BroadbandNow is supported by commissions from some of the providers listed on our site. Learn More

CENTURYLINK vs. COX

A Side-by-Side Comparison of CenturyLink and Cox Internet Service in 2020

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) 272-5033

$49-65/mo.

Cox Info

(855) 534-4847

$29.99-99.99/mo.

CenturyLink vs. Cox Comparison CenturyLink Cox Communications
ProviderCenturyLinkCox
Speed15-940 Mbps10-940 Mbps
Pricing$49-65/mo.$29.99-99.99/mo.
Service TypeDSL, Fiber, Copper, or Fixed WirelessCable or Fiber
CenturyLink vs. Cox Feature Comparison CenturyLink Cox Communications
ProviderCenturyLinkCox
High-Speed PlansYesYes
Unlimited DataSelect PlansNo
Contract-Free PlansYesNo
TV ServiceNoYes
Phone ServiceYesYes

CenturyLink Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/21/2020
  • $49 for 15 Mbps DSL
    • Speed up to 15 mbps w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • Paperless billing required.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 199 Mbps Fiber
    • Speed ranges from 100-199 mbps w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • Paperless billing required.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $65 for 940 Mbps Fiber
    • Speed ranges from 200-940 mbps w/ no data cap.
    • Paperless billing required.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
Show All Deals (3)

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

Cox Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/15/2020
  • $29.99 for 10 Mbps Cable
    • 10 Mbps ↓ and 1.0 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $44.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $39.99 for 30 Mbps Cable
    • 30 Mbps ↓ and 3.0 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $65.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 150 Mbps Cable
    • 150 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $83.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $79.99 for 300 Mbps Cable
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 30 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $104.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $99.99 for 940 Mbps Cable
    • 940 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $119.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10.99/mo
    • 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
Was this review helpful? 

Continued Charges For Many Months After Moving!

2.00 Stars

on October 28, 2019

CenturyLink

I cancelled my Century Link service a week before before I moved from my home in mid-June. I went online to copy off the return tags to return their receiver, and sent that back as directed in June also. After 2 more phone calls, I am still getting charged $100.29 MONTHLY for a service I no longer receive. I’m now trying to call a 3rd time to speak to a representative but cannot get a live person. Ideas? BTW, I’ve finally decided to dispute these charges on my MasterCard. I wish I would have thought of this earlier and hope Century Link finally understands that I have moved and sent back their equipment.

IP Verified Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Was this review helpful? 

Cox review

6.00 Stars

on January 15, 2019

Cox Communications

The customer service is about the same as any other company. Very reliable internet service with almost no outages. I get at least the speed I pay for if not more. The main downside is pricing, it can get expensive after promotions expire.

IP Verified Mesa, Arizona
Was this review helpful? 

Customer service sucks

1.00 Stars

on October 27, 2019

Cox Communications

No phone to contact a human. When you figure it out they just transfer you all over the place and if you happen to do the texting then it will go nowhere after hours. Give us the run around! And nothing happens

IP Not Verified Phoenix, Arizona
Was this review helpful? 

CenturyLink vs. Cox Coverage Availability

CenturyLink Coverage & Availability

CenturyLink Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Cox Coverage & Availability

Cox Communications Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Search for Internet Nearby

Find every Internet Provider in Your Zipcode

Enter your zip code to compare CenturyLink and Cox with other internet providers near you.

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.

Last updated on 1/21/2020.