Choosing between Cox and CenturyLink usually comes down to whether your address gets fiber, cable, or DSL.
- 2 Gbps
- Cable
- 1.25 TB
- $55.00/mo
- 940 Mbps
- DSL & Fiber
- 1 TB
- $50.00/mo
*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.
Key Takeaways
- CenturyLink’s fiber plans offer symmetrical speeds and no data caps, making them the superior choice for bandwidth-heavy households.
- Cox cable generally outperforms CenturyLink DSL, providing much faster and more reliable connections if fiber isn’t available in your neighborhood.
- Hidden costs can inflate your monthly bill, so it is crucial to compare equipment rental fees, installation charges, and promotional pricing before signing a contract.
Setting up utilities during a move carries enough stress without agonizing over which internet provider will actually deliver reliable service. As you unpack boxes and connect your devices, having a stable network is critical. We designed this guide to help you compare Cox and CenturyLink directly, sorting through the promotional jargon to determine which provider offers the best value, speed, and reliability for your new home.
Comparing Cox and CenturyLink Internet Plans at a Glance
When you’re comparing Cox and CenturyLink internet, focus first on what’s available at your address. Whether Cox is better than CenturyLink usually depends on the specific connection type available at your property. CenturyLink shines brightly with its straightforward fiber pricing, while in many areas, CenturyLink’s fiber service is now sold under the Quantum Fiber brand. If your address checker redirects you to Quantum Fiber, you are likely looking at the fiber option discussed in this guide. Cox offers a wider range of cable tiers that scale up to gigabit speeds. To help budget-conscious movers scan the data quickly, we compiled a side-by-side look at what each provider brings to the table. Pricing and fees change often and can vary by address. Treat these figures as typical starting points, then confirm the final monthly price, taxes, equipment fees, and installation charges before ordering.
Cox Plans & Pricing
| Plan Name | Price | Download Speeds | Connection Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Fast | $55 /month | Up to 300 Mbps | Fiber | Check Availability |
| Fast | $55 /month | Up to 300 Mbps | Cable | Check Availability |
| Go Even Faster | $85 /month | Up to 500 Mbps | Cable | Check Availability |
| Go Even Faster | $85 /month | Up to 500 Mbps | Fiber | Check Availability |
| Go Super Fast | $100 /month | Up to 1000 Mbps | Cable | Check Availability |
| Go Super Fast | $100 /month | Up to 1000 Mbps | Fiber | Check Availability |
| Go Beyond Fast | $115 /month | Up to 2 Gbps | Cable | Check Availability |
| Go Beyond Fast | $115 /month | Up to 2 Gbps | Fiber | Check Availability |
CenturyLink Plans & Pricing
| Plan Name | Price | Download Speeds | Connection Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | $55 /month | Up to 100 Mbps | DSL | Check Availability |
| 500 Mbps | $50 /month | Up to 500 Mbps | Fiber | Check Availability |
| Fiber Gigabit | $75 /month | Up to 940 Mbps | Fiber | Check Availability |
| Feature | Cox | CenturyLink |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Cost | Approx. $50/month | Approx. $50/month |
| Maximum Speeds | Up to 2 Gbps in select areas; lower tiers are more widely available | Commonly up to 940 Mbps or 1 Gbps; multi-gig may be available in select Quantum Fiber markets |
| Connection Types | Cable, Fiber | Fiber, DSL |
| Data Caps | 1.25 TB (unlimited costs extra) | None (Fiber) / 1 TB (DSL) |
| Equipment Fees | Varies, but often a $15/month rental | Varies; DSL may require rental, while Fiber may include equipment |
| Situation | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber is available | CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber | Faster uploads, no data cap, and strong value for heavy users |
| Only CenturyLink DSL is available | Cox | Cable usually delivers much faster download speeds than DSL |
| You use cloud cameras or upload large files | CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber | Symmetrical speeds help uploads run smoothly |
| You stream and browse but rarely upload | Cox or CenturyLink Fiber | Cox cable may be enough if the price is better |
| You regularly exceed 1 TB of data | CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber | No data cap on fiber plans can prevent overage fees |
Connection Types Explained: Fiber vs. Cable vs. DSL
Understanding the technological infrastructure running to your home makes choosing the right home internet connection much easier. The showdown between Cox and CenturyLink strictly favors CenturyLink in markets where they have deployed their full fiber-to-the-home network. Fiber optic technology sends data via light signals, resulting in fast symmetrical upload and download speeds. Conversely, traditional cable internet uses coaxial copper wires. While cable supports excellent download speeds, it suffers from much slower upload rates and can bottleneck during peak neighborhood usage.
The hierarchy of home connectivity places fiber at the top, followed by cable, leaving DSL as usually the least capable option for busy households. When comparing CenturyLink DSL and Cox cable, Cox is usually the better choice. CenturyLink’s legacy DSL network relies on aging telephone lines, which struggle to provide the bandwidth necessary for modern streaming and remote work.
