
Article Summary
Spectrum and Cox are two of the biggest cable providers in the country. In fact, most lists have them ranked right next to each other. It's only natural for internet shoppers to want to know which company bests the other.
We've compared Spectrum and Cox to each other to see how they stack up in key categories like internet speed, cost, customer satisfaction, and bundle offerings. See which of the two powerhouse cable companies fare in this battle of internet service providers.
Spectrum vs Cox
Spectrum vs Cox: Internet Speeds
Winner: Tie
Spectrum and Cox are not left behind when it comes to internet speeds. Plans with lower speeds for both companies top out around 100Mbps while both companies also offer gigabit internet (Cox even offers 2GBps plans). Gigabit internet may be limited in availability, especially with Spectrum who primarily offers the service to its business customers.
While both have a wide range of speeds available, the most common plan for both internet providers tops out at 300Mbps.
Since Cox offers gigabit internet to more of its residential customers, they might have the slight edge in this category. However, with gigabit internet being an unnecessary luxury for the average household, this slight edge doesn't seem to be enough to put Cox completely over the top of Spectrum when it comes to internet speeds.
Cost, Data and Value for Money
Winner: Spectrum
Monthly Cost
If you look at advertised rates, you might conclude that both Cox and Spectrum are pretty even when it comes to cost. However, you must remember that advertised prices when it comes to internet service are almost always introductory rates that typically last about 12 months. This is true with both Cox and Spectrum who primarily advertise introductory rates for their plans.
When you factor in the standard pricing that kicks in once the introductory rate term has expired, Spectrum seems to offer cheaper prices for their internet services than Cox offers.
Installation and Other Fees
Both Spectrum and Cox charge installation fees for their services. Cox installation fees are slightly more expensive than Spectrum's installation fees. Fortunately, you can order a self-installation kit from Spectrum and Cox which will save you some money upfront.
Keep in mind that it is a common practice for internet/cable providers to offer free installation deals throughout the year to new customers. It's always a good idea to check if any such deals are available while you are shopping for internet.
Data Allowance
In the battle of Spectrum vs Cox, there is a very clear winner when it comes to data allowance. Spectrum does not have data caps on their internet plans. Customers are free to use up as much data as their Netflix binging habits demand.
On the other hand, Cox does have a data cap on their internet plans. Customers can use up to 1.2TB of internet data without incurring any additional fees. However, usage above 1.2TB will cost extra. Of course, the vast majority of households will not use reach the 1.2TB data cap. Still, Cox has a data cap and Spectrum does not. The winner is clear.
Deals
As mentioned earlier, both Spectrum and Cox advertise introductory rates, and those introductory rates are very similar. Technically, Cox offers better deals when you consider how much you are saving compared to their standard rates but the big caveat is that their standard rates are much more expensive than Spectrum's standard rates.
It's hard to feel like you've had the better deal when you end up paying a lot more in the long run.
Availability: Cox vs Spectrum
Winner: Spectrum
Cox and Spectrum are two of the biggest cable companies in the country, and both serve millions of customers. Spectrum, however, is available in more areas than Cox who benefits from serving very densely populated areas such as the majority of Southern California.
The two companies have rivaling numbers when it comes to who they serve, but not quite the same when it comes to where they are available. Spectrum clearly beats out Cox in that regard.
Customer Reviews: Spectrum vs Cox
Winner: Spectrum
Cable and internet providers are notorious for low customer satisfaction. Cox and Spectrum aren't exactly exceptions to the rule. Both do not benefit from loads of glowing reviews.
Spectrum customers do seem slightly more pleased with their services than Cox customers are with Cox. Common complaints you'll hear from both involve inconsistent speeds and service. Cox especially suffers from customers complaining about price increases that appear to come more often than not.
When all is said and done, Spectrum wins this battle but that doesn't mean their customers are overwhelming happy.
Bundle Packages: Spectrum vs Cox
Winner: Spectrum
When reviewing what exactly is included in the bundles offered by both Spectrum and Cox, they seem to be pretty similar. You'd be hard pressed to find a bundle from one provider that didn't have essentially an exact match from the other. The big difference is price. While Cox's introductory rates might be better than Spectrum's, their standard rates are much more. This alone is more than enough to put Spectrum over the edge in this match.
Winner: Spectrum vs Cox
If you've been following the comparison closely, you're probably not surprised by this conclusion. The best Cox could do is tie Spectrum on internet speed, but most cable internet companies are pretty close to each other when it comes to speed.
Cost is a major factor in the matchup. While Cox has very attractive introductory rates, the big price hike you'll see after those introductory rates are pretty unattractive. The standard vs introductory different for Spectrum's plans are nowhere near as drastic as those of Cox.
Add to the cost factor the fact that Spectrum's customers are a little more satisfied than Cox's customers and Spectrum is the clear winner.
You don't have to take our word for it. Compare Spectrum internet plans and Cox internet plans for yourself.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Cox Internet Plans
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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