How does Cox compare to AT&T internet?
Cox and AT&T are two of the top brands you’ll most likely come across when shopping for an internet service provider (ISP). Both ISPs offer internet packages suitable for individual users as well as families. Cox runs one of the most extensive cable networks nationwide, offering affordable entry-level internet plans as well as fiber internet that will give you up to 1000 Mbps of download speeds. AT&T, on the contrary, offers more choices through its copper and fiber internet packages that come with no data caps and no long-term contracts.
Below, we have gathered information about Cox and AT&T internet services, the packages and pricing that can suit different users, and compared reviews to help you make the right choice.
- Who Cox and AT&T internet are for
- Key considerations
- What others say about Cox and AT&T internet
- How do Cox and AT&T internet packages compare?
Who Cox and AT&T internet are for
Although Cox has a reputation for fast download speeds, AT&T’s fiber plans offer symmetrical download and upload speeds at lower monthly costs. For instance, AT&T’s Internet 500 plan provides download and upload speeds of 500 Mbps at $65/month. On the contrary, a 500 Mbps plan from Cox will get you 500 Mbps of download and only 10 Mbps of upload speed at $79.99/month.
So if you’re a gamer or a large family with a diverse set of internet-related needs, AT&T’s fiber packages will offer you higher speeds at a lower cost.
If you’re a student or renting an apartment, you may want to consider Cox’s basic internet plan that starts at 25Mbps for $29.99/month. If you require slightly higher speeds, you can upgrade your plan to 50 Mbps for only $10 more per month.
Key considerations
Initial costs
At a monthly cost of $29.99/month for 25Mbps, Cox’s entry-level plan is more affordable than AT&T’s starter package, which costs $55/month. However, with AT&T’s slightly higher price you get access to significantly higher internet speeds up to 300 Mbps.
Price after 12 months
Cox internet plans come with additional costs after a year. After your initial contract period, the monthly costs increase by about $14 to $26/month, depending on your plan. On the other hand, the monthly fee for AT&T plans remains unchanged no matter when you signed up for service.
Data caps
AT&T has no data caps on its fiber internet plans, so you don’t have to hesitate when it comes time to stream, game or download. By comparison, internet plans from Cox have a data cap of 1.25TB.
Contract requirements
Cox requires a minimum of one year for its contract, while AT&T is free of contracts.
Speeds
If you need higher speeds, AT&T’s Internet 1000 plan will give you 1000 Mbps at $80/month. AT&T also has plans with speeds up to 5000 Mbps, for $250/mo. Cox’s top speed plan provides 1000 Mbps at a monthly cost of $99.99.*
Availability
Cox’s cable network is more extensive and is available in 19 states compared to AT&T’s fiber network, which is currently restricted to a handful of major cities. Therefore, you’re more likely to find a variety of high-speed internet plans from Cox in your area.
What others say about Cox and AT&T internet
In 2021, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scored Cox at 63 out of 100, lower than the overall average of 65. The same year, ACSI rated AT&T at 71 out of 100, well ahead of the industry average.
In a report by J.D. Power that ranks ISPs based on factors like performance, reliability, customer service, pricing, and billing, AT&T claimed the top spot with an average score of 732 out of 1000 across all the four regions, while Cox ended up with an average score of 708 across all the regions.
How do Cox and AT&T internet packages compare?
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 2/1/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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