2019 Cox vs. Windstream comparison
See how Cox and Windstream internet and TV services stack up against each other.
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 10 Mbps, 30 Mbps, 150 Mbps, 300 Mbps and 1,000 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: Cox scored slightly higher than Windstream for internet service in 2019, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Cox scored a 59/100 compared to Windstream’s score of 56.
Cox vs. Windstream quick comparison
Cox is a cable company that offers internet speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and TV with a variety of add-on packages. Windstream offers DSL internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps, home phone and fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Windstream may be the better option for you if you’re looking for the cheapest option available.
- Available in 18 states
- Internet and TV bundles starting at $89.99/mo.*
- Speeds from 10 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps
- Channel counts from 140+ to 250+
- No-contract and 1-year service terms for internet, 2-year contract plans for TV & internet
- Available in 19 states
- Internet and DIRECTV bundles starting at $54.99/mo.*
- Speeds from 1.5 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps
- Channel counts from 155+ to 255+
- No contract required for internet or home phone, 2-year contract plans with DIRECTV
*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 07/08/19.
To learn more about how Windstream and Cox services compare, check out a full comparison of their internet plans, TV bundles, phone packages and more.
Cox vs. Windstream availability
Cox offers internet, TV and home phone services in select areas of 18 states while Windstream advertises internet and phone service in select areas of 19 states. Though Windstream offers service in more states, Cox is available to more than twice the number of households as Windstream. Cox covers 6.75% of U.S. households compared to Windstream’s 2.67%, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
Cox service areas are localized to metropolitan areas across the U.S. and include parts of the eastern, southern, central and western U.S. Windstream is available in more suburban or rural areas, covering much of the southern, central and eastern U.S.
Regions where the two providers overlap include eastern Nebraska, central Oklahoma, northern Florida, southern Georgia, parts of Arkansas and regions of some other states. Click to find internet plans from Cox, Windstream or other providers in your area.
Cox vs. Windstream packages
Where available, Cox provides cable internet, TV and digital phone services. Windstream offers high-speed DSL internet, home phone and, in select areas, fiber internet plans. If you want TV service with Windstream internet, you can add a DIRECTV package to create a custom bundle.
In many areas of the country, Cox gives customers more internet speed package options while Windstream only offers one or two internet speed options. However, Windstream has more TV package choices through DIRECTV.
*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 07/08/19.
What shoppers should consider
If you already plan to get Cox TV services, a Cox bundle could definitely save you money. But most DIRECTV plans give you more sports options than Cox. Additionally, Windstream internet speeds vastly vary by address. A Windstream bundle may have speeds anywhere from 1.5 Mbps all the way to 200 Mbps, depending on location.
Cox vs. Windstream internet
| Provider | Starting price* | Starting speeds | Fastest speeds | Data caps | Included equipment | Contract | Wi-Fi hotspots |
| Cox | $29.99/mo. | 10 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | 1 TB/mo. | None, equipment available to rent | One-year with most plans. | Access to 500,000+ with qualifying plans |
| Windstream | $19.99/mo. | 1.5 to 200 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | None | None, equipment available to rent | None required | None available |
*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 07/08/19.
One thing to note is how much Windstream’s starting internet speeds vary. If both Cox and Windstream are available in your area, check to see what Windstream plans you can get at your address. Cox’s starting price may be cheaper, but you may be able to get faster speeds for just a few dollars more with Windstream.
Cox vs. Windstream cheap internet plans
Where Cox and Windstream are both available, the cheapest internet plan is probably a Cox internet plan. In certain regions of the country though, like Lincoln, NE, Windstream may offer cheaper internet deals.
*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 07/08/19.
Remember that the cheapest plan doesn’t mean best value. In select areas, you can get Windstream internet speeds up to 200 Mbps for around the same price as Cox’s 30 Mbps plan. Plus, Windstream offers free professional installation for select internet plans while Cox charges for both self-installation and professional installation.
Both Cox and Windstream give you the option to use your own modem and router, which could save you on monthly internet costs. Check out Cox compatible modems and routers and Windstream compatible modems and routers. Keep in mind that using your own router may limit your service capabilities and technical support.
Cox vs. Windstream fastest internet plans
Cox and Windstream both offer gig speed internet plans. Cox 1 Gbps internet plans have more availability than Windstream plans.
*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 07/08/19.
Cox vs. Windstream TV
Cox offers cable TV service and Windstream offers satellite TV options through DIRECTV. Evaluating each provider’s features and options may help you choose the best TV provider and plan for you.
Cox vs. Windstream/DIRECTV TV packages and costs
- Cox Contour TV starts at $64.99/mo.*
- 140-250+ channels
- $75 setup and installation, $20 for self-installation
- 1 HD receiver included, $8.50/mo.* per additional receiver
- Record two shows at once with basic DVR, up to six shows at once with whole-home DVR
- Packages starting at $35/mo.*
- 155-250+ channels
- Free professional installation available
- 1 DVR device included, $7/mo.* for each additional receiver
- Record up to 5 shows at once
*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 07/08/19.
Cox offers one standalone channel package. However, if you bundle TV with other Cox services, you can choose from additional TV plan options such as Cox Contour TV Ultimate. Cox’s highest channel count is more than 250 channels.
In contrast to Cox’s single, standalone TV plan, DIRECTV offers four channel packages with Windstream, and you can add on channel packs if you want specific sports channels, international channels or other premium options.
Cox doesn’t offer as many packages as DIRECTV, but as a cable TV provider, you’re less likely to experience service interruptions. Cox also doesn’t tie you up in a contract.
Unique provider services
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.
| Provider | 2019 score | 2018 score | 2017 score | Avg. past three years |
| 60/100 | 59 | 62 | 60.3 |
| 57/100 | 56 | 57 | 56.7 |
Last updated 07/08/19.
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