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Spectrum vs Cox — Which Internet Provider Should I Choose?

Table of Contents

  1. Quick Comparison
  2. Spectrum Internet
  3. Cox Internet
  4. Announcing the winner…

Cox and Spectrum are two very popular and large internet providers in the country. There is always a lot of confusion around who is the better choice. To make it simpler for you to choose the right ISP for you, here is a comparison of both.

Quick Comparison

  Spectrum Cox
Starting price $49.99/mo. $29.99/mo.
Download speeds 200 to 1000 Mbps 25 to 940 Mbps
Internet type Hybrid fiber-coaxial Hybrid fiber-coaxial
Contract No Optional
Other services? TV, Phone TV, Phone

 

Spectrum Internet

Spectrum is now the second-largest cable internet provider in the country. It has glitch-free internet services that are highly recommended to all Netflix streamers, online gamers, and even for cloud service users. It lets you bundle up your internet service with its TV and phone services. If you are subscribed to another service provider and are tied down by a contract, Spectrum’s contract buyout feature will have your back!

Coverage

Spectrum’s internet and other services are offered in many urban and suburban areas. It also has services readily available in large metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, making it a go-to choice for a large population of urban communities. In total, Spectrum’s internet is serviceable in more than 42 states!

Internet Type

Spectrum Internet is delivered to the end-users through a wired network called HFC or hybrid fiber-coaxial network. This type of internet is a combination of fiber and conventional copper cable networks. When your internet signal has to travel a short distance, it uses conventional cables. However, for traveling longer distances, the internet signal then travels through fiber cables to avoid slower speeds and loss of data.

Plans and Packages

There are 3 different internet plans that Spectrum offers. The lowest speed offered is 200 Mbps, with the highest being 1000 Mbps. Spectrum internet plans come with the following features:

 

  • Its no-contract packages prevent you from being charged an early termination fee in case you want to switch your provider at any point.
  • All its plans and packages come with a free modem.
  • You also have the option of using your own internet equipment.
  • A one-time installation fee of about $49.99 is charged for professional installation.
  • Every Spectrum internet package comes with a free-of-cost Security Suite that protects your home networks from vulnerabilities to spyware, viruses, malware, and much more.

 

Package* Internet speed* Price for first 12 months
Spectrum Internet Standard 200 Mbps $49.99/mo.
Spectrum Internet Ultra 400 Mbps $69.99/mo.
Spectrum Internet Gig   1000 Mbps $109.99/mo.

*Offer and speed availability vary by location.

Pros

  • Free modem, no additional monthly rental fee
  • No early termination fee
  • Unlimited data allowance with all plans
  • Has a separate dedicated customer service line for Spanish customers
  • Hotspot access to Spectrum customers nationwide

Cons

  • No standard internet speed tiers under 200 Mbps
  • No budget internet plans
  • Speeds may vary due to the HFC network

Cox Internet

Cox is also highly competitive, one of the market-leading ISPs in the industry. It is known for its affordable pricing, budget internet options, and many other features. Its security suite and the Cox Panoramic mobile app are some notable features. The app lets you control your Wi-Fi properly and make the most out of it, all the while keeping it protected from hackers and viruses.

Coverage

Cox is the third-largest cable provider in the country. Most of its services are in urban and metropolitan areas, with the most dominant services in California and Arizona. Overall, Cox has services in over 19 states. This does not shine as bright when compared to Spectrum’s coverage in more than 42 states.

Internet Type

Cox internet also provides internet through HFC networks, same as Spectrum. In these terms, both the providers are similar and don’t have an edge over one another.

Plans and Packages

As compared to Spectrum’s 3 internet tiers, Cox has a much larger variety. It has at least 5 different internet speed tiers that you can choose from. This lets you find a good budget internet plan or a plan that suits 1-2 users.

Here are some important points about Cox internet plans and pricing;

  • It has an optional long-term agreement for budget plans.
  • Cox internet customers can have free access to Wi-Fi hotspots and avoid expensive cellular plans.
  • You can make use of the 30-day free trial period to decide whether you want to keep the subscription.
  • Wi-Fi modem rental costs $6.99/mo.
  • Professional installation by Cox can range somewhere between $20 to $50.
  • Internet plans by Cox come with capped data.
  • A free-of-cost McAfee security suite is included with all its plans.

 

  Internet speed Price for first 12 months Data allowance
Internet Starter 25 Mbps $19.99/mo. 1280 GB
Internet Essential 50 Mbps $29.99/mo. 1280 GB
Internet Preferred 150 Mbps $49.99/mo. 1280 GB
Internet Ultimate 500 Mbps $69.99/mo. 1280 GB
Internet Gigablast 1 Gbps $99.99/mo. 1280 GB

 

Pros

  • Multiple internet plans and speeds give more options
  • Has budget plans
  • Onerous data allowance
  • Modem cost is lower than most ISPs
  • Lets you use third-party modems and routers
  • Installation cost is lower than Spectrum

Cons

  • Requires a 1-year agreement with select plans
  • Only has one dedicated line for customer service

Announcing the Winner

Considering the high-speed plans and many benefits offered by Spectrum, it is a clear choice for big family houses, gamers, and binge-watchers. Spectrum is also an excellent choice for Spanish customers, as there is a dedicated line that caters to Latinos and Hispanics in all serviceable areas. You just have to call Spectrum telefono to get professional assistance for all issues. The numero de Spectrum is available 24/7, so you can resolve any technical or non-technical issues any time of the day.

On the other hand, Cox is more suited for people who are looking for budget plans. But in terms of customer service, area coverage, and contractual obligation, Cox is not the first choice.

Spectrum

Cox Communications

i am a little confused about Cox’s contract requirements. Please let me know if i got it right or not.

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