Cox Internet for Seniors, Reviewed and Tested by Tech Experts
Cox offers fast and affordable internet plans for seniors with no contracts and multiple bundling options.
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If you’re looking for a new internet provider, Cox offers reliable and fast internet with many options for bundling TV and phone service. You’ll find speeds ranging from 100 to 2,000 Mbps, with plans starting at $50 a month with no contracts. Our senior tech experts tested Cox internet for this year’s review and found that the company offers solid value, reliable service, and fast speeds.
Cox provides more affordable packages than AT&T to meet your budget and internet needs. The only major cons for Cox are limited availability and data. There are workarounds, however, which we’ll discuss below. We’ll also cover our experience using Cox internet – from pricing and plans to ways to save on high-speed internet.
Using the Cox mobile app to track data usage
Top Alternatives to Cox Internet
Cox internet is available in only 19 states, compared to 41 states for competitor Spectrum. Many Americans will not have access because of this limitation. Even though Cox is a high-quality internet and cable TV provider, you may want to compare other options. Check out some of the highest-rated internet providers we have reviewed.
Pros About Cox
- Free next-day delivery: Cox provides free next-day delivery in select areas for customers placing orders for Cox internet, TV, and voice services, so you can have internet installed quickly.
- 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 for you.
- Over 3 million Wi-Fi hotspots: Cox customers have access to over 3 million free Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.S. That means you can get online faster from any location — even when you’re away from home.
- Strong security: Like Xfinity, Cox internet plans come with a McAfee-powered 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 its internet plans, which means you may experience slower speeds or overage charges if you surpass your data limit. Excess usage is $10 per additional 50 GB, with exceptions for select subscribers. Most users, however, won’t go through anywhere near 1.25 TB of data in a month. It won’t be a concern for most seniors.
- Limited availability: Cox has limited availability and coverage in only 19 states compared to internet providers such as 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 | $50 per month | Up to 100 Mbps | Fiber | No | Light to moderate |
| Go Faster | $70 per month | Up to
250 Mbps |
Fiber | No | Moderate |
| Go Even Faster | $90 per month | Up to 500 Mbps | Fiber | No | Heavy |
| Go Super Fast | $110 per month | Up to 1 Gbps* | Fiber | No | Very Heavy |
| Go Beyond Fast | $150 per month | Up to 2 Gbps | Fiber | No | Very heavy |
* Price for 24 months. Rates may increase after two years.
The Breakdown: Cox Internet Plans for Seniors
When comparing Cox’s internet plans, carefully look into your internet habits. The Go Fast plan is ideal for new or light internet users. Upgrading to the Go Faster plan might be a better option for older adults who enjoy streaming shows and checking emails across multiple devices. We’ll look at our favorite plans for older adults below in 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. The 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 $50 per month with no 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.
When we tested the Go Fast plan, we had issues getting our modem up and running, but these were resolved quickly. We called the Cox customer service team and waited on hold for about 15 minutes. The representative we spoke with was kind and helpful. She confirmed our equipment, reset the modem on her end, and then our connection was up and running! Whenever we had questions or needed assistance, it was easy to get in touch through the Cox mobile app or over the phone.
Connecting with customer support in the Cox mobile app
After setup was complete, we found that the Go Fast plan offers solid value, especially compared to other providers in our area. We experienced download speeds of 114 Mbps on average, which was even higher than the plan’s advertised speeds. That impressed us, since it’s not very common to exceed your plan’s speeds. We did not experience any buffering, lagging, or slow download speeds, and the service was reliable. We found the 100 Mbps plan fast enough for streaming, downloading large files, and some online gaming.
Running a speed test for Cox internet
If we ever had any issues with our connection, it was easy to reset our modem through the mobile app. We could also check our data usage, but we never came close to our 1.2 TB data limit.
Using the Cox mobile app to track data usage
FYI: If you’re new to internet providers and plans and want to learn more, visit our internet buyers guide for seniors. We cover topics like getting the best deal on your internet plan, tips for staying safe online, and how to choose the right provider.
Go Faster: For Large Households and Seniors Who Want Faster Speeds
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 regularly entertain grandkids. The Go Faster plan starts at $70 per month, and, just like the Go Fast plan, it has no contracts or early termination fees. The 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 simultaneously, no problem!
FYI: If you’re new to internet providers and plans and you want to learn more, visit our internet buyers guide for seniors. We cover topics such as getting the best deal on your internet plan, tips for staying safe online, and how to choose the right provider.
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. The Connect2Compete program, for example, provides discounted internet services for low-income families at $9.95 a month. Your household must have at least one K-12 student and participate in a government assistance program to qualify for Connect2Compete. As another incentive, the Connect2Compete program requires no annual contracts. Some low-income seniors might be eligible.
