Cox vs. Frontier 2021 comparison

Is Cox or Frontier the provider for you?

If Cox and Frontier services are available in your area, you may be wondering which is the better option for your household. Consider minimum and maximum internet speeds offered, availability of cost-effective deals and ways to save money with bundle deals. Take a look at our breakdown of Cox and Frontier deals that may be available near you.

• Availability: Frontier DSL internet is available in more locations than Cox, but Cox is offered in more areas than Frontier FiberOptic.
• Cheap internet: At $29.99/mo. for up to 25 Mbps Cox has slightly cheaper pricing. However, Frontier has lower pricing on higher-tiered plans and has fewer added fees than Cox.
• Fast internet: Both Cox and Frontier offer speeds up to 940 Mbps. However, Frontier’s high-speed internet deal is a better value. With the Frontier FiberOptic Gigabit plan, you get speeds up to 940 Mbps for only $79.99/mo. In comparison, Cox’s Gigablast internet costs $99.99/mo. 
• TV options: Frontier offers more TV options than Cox with up to 500+ channels, whereas Cox only offers up to 250+. 

Take a look at our in-depth research on Cox and Frontier services and some details you should consider before you commit to a TV or high-speed internet plan.

Cox vs. Frontier internet quick comparison

• Available in 18 states
• Bundles starting at $89.99/mo.*
• Speeds from 10 Mbps to 940 Mbps
• TV channel range of 140-250+ channels
• Record up to six shows at once
• One-year, two-year and no contract plans available
• $9.99/mo.* rental fee for Wi-Fi modem

• Available in 25 states
• Bundles starting at $74.98/mo.*
• FiberOptic speeds from 50 Mbps to 940 Mbps
• TV channel range of 25-500+ channels
• Record up to 12 shows at once
• No contract required
• Free Wi-Fi router rental with select plans

Our recommendation

Cox is the best choice for most people. Its mid-tier plans — 150 Mbps for $59.99/mo. and 50 Mbps for $39.99/mo. — offer solid speeds for fair prices. That’s plenty of bandwidth for most households, and Cox doesn’t force you into a long-term contract, either. Customers have been happier overall with Cox, too. Both the American Customer Satisfaction Index and Consumer Reports awarded Cox a higher score than Frontier.

The downside is that Cox’s bundles aren’t as strong as Frontier’s. If you want to add TV to your internet package, you can find a slightly better deal with Frontier. But we’d still recommend comparing prices with live TV streaming services, which often provide fewer cable channels for a lower monthly bill.

Cox vs. Frontier cheap internet plans

Internet users who like to occasionally browse the web, check email, news or social media may be interested in a basic plan from Cox or Frontier. Basic plans from Frontier are a bit cheaper than Cox in most areas, but Cox offers faster speeds with their lowest-priced plan.

• • Starting at $29.99/mo.*
  • $9.99/mo.* 2-in-1 modem rental fee
  • $20 self-installation or $85 professional installation
  • One-year contract
• • Starting at $37.99/mo.*
  • Equipment rental fee included
  • $85 activation fee
  • No contract

*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 03/11/21.

Not enough speed for your household? Cox offers a 50 Mbps plan for only $10 more each month. Frontier also offers a plan with a little extra speed (50 Mbps) for just $49.99/mo.* where available.

The best in bundle deals

Frontier vs. Cox bundles

Providers offer bundle deal options for users that are interested in more than one service. If you’re interested in internet and TV or internet, TV and home phone services, you can bundle with Cox or Frontier.

• Cox Bronze Duo

  • Starting at $89.99/mo.*
  • Speeds up to 150 Mbps
  • Internet data cap 1 TB/mo.
  • Contour TV 140+ channels
  • Two-year contract required

  Bundled savings: About $34.99/mo.*

• Frontier FiberOptic Prime TV + Internet 50/50

  • Starting at $134.98/mo.*
  • Download speeds up to 50 Mbps
  • Unlimited data
  • 315+ channels
  • No contract

  Bundled savings: None

*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 03/11/21.

Both Cox and Frontier offer appealing bundles, but available services and total savings will mostly depend on what’s available near your home.

The best in availability

You’re more likely to find Frontier coverage than Cox coverage since Frontier is available in nearly twice as many states. However, residents of some major metropolitan areas may have access to service from both providers. 

Areas where Cox and Frontier services overlap include central Connecticut, the Florida Panhandle and Southern California. Whereas Frontier used to offer more coverage in the Northwest, Frontier recently sold their infrastructure in the Northwest to Ziply Fiber.