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CenturyLink vs. Cox

A Side-by-Side Comparison of CenturyLink and Cox Internet Service in 2021

CenturyLink and Cox Internet have both built solid reputations for their reliable internet service. Cox is the third largest cable internet provider in the United States whereas CenturyLink is the third largest DSL provider. Both providers have recently entered the fiber-optic market bringing incredibly fast speeds to homes across the country. While CenturyLink and Cox share some similarities when it comes to plans, fees, and pricing, there are some key differences that are reviewed below.

CenturyLink Info

(855) 913-4257

$49-65/mo.

Cox Info

(855) 913-4284

$39.99-69.99/mo.

CenturyLink vs. Cox Comparison CenturyLink Cox Communications
Provider CenturyLink Cox
Speed 20-940 Mbps 10-940 Mbps
Pricing $49-65/mo. $39.99-69.99/mo.
Service Type DSL, Fiber, Copper, or Fixed Wireless Cable or Fiber
CenturyLink vs. Cox Feature Comparison CenturyLink Cox Communications
Provider CenturyLink Cox
High-Speed Plans Yes Yes
Unlimited Data Select Plans No
Contract-Free Plans Yes Select Plans
TV Service No Yes
Phone Service Yes Yes

CenturyLink Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/16/2021
  • $49 for 20 Mbps DSL
    • 20 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • Prepay and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (No charge for self-install, internet activation, and modem shipping and handling.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 40 Mbps DSL
    • 40 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • Prepay and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes standard tech installation and internet activation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 100 Mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Monthly prepayment and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (Free tech install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $65 for 940 Mbps Fiber
    • 940 Mbps ↓ and 940 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Monthly prepayment and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (Free tech install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
Show All Deals (4)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with CenturyLink.

Cox Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/6/2021
  • $39.99 for 10 Mbps Cable
    • 10 Mbps ↓ and 1.0 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1280 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $44.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • 1 year service agreement + EasyPay
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $12/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $49.99 for 150 Mbps Cable
    • 150 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1280 GB/mo data cap
    • 2-year promo rate. Regular rate is $83.99.
    • Setup: $0 (Free install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $49.99 for 50 Mbps Cable
    • 50 Mbps ↓ and 3.0 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1280 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $65.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • 1 year service agreement + EasyPay
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $12/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 500 Mbps Cable
    • 500 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1280 GB/mo data cap
    • 2-year promo rate. Regular rate is $99.99.
    • Setup: $0 (Free install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $69.99 for 940 Mbps Cable
    • 940 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1280 GB/mo data cap
    • 2-year promo rate. Regular rate is $119.99.
    • Setup: $0 (Free install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
Show All Deals (15)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Cox.

CenturyLink vs. Cox Performance Overview

Supplying broadband services across 50 states in the U.S., CenturyLink offers four different types of internet access: DSL, fiber, copper, and fixed wireless. If fiber is available in your area, you can have access to speeds up to 1000 Mbps. In addition to internet service, CenturyLink customers can opt to bundle with Prism TV and/or phone services.

Cox Internet offers two types of internet access: cable and fiber. While their cable internet can deliver fast internet speeds, fiber takes it to the next level, providing speeds up to 940 Mbps. Like CenturyLink, Cox customers are offered a wide variety of internet plans and bundled options that include high-speed internet with phone and/or TV services.

CenturyLink Installation

Both self-installation and professional installation are offered to CenturyLink customers.

CenturyLink’s professional installation can cost up to $125. Their self-installation option can cost up to $50. Installation fees vary depending on the plan you select and the coverage availability in your location.

Cox Installation

Cox Internet offers professional installation for a fee that starts around $50 or self-installation for a one-time charge of $20.

If you opt to self-install, Cox will send you a self-install kit to guide you through the installation process. However, Cox’s Gigablast fiber-optic plan requires professional installation where a certified technician installs specialized equipment in your home.

CenturyLink
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

CenturyLink gives you the ability to choose between a contract plan or you can pay an extra fee for a contract-free option.

CenturyLink customers that sign up for an agreement may face early termination fees if the contract is terminated early. Regarding equipment, CenturyLink offers to lease a modem for $15/month or you can purchase a modem for a one-time fee of $150.

Cox
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Most of Cox Internet’s plans require a 1-2 year agreement.

