Cox Internet for Seniors
SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.
SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.
Over the last decade, we’ve seen an increase in senior internet usage, with 73 percent of adults 65 and older reporting online activity.1 Internet usage is associated with decreased levels of depression,2 with online learning increasing neural activity and overall health in older adults.3 What’s more, the internet greatly improves the quality of life for older adults and helps them stay connected with loved ones.
If you’re looking for a new internet provider, Cox offers reliable and fast internet with many options for bundling TV and phone service. With speeds ranging from 100 to 2,000 Mbps, you can find plans starting at $49.99 per month with no contracts. Compared to companies like AT&T, Cox provides affordable packages to meet your budget and internet needs. In this guide, we’ll discuss pricing, plans, and ways for seniors to save on high-speed internet.
Top Alternatives to Cox Internet
Cox internet is only available in 19 states, which means that a large percentage of Americans do not have access to it (yet). So, even though Cox is a high-quality internet and cable TV provider, you may want to compare other options. Be sure to check out some of the highest-rated internet providers that we have reviewed.
Pros About Cox
- Free next-day delivery: If you need internet installed right away, Cox provides free next-day delivery in select areas for customers placing orders for Cox internet, TV, and voice services.
- Wide range of plans and prices: Cox offers a vast selection of high-speed internet plans and TV bundles for every user. Whether you’re an infrequent or moderate internet user, Cox offers consistent pricing for purchasing services online, by phone, or in-store.
- Risk-free trial period: Cox offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can take more time to figure out if their internet service is right for you.
- Over 3 million Wi-Fi hotspots: Cox customers have access to over 3 million free Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.S. This means you can get online faster from any location — even when you’re away from home.
- Strong security: Cox internet plans come with the McAfee-powered Cox Security Suite to protect your devices from viruses and malware.
- No contracts: Most Cox internet plans do not have contracts or cancellation fees, so you won’t get locked into anything long-term.
Cons About Cox
- Limited data: Cox has a 1.25 TB data cap on their internet plans, meaning you might experience lower speeds or overage charges if you surpass this amount of data. Excess usage is $10 per additional 50 GB, with exceptions for certain subscribers. However, most users won’t go through anywhere near 1.25 TB of data in a month, so this won’t be a concern for most seniors.
- Limited availability: Cox has limited availability and coverage in only 19 states compared to internet providers like Xfinity, which offers coverage across 39 states.
Cox Internet Plans and Speeds at a Glance
| Plan | Price | Speed | Connection | Contracts and early termination fees | Internet usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Fast | $49.99 per month | Up to 100 mbps Mbps | Fiber | No | Light to moderate |
| StraightUp Internet (month to month) | $50 per month | Up to 100 Mbps | Fiber | No | Moderate |
| Go Faster | $69.99 per month | Up to 250 Mbps | Fiber | No | Heavy |
| Go Even Faster | $89.99 per month | Up to 500 Mbps | Fiber | No | Heavy |
| Go Super Fast | $109.99 per month* | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Fiber | Yes | Very heavy |
* Price for 24 months. Rates may increase after two years
The Breakdown: Cox Internet Plans for Seniors
When you’re comparing Cox’s internet plans, it’s important to look into your internet habits. For light or new internet users, the Go Fast plan might be a great option. For older adults who enjoy streaming shows and checking emails across multiple devices, upgrading to the Go Faster plan might be a better option. We’ll take a look at our favorite plans for older adults below in more detail.
Go Fast: Perfect for Beginners and Light Internet Users
We recommend the Go Fast plan for seniors who spend a few hours per week using the internet. This plan is perfect for first-time internet users who want to send emails, upload pictures from their vacations to Facebook, or stream shows on a device or two. It starts at $49.99 per month with no term contract. With download speeds up to 100 Mbps, it’s perfect for those who enjoy basic internet activities such as light web browsing, emailing, and social networking.
FYI: If you’re new to the world of internet providers and plans and want to learn more, visit our internet buyers guide for seniors. We cover topics like how to get the best deal on your internet plan, tips for staying safe online, and how to choose the right provider.
Go Faster: For Seniors Who Want Faster Speeds and Large Households
This plan is our pick for older adults who are comfortable using the internet and looking for higher speeds across multiple devices. It’s also perfect for large families or grandparents who entertain the grandkids regularly. The Go Faster plan starts at $69.99 per month, and, just like the Cox Go Fast plan, it has no contracts or early termination fees. This plan comes with speeds up to 250 Mbps, which is plenty of speed for heavy internet users. You can watch shows on multiple devices, play games, browse the web, and check social media all at the same time, no problem!
Good to know: In addition to high-speed internet, Cox offers Voice Home Phone, which lets you make unlimited calls to friends and family in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Cox StraightUp Internet Plan: For Those Who Don’t Want a Credit Check
Lastly, the prepaid StraightUp Internet Plan provides both speed and several value incentives. It starts at $50 per month with no contracts, hidden fees, or credit checks. The price is also locked in for three years, which is a plus for those who want consistency and no price hikes. This plan provides speeds up to 100 Mbps. You also get a free modem with this option.
Does Cox Offer a Senior Internet Discount?
