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 68/100 and Windstream fiber scored a 72/100 for internet service in 2024.

Pros and cons of Cox and Windstream

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Cox vs. Windstream internet types 

Cox internet is a fiber-optic and coaxial cable hybrid internet service. Cox internet plans are powered by fiber, but delivered to your home using a coaxial cable. Windstream mainly offers fiber and DSL internet, although cable is available in limited areas.

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 09/25/24,

Windstream internet plans and pricing

Kinetic fiber plans

Kinetic DSL plan

 *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 09/25/24.

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 $24.99/mo.

Windstream’s cheapest plan is $24.99/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 fiber 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.

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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 1 TB, 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 50 GB exceeded over 1.25 TB/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. 

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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 + Contour TV Preferred

  • Starting at $162.00/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 100 Mbps
  • 1.25 TB monthly data included
  • 140+ channels
  • No contract required
    

  
  Bundled savings: $0/mo.*

• Kinetic Fiber 500 + DIRECTV Entertainment

  • Starting at $109.98/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 500 Mbps
  • No internet data cap
  • DIRECTV Entertainment 90+ channels
  • No internet contract required. Two-year contract for DIRECTV
  • Record two shows at once with basic DVR, up to 24 shows at once with whole-home DVR
    

  
  Bundled savings: $0/mo.*

  DIRECTV

  • Packages starting at $69.99/mo.
  • 65 – 95+ channels
  • Record up to seven shows at once
    

  
  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 09/25/24.

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Compare Cox vs. Windstream TV packages

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 09/25/24.

Cox offers four stand-alone TV packages. However, if you bundle Cox TV with other services, you can only get 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.

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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.

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Cox vs. Windstream FAQs

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