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Debating between Xfinity vs Cox for internet service? These providers offer many of the same perks and pricing. However, there are key differences between their plans, like internet speeds and availability, that may sway you one way or the other. Keep reading to answer that for yourself.

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  • Same-day installations
  • 8+ million free WiFi hotspots
  • Unlimited data available
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  • Low introductory prices
  • Excellent customer support
  • Blazing fast speeds

Internet Plans

Our Picks

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Staring Price

$19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo.$49.99/mo.

Max Download

50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps1000 Mbps

Data Caps

YesYes

Equipment Fee

$14/mo. – $25/mo.$6.99/mo.

Check AvailabilityCheck Availability

Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 6/14/22.

Xfinity Internet Plans

Xfinity is the biggest cable provider in the United States, serving customers across 40 states. It offers a variety of plans and services including internet, cable TV, phone, and home security. Xfinity’s packages are customizable and come with added perks like state-of-the-art equipment and built-in interenet security. Customers even get access to more than 8 million free Xfinity WiFi hotspots.

Cox Internet Plans

Cox internet plans consist of cable internet, TV, and phone services that you can bundle for a cheaper rate. While they have a smaller network than Xfinity, it’s still sizable. Cox serves customers across 18 states and provides access to more than 3 million free WiFi hotspots.

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Internet Features

Both providers have a lot to offer customers. From generous data allowances to customizable packages, we think you’ll find something that suits your digital needs. Check out the main differences between each to see which one you like best.

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Data Allowance

Most Xfinity internet plans have a data cap of 1.2TB per month. You’ll be charged for any data overages, but you can also purchase an unlimited plan.

Data Allowance

Most Cox internet plans come with 1.25 TB of data per month, which is usually more than enough for the average home. If you want more, you’ll have to subscribe to its top-tier plans or pay an additional fee to go unlimited.

Optional Contracts

While Xfinity certainly offers contracts, you can avoid long-term agreements and early termination fees (ETFs) by choosing a no-contract plan.

Optional Contracts

Similarly, Cox does not require a contract for its services, but you can save money on your bill with a term agreement.

Internet Security

All Xfinity internet plans include Advanced Security at no additional cost to protect your devices from viruses, malware, and other cyber threats.

Internet Security

Keep your home devices protected from online threats with Cox Security Suite Plus, a free perk for all internet plans.

Free WiFi Hotspots

Internet customers gain access to over 8 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide, free of charge.

Free WiFi Hotspots

Stay connected on the go with over 3 million Cox WiFi hotspots nationwide, available to all internet customers.

Streaming

Xfinity is offering its Flex streaming device for free to any new, internet-only plan. Stream your favorite services from one convenient box.

Streaming

Like Xfinity, Cox offers its wireless 4K Contour Stream player for an additional $5 per month with a Starter or better internet plan.

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Data Allowance

Most Xfinity internet plans have a data cap of 1.2TB per month. You’ll be charged for any data overages, but you can also purchase an unlimited plan.

Optional Contracts

While Xfinity certainly offers contracts, you can avoid long-term agreements and early termination fees (ETFs) by choosing a no-contract plan.

Internet Security

All Xfinity internet plans include Advanced Security at no additional cost to protect your devices from viruses, malware, and other cyber threats.

Free WiFi Hotspots

Internet customers gain access to over 8 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide, free of charge.

Streaming

Xfinity is offering its Flex streaming device for free to any new, internet-only plan. Stream your favorite services from one convenient box.

SHOW MORE
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Data Allowance

Most Cox internet plans come with 1.25 TB of data per month, which is usually more than enough for the average home. If you want more, you’ll have to subscribe to its top-tier plans or pay an additional fee to go unlimited.

Optional Contracts

Similarly, Cox does not require a contract for its services, but you can save money on your bill with a term agreement.

Internet Security

Keep your home devices protected from online threats with Cox Security Suite Plus, a free perk for all internet plans.

Free WiFi Hotspots

Stay connected on the go with over 3 million Cox WiFi hotspots nationwide, available to all internet customers.