Unfortunately, Cox does not currently offer a senior discount for internet plans. However, they provide other ways for seniors to save on internet services. For example, the Connect2Compete program provides discounted internet services for low-income families at $9.95 per month. To qualify for Connect2Compete, your household must have at least one K-12 student and participate in a government assistance program. As another incentive, the Connect2Compete program requires no annual contracts, and some low-income seniors might be eligible. You may be able to get free Cox internet if you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Visit the ACP website to see if you qualify.
Pro Tip: Cox offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
Is Cox Available in My Area?
Cox provides high-speed internet service, along with TV, phone, and home security coverage for both residences and businesses. To check whether Cox is available in your area, we recommend entering your ZIP code on the company’s website.
Buyer’s tip: On a tight budget? Visit our list of the best cheap internet providers for seniors to compare affordable plans.
Pricing for plans varies by location, so if you want to find the best deals in your area, be sure to type in your residential or business address along with your ZIP code to find the latest promotions and deals. While not the absolute cheapest internet provider, Cox offers a moderately large coverage area with a strong and secure cable network to keep you connected.
Cox Bundles to Get the Best Deal
For many older adults, television is an important form of entertainment and source of information. If you want a reliable internet plan in addition to your TV service, you might consider bundling your internet with one of Cox’s TV packages. Some Cox bundles require term contracts, while others don’t. Bundles come with extra perks like discounted pricing for the first year, access to thousands of On Demand titles, a 4k streaming box, and optional add-ons.
FYI: Qualifying households can get up to $30 per month toward internet service and equipment with help from the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program.
Cox currently offers several internet and TV bundles. Below, we’ll highlight a few of the most popular options. Just remember, available bundles and pricing will vary by location. As with Cox’s stand-alone internet plans, prices for these bundles will increase after one year.
| Bundle name | Cost | Contract | Download speeds | TV channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Fast + Contour Stream Player | $54.99 per month | No contract | Up to 100 Mbps | Streaming only |
| Go Faster + Contour Stream Player | $74.99 per month | No contract | Up to 250 Mbps | Streaming only |
| Go Fast + Contour TV Preferred | $148.99 per month | 1 year | Up to 100 Mbps | 140+ channels |
| Go Super Fast + Contour TV Preferred | $198.99 per month | 1 year | Up to 1,000 Mbps | 140+ channels |
How Does Cox Compare to Other Internet Providers?
To help you decide on the best internet plan for your needs, we’ve compared Cox with other leading internet providers:
Cox vs. Xfinity
Xfinity internet plans offer fast fiber options, just like Cox. Xfinity has a wider coverage area, servicing over 40 states, while Cox currently services 18. When comparing plans with similar speeds, we’ve found that Cox is slightly more expensive than Xfinity. Cox’s Go Fast plan, for example, begins at $49.99 per month with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, while Xfinity’s Connect plan is $19.99 per month for speeds of up to 75 Mbps, depending on location. Cox’s Go Super Fast plan offers download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps and is priced at $109.99 per month, while Xfinity’s plan offers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for only $75 per month for 24 months.
Cox vs. AT&T
In addition to their wireless and mobile services, AT&T offers fiber internet plans. AT&T Internet has a larger coverage area than Cox, providing services in 21 states. Additionally, AT&T offers fiber internet plans starting at $55 per month for up to 300 Mbps. For comparison, Cox offers the Go Faster plan with speeds up to 250 Mbps for $69.99 per month.
Want to learn more about these top providers and how they compare? Visit our list of the best internet providers for seniors.
The Bottom Line on Cox
When searching for an internet provider, you want a fast, reliable, and affordable connection. Fortunately, Cox checks all of these boxes. As one of the nation’s largest cable internet providers, Cox offers several plans, starting at $49.99 per month with speeds ranging from 100 to 2,000 Mbps. Whether you’re a light, moderate, or heavy internet user, Cox offers a variety of plans and bundles to help you stay connected with loved ones. While plans are more expensive than some competitors, Cox offers a strong and secure cable network for all your internet needs, plus no contracts. If you want secure and reliable Wi-Fi coverage at reasonable prices, Cox is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cox
-
Does Cox have data caps?
Yes, Cox has a data cap of 1.25 TB on all of their internet plans.
-
Do I need to purchase equipment with Cox?
Select Cox internet plans may be eligible for a free modem, but not all plans qualify. You can also use your own modem. Cox has a list of compatible modems on their website so you can see if yours will work.
-
Does Cox have cancellation fees?
No, Cox does not have cancellation fees or contracts for its internet packages.
-
What is Cox Security Suite?
Cox Security Suite is antivirus software powered by McAfee that’s included in all Cox internet plans. You can protect up to five devices with it.
-
What are Cox hotspots?
Cox hotspots are networks that provide access to Wi-Fi hotspots that select Cox internet subscribers can connect to across the U.S.
Pew Research. (2019). Internet/Broadband Fact Sheet.
JMIR. (2020). Exploring the Relationship Between Internet Use and Mental Health Among Older Adults in England: Longitudinal Observational Study.
NCBI. (2020). Brain health consequences of digital technology use.