Cox vs. Windstream
Compare how Cox and Windstream internet and TV services stack up against each other. You’ll find more plans and speed options with Cox, but no data caps or contract demands with Windstream. Dive deeper into the details of what you need to know.
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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, 500 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: According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Both Cox and Windstream scored a 61/100 for internet service in 2020.
Cox vs. Windstream quick comparison
Cox is a cable company that offers competitive 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.
- 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 07/08/20.
To learn more about how Windstream and Cox services compare, see our 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.
When it comes to overall availability, Cox takes the cake with three times the availability offered by Windstream. If you’re looking for service in your area, you’re far more likely to find Cox services offered near your residence.
Cox vs. Windstream bundles
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. However, Windstream has a leg up thanks to their partnership with DIRECTV which allows them to offer more TV 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 07/08/20.
Our final verdict: Cox saves you more
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. Windstream internet speeds also 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 07/08/20.
One thing to note is how much Windstream’s starting internet speeds vary from location to location. 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, and who doesn’t love a deal like that?
Cox vs. Windstream cheap internet plans
Where Cox and Windstream are both available, the cheapest internet plan will almost always be from Cox. In select regions of the country though, like Lincoln, NE, Windstream may offer cheaper internet deals if you’re lucky enough to be located in one of those areas.
*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 07/08/20.
Remember that the cheapest plan doesn’t mean the 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 will limit your service capabilities and access to 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 07/08/20.
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
- 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 five 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 07/08/20.
Cox offers only one standalone channel package. However, if you bundle TV with other Cox services, you can choose from additional TV plan options like Cox Contour TV Ultimate which features 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 we love
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 | 2020 score | 2019 score | 2018 score | 2017 score | Avg. past four years |
| 61/100 | 60 | 59 | 62 | 60.5 |
| 61/100 | 57 | 56 | 57 | 57.75 |
Last updated 07/08/20.
Written by:
Taylor GadsdenStaff Writer
Taylor is a veteran member of the Allconnect content team and has spearheaded a number of projects, most notably our holiday tech gift guide. Among her other top trafficked pieces is Best… Read more
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