Cox Internet vs CenturyLink

If you have a choice between these two internet service providers, you may be wondering where to start. 

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.
Cox Internet logo
#7 Cox Internet
5.5 Overall Score
3.8
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(450)
CenturyLink logo
#10 CenturyLink
5.1 Overall Score
2.7
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(816)

Overview

Cox Internet

Monthly Price

$29.99

Minimum Contract Length

12 Months

Time in Business

62 Years

CenturyLink

Varies

No Contracts

56 Years

Ratings

Cox Internet

Overall Score
5.5 of 10
Review Score
3.8
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Value for Money
2.9
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Quality of Product or Service
3.2
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Company Trustworthiness
3.1
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Likely to Recommend
5.1 of 10

CenturyLink

5.1 of 10
2.7
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2.7
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2.6
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2.7
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3.8 of 10

Reviews

Cox Internet

Number of Reviews
450
Review Breakdown
3.8
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1 star
20%
2 star
10%
3 star
20%
4 star
22%
5 star
26%

CenturyLink

816
2.7
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1 star
38%
2 star
11%
3 star
18%
4 star
17%
5 star
17%

Reviews for Cox Internet

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star_border

Deborah Newman

June 14th, 2024

DETAILS

Edited June 18th, 2024

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Review Source

I have been with Cox for about 10 years. They do have good customer service, however their internet drops often. I do not like the packages they offer I don't need 20 sports channels that I dont watch or 40 Spanish channels that I don't watch or listen to. Seems like they fall in line with most companies and when you check the channels you get you only actually use about 1/4th of them.

Helpful Critical Review

star star star_border star_border star_border

KIMBERLY & TINA CREAN

January 10th, 2024

DETAILS

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Review Source

Covid my only option right now for in home internet. It sucks and is expensive. I had to recently upgrade my system again and the service got better, but it was almost double the price I was paying, 179.00 a month is too much for in home WiFi. If it was not a nessasary evil I would not have it.

Reviews for CenturyLink

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Joseph A. Giallanza

December 8th, 2023

DETAILS

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Review Source

I had Century Link for years In Arcadia, Florida and never had a single issue with the company. If there ever was downtime, it was resolved immediately, and their customer service was the best! I'm in Daytona Beach, now and they aren't available here. I hope they read this review and answer my prayers that will provide service, because what we have here now "really stinks!"

Helpful Critical Review

star star star_border star_border star_border

Jaden Paul

June 30th, 2024

DETAILS

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Review Source

I CANT GET TECH SUPPORT!!!!!! I’m so pissed. I have been having issues for months! I’ve called and keep getting the run around, I’ve done the chat support texting, all that does is piss you off! I would love to get actual help before I cancel my service

The Final Word

You have may noticed that reviews of Cox and CenturyLink’s customer service are not glowing, but don’t be alarmed. The ISP industry has low reviews overall, so three stars or more is fairly respectable in this category.

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.

Top Choice

Cox Internet Logo
Cox Internet

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