Cox Internet vs CenturyLink
Cox service is available in 19 states, while CenturyLink's coverage area expands to all 50. But Cox and CenturyLink provide service to a similar sum of customers, especially because you're more likely to have CenturyLink's service in a rural zip code.
Both companies have bundles for internet, phone, and TV service, which can make these services more affordable. A Cox Bronze Duo bundle can get you over 140 channels and 150 mbps for $89.99 per month; CenturyLink bundles 80 mbps internet with over 150 DIRECTV channels for $104.
And many of Cox's and CenturyLink's plans share a 1 TB data cap, though CenturyLink's gigabit internet breaks the mold on this one.
Speaking of a gigabit, the providers both offer up to 1,000 mbps through fiber optic plans. Fiber connections typically give you the best and most reliable speed you can get.
It sounds like they both have a lot going for them, doesn't it? But they're not on par in every category. Read on to see where these service providers excel and where they don't.
Overview
Cox Internet
$29.99
12 Months
61 Years
CenturyLink
Varies
No Contracts
55 Years
Ratings
Cox Internet
CenturyLink
Reviews
Cox Internet
Reviews
CenturyLink
Reviews for Cox Internet
Helpful Favorable Review
Mary Clifford Brewer
June 1st, 2023
Roanoke, VA
DETAILS
Review Source
I've had Cox for years and rarely have had technical problems. When I did, it would take forever to get someone on the phone, BUT the issue was generally solved quickly once you reach a person. Also, expensive.
Helpful Critical Review
Alaina
May 23rd, 2023
Tucson, AZ
DETAILS
Worst internet provider I have ever had. Intermittent connectivity. Zero help. You have to pay a service fee for them to come out to your residence for their equipment failures. Monopoly of internet providers where I live in Vegas. Impossible to talk to someone, unless you want to pay $10 a month for “24/7 help..” When did we have to start paying companies for customer service that I already am paying a crazy monthly fee for service? This is just a hard pass. If you have any other option- go with the other company.
Reviews for CenturyLink
Helpful Favorable Review
Jenn
June 2nd, 2023
Albuquerque, NM
DETAILS
Review Source
I feel like as far as internet goes, it was okay. It was fairly decent for the amount. However, if more than 3 devices were connected to the wifi at one time, the speed would really slow down. I chose the speeds the salesperson recommended to me.
Helpful Critical Review
Jeremy Summa
May 23rd, 2023
Inverness, FL
DETAILS
Review Source
I had them for a short time and wow did they drop service almost every day. I’m hoping it’s better now since I stopped using them because when I had them tech support was not very good and it would take a while to get a tech out or the would just say it’s an area of high demand and that equals to we over sold the market and it’s causing a speed bottleneck.
The Final Word
But that leaves CenturyLink as a clear loser on the customer service front if you take these ratings at face value. Keep in mind that CenturyLink provides DSL service to many of its customers in rural areas, which is less likely to be reliable. But if you have the chance to snag CenturyLink fiber, your satisfaction with the service may be much higher.
What really sets Cox and CenturyLink apart is pricing. CenturyLink has Price for Life plans that guarantee a monthly rate with no contract. On the other hand, customers typically complain that Cox’s price isn’t worth its download and upload speeds. But some of Cox's cheaper plans beg to differ.
Some customers can access a Cox plan at $19.99 per month for 10 mbps with no contract. Meanwhile, the cheapest CenturyLink package can offer you 20 mbps for $45 per month. If affordability is your goal, this might move the needle for you. But if you want speed, that won't cut it.
For fiber optic internet with 1 Gbps, CenturyLink is $65 per month. The Cox Gigablast will run you $99.99 per month. Cox can get pricey for its fiber service.
If you're looking for fiber with an affordable price, CenturyLink may be your choice. But if you're worried about negative customer reviews and want to prioritize reliability, you might be better off with Cox.
