Popular Internet Providers
- Monthly Cost
- $55.00 and up
- Connection type
- Fiber
- Download speed
- 0.8 Mbps to 940 Mbps
- Packages
- Internet, TV
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- Monthly Cost
- $49.99 and up
- Connection type
- Hybrid-Fiber Coaxial
- Download speed
- 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps
- Packages
- Internet, TV or Telephone
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- Monthly Cost
- $64.99 and up
- Connection type
- Satellite
- Download speed
- 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps
- Packages
- Internet, TV or Telephone
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When considering internet plans, it makes sense to compare two or three if you have the option to see which one is best for you. Depending on your needs, you may be looking for internet-only plans, or you may want additional services like a phone line or cable TV in addition to internet service.
Let’s compare AT&T and Cox to give you an idea of what might make sense for you. We’ll look at internet plans, customer service, internet speed, data limit expectations and other features to help you determine what works for your situation.
Account |
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Monthly Cost |
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$55.00 and up | $29.99 and up |
When considering AT&T and Cox, it’s important to compare the different features. First, according to the Federal Communications Commission, AT&T has a wider reach than Cox Communications. Their latest coverage map, updated with December 2020 data, shows that about 41% of the US population has access to AT&T, while Cox reaches about 7% of the population.
Cox internet plans start at $29.99 per month for the first year, while AT&T plans start at $55 per month. Cox also offers a prepaid internet plan for $50 a month that doesn’t require a credit check or down payment.
Every Cox internet service plan you buy comes with a data cap. AT&T’s fiber plans offer unlimited data. Both companies offer plans with download speeds of up to one gigabit per second, although depending on your situation you may not be able to get those speeds. AT&T also offers two plans with 2 Gbps and 5 Gbps options.
Both AT&T and Cox include phone and TV packages. However, Cox also includes a home security and automation package. Depending on the features you’re looking for, one may work better for you than the other, depending on whether both are available in your area.
You can choose packages with AT&T or Cox based on your streaming habits and needs. For example, if you stream from a high-definition TV or your family plays a lot of games, you may need a more expensive package. Cox limits how many devices you can connect at different plan levels, with the cheapest plan limiting you to five connected devices. If you want to connect more than nine devices, you need to pay for a higher-priced package.
Since Cox has a wider variety of internet plans, it also has faster download speeds. Carefully consider package deals, speeds, and your usage before making a final decision between the two companies.
AT&T Internet
Too much Internet
AT&T offers three fiber-based plans that may not be available everywhere AT&T internet plans are available. In addition to the fiber plans, AT&T has a number of other plans, all starting at $55 per month, based on available speed. The price ranges from $55 to $80 per month depending on the plan based on internet speed.
And Cox has plans starting at $29.99 per month for the first year. Plan prices go up after the first year. Most plan prices are based on data limit, internet speed and how many devices you want to connect. Cox also has assistance programs aimed at low-income consumers. Finally, Cox offers a prepaid plan starting at $50 that requires no upfront deposit or credit check.
In general, AT&T offers better overall value when you sign up for fiber. If you’ve got fiber, you can get their best plan for $80 a month, which comes with unlimited data. Cox, on the other hand, charges $99.99 per month for its best plan for the first year. If you get a cheaper plan, there are limits on the number of devices you can connect. AT&T also has a rating of 4.3 and is #1 on the Best Internet Service Providers of 2023 list, while Cox has a rating of 4 and is #4. AT&T is a slightly better value, especially if you can get fiber.
Available here:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
See all
When comparing AT&T and Cox, affordability is a big consideration.
AT&T is available in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. . You can find out if AT&T has coverage at your address by going to the AT&T website.
Available in much fewer areas. In the United States, there are 624 service areas located in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode. Island and Virginia. You can use the Cox locator to find out if your address is in the service area.
Pros:
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It is more widespread, especially in the south
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Package offers for phone and TV
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It is a good choice for urban users with access to fiber
Cons:
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Low coverage in rural areas
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Data cap on plans slower than 100 Mbps
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You are required to rent a modem for an additional fee
AT&T is widely available compared to Cox internet. However, while AT&T may be a better deal for fiber, it has a lower data cap for slower plans. For example, AT&T has a 1 TB data limit on slower plans, while Cox has 1.25 TB.
AT&T offers good service in urban areas where customers have access to fiber. AT&T also has a number of bundle deals that can save you money on many services. However, while both AT&T and Cox increase their rates after the first year, Cox offers more ways to save, such as letting you use your own modem.
Pros:
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Ability to save on equipment
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Various budget options, including for rural customers
Cons:
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Limitations on devices for cheaper plans
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You may need to rent a modem for Wi-Fi network service
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A cancellation fee if you leave the contract early
Cox Internet offers reliable and fast internet for areas that are not eligible for AT&T fiber, including rural areas. Additionally, although Cox has a lower rating than AT&T, it has some advantages, such as the ability to save on equipment if you have your own modem or want a prepaid option that doesn’t require a deposit.
Like AT&T, you’ll see a rate increase after the first year. Cox also has a hefty cancellation fee if you leave before your contract ends. However, if you have a prepaid plan, you can avoid this fee.
Whether AT&T or Cox is better depends on your individual needs as well as your location. In general, if you’re a city customer with access to fiber and want unlimited data, AT&T may be a better deal. You also don’t have to worry about the number of devices you use with AT&T service. However, rural customers can benefit from a variety of pricing options, including Cox’s prepaid option. Cox has a higher data cap at slower speeds, so it might make sense if you’re not planning on buying the most expensive package.
Carefully consider your use and family needs before purchasing.
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