Xfinity is the largest internet provider in the country with over 15 million subscribers in 41 states. Cox is relatively small with around 6.5 million customers in 19 states. The two IPSs are quite comparable despite the size difference, as they both mainly provide high-speed through cable using similar technologies. Still, the differences in performance, policies, and prices can make the choice easier if both areas are available where you live.
We compared Cox and Xfinity in terms of several factors that matter to everyone from the average consumer to the power user. Cox Internet proved superior in terms of performance and value.
Here’s our complete head-to-head comparison of Cox and Xfinity with a discussion of each factor we took into account.
Median Speeds
Both Cox and Xfinity offer high-speed internet with max speeds of up to 1 Gbps, but the actual speeds can be different from the advertised max speeds. One way to determine who’s faster among the two is by looking at the speeds most Cox and Xfinity customers see when they perform a speed test.
Speedtest Intelligence has already analyzed its data to give up the median speeds of different ISPs. According to their latest report, Cox and Spectrum are the fastest ISPs nationwide with median speeds of 242 and 243 Mbps respectively. Xfinity lags slightly behind at a median speed of 233 Mbps.
Cox Internet may have even higher median speeds in some areas, especially where the 2-gig tier is available. You can call Cox customer service or Cox en Español customer service for more information.
Winner: Cox
Reliability
Reliability depends on the specific infrastructure in your location and how the network is optimized. Both Cox and Xfinity use hybrid fiber-coaxial networks meeting DOCSIS 3.1 industry standards. Xfinity’s network may be more advanced with its virtualized Cable Modem Termination Systems, but Cox maintains a low number of subscribers per home.
For real-life evaluation of reliability, we turn once again to the analysis by Speedtest Intelligence. While Cox, Xfinity, and Spectrum score better in terms of reliability than all other ISPs, there’s currently no statistical winner. Xfinity has a slightly higher consistency of 91.5% compared to Cox’s score of 91.3%.
Winner: Xfinity
Data Caps
Both Cox and Xfinity have data caps. Xfinity internet plans come with 1.2 TB data while Cox Internet includes 1.25 TB data. These data caps shouldn’t be restrictive for most households as an average American home uses less than 600 GB of data per month. Both also have unlimited data options, which we’ll discuss in the “pricing” section. Cox wins this category for having a slightly higher monthly data allowance.
Winner: Cox
Latency
Cox and Xfinity offer low-latency connections suitable for activities like online gaming and video conferencing. On Ookla Speedtest Intelligence, both score a median multi-server latency of 25 ms, which is about as low as you can hope for. However, Cox additionally offers fiber internet in some locations, which allows for a lower latency than cable connections.
Winner: Cox
Availability
Comcast Xfinity is the largest broadband internet provider in the US with wide coverage in 41 states. Cox only serves 18 states but is also among the top 10.
Winner: Xfinity
Term Contracts
Xfinity requires term contracts for some of its promotional offerings. Cox currently doesn’t have any annual contracts on its internet plan, making it a better choice for those who value the freedom to switch or cancel without having to pay termination fees.
Winner: Cox
Price
Xfinity has lower introductory prices, but the rates can increase substantially once the promotion ends. Customers must also sign up with autopay to get Xfinity Internet plans at the advertised rates.
Cox offers internet plans at standard rates and doesn’t require autopay. Rates don’t spike suddenly and you’re in charge of initiating the payments, so any price increases are less likely to go unnoticed.
If you want unlimited data, Cox will charge you $59 per month extra while Xfinity’s unlimited data option costs $30 per month. The xFi Complete WiFi service, which costs $25 per month, also includes unlimited data. So, Xfinity may be cheaper for the small percentage of households that consume more than 1.2 TB of data every month.
Winner: Cox
Cox vs. Xfinity: Internet Plans
Cox is the better choice for most homes where it’s available, but Xfinity is a solid choice too, especially if you want unlimited data. Let’s look at the options you have with both providers.
Cox Go Fast: $49.99/mo.
If you’re after a budget-friendly option, Go Fast at $49.99 per month is the go-to plan for a reliable internet experience. With a download speed of 100 Mbps, it’s fast enough even for homes with 4K TVs. Panoramic WiFi Gateway is included at no additional cost and there’s no annual contract.
Cox Go Faster: $69.99/mo.
Taking a step up, the Go Faster plan delivers a download speed of 250 Mbps for just $69.99 per month. There’s no annual contract and Panoramic WiFi is included for 12 months.
Cox Go Even Faster: $89.99/mo.
As the most popular plan in the Cox lineup, Go Even Faster justifies its standard price of $89.99 per month with a robust download speed of 500 Mbps. And again, there’s no term contract and Panoramic WiFi is included for 24 months.
Cox Go Super Fast: $109.99/mo. 24 months
For those with demanding tasks like 4K streaming and large downloads, Go Super Fast has you covered. At a standard price of $119.99 per month (or a promotional price of $109.99 per month for 24 months), you’ll experience a maximum download speed of 1000 Mbps. No annual contract ensures you’re not tied down.
Cox Go Beyond Fast: $149.99/mo.
Experience royalty with the Go Beyond Fast plan featuring a maximum download speed of 2 Gbps at $149.99 per month. Availability is currently exclusive to areas where Cox has an exceptionally capable network, so do check with Cox customer service.
Xfinity Connect: $30/mo. for 12 months
Kicking things off is Xfinity’s wallet-friendly Connect plan, a steal at just $30 per month for the first 12 months. It offers a modest download speed of 75 Mbps and a breezy upload speed of 10 Mbps, but there are no pesky long-term contracts to tie you down.
Xfinity Connect More: $25/mo. for 24 months
The Connect More plan rolls in at an affordable $25 per month for a generous 24-month promotion period. Boasting a zippy 200 Mbps download speed and throwing in WiFi equipment for good measure, it’s a budget-friendly choice for those who crave a bit more oomph in their internet experience, all without a term contract.
Xfinity Fast: $50/mo. for 24 months
Need more speed? Say no more! The Fast plan, features a max 400 Mbps download speed at just $50 per month for 24 months. This one’s for the multitaskers and heavy internet users out there who want speed without a commitment.
Xfinity Superfast: $65/mo. for 24 months
The Superfast plan is a beastly option at $65 a month for a 24-month with max speeds of 800 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up. Its offer includes a 2-year contract, but you can also get this plan without a contract at a higher rate.
Xfinity Gigabit: $75/mo. for 24 months
Xfinity’s Gigabit plan races in at a 1000 Mbps max download speed for just $75 per month for 24 months. The only catch is a 2-year, but it’s optional if you’re willing to pay more.
Xfinity Gigabit Extra: $80/mo. for 24 months
At the top of the speed pyramid is the Gigabit Extra plan, setting you back $80 a month for a full 24 months for a blazing 1200 Mbps max download speed and a slick 35 Mbps max upload speed. This offer also has a 2-year contract.
The Verdict
With faster speeds, more reliable connections, and lower standard rates, Cox is the better internet service provider among the two. However, Xfinity is more widely available and charges less for its unlimited data option.