Streaming

Like Xfinity, Cox offers its wireless 4K Contour Stream player for an additional $5 per month with a Starter or better internet plan.

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Internet Fees

Xfinity and Cox are neck-and-neck in most categories, but their internet fees do vary. It’s important to know what these include, so you’re not caught by surprise when your bill rolls around each month. We break down the most common charges to expect with each provider to help put your mind at ease.

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Unlimited Data Upgrade

If you need more than 1.2 TB of data, you can upgrade your plan to include unlimited data for an extra $30 per month, or purchase xFi complete for $25 per month, which includes unlimited data and xFi gateway.

Unlimited Data Upgrade

Cox also charges an extra $30 per month for unlimited data on its slower plans.

Installations

Xfinity customers can pay a one-time fee of $89.99 for a professional installation or install service themselves for free, no activation fee required.

Installations

Cox customers can pay a one-time fee of $50 for a professional installation or opt to install their new service themselves for a cheaper $20 virtual activation fee.

Early Termination

If you wish to cancel your Xfinity service before your contract is up, you may be charged an early termination fee of up to $230 (prorated monthly).

Early Termination

If you wish to cancel your Cox service before your contract is up, you may be charged an early termination fee of up to $360 (prorated monthly).

Equipment Rental

Xfinity customers can use any of these third-party approved routers or pay between $14 – $25 per month to rent an Xfinity router.

Equipment Rental

Customers can use their own equipment or choose between two routers: a Contour STB for $8.50/mo. or a Panoramic WiFi Gateway for $12/mo.

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Unlimited Data Upgrade

If you need more than 1.2 TB of data, you can upgrade your plan to include unlimited data for an extra $30 per month, or purchase xFi complete for $25 per month, which includes unlimited data and xFi gateway.

Installations

Xfinity customers can pay a one-time fee of $89.99 for a professional installation or install service themselves for free, no activation fee required.

Early Termination

If you wish to cancel your Xfinity service before your contract is up, you may be charged an early termination fee of up to $230 (prorated monthly).

Equipment Rental

Xfinity customers can use any of these third-party approved routers or pay between $14 – $25 per month to rent an Xfinity router.

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Unlimited Data Upgrade

Cox also charges an extra $30 per month for unlimited data on its slower plans.

Installations

Cox customers can pay a one-time fee of $50 for a professional installation or opt to install their new service themselves for a cheaper $20 virtual activation fee.

Early Termination

If you wish to cancel your Cox service before your contract is up, you may be charged an early termination fee of up to $360 (prorated monthly).

Equipment Rental

Customers can use their own equipment or choose between two routers: a Contour STB for $8.50/mo. or a Panoramic WiFi Gateway for $12/mo.

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Deals & Promotions

Your monthly bill just got better!

Save $10/mo. on your bill when you select paperless billing and sign up for auto payments! Xfinity Offer Details.

Save even more on your Xfinity service.

Picking a Provider

Xfinity offers fantastic speeds and availability. However, Cox offers slightly better options related to internet fees. Check out which user each provider is best suited for based on their offerings.

Xfinity: High-Speed User

While Xfinity and Cox both offer competitive gigabit internet speeds, no one comes close to Xfinity’s top bandwidth. Subscribers can get equal upload and download speeds of up to 3000 Mbps if they select its Gigabit Pro Internet plan. However, it has a steep price tag of $299.95 per month. The better option may be a gigabit plan that’s $20 cheaper than Cox. If you frequently stream shows, work from home, or game a lot at home, Xfinity is the way to go.

Cox: Budget Shopper

If price is your biggest concern, Cox internet is the way to go. It offers a low-cost introductory plan with minimal internet fees. New customers are automatically guaranteed a fixed price on their plans for 12-months, and save even more with a term agreement.

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Paula Novo
Written By
Paula Novo
Written By
Paula Novo
With over four years of telecom experience, Paula Novo is the Site Editor for HighSpeedOptions. She has helped develop the criteria by which HighSpeedOptions reviews and recommends internet service providers. Paula also leads HighSpeedOptions' coverage of the digital divide, broadband policy, and ISP reviews.