Spectrum Vs Cox – Overview
Spectrum and Cox are two of the largest cable internet providers in the United States. They regularly rank close to each other in industry evaluations, which is why people often want to know which one is the better choice.
Both companies have changed a lot over the past decade. Spectrum is the product of Charter’s merger with Bright House and Time Warner Cable. Cox has stayed independent but has been expanding its service footprint and upgrading its infrastructure.
Given these shifts, the competition between these two long-time rivals looks a bit different than it did a few years ago. Here’s how Spectrum and Cox compare on accessibility, customer approval, pricing, perks, and internet speeds.
Spectrum Vs Cox: Accessibility
Spectrum’s internet services are available across 44 US states. That said, coverage is most concentrated in states like California, New York, and Texas.
With roughly 103 million subscribers, Spectrum holds the title of 2nd largest ISP in the United States. Spectrum’s fiber internet, however, is currently only available to business customers.
Cox has a smaller footprint, offering internet services in 18 states. Their largest markets are in Arizona, California, and Virginia.
Cox has about 22 million subscribers, making it the 3rd largest cable internet provider in the country. Cox also provides business service in over 1,100 zip codes.
Spectrum Vs Cox: Approval Rating
You might also want to read our Spectrum setup guide for the full picture.
ISPs aren’t exactly known for glowing customer reviews, and neither Spectrum nor Cox is an exception.
That said, Spectrum customers generally report being more satisfied with their service than Cox customers.
Common complaints from Spectrum users include inconsistent speeds and uneven support experiences.
Cox, on the other hand, tends to draw complaints about frequent price hikes. However, Cox is widely recognized for having some of the best customer support in the industry.
Overall, Spectrum edges out Cox in this category, but neither one is free of complaints.
Spectrum Vs Cox: Charges
Equipment
Both Cox and Spectrum offer some of the lowest equipment rental fees among major US ISPs. Spectrum charges $10/month for their modem, while Cox charges $13.99/month for theirs.
Cox does allow customers to buy their own compatible modem and skip the rental fee entirely.
Installation
Spectrum’s one-time installation fee is $50, one of the lowest in the industry. Cox charges $100 for professional installation, which is noticeably higher.
Cox customers can avoid that fee by ordering a self-install kit, which gets delivered to your address or can be picked up from a Cox retail location.
Spectrum Vs Cox: Perks
Interested in this area? We go deeper in our t-mobile internet vs cox guide.
Perks are another factor to consider when choosing an ISP.
Spectrum doesn’t hand out free extras, but they will buy you out of an existing contract (up to $500) if you’re switching from another provider. That can save a good chunk of money if you’re locked into a deal with your current ISP.
Cox offers a few different perks, including access to three million hotspots across the country so you can save on cellular data by connecting to WiFi.
Cox also has a prepaid internet service called StraightUp, aimed at budget-conscious households. It offers internet at an affordable flat monthly rate with no credit check required.
Spectrum Vs Cox: Pricing and Speeds
Spectrum and Cox are neck and neck when it comes to download and upload speeds. Both offer plans ranging from modest speeds for light users to gigabit speeds for power users and businesses.
If you need the fastest possible connection, both companies offer 1 Gbps plans. Cox also has a 2 Gbps tier for users who want even more speed.
Cox has some of the most affordable entry-level prices, but keep in mind that most of those low rates are promotional pricing for new subscribers. After the first year or two, the price you pay will go up. Check the tables below for a full breakdown.
Spectrum Vs Cox Comparison Table
| Spectrum Internet Plans and Pricing | Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet | $50.00/Mo | 200 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Cable |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | $70.00/Mo | 400 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Cable |
| Spectrum Interent Gig | $90.00/Mo | 940 Mbps | 35 Mbps | Cable |
| Cox Interent Plans and Pricing | Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter 25 | $30.00/Mo | 25Mbps | 3Mbps | Cable |
| Essential 50 | $40.00/Mo | 50Mbps | 3Mbps | Cable |
| Preffered 250 | $60.00/Mo | 250Mbps | 3Mbps | Cable |
| Ultimate 500 | $80.00/Mo | 500Mbps | 10Mbps | Cable |
| Gigablast | $100.00/Mo | 1000Mbps | 35Mbps | Cable |
Final Thought
The difference between Spectrum and Cox ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for: speed or savings?
Spectrum’s mid-tier plans, like the Ultra with its 400 Mbps speeds, offer strong performance. Spectrum doesn’t have the cheapest budget plans, but the overall value is solid.
Cox has both budget-friendly options and high-end gigabit plans. If you want the cheapest possible internet or the fastest speeds available, Cox has more variety. Just be prepared for price increases once the promotional period ends.
For a full look at what Cox offers, check our Cox internet plans and pricing guide.
Want to compare all the providers in your area side by side? Try our internet provider coverage checker.
For CenturyLink vs Cox, check our provider comparison.