Cox Internet vs CenturyLink

McCall Martin
McCall Martin | Senior Editor
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
#5 Cox Internet
6.2 Overall Score
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
(446)
CenturyLink logo
#6 CenturyLink
5.9 Overall Score
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
(811)

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
6.2 of 10
Review Score
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
Value for Money
2.9
star star star star_border star_border
Quality of Product or Service
3.2
star star star star_border star_border
Company Trustworthiness
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
Likely to Recommend
5.1 of 10

CenturyLink

5.9 of 10
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
2.8
star star star star_border star_border
2.6
star star star_half star_border star_border
2.7
star star star_half star_border star_border
3.8 of 10

Reviews

Cox Internet

Number of Reviews
446
Review Breakdown
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
1 star
20%
2 star
11%
3 star
20%
4 star
22%
5 star
26%

CenturyLink

811
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
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

Milrose Nacpil

February 10th, 2024

DETAILS

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Review Source

We been a customer of Cox Internet for 10+ years now from Nevada now we’re here in California. We moved several times and getting our Cox internet to where we are was never a problem. Panoramic WiFi from cox internet is the best internet experience.

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

check_circle

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_border star_border star_border star_border

S. T. Kline

August 28th, 2023

DETAILS

If I could give it less than one star, I would. There ought to be a negative star rating for this pathetic provider. Connection went down four days ago and no word from company when it will be restored. I am switching to Cox.

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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