Their agreements usually last for a year and allow customers to cancel their service at the end of the 12 month period. If you choose to cancel outside of this window, you may face early termination fees up to $240. Similarly to CenturyLink, Cox gives you the option of renting a router for $10.99/month or you can purchase the equipment for a one-time fee of $129.99.

CenturyLink Data Caps

For the majority of its plans, CenturyLink imposes a 1 TB data cap. However, customers on a business, Prism TV, or 1 Gig plan are exempt from these limits. If you exceed your data cap limit more than three times, CenturyLink will start charging a fee of $10 for every additional 50 GB used.

Cox Data Caps

Cox Internet employs a 1 TB data cap for most of their plans.

100 Mbps CenturyLink Internet

5.00 Stars

on September 19, 2019

CenturyLink

We switched to CenturyLink and could not be happier. It is so much faster, has never cut out and had the best installation customer service. The price is also great.

Featured Review IP Not Verified Hopkins, Minnesota
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GREAT TECH

4.00 Stars

on November 30, 2020

CenturyLink

I was extremely frustrated by the lack of communication from Wed. to Monday with no techs calling or showing up. However, finally, on Monday, Tech did call me, arrived when he said he would, and was absolutely wonderful. He was professional, respectful, and patient with all my questions. His customer service was excellent!

IP Verified Layton, Utah
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Amazing Customer service

5.00 Stars

on October 23, 2019

Cox Communications

This is how great Cox customer service can be when you let them help you. I made the mistake of letting someone trick me into letting them in my network. Before i knew what was happening they were in everything, they even wiped out my virus program. When i called Cox for help i was connected to Catherine in the Ohio call center, I explained to her what had happened & how worried i was about everything. Right from the start Catherine said it's going to be OK & i can help you take care of this. Then she said asked me to to take a deep breath & try to relax & i'll get started. Catherine was the most caring, understanding & thoughtful person you got hope for & just as smart. She started with the network & cleared every program they had installed. Then she asked me a few questions about my laptop at which time you asked me for permission to access it in order to make sure that no program was left behind which could still allow them access. I said yes & Catherine started going through the files & removed a few more programs they had installed. When she finished she then explained how with my Cox account came a McAfee Virus program which was what i had in my laptop. She then reinstalled McAfee & helped me set up new pass words for everything. When Catherine was done i felt relief for the first time in twelve hours & when she was finished & i thanked her for everything, she said you don't need to thank me it's me job. I said yes it may be your job but you just don't know i great full i am. So to show just how great full i am wanted Cox to know just how much i appreciate everything Catherine did to save me from what could have been my worst night mare. Catherine is the perfect example of outstanding customer service.

Featured Review IP Verified Ocala, Florida
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Wonderful Customer Support Experience

5.00 Stars

on October 14, 2020

Cox Communications

I just got off the phone with one of your front-line support associates. When I called in I was a bit frustrated and abrupt. She's polite, calm response quickly set me at ease and she promptly dealt with my problem. If I had a company I would be really excited to have such a wonderful individual as an employee. Great job COX!!!

IP Not Verified San Jose, California
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CenturyLink vs. Cox Coverage Availability

CenturyLink Coverage & Availability

CenturyLink Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Cox Coverage & Availability

Cox Communications Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CenturyLink & Cox Internet Services

  • Is CenturyLink cheaper than Cox?

    Cox’s lowest-priced internet plan is more affordable than CenturyLink’s, but their highest-priced internet plan is more expensive than CenturyLink’s. Currently, CenturyLink internet plans range from $45-85/month whereas Cox’s range from $29.99-119.99/month.

  • Who has faster speeds? CenturyLink or Cox?

    CenturyLink offers speeds up to 1000 Mbps, which is slightly faster than Cox Internet with speeds up to 940 Mbps. However, speeds often vary by location so make sure you do your research on both companies to ensure you are getting the fastest speeds possible for your area.

  • Do CenturyLink and Cox have unlimited data?

    Both CenturyLink and Cox Internet offers a 1 TB data limit with most of their plans. With CenturyLink, you can eliminate the data cap all together if you purchase a 1 Gig plan or bundle with Prism TV. Cox won’t remove the data cap as CenturyLink will, but if you subscribe to a Gigablast plan they will raise your data limit to 2 TB.

  • Do CenturyLink and Cox require a contract?

    CenturyLink offers plans with contracts, but for an extra fee, you can purchase their Price for Life plan, which eliminates annual contracts. Cox Internet requires a contract with all their plans.

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Last updated on 1/16/2021.