Cox
Verizon Fios

Cox vs Verizon Fios: Side by Side Comparison

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

Learn more about Cox and Verizon Fios:

Learn more about Cox and Verizon Fios

Leading internet service providers Cox Communications and Verizon Fios offer a variety of customizable high-speed internet plans with fast download and upload speeds. As one of the largest cable providers in the U.S., Cox offers internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps, whereas Verizon Fios offers fiber speeds up to 940 Mbps. With similar price points, Verizon Fios offers unlimited data, and Cox has greater availability and higher download speeds. Below, we go over how these two ISPs compare.

Cox vs Verizon Fios Overall Comparison

Cox vs Verizon Fios 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

    300 Mbps - 2 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $49.99 - $119.99/mo.

  • Service Type

    Fiber

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

Cox offers both cable and fiber internet services, whereas Verizon Fios has internet plans that offer fast fiber internet speeds of up to 940 Mbps. Cox’s download speeds go up to 1 Gbps.

In terms of pricing, Cox offers more affordable internet plans. However, several Cox internet plans require one-year term agreements for customers to obtain a monthly discount. Verizon Fios offers plans starting at $49.99 per month with AutoPay.

Cox vs Verizon Fios: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Both Cox and Verizon Fios typically offer options for prepaid internet and free internet for eligible low-income households through the Affordable Connectivity Program. In terms of better value, Cox offers more affordable plans and higher speeds, including a monthly discount for customers that sign up for the one-year term agreement. Both providers offer a variety of sign-up perks during certain promotions.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Cox Pros

  • Multiple connection types
  • Gigabit speeds
  • Affordable prepaid internet option
  • Bundles available
  • Wide availability

Cox Cons

  • 1-year term agreement
  • Data caps

Verizon Fios Pros

  • No data caps
  • Fast upload speeds
  • Contract-free plans available
  • Impressive sign-up promotions
  • Double and Triple Play bundles

Verizon Fios Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Expensive early termination fee

Cox offers more affordable high-speed cable internet options starting at $49.99 per month but requires a one-year term agreement for the discount. Although Verizon Fios has slightly higher prices and requires AutoPay, its plans offer the best value for a fiber-optic internet connection with no buffering and unlimited data. Both Cox and Verizon Fios require equipment fees, but the latter doesn’t enforce early termination fees since its plans are contract-free.

Cox vs. Verizon Fios: Packages Compared

Cox offers a variety of customizable packages to help customers save on their internet, TV, and phone services each month. Prices vary depending on customer location and service availability.

Verizon Fios typically offers a free streaming services bundle that includes a waived setup fee when signing up for one of its plans. Other perks may include a free wireless headset and controllers for gamers. In terms of the better bundle, Cox offers more options at affordable prices.

Cox vs. Verizon Fios: Extra Fees and Contracts

Cox requires a one-year term agreement for its internet plans. Customers that end their contract early may face hefty early termination fees. Verizon Fios doesn’t require a contract, so you won’t be hit with early termination fees if you decide to cancel your service prematurely.

Installation

Cox offers both professional installation and self-installation for a fee. Customers who prefer to self-install their Cox equipment can consult the Cox Easy Connect box for instructions. Verizon Fios has a professional installation fee, but if you order a Verizon Fios plan online, you waive this fee.

Data cap

Cox’s internet plans come with a monthly data cap of 1.25 TB, whereas Verizon Fios offers unlimited data for its plans. Those who go over the data cap for Cox will have to pay a $10 charge for every 50 GB over the data allowance.

Cox vs. Verizon Fios: Customer Satisfaction

Both Cox and Verizon Fios have an A+ customer satisfaction rating and are accredited businesses by the Better Business Bureau.

Cox vs. Verizon Fios 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 Verizon Fios based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 1258 for Verizon Fios. Verizon Fios earned an average score of 3.61 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cox and Verizon Fios

  • Is Cox cheaper than Verizon Fios?

    Cox’s cheapest internet-only plan is $49.99 per month, whereas Verizon Fios’s lowest-priced internet-only plan is $49.99 per month. Prices may vary by location and based on promotional rates.

  • Who has faster speeds — Cox or Verizon Fios?

    Cox has download speeds up to 1 Gbps, while Verizon Fios offers fiber-optic internet speeds up to 940 Mbps. Speeds may depend on your location and availability.

  • Do Cox and Verizon Fios have unlimited data?

    Cox has a 1.25 TB data cap, whereas Verizon Fios offers plans with unlimited data.

  • Do Cox and Verizon Fios require a contract?

    Cox requires a one-year term agreement for its internet plans, while Verizon Fios doesn’t require any annual contracts.