EarthLink vs. Cox
EarthLink and Cox Internet are among the most popular choices in the market for internet providers. Both companies offer a range of options, including the latest innovations in high-speed, fiber internet packages. They each excel in offering plans that appeal to the needs of their customers while also offering quality services and options. Detailed below is a comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Cox Internet to understand what they offer and how their internet services may be of benefit to you.
EarthLink Info
Cox Info
EarthLink vs. Cox Comparison |
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Provider | EarthLink | Cox |
Speed | 3-1,000 Mbps | 25-940 Mbps |
Pricing | $14.95-99.95/mo. | $29.99-99.99/mo. |
Service Type | DSL or Fiber | Cable or Fiber |
EarthLink vs. Cox FEATURE COMPARISON |
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Provider | EarthLink | Cox |
High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
Unlimited Data | Yes | No |
Contract-Free Plans | No | No |
TV Service | No | Yes |
Phone Service | No | Yes |

EarthLink Internet Deals †
Last updated on 10/17/2019†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with EarthLink.

Cox Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/9/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Cox.
EarthLink vs. Cox Performance Overview


EarthLink is the largest residential DSL provider in the U.S. and they offer a variety of premium internet plans for businesses and residential customers. Their HyperLink internet plans use ultra-high-speed fiber-optic technology, supplying affordable fiber service to approximately 22 million people. As of today, EarthLink does not offer TV or phone services with their internet service.
As the third-largest residential cable provider in the U.S., Cox Internet offers a wide range of internet plans and numerous bundle and triple play options that can include high-speed internet, cable TV (with premium channels), phone service, and smart home services. As a result, they offer a very large assortment of prices and plans, making their services quite affordable. Like EarthLink, Cox Internet also supplies fiber internet with speeds up to 940 Mbps.
EarthLink Installation

When signing up with EarthLink, the installation process can be completed in one of two ways.
You can choose between self-installation or professional installation. EarthLink’s self-installation costs a one-time fee of $19.95 that includes modem shipping and a self-install kit. All HyperLink plans include professional installation for $69.95.
Cox Installation

Cox Internet offers two options for installation: self-installation or professional installation.
Professional installation can cost up to $50 but is complimentary with select TV and internet bundles. The installation process with Cox is fairly simple, you can opt for self-installation for a one-time fee of $20.
EarthLink Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

EarthLink requires a 12-month contract for the majority of their plans.
In the event of early cancellation of the contract, there is an Early Termination Fee (EFT) of up to $200. Regarding equipment, you must use the modem provided by EarthLink during installation for a monthly rental fee of $6.95/month.
Cox Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Generally, Cox Internet requires a contract agreement ranging from 12-24 months.
If you decide to end your contract early, be prepared to face early termination fees up to $240. Cox Internet customers can either purchase the modem and router for a one-time fee of $129.99 or pay a monthly fee of $10.99/month.
EarthLink Data Caps

EarthLink is a great option for those in need of the highest speeds and minimal data caps. Their Hyperlink internet plans do not have data cap restrictions, which means you have access to unlimited monthly data.
Cox Data Caps

Cox Internet has a data cap of 1 TB for most of its residential internet plans, which is a huge amount of data. Most households will not go over the monthly data allowance but if you do, there is no penalty fee. Though, excessive overages may result in having to upgrade to a more robust plan.
Amazing Customer service

This is how great Cox customer service can be when you let them help you. I made the mistake of letting someone trick me into letting them in my network. Before i knew what was happening they were in everything, they even wiped out my virus program. When i called Cox for help i was connected to Catherine in the Ohio call center, I explained to her what had happened & how worried i was about everything. Right from the start Catherine said it's going to be OK & i can help you take care of this. Then she said asked me to to take a deep breath & try to relax & i'll get started. Catherine was the most caring, understanding & thoughtful person you got hope for & just as smart. She started with the network & cleared every program they had installed. Then she asked me a few questions about my laptop at which time you asked me for permission to access it in order to make sure that no program was left behind which could still allow them access. I said yes & Catherine started going through the files & removed a few more programs they had installed. When she finished she then explained how with my Cox account came a McAfee Virus program which was what i had in my laptop. She then reinstalled McAfee & helped me set up new pass words for everything. When Catherine was done i felt relief for the first time in twelve hours & when she was finished & i thanked her for everything, she said you don't need to thank me it's me job. I said yes it may be your job but you just don't know i great full i am. So to show just how great full i am wanted Cox to know just how much i appreciate everything Catherine did to save me from what could have been my worst night mare. Catherine is the perfect example of outstanding customer service.
COX specialist in Mesa, provided outstanding service on 3-27-2021

It was necessary for me to unplug my COX cable modem, return it to a COX store, receive a new cable modem, take it home and spend time getting it working. Not something I wanted to do on a Saturday. Luckily, I was assisted by a specialist in this transaction. He processed the return of my old cable modem, showed me that my monthly bill would be lower, activated a new cable modem for me, and suggested several ideas that would get my home internet back up quickly. Internet connectivity configuration can be tedious, even on the best of days. Today was different. Using his suggestions, my home internet was working in just five minutes after attaching the power cord and coaxial connection to the modem. No online support chats, no longer support phone calls. Certainly, the easiest reconfiguration one could expect. He probably helps 30 store visitors per day, but just know that one of those visitors greatly appreciates your personal attention and flawless execution of the tasks involved to keep a COX internet customer very satisfied.
EarthLink vs. Cox Coverage Availability
EarthLink Coverage & Availability

Cox Coverage & Availability

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