- Fiber (CenturyLink/Cox): Offers incredible speeds and reliability. Symmetrical uploads make it perfect for content creators and remote workers, though availability remains limited.
- Cable (Cox): Delivers fast download speeds widely available across their footprint. It serves as a solid middle-ground option, but upload speeds are heavily restricted by older technology.
- DSL (CenturyLink): Functions adequately for basic web browsing and email. However, speeds plummet based on your distance from the local hub, making it obsolete for multi-device households.
Breaking Down CenturyLink vs. Cox Internet Costs
Evaluating the cost differences between CenturyLink and Cox requires looking past the heavily advertised promotional rates. Both providers typically lure customers in with a flat $50 monthly starting fee, but the fine print dictates your actual bill. Cox frequently relies on promotional pricing that spikes after the first 12 or 24 months. Furthermore, Cox generally includes a 1.25 TB monthly data plan on many residential internet plans, with overage charges typically billed in 50 GB increments. Unlimited data may be available as a paid add-on, but the price can change by market and promotion, so confirm it before signing up.
CenturyLink adopts a straightforward pricing model for its fiber customers, shielding you from sudden rate hikes and eliminating data caps entirely. If you are budgeting for utility setups during a move, factoring in installation and activation fees is paramount. Those who switch from Cox to CenturyLink fiber often save money in the long run by avoiding data overage penalties and unpredictable contract renewals.
Speed, Reliability, and Smart Home Performance
A fast connection dictates the success of a modern, automated household. When evaluating speed differences between Cox and CenturyLink, your specific daily tasks should drive your decision. Running a home security hub, streaming 4K video across multiple televisions, and downloading massive gaming updates require substantial bandwidth. The FCC now defines fixed broadband as at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, while households with multiple streamers, remote workers, gamers, or smart security devices may want faster service.
CenturyLink fiber delivers symmetrical speeds commonly up to 940 Mbps or 1 Gbps, meaning your security cameras can upload high-definition footage to the cloud instantly without disrupting your Netflix stream. Cox cable easily handles heavy downloading but struggles slightly with simultaneous heavy uploading due to its asymmetrical nature.
Beyond performance, upgrading to fiber represents an environmentally mindful choice. Fiber can be an energy-saving option compared with older copper-based networks, especially at scale, because it can move large amounts of data efficiently. For your home, the bigger energy win is usually choosing efficient networking equipment and turning off unnecessary connected devices. We highly recommend pairing your new high-speed connection with an energy-efficient router or mesh system, and looking for power-saving settings such as sleep mode, scheduled downtime, or automatic band steering. ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats and connected devices can also help while seamlessly reducing your home’s phantom energy consumption.
Customer Service and Regional Availability
Cox and CenturyLink most often overlap in markets such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Omaha, though availability can vary by neighborhood and even by street. In those markets, the best choice usually depends less on the brand name and more on whether CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber is available, or whether your only CenturyLink option is DSL.
Evaluating customer service requires managing your expectations. The telecommunications industry historically ranks poorly for customer satisfaction, and neither company breaks that mold completely. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Telecommunications Report, both providers face routine complaints regarding billing disputes and long wait times for technician dispatch. Customer satisfaction scores for major internet providers tend to be mixed, and your experience can vary by local technician availability, billing support, and neighborhood infrastructure. If you are setting up service through our Las Vegas utility guide or another regional hub, prioritize the stability of the connection type over the promise of stellar phone support.
Making Your Final Decision Between Cox and CenturyLink
Choosing the winner in the battle of Cox vs. CenturyLink ultimately relies on the wires running to your specific address. If CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber offers its gigabit fiber service at your new home, it stands as the strongest overall choice for most households. The combination of symmetrical speeds, transparent pricing, and zero data caps makes it an incredible value for heavy internet users and smart home enthusiasts.
However, if your address restricts you to choosing between Cox cable and CenturyLink DSL, Cox becomes the clear winner. Their coaxial network provides the bandwidth necessary to keep modern households running smoothly, effortlessly outpacing the sluggish limitations of DSL. Confirm your local availability, weigh the equipment costs, and choose the connection that fits your budget, devices, and daily internet use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cox and CenturyLink
These quick answers cover the most common Cox and CenturyLink questions for movers, renters, and homeowners. Always confirm final pricing, equipment fees, and availability at your exact address before ordering service.
Is Cox better than CenturyLink?
Is CenturyLink Fiber the same as Quantum Fiber?
How much does it cost to switch from Cox to CenturyLink?
Are there data caps with Cox or CenturyLink?
Is Cox or CenturyLink better in Phoenix?
Is Cox or CenturyLink better in Las Vegas?
Which provider is better for a smart home setup?
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.