WOW vs. Cougar Wireless
Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side
Check which is available at your address
Whether you’re researching WOW vs. Cougar Wireless internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.
Which is better, WOW or Cougar Wireless?
Cougar Wireless is faster where you can get it, but WOW reaches 73 times as many people, so at most addresses WOW is the one on offer (and it is cheaper to start). Where both are offered (about 9,068 people), Cougar Wireless has the faster top speed for 63% of homes.
| WOW |
|---|
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| Price: $42.95 - $106.95 / mo. |
| Speed: 30 - 1,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (1) |
| Cougar Wireless |
|---|
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| Price: $59.99 - $249.99 / mo. |
| Speed: 50 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless |
Rating (Reviews): (0) |
WOW vs. Cougar Wireless at a glance
| Measure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Available to | 689,641 people in 2 states | 9,496 people in 1 state |
| Main technology | Fixed wireless 100%, fiber 1.5% | Fixed wireless 100% |
| Top download speed filed with the FCC | 1,000 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Fastest plan we list | 100 Mbps down, 50 Mbps up | 16 Mbps down, 4 Mbps up |
| Starting price | $42.95 a month | $59.99 a month |
| Cheapest plan, first 2 years | $1,031 (30 Mbps plan) | $1,440 (3 Mbps plan) |
| Customer rating | 3.0 of 5 (1 reviews) | No reviews yet |
| Rated for speed | 2.0 of 5 | No reviews yet |
| Rated for price | 3.0 of 5 | No reviews yet |
| Where both are offered | About 9,068 people (95% of Cougar Wireless's area); Cougar Wireless is faster for 63% of them | |
Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.
Where WOW and Cougar Wireless are available
WOW and Cougar Wireless have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.
Both Providers Available | WOW Available | Cougar Wireless Available | No Coverage
WOW currently offers internet service in 140 cities and 10 counties across 2 states, reaching approximately 689,754 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Spokane, WA; Spokane Valley, WA; and Coeur d'Alene, ID.
Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: WOW coverage map and Cougar Wireless coverage map.
Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether WOW, Cougar Wireless or both are offered at your home.
WOW vs. Cougar Wireless Speeds and Technology
WOW and Cougar Wireless utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, WOW offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 71 Mbps compared to Cougar Wireless’s average speed of 50 Mbps.
The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. WOW’s premium Fiber service reaches 1.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Cougar Wireless’s top-tier fixed wireless is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
WOW vs. Cougar Wireless Plans and Prices
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for WOW and Cougar Wireless, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.
Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.
WOW Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STARTER | $42.95 | 30 Mbps | Not listed | Fixed Wireless |
| STARTER (HOPE FIBER) | $49.95 | 25 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| BRONZE | $59.95 | 30 Mbps | Not listed | Fixed Wireless |
| STARTER (New Cheney - Avalon Place & Harvest Bluff) | $60.00 | 100 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Fiber |
| SILVER | $84.95 | 30 Mbps | Not listed | Fixed Wireless |
| GOLD | $106.95 | 30 Mbps | Not listed | Fixed Wireless |
Sourced from pricing published on WOW's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
Cougar Wireless Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougar Essentials | $59.99 | 3 Mbps | 2 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| cFi 10 | $89.99 | 6 Mbps | 2 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| cFi 20 | $119.99 | 8 Mbps | 2 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| cFi 30 | $199.99 | 12 Mbps | 4 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| cFi 40 | $249.99 | 16 Mbps | 4 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
Sourced from pricing published on Cougar Wireless's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.
Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.
WOW vs. Cougar Wireless Customer Ratings and Reviews
Compare how real customers rate WOW and Cougar Wireless based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
WOW vs. Cougar Wireless Fees and Details
Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.
WOW Service
Fee
Not Provided by WOW
Cougar Wireless Service
Fee
Not Provided by Cougar Wireless
Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.
When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.
WOW vs. Cougar Wireless Pros and Cons
WOW
Too few written reviews to sum up yet (1); these lines come from our data.
Pros
- Cheaper to start: $42.95 a month, vs $59.99 from Cougar Wireless.
- Available to more people: 689,641 in 2 states, vs 9,496.
Cons
Cougar Wireless
No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.
Pros
- Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 63% of those homes.
Cons
WOW vs. Cougar Wireless Top Cities
WOW serves 140 cities while Cougar Wireless is available in 28 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
WOW Cities
- Availability: 83.03%
- Avg. Download Speed: 71 Mbps
- Availability: 98.45%
- Avg. Download Speed: 84 Mbps
- Availability: 76.90%
- Avg. Download Speed: 30 Mbps
- Availability: 99.40%
- Avg. Download Speed: 34 Mbps
- Availability: 99.88%
- Avg. Download Speed: 172 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- WOW Avg. Speed: 71 Mbps
- Cougar Wireless Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
- WOW Avg. Speed: 30 Mbps
- Cougar Wireless Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
- WOW Avg. Speed: 30 Mbps
- Cougar Wireless Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
- WOW Avg. Speed: 97 Mbps
- Cougar Wireless Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
- WOW Avg. Speed: 30 Mbps
- Cougar Wireless Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
Cougar Wireless Cities
- Availability: 1.61%
- Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps
- Availability: 46.81%
- Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps
- Availability: 44.41%
- Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps
- Availability: 41.58%
- Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps
- Availability: 7.59%
- Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps

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