Optimum provides fiber internet plans for high-speed tiers, with no contracts and no data caps. Cox offers flexible bundling options and better third-party router compatibility.
Cost: $50–$150/mo.*
Download Speed: Up to 300 Mbps – Up to 2 Gbps
Data: 1.25 TB data cap for all plans
Contract Term: Optional
Availability: 19 States
Cost: $40–$280/mo.^
Download Speed: Up to 300 Mbps – Up to 8000 Mbps
Data: Unlimited
Contract Term: None
Availability: 21 States
*Everyday low price. No annual contract. ^For 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. In select markets only. View Full Disclaimer.
Cox Communications and Optimum are well-known internet providers in US. Optimum reaches 500,000 customers on its 100% , and Cox has 3.5 million internet subscribers across their areas of service. But which one performs better? What other services make each provider stand out? This extensive comparison blog will cover it all!
Our pool of experts has put together a comprehensive comparison of Cox Communications and Optimum. We focus on providing data-driven insights based on the real-world performance of each provider. Take a closer look at our review criteria and discover which ISP comes out on top in this head-to-head battle.
| COX | Optimum | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| AWARD: Best Plan Variety | AWARD: Best Speeds | ||
| Pricing | 3.11/5 | Pricing | 4.56/5 |
| Performance | 4/5 | Performance | 5/5 |
| Value-Added Features | 3.75/5 | Value-Added Features | 3.75/5 |
| Customer Satisfaction | 3.59/5 | Customer Satisfaction | 4.06/5 |
| Total Score | 3.84/5 | Total Score | 4.51/5 |
| Learn More | Learn More | ||
At LocalCableDeals, , our industry experts conduct in-depth analysis of providers, based on our verified customer reviews, collaborative survey results, and feedback from pages and calls. We’re proud to present ourselves as one of the leading sources of provider comparison, helping you make the best decisions.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range per month | $50–$150/mo.* | $40–$280/mo.** |
| Connection Type | Cable | Fiber Optic |
| Download Speed Range | Up to 300 Mbps – Up to 2000 Mbps | Up to 300 Mbps – Up to 8000 Mbps |
| Most Recommended Plan | Go Super Fast | 2 Gig Internet |
| Latency | 12 ms | 5 ms |
| Data Limit | 1.2 TB (in select areas) | Unlimited |
| Order Now | Order Now |
* Everyday low price. No annual contract.
**For 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. In select markets only. View full disclaimer
You can get an internet plan with speeds starting from 300 Mbps from both providers. However, with Optimum, you can get up to 8 Gbps of fast internet speed. The only catch with Cox is the 1.2 TB data cap, whereas Optimum provides unlimited data with its plans.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range per month | $71/mo.* –$162/mo.+ | $30/mo. –$135/mo. ^ + Price of Internet |
| Number of Channels Up to | 75+ - 250+ | 80+ - 250+ |
| No. of Plans | 3 | 4 |
| CTA | Call Now | Call Now |
*NO term agreement.
+for 24 mos.
^For 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill
Optimum TV plans are more favorable in terms of pricing, number of channels, and plan availability. However, you cannot buy a standalone Optimum TV plan and have to pair it with Optimum Internet.
The Cox Contour app gives you the liberty to enjoy your favorite content anywhere you go. You can also add premium channels of your choice at a nominal price.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range/mo. | $20/mo. | $35/mo. |
| Equipment | Yes | $80 (home wiring) |
| Unlimited Calling | US, Mexico & Canada | U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands |
|
Get Plan |
Get Plan |
Cox Voice plans facilitate you with affordable plans, added equipment, and international calling features. Optimum Voice plans are a bit expensive, and you’ll have to pay for home wiring installation too
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range/mo. | $65 - $95/mo. | $15 – 55/mo. per line |
Optimum Mobile plans are cheaper compared to Cox Mobile plans. However, Cox compensates for this by offering promotional deals every month that you should check out.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $15/mo. | Free to $10/mo. |
| Installation | $100 | $100 |
| Data Overage Fees | $10 per 50GB over the data limit | No |
| Early Termination Fee | Yes | No |
Both providers charge equipment and installation fees to their customers. However, there are no data overage or early termination fees with Optimum, which makes it a clear choice. You may, however, lower your Cox Internet bill by opting for self-installation and keeping a regular check on data usage.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cable TV | ✔ | ✔ |
| Voice/Home Phone | ✔ | ✔ |
| Home Security | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check Bundles | Check Bundles |
The amazing thing about Cox and Optimum is that you can bundle their services and get further discounts. Each provider offers the option to bundle internet, mobile, cable TV, voice, home phone, and home security solutions.
Internet and TV bundles starting from $121/mo.*. See Bundles
Get iPhone 16e with Cox Mobile. Get $599.99 off through 24 monthly bill credits Detail. Shop Deals.
Google Pixel 9 – get $799 off 24 monthly bill credits Detail. Offer ends 6/2. Shop Deal.
1 Gig + Mobile Unlimited – Free Unlimited Data - 3 years, same plan price, guaranteed. See Bundles
Get 1 Unlimited Line Detail or Get 2 Unlimited Lines Detail. Shop Now.
Choose faster speeds for longer price locks. Enjoy up to a 5-year price guarantee with our highest speed. See Plans.
Enjoy Optimum Internet, TV, and Mobile Bundle. See Bundles.
*For 1 Year
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | 1 -2 years | None |
With Optimum, there are no contracts, whereas Cox binds you to at least 1-year contract.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 19 states | 21 states |
Cox Communications is serviceable in 19 states and has significant rural footprint. However, Optimum serves 21 states with a strong presence around New York tri-state area.
Enter your zip code to see providers available in your area.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| ACSI Rating | 68 | 66 |
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Cox scores 68 and Optimum scores 66 in the customer satisfaction benchmark list.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Support | ✔ | ✔ |
| Live Chat Support | ✔ | ✔ |
| Customer Forums | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mobile App | ✔ | ✖ |
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Pay Methods | Online, mobile app, phone, auto-pay, in-person | Online, mobile app, phone, auto-pay, in-person |
| Billing Transparency | 100% | 80% |
| Customer Support Contact Options | Phone number, email, chat, self-service | Phone number, email, chat, self-service |
Both providers support multiple bill-pay methods. You can also contact the customer support of both providers with ease through various channels.
| COX | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Refunds/ Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| Promotional Period Length | 1 - 5 years | Up to 1 year |
| Multi-Product Discount | Yes | Yes |
| Third-Party Gateway Compatibility | Yes | Restricted |
Both providers offer great perks, including a money-back guarantee, promotional period lengths, and multi-product discounts. You can find multiple third-party gateways that are compatible with Cox Internet; however, the options are limited with Optimum.
Customizable plans
Free WiFi hotspots
Fast Fiber connectivity
Greater value for money
Yes, Cox supports a wide range of third-party devices for its internet services. You can get a detailed list in our blog on Cox-compatible modems.
Yes, you can; however, Optimum Internet supports limited third-party routers. You can check out the complete list in our blog here.
The ‘Go Faster’ plan costs only $50/mo.* It’s also the cheapest plan from Cox Internet that you can get.
*For 1 Year. Everyday low price. No annual contract.The cheapest Optimum Internet plan costs only $40/mo.* For 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. In select markets only. Read full disclaimer.
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