Cox vs. Windstream: Provider comparison

Is Cox or Windstream better for you?

Check out how Windstream and Cox stack up when it comes to internet plans, TV channel options, customer service ratings and more. Depending on where you live and what you need at home, you may find that either Cox or Windstream is a better provider for you.

• Best for internet plan variety: Cox offers more standalone internet plans and speeds than Windstream. Cox has 100 Mbps, 250 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1,000 Mbps and 2,000 Mbps plans where available.
• Best for no-contract, unlimited data plans: Windstream offers internet plans without data caps or contract requirements.
• Best for internet customer satisfaction: According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Cox scored a 61/100 and Windstream scored a 62/100 for internet service in 2022.

Pros and cons of Cox and Windstream

---

Cox vs. Windstream internet plans compared

Cox internet plans and pricing

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Pricing, packages, and policies are subject to change, including when adjusting or removing services or equipment. Prices do not include applicable taxes, surcharges, usage-based charges (such as data, toll usage, pay-per-use service), and other fees. After any promotional period, regular rates apply (see www.cox.com). Prorated charges may appear on your bill if you change services before the billing cycle is complete. Rates, and/or when applicable, term agreements, may differ from those presented here as a result of customer’s account features, such as existing discounts, bundles, term agreements, or service address. Other restrictions may apply. All services and plans subject to Cox Residential Customer Service Agreement (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies at: cox.com/policies. Gig plans not available in all areas. Last updated 06/27/23.

Windstream internet plans and pricing

 *Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 01/04/23.

Between Cox and Windstream: Which internet plan should you choose?

Best overall internet plan: Windstream Kinetic Internet 500 

If you are looking for an internet plan under $50/mo. that offers reliable, high-speed internet, Windstream’s 500 Mbps plan for $39.99/mo. is the plan for you. Speeds up to 500 Mbps are ideal for households of 4+ people who use the internet heavily. If Windstream fiber is not available to you, however, go with Cox’s 250 Mbps internet plan for $69.99/mo. or Cox’s 500 Mbps internet plan for $89.99/mo. 

Cheapest overall internet plans: Windstream for $40/mo.

Windstream’s cheapest plan is $39.99/mo. for 100 Mbps and the price will increase after the first 12 months. If you are looking for the best cheap internet deal, Windstream’s 100 Mbps plan is the way to go. 

Fastest overall internet plans: Cox Gigablast and Windstream Kinetic 2 Gig 

Both Cox and Windstream fiber offer gig speed plans with speeds reaching up to 2,000 Mbps. Windstream’s Gig plan is significantly cheaper than Cox’s and you will get faster upload speeds as well. 

---

Additional costs associated with Windstream and Cox internet service

Overall, Windstream and Cox are about equal when it comes to extra fees. The biggest difference is data caps, which only Cox has. That said, you’ll only incur data fees if you go over 1TB, which is a high bar to reach for most households.

Equipment

Cox: Cox waives the fee for their gateway modem and router device. You always have the option of purchasing your own equipment, too.

Windstream: Windstream requires customers to rent their own equipment. You can expect an additional $9.99/mo. on your bill. 

Data caps

Cox: Cox has a data cap and charges $10/mo. for every 50GB exceeded over 1.25TB/mo.

Windstream: Windstream does not impose data caps. 

One-time charges 

Cox: Cox does not charge an activation fee and installation fees vary by region but are often free. 

Windstream: Customers will have to pay $35 for professional installation and $50 to activate their internet. 

---

Cox vs. Windstream bundles

Windstream doesn’t offer TV service, but you can add a DIRECTV package to your internet plan. Unfortunately, it’s not discounted, so there’s no real benefit to adding DIRECTV over any other TV service.

Cox, on the other hand, does offer several TV packages that you can bundle with internet. If you’re looking for a TV and internet bundle, Cox is the clear winner.

• Cox Go Fast 100 + TV

  • Starting at $148.99/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 100 Mbps
  • 1.25 TB monthly data included
  • 140+ channels
  • No contract required
    

  
  Bundled savings: $0/mo.*

• Windstream Internet + DIRECTV Entertainment

  • Starting at $101.99/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 200 Mbps
  • No internet data cap
  • DIRECTV Entertainment 160+ channels
  • No internet contract required. Two-year contract for DIRECTV.
    

  
  Bundled savings: $0/mo.*

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 06/27/23.

---

Cox vs. Windstream TV

Cox offers cable TV service and Windstream offers satellite TV options through DIRECTV. Consider provider features, DVR options, installation fees and more before choosing your plan. 

Cox vs. Windstream/DIRECTV TV packages and costs

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 06/27/23.

Cox offers four standalone TV packages. However, if you bundle Cox TV with other services, you can only get a Cox’s channel count of 140+ channels.

Windstream doesn’t offer TV service itself, but you can add DIRECTV to any plan. Unfortunately, there’s no discount, so there’s no real benefit to doing so over any other TV service.

Because Windstream doesn’t actually have TV plans, Cox is the winner for TV service by default.

Cox vs. Windstream availability

Cox and Windstream availability will vary based on location.

Cox availability:

Windstream availability

---

Cox vs. Windstream customer satisfaction

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) ranks internet providers based on feedback from actual customers. The scores take into account service quality, customer service experiences, pricing and more. Here’s how Cox and Windstream internet scored over the past three years.

---

We value your feedback

Was this page helpful?

Yes No

We value your feedback

We’re glad! Tell us what helped most on this page.

Type your response here

Submit

We value your feedback

Was this page helpful?

The page didn’t have what I was looking for.

This page is incorrect or outdated.

This page didn’t help me choose a product or service.

Other (please specify):

Type your response here

Submit

Thanks for your feedback!

Your insight helps, and we’ll do our best to improve your experience.