Cox vs Verizon Fios: Side by Side Comparison

Enter your zip code below to see if Cox or Verizon Fios offers service in your area.
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Cox vs Verizon Fios

While Verizon Fios has caused a lot of excitement amongst broadband “power users” thanks to their 100% fiber network, offerings from Cox communications are often similarly priced, and sometimes even win out on speed and quality of service. Ultimately, picking a provider comes down to figuring out which has a stronger network in your area, and which has the best offers so far as add-on subscriptions and customer service.

Cox Communications AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (855) 534-4847
  • Support: (800) 234-3993
(855) 534-4847

$19.99 to $119.99 / mo.

10 mbps to 1,000 mbps

1.0 mbps to 35 mbps

63%63%

Cable

Current: 6th ↑ (+1)

Verizon Fios AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (866) 775-4717
  • Support: (800) 837-4966
(866) 775-4717

$39.99 to $79.99 / mo.

100 mbps to 940 mbps

100 mbps to 880 mbps

73%73%

Fiber

Current: 9th ↓ (-3)

Cox OVERVIEW

Cox Communications offers Internet plans, television, and telephone service. Cox also sells connected home security and automation systems.

Verizon Fios OVERVIEW

Verizon Fios is a fiber broadband company. Fios also provides TV and telephone plans. Fios was one of the first true fiber Internet providers.

Cox INTERNET DEALS †

  • $19.99 for 10 mbps Cable
    • 10 Mbps ↓ and 1.0 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $42.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $9.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $29.99 for 30 mbps Cable
    • 30 Mbps ↓ and 3.0 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $63.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $9.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $49.99 for 100 mbps Cable
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $84.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $9.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $69.99 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: $9.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
  • $119.99 for 1,000 mbps Cable
    • 1,000 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $9.99/mo
    • Call (855) 534-4847 to setup service.
Show All Deals (15)
Last updated on 11/12/2018

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

Verizon Fios INTERNET DEALS †

  • $39.99 for 100 mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $54.99.
    • Paper free billing and auto pay required.
    • $500 credit to help cover early termination fee available. Restrictions apply.
    • Setup: Setup fee waived when you order online ($99.00 value).
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo or one-time $149
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 300 mbps Fiber
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 300 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Amazon Echo (2nd Gen) on us. Get up to $500 credit to help cover your early termination fee. (Restrictions Apply)
    • Setup: Waived (Normally $99)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo or one-time $149.99
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
  • $79.99 for 940 mbps Fiber
    • Up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload w/ no data cap.
    • Auto pay required.
    • 1 year Amazon Prime on us & 3 year free router rental. $500 credit to help cover early termination fee available. Restrictions apply.
    • Setup: Waived (Standard setup charge is waived ($99.00 value) when you order online.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo or one-time $149.99
    • Call (866) 775-4717 to setup service.
Show All Deals (5)
Last updated on 11/5/2018

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

Cox: DATACAPS From 1024 GB/mo.

We have found plans that include datacaps. Cox offer plans with data caps regionally or nationwide. Be sure to verify plan details before purchasing.

Verizon Fios: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Verizon Fios doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

Cox's TECHNOLOGY

Cox Communications provides Internet service using a hybrid fiber-coaxial network. Cox sends signal via fiber lines, which terminate at nodes within local areas. Then, data branches off via coaxial cable to reach individual customers.[2]

Coaxial bandwidth is shared within blocks, so speeds frequently suffer during evenings. Cable's issues may impact speed when the whole block switches on streaming services at the same time.

Verizon Fios's TECHNOLOGY

While they sold swaths of their infrastructure to Frontier in recent years, Verizon Fios is still available in many locations.

Fiber to the Home networks like Fios never switch to cable or phone wires near customers like cable or DSL. Verizon Fios service only changes to ethernet inside the building.

FTTH internet offers higher speeds than cable or DSL.

Cox INSTALLATION

Self-installation is a common choice among Cox Internet-only subscribers. If a house has already been wired for Cox service, setting up WiFi yourself is not difficult using the instructions provided via the Cox site. Going this route will be more affordable up-front for customers.

Customers ordering TV and phone packages should select a professional installation. Professional installation is also available for subscribers who would prefer not to handle the configuration themselves.

Verizon Fios INSTALLATION

For residences that already had Fios wired to the building, you may be able to self-install equipment, but for the majority of subscribers, professional install is recommended.

For subscribers who opt for a professional install, a certified technician will set up equipment and wire your location to the fiber network. The technician installs an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that switches digital data to the building's wiring. If your address doesn't have a fiber connection before, the techie might need to run ethernet lines in the wall to get you setup.

Cox RATINGS AND REVIEWS

45%45% Customer Rating

45.0% recommendation rating according to 36272 verified Cox users.

Verizon Fios RATINGS AND REVIEWS

62%62% Customer Rating

62.4% recommendation rating according to 28058 verified users.

Cox COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Cox Communications Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Verizon Fios COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Verizon Fios Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Triple play vs double play

Bundle to get the most bang for your buck

Shopping for broadband Internet quickly gets complicated when you realize that it comes from the same companies offering TV and phone service. While Americans are shedding landlines and traditional TV service at a record rate, providers still want to sell it, and will often offer steep discounts to keep their TV and phone customers on board.

This is great for shoppers who also want home phone and TV service. If you’re in this camp, keep an eye out for “double play” and “triple play” offers, usually referring to combination Internet/TV or Internet/TV/phone plans. In some cases, bundling more services will even result in a cheaper overall monthly bill — just make sure the price is locked in so you don’t get stuck paying for services you don’t use.

Look into the fine print

Early termination fees and hidden costs can add up

Speaking of extra fees, there are two “small print” details to keep an eye on when comparing plans. First, ETFs (early termination fees), which penalize customers for breaking a contract early. Second, hidden fees are known to show up on bills, and often make their way onto monthly broadband bills by accident or unnecessarily.

If you see fees you don’t remember discussing when you signed up on your bill, don’t hesitate to call the provider and get an explanation. Home broadband is a serious decision, so don’t sign up without bothering to read through the fine print.[1]

REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES
  1. https://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/labels-for-broadband-services.pdf ↩
  2. http://services.eng.uts.edu.au/~kumbes/ra/Access-Networks/hfc/cnethfc.htm ↩
Last updated on 11/11/2018.

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