, Verizon and Xfinity, but above all others. Both providers offer 24/7 tech support, and allow you multiple channels to contact for customer support. Visit Cox Servicio Al Cliente if you are a Spanish user.

Final Take: Spectrum Internet or Cox Internet?

As we said earlier, the choice between Spectrum and Cox really boils down to what you are looking for. While Spectrum does not offer low speed budget options, its plans do cover a variety of consumer needs from small to big households, and prices are affordable. Cox, on the other hand, offers low speed tiers as worthy budget options, and has a range of other speeds too. Albeit if we look at all the other service features, it does seem Spectrum Internet is better value with all the perks the service affords you.

Of course, in the end, the final decision is always yours depending on what is available at your address and what ultimately works best for your home. In any case if you wish to receive pro opinion, you can call at 1-855-349-9328 anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Spectrum Internet better than COX Internet?

Spectrum Internet offers super-fast speeds with no data caps or no annual contracts. This makes it a better choice relative to Cox Internet, if you do not like to get bound by data caps or contractual obligations.

 

4. What does Spectrum charge for its modem and router device?

Spectrum offers a free modem with all its internet plans. However, if you want to activate the WiFi function on the modem, there is a small $5 per month fee attached to that.