Do you like a good fight? We all do, especially when we’re trying to decide on a side to take. When it comes to internet service, the two contenders below are both heavyweights with a title to defend. Cox, which was founded in 1962, is a few decades older than the company that grew into AT&T. But AT&T has a few tricks up its sleeve that Cox has yet to master, such as mobile service bundles. Gimmicks aside, who has the best internet service? The ISPs go head-to-head below.
Best Pricing, Contracts and Bundles: Cox (for basic service) AT&T (for bundles)
Fastest Internet Speeds & Reliability: Tie
Provider Vs. Provider: Local Availability & Coverage: AT&T (For rural internet availability)
Provider Vs. Provider: Bonus Features & Add-Ons: Cox (For Panoramic Wi-Fi)
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AT&T vs. COX: Pricing, Contracts and Bundles
Since both Cox and AT&T are large companies, and they are available in many of the same areas, you can expect pricing to be competitive between the two. However, overall, Cox has the lowest beginner pricing with a budget package coming in at less than $30 per month. AT&T’s Internet 300 fiber connection isn’t much more expensive on the surface, but you’re still going to be out of pocket for equipment fees.
If you’re looking for a bundle, you may find a better price structure with AT&T since you will likely be able to choose between its U-Verse and DirecTV television services. AT&T also offers mobile service, and Cox does not.
AT&T vs. COX: Internet Speed & Reliability
When it comes to an Internet connection, price isn’t everything; speed also matters. While AT&T boasts an “Internet 1000” package, a closer look reveals that download speeds on their gig service average 940 Mbps, which is the same as Cox’s Gigablast package. Back to price, however, there is a huge discrepancy between the two, with AT&T coming in around $40 per month cheaper on this top-tier package.
Cox and AT&T both offer a variety of speeds, although Cox bottoms out at 25 Mbps, whereas AT&T’s most scaled-down internet package crawls in at .8 Mbps. While this might sound unreasonably slow in our lightning-fast society, basic internet is a welcome service in many rural areas throughout the country. As for reliability, both companies have the manpower and infrastructure to stay up and running when the going gets tough.
AT&T vs. COX: Local Availability
With availability in 22 states, AT&T covers a bit more of the US than Cox. However, there’s quite a bit of overlap, with both service providers available in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, and North Carolina. AT&T tends to have more substantial coverage in the southeast, while Cox has a few more northern and midwestern states under its watchful eyes.
If you happen to live in an overlap area, don’t assume that each provider packs the same punch. Enter your address into the maps below to confirm service availability by your location.
AT&T vs. COX: Unlimited Data & Other Features
The vast majority of features between both companies are the same. They each come with some type of security and both offer top-of-the-line equipment. Both companies offer excellent customer service and the option for unlimited data. With AT&T, unlimited is included when you package your internet with your television or have the Internet 1000 plan. You can also upgrade to unlimited for $30 per month on any lower-level plan. All Cox plans come standard with 1.25 TB of monthly data, although unlimited bundles that include Panoramic Wi-Fi and additional customer care are also available for an upcharge.
AT&T vs. COX: Which is Better Overall?
So, the big question here is which company comes out on top? For some, Cox will win. For others, AT&T takes top prize. Overall, the two companies offer fast, reliable service. AT&T may be a better option in areas where each is available since you can score a hefty discount for packaging your internet, mobile service, and TV into one bill. Before you make any decision, make sure to check each provider’s website for current deals, specials, and capabilities. Remember, as technology continues to advance, both Cox and AT&T will invest in their infrastructure. Competition is fierce, and, at the end of the day, you will likely be the big winner.
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FAQ
What is fiber internet?
Fiber internet utilizes fiber-optic cable technology. These are physical wires that can transmit data at approximately 70% of the speed of light. Using a fiber-optic connection, homes running multiple devices can stream, download, and process large batches of information in seconds versus hours.
How do I get the best deals?
The vast majority of cable companies offer their best deals online. Many also provide a further discount, often $5 per month for more for using wireless billing. If you need multiple services, you will almost always get the best price by bundling two or more with the same company.
How much data do common internet activities use?
Many factors go into how much bandwidth an activity takes up or how much data you’ll use. Online gaming, for example, uses up to 60 Mb per hour while streaming in HD video requires 3 Gb per hour.