Cox also offers ConnectAssist for qualified homes on a tight budget. The plan costs $30 per month with up to 100 Mbps download speeds, unlimited data, and a free modem rental. Another bonus: There are no credit checks, deposits, or late fees. Both of these can be ideal for seniors on a fixed income.
Looking for other ways to save on your Cox plan? We found that if you purchase your own Wi-Fi router instead of renting one of Cox’s for a monthly fee, you can save more money in the long run. Just make sure to check Cox’s website for a list of compatible routers.
Is Cox Available in My Area?
Cox provides high-speed internet service, TV, phone, and home security coverage for residences and businesses. We recommend entering your ZIP code on the company’s website to check whether Cox is available in your area.
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. To find the best deals in your area, type in your residential or business address plus your ZIP code to find the latest promotions and deals. It’s not the cheapest internet provider, but Cox offers a moderately large coverage area with a reliable, secure cable network to keep you connected.
Cox Bundles to Get the Best Deal
If you want a reliable internet plan plus your TV service, 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 such as discounted pricing for the first year, access to thousands of on-demand titles, a 4k streaming box, and optional add-ons.
Cox currently offers internet and TV bundles. Below we’ll highlight two of the most popular options. Just remember that 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 TV Preferred | $175 per month | 1 year | Up to 100 Mbps | 140+ channels |
| Go Super Fast + Contour TV Preferred | $235 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 198. When comparing plans with similar speeds, we found that Cox is slightly more expensive than Xfinity. Cox’s Go Fast plan begins at $50 per month with speeds up to 100 Mbps, while Xfinity’s Connect plan is $19.99 per month for speeds up to 75 Mbps, depending on location. Cox’s Go Super Fast plan offers download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and is priced at $110 per month, while Xfinity’s plan offers speeds 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 $70 per month.
Want to learn more about these top providers and how they compare? Visit our list of the best internet providers for seniors.
Cox vs. Spectrum
Spectrum Internet is our choice for the best low-cost internet for seniors because of its Spectrum Internet Assist Plan. Having someone in your household who receives assistance under various programs, such as Supplemental Security Income, makes you eligible. Spectrum boasts 99.9 percent network reliability. Spectrum’s internet speeds go up to 1 Gbps, compared to Cox’s 2 Gbps. The company has no data caps or contracts on most plans, with prices starting at $50 per month.
Our Methodology: How We Tested Cox Internet
We tested out all aspects of Cox internet service, from setup and mobile app use to daily usage.
We tested all aspects of Cox internet service, from setup and mobile app use to daily usage. Our tech experts thoroughly researched and tested the best Cox internet packages for older adults. After over 50 hours of testing and detailed analysis, we assessed Cox’s offerings based on several key factors, such as pricing and overall value, customer service, equipment and setup, and bundling options. We also incorporated real customer feedback and experiences to provide a well-rounded evaluation. Below is an overview of the criteria we used to evaluate Cox internet for seniors.
- Pricing: We researched pricing for Cox packages, including monthly subscription costs, seasonal promotions, equipment fees, and bundling options for maximum value and savings. We also considered any senior or low-income discounts.
- Internet speed options:Our team evaluated the range of internet speeds available, from basic to high-speed plans. We also looked at what types of households and usage needs they would be best for, such as browsing, streaming, home office, and gaming. We ran 10 speed tests using our internet plan to assess average download speeds compared to advertised speeds.
- Customer support: We considered Cox’s customer support, modes of contact and availability, response times, and ease of getting technical help when needed. We also looked at customer experience and review websites to inform our rating.
- Contracts and flexibility:We evaluated contracts, early termination fees, price hikes, and other hidden fees. Overall, Cox offers flexible plans without strings attached.
The Bottom Line on Cox
You want your internet provider to have a fast, reliable, and affordable connection. Fortunately, we found that Cox checks all those boxes during testing. Cox customer service was very helpful, and the mobile app made tracking our plan and equipment simple.
As one of the nation’s largest cable internet providers, Cox offers several plans, starting at $50 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. Its plans are more expensive than the competition, but 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
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Does Cox have data caps?
Yes, Cox has a data cap of 1.25 TB on all of their internet plans.
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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 online, so you can see if yours will work.
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Does Cox have cancellation fees?
No, Cox does not have cancellation fees or contracts for its internet packages.
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What is Cox Security Suite?
Cox Security Suite is antivirus software powered by McAfee that is included in all Cox internet plans. You can protect up to five devices.
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What are Cox hotspots?
Cox hotspots are networks providing access to Wi-Fi hotspots that select Cox internet subscribers can connect to across the U.S.
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NCBI. (2020). Brain health consequences of digital technology use.