Cox
Frontier

Cox vs Frontier: Side by Side Comparison

A Side-by-Side Comparison of Cox Communications and Frontier Communications in 2023.

Learn more about Cox and Frontier:

Learn more about Cox and Frontier

Cox offers customers affordable internet-only plans with faster speeds compared to Frontier. Both Cox and Frontier offer discounts for fixed-income families and savings on installation fees.

If all you need is the internet, Cox may meet your needs. If you plan on sticking with the same provider for up to two years and upload a lot of media online, Frontier is the better choice.

Cox vs Frontier Overall Comparison

Cox vs Frontier Overall Comparison

  • Speed

    100 Mbps - 1 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $49.99 - $99.99/mo.

  • Service Type

    Cable, Fiber

  • Equipment Fee

    $14 a month

  • Data Cap

    1 TB

  • Speed

    115 Mbps - 5 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $49.99 - $154.99/mo.

  • Service Type

    DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Copper

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

Cox is a cable internet provider that can provide customers with speeds up to 1 Gbps. While their download speeds are competitive to fiber providers, their upload speeds are asymmetrical. Cox offers various speeds, but all plans have a 1.2 TB data cap. For customers that use a lot of data, this may result in data overage fees. To avoid data fees, you can pay extra each month for unlimited data.

Frontier is known for providing DSL in rural areas that have few internet choices. They also offer fiber connections in select locations. Speeds vary by location, but all of Frontier’s plans don’t have data caps.

Cox vs Frontier: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Cox Pros

  • Prepaid internet plan
  • Various bundling options
  • Nationwide hotspot access
  • Versatile internet packages

Cox Cons

  • Extra fee for unlimited data
  • No fiber connection options

Frontier Pros

  • Unlimited data
  • Multiple fiber and DSL options
  • Discounts available for fixed income and health care professionals
  • Free expert installation for select fiber internet plans

Frontier Cons

  • Limited bundling options
  • Hefty early termination fees

Cox’s best feature is its bundling options. Each bundle comes with robust features for TV service, including hundreds of channels. Frontier can compete with Cox’s lower-priced starter packages and hotspots because they offer a few things that Cox doesn’t: fiber connections and zero data overage fees.

Since Frontier has no data limits on any plans, customers don’t have to worry about extra data charges appearing each month. Also, since fiber is currently the top connection standard, Frontier has an edge against providers without fiber.

Both providers offer discounts for low-income families who meet the requirements.

Cox vs. Frontier Packages Compared

While the speeds are similar in both Cox and Frontier bundles, Cox has a diverse selection of channels, including HBO Max, SHOWTIME, Cinemax, and STARZ. Cox’s starting price is also lower than Frontiers.

Frontier takes a slight lead in bundles pricing. While it doesn’t have as many options or channels as Cox, Frontier is a better option if you’re on a budget.

Cox vs. Frontier Extra Fees and Contracts

Cox has one-year and contract-free options, depending on the plan you choose. Frontier also has contract-free options, but if you want to take advantage of signup perks, you’ll need to sign an agreement. It also typically requires up to two-year contracts with their packages.

Cox and Frontier provide promotional rates for the first 12-months but increase afterward. When you sign up with either provider, be sure to read how long the promotional period is and what to expect when the price changes.

Installations

Frontier will waive the $85 expert installation fee when customers sign up for a qualified fiber internet plan. Cox offers a self-installation kit for $20 or professional installation that typically costs $100.

Data Cap

All of Cox’s plans have a 1.2 TB data limit. If you exceed the data allowance, they charge $10 per 50 GB block of data. Customers have the option of getting unlimited data for an extra cost each month. Frontier’s plans all offer unlimited data at no additional charge.

Cox Outperforms Frontier in Customer Satisfaction

Cox shows better customer service results in the East, South, and West surveys, but Frontier is ahead in the North and not far behind in some of the others. Some factors that can change the performance outcome include:

  • Your modem and router
  • Your location
  • The number of devices you connect
  • Your proximity to the router

Overall, Cox has higher customer ratings than Frontier. Customers can reach both providers by phone, live chat, email, and social media to troubleshoot issues.

Cox vs. Frontier Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Cox based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 1840 for Cox. Cox earned an average score of 3.65 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Frontier based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 3252 for Frontier. Frontier earned an average score of 3.34 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cox Communications & Frontier Communications

  • Is Cox Communications cheaper than Frontier Communications?

    Cox’s lowest-tiered internet-only plan costs $49.99 per month, whereas Frontier’s lowest-priced internet-only DSL plan is $49.99 per month.

  • Who has faster speeds? Cox Communications or Frontier Communications?

    Frontier speeds are typically fast but varies by location. Cox speeds go up to 1 Gbps on a cable connection, which is on par with fiber speeds.

  • Do Cox Communications and Frontier Communications have unlimited data?

    Cox has unlimited data plans but charges an extra fee and are only available in select locations. All of Frontier’s internet plans include unlimited.