Verizon Internet vs Cox: Coverage and Reliability

Verizon vs Cox: A Direct Comparison

Verizon stands out with its fast internet at a reasonable cost. However, its coverage could be more extensive.

On the other hand, Cox is available in more areas across the US and has decent customer service. But, it comes with steeper price increases and added fees.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Verizon vs. Cox

Pricing and Plans: Verizon vs. Cox

Verizon provides several fiber internet options with high speeds and reasonable costs. The choice depends on your preferred level of service, as all plans deliver excellent quality.

Cox offers traditional cable internet plans, starting with low-cost, slower speeds and ending with a premium gigabit plan.

Verizon Pricing and Plans

Verizon offers better value than Cox. Its lowest speed plan provides 300 Mbps, costing the same as Cox’s 100 Mbps plan. Verizon also includes unlimited data and does not require a yearly contract, unlike Cox.

For most users, 300 Mbps download and upload speeds are sufficient. Verizon’s 300 Mbps plan is reasonably priced and the best choice.

However, a faster Verizon plan is a better fit for larger households or heavy activities like 4K streaming or hosting livestreams.

Cox Internet Pricing and Plans

Cox may not impress you with its speed or pricing like Verizon, but it still provides reliable internet at a reasonable cost.

Its plans are similar to what most cable providers offer, with various options and much higher costs for faster speeds.

Cox requires annual contracts, which you can skip by paying an extra $10 monthly. It also enforces data caps, set at 1.25 TB per month.

After 12 months, expect significant price increases ranging from $15 to $26 monthly, depending on your plan. Always review the terms carefully before signing up.

One notable option is Cox’s StraightUp Internet. This simple plan offers 50 Mbps speeds at a fixed price, including equipment and installation.

It doesn’t require a contract or credit check. Despite the slower speeds, this plan stands out—if only more of Cox’s options followed this model!

Offers and Discounts: Verizon vs. Cox

Additional Costs: Verizon vs. Cox

Verizon and Cox apply standard extra fees like late payment charges. Verizon includes the ONT (fiber modem) in its plan price but adds an $18 monthly fee for a rented router.

Cox offers a gateway device (a combined modem and router) for rent to enable Wi-Fi. You can also use your equipment to skip rental fees.

Both providers charge for installation, but you can avoid these costs. Verizon waives the $99 installation fee if you order online.

Cox provides a free self-installation kit when you choose self-installation over a professional setup.

Should you buy or rent a router?

Buying a router or gateway is a better option than renting if you plan to use the same internet provider for two years or more.

Owning your equipment reduces costs over time and gives you more choices regarding the device you use. However, the rules vary by provider.

Verizon uses fiber internet, so you cannot buy your own ONT, which works like a modem. Verizon supplies the ONT for free, but it does not provide Wi-Fi. To get Wi-Fi, you need a router.

Verizon rents routers at $18 monthly, higher than many other providers. 

While Verizon’s router has excellent features, most users may not need its advanced capabilities. Buying your router is likely a better deal for most customers.

Cox offers a more straightforward option. You can rent a gateway (a combined modem and router) or purchase your own.

Owning your gateway saves money if you stay with Cox for several years. Renting, however, offers convenience because Cox will repair or replace rented equipment if needed.

For recommendations, check out top-rated routers, including Google Nest Wi-Fi. This two-band mesh router provides fast speeds and covers up to 2,200 square feet.

User Reviews: Verizon vs. Cox

Verizon outranks Cox in our yearly customer satisfaction survey. However, Cox also performs well.

Verizon receives high marks overall, with customers praising its reliability and speed. It leads in both categories as a fiber and 5G provider.

Cox falls behind Verizon but still earns above-average ratings for speed and service. It regularly places in the top half of other categories, too.

Cox provides many package choices. Its top-tier Contour TV plan includes 250 channels.

Though Cox is a cable TV provider, it also offers modern features like cloud DVR and Netflix access. However, Cox bundles are more expensive than Verizon’s.  

Verizon does not give traditional discounts for bundling services. Instead, you can add TV, streaming options, or perks to your internet plan whenever you want.

Verizon’s perks include Walmart+ with Paramount+, Unlimited Cloud Storage, and more.

Types of the Internet: Verizon and Cox

Verizon provides fiber internet, while Cox focuses on cable internet. Fiber uses fiber-optic cables and light signals to deliver a fast and reliable connection.

It supports maximum speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps and offers equal upload and download speeds.  

Coaxial cables, commonly used for cable TV, also provide cable internet. It offers slower speeds than fiber but can reach up to 1,000 Mbps.

Cable is accessible in more areas than fiber, making it a standard option for high-speed internet in the U.S.

Data Limits: Verizon vs. Cox

Verizon offers internet plans with no data limits. You can use unlimited monthly data without extra charges or reduced speeds.  

In contrast, Cox includes a 1.25 TB data limit with its plans. Although data caps can be frustrating, 1.25 TB is usually sufficient for most users. If you exceed the limit, Cox charges $10 for every 50 GB used.

Contracts: Verizon vs. Cox

Verizon does not use yearly contracts. You are not tied to any term and can cancel anytime without paying early termination fees.

Cox, however, enforces annual contracts on all plans. You must pay an extra $10 per month to avoid a contract.

If you have a contract and cancel early, you will pay $10 for each remaining month. Choosing the contract option makes sense only if you plan to stay with Cox for at least a year.

Verizon vs. Cox Installation

Verizon requires $99 for professional installation. However, ordering online removes the fee. Cox charges $100 for a technician to set up the internet. Self-installation with a Cox kit costs nothing.

Coverage: Verizon vs. Cox

Verizon’s Fios service is limited to 10 states, mainly on the East Coast, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Cox serves 29 states, covering East and West Coast areas.