Cox vs Verizon Fios: Side by Side Comparison

Cox Communications is the third-largest residential cable provider and is available to an estimated 21.2 million people in the U.S. Aside from internet service, Cox Communications also offers its own TV service called Contour TV and phone service. There are a variety of bundles that include all three services.

Verizon Fios currently offers fiber-optic internet to only 10 states on the East Coast with the greatest coverage in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Verizon Fios is available to approximately 34.8 million people, making it the largest fiber internet provider by coverage. You can pair Verizon Fios internet with their TV service—Fios TV—and/or phone service—Fios Digital Voice.

Cox vs Verizon Fios: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

Professional installation and self-installation are two options you can choose with Cox Communications. There is a $100 installation fee if you decide to go the professional route. If you prefer to self-install, Cox Communications sends you a free self-installation kit. If you bundle your internet, you may be able to waive the installation fee altogether.

Verizon Fios offers professional installation and self-installation. If you order their service online, you might be able to waive the professional installation fee. Otherwise, the fee costs $99. For self-installation, Verizon Fios can either mail you the kit or you can pick it up at one of their Fios locations. Once you receive the kit, you just have to follow the step-by-step instructions either on your My Verizon online account or on the My Fios app.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

A 1-year contract is required for Cox Communications’ internet service.

If you end your contract early, you may face early termination fees of up to $120. If you cancel within 30 days since the start of the agreement, you can avoid paying the cancellation fees. There is an equipment rental fee for the modem with WiFi, which costs $10.99/month. Download speeds range between 10-940 Mbps and upload speeds range between 1-35 Mbps.

Verizon Fios does not offer annual contracts.

Since all of Verizon Fios’ plans are contract-free, you will not be responsible for any early termination fees should you cancel the service. The equipment rental fee is included in the Fios Gigabit Connection plan. For other internet plans, the fee is $15/month to rent the router. Download and upload speeds vary by location, but download speeds range from 200-940 Mbps and upload speeds range from 200-880 Mbps.

Data Caps

Cox Communications’ data caps recently increased from 1 TB to 1.25 TB for their current customers. You can purchase 50 GB of additional data for $10 if you’re worried about going over the data cap restriction. The extra data does not apply to Connect2Compete plans.

Verizon Fios does not employ any data caps with their internet plans, which means customers have access to unlimited data usage each month. Verizon Fios’ fiber-optic internet allows you to enjoy fast speeds with zero data restrictions.