Cox vs. Mercury Broadband
Whether you’re researching Cox vs. Mercury Broadband 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.
| Cox |
|---|
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| Price: $50.00 - $150.00 / mo. |
| Speed: 100 - 2,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Cable, fiber, and fixed wireless |
Rating (Reviews): (407) |
| Mercury Broadband |
|---|
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| Price: $50.00 - $119.00 / mo. |
| Speed: 150 - 5,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (3) |
Cox and Mercury Broadband compete directly in approximately 0.61% of their service areas, with Cox covering 23,486,306 people nationwide and Mercury Broadband serving 2,822,138. Cox primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; Mercury Broadband specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Cox and Mercury Broadband’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees
Cox vs. Mercury Broadband | Pros & Cons

Pros:
- Gigabit speeds available
- Up-front month-to-month pricing
- Wide range of plan options
- No contracts required
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Some plans may have data caps
- Limited fiber availability

Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Offers discounted intro pricing
- Wide range of plan options
- No contracts required
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Limited fiber availability
- Customers report speed issues
Cox vs. Mercury Broadband | Availability
Cox and Mercury Broadband 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 | Cox Available | Mercury Broadband Available | No Coverage
Cox currently offers internet service in 1,073 cities and 154 counties across 19 states, reaching approximately 23,486,306 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA; and Las Vegas, NV.
Mercury Broadband is prominent in the East North Central region with service to 1131 cities and 713 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 49, Mercury Broadband primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability.
Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Cox and Mercury Broadband at your location, use our address search tool:
Cox vs. Mercury Broadband | Speeds & Technology
Cox and Mercury Broadband utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
Across their service areas, Cox primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 95.4% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 9.6% of their coverage area. Mercury Broadband relies on fiber technology, which comprises 1.4% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 99.7% of their service locations.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, Cox offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,966 Mbps compared to Mercury Broadband’s average speed of 217 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Cox delivers faster speeds in 100.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.
The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Cox’s premium Cable service reaches 95.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Mercury Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 1.4% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
Cox vs. Mercury Broadband | Plans & Pricing
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Cox and Mercury Broadband, 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.
Cox Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Fast Internet | $50.00 | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Cable |
| StraightUp Internet | $50.00 | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Cable |
| Fast Internet | $70.00 ($74.00 regular price) | 400 Mbps | 25 Mbps | Cable |
| Go Even Faster Internet | $90.00 ($94.00 regular price) | 600 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Cable |
| Go Super Fast Internet | $120.00 ($124.00 regular price) | 1200 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Cable |
| Go Beyond Fast Internet | $150.00 ($154.00 regular price) | 2500 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Cable |
Sourced directly from Cox's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, 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.
Mercury Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Fiber | $69.00 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Fiber |
| Enhanced Fiber | $89.00 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| Gigabit Fiber | $99.00 | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 2 Gig Fiber | $135.00 | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 5 Gig Fiber | $240.00 | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | Fiber |
Compiled from current advertised pricing across industry sources, last verified June 2026. Typical speeds shown are the advertised tier speeds. 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.
Cox vs. Mercury Broadband | Customer Ratings & Reviews
Compare how real customers rate Cox and Mercury Broadband based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
Cox vs. Mercury Broadband | Fees & 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.
Cox Service
Fee
Professional Installation
$100
Standard Activation
$25
Deposit for Pano Wifi Gateway
$50.00 per device based on credit
Equipment Deposit
Varies Based on Credit
Gateway Activation
$99
Panoramic Wifi
$15
Mercury Broadband Service
Fee
Not Provided by Mercury Broadband
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.
Cox vs. Mercury Broadband | Top Cities
Cox serves 1,073 cities while Mercury Broadband is available in 1,131 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
Cox Cities
- Availability: 92.17%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,930 Mbps
- Availability: 69.04%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,971 Mbps
- Availability: 96.42%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,970 Mbps
- Availability: 84.98%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,989 Mbps
- Availability: 19.03%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,998 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- Cox Avg. Speed: 1,992 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
- Cox Avg. Speed: 2,000 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
- Cox Avg. Speed: 1,987 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
- Cox Avg. Speed: 2,000 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
- Cox Avg. Speed: 1,944 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
Mercury Broadband Cities
- Availability: 8.24%
- Avg. Download Speed: 150 Mbps
- Availability: 3.40%
- Avg. Download Speed: 353 Mbps
- Availability: 82.87%
- Avg. Download Speed: 150 Mbps
- Availability: 4.79%
- Avg. Download Speed: 150 Mbps
- Availability: 97.37%
- Avg. Download Speed: 150 Mbps
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