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Mediacom vs. WOW!

Whether you’re researching Mediacom vs. WOW! 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.

Mediacom
Price: $14.99 - $140.00 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fixed wireless, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (84)

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WOW!
Price: $40.00 - $105.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (25)

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Mediacom and WOW! compete directly in approximately 3.26% of their service areas, with Mediacom covering 6,874,112 people nationwide and WOW! serving 5,135,482. Mediacom primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; WOW! specializes in cable connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Mediacom and WOW!'s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Mediacom vs. WOW! | Pros & Cons

Mediacom Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Unlimited data

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Customers report dissatisfaction with pricing

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WOW! Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • No contracts required

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Installation fees apply

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Mediacom vs. WOW! | Availability

Mediacom and WOW! 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 | Mediacom Available | WOW! Available | No Coverage

Mediacom currently offers internet service in 2,270 cities and 407 counties across 22 states, reaching approximately 6,874,112 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis, MN; and Springfield, MO. By comparison, WOW! serves 5,135,482 residents in 322 cities and 49 counties in 6 states, with a presence in population centers such as Detroit, MI; Tampa, FL; and Charleston, SC.

Mediacom has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 32 indicates they primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability..

WOW! is prominent in nationwide with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 5, WOW! focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Mediacom and WOW! at your location, use our address search tool:

Mediacom vs. WOW! | Speeds & Technology

Mediacom and WOW! utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Mediacom primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 97.7% of their customers. They also offer fiber to less than 1% of their coverage area. WOW! relies on cable technology, which comprises 93.2% of their network, with fiber available in 6.9% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, WOW! offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,433 Mbps compared to Mediacom's average speed of 987 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, WOW! delivers faster speeds in 0.02% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.20%, and slower speeds in 99.78%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Mediacom's premium Fiber service reaches 0.6% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, WOW!'s top-tier Fiber is available to 6.9% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Mediacom vs. WOW! | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Mediacom and WOW!, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. We've included both promotional and standard rates for each provider to give you a complete picture of what you'll pay over time. Plan availability and exact pricing may vary by location.

Mediacom Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Xtream Connect$14.99100 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Internet 250$49.99250 Mbps10 MbpsCable
Internet 500$50.00 ($99.99 after 12 months)500 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Internet 1 Gig$65.00 ($110.00 after 24 months)1000 Mbps50 MbpsCable
Internet 2 Gig$85.00 ($140.00 after 24 months)2000 Mbps100 MbpsCable

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Mediacom Plans

WOW! Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Internet 200$40.00210 Mbps10 MbpsFiber
Internet 300$40.00301 Mbps22 MbpsFiber
Internet 600$55.00585 Mbps41 MbpsFiber
Internet 1 Gig$70.001,100 Mbps51 MbpsFiber
Internet 1 Gig Symmetrical$70.00941 Mbps936 MbpsFiber
Fiber 1Gbps$80.001,060 Mbps1,005 MbpsFiber
Internet 2 Gig$105.002,207 Mbps232 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

WOW! Plans

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.

Mediacom vs. WOW! | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Mediacom and WOW! based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Mediacom earns an overall rating of 3.08 / 5 stars from 84 customer reviews, while WOW! maintains a 3.04 / 5 rating from 25 reviews. Mediacom outperforms WOW! by 0.04 points in overall satisfaction. Mediacom's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 3.71 / 5 stars, compared to WOW!'s highest-rated service, cable, at 3.00 / 5 stars.

Mediacom Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.71 of 5 stars

7

Cable

Cable: 3.01 of 5 stars

68

DSL

DSL: 3.25 of 5 stars

4

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.25 of 5 stars

4

Mediacom has an overall rating of 3.08 out of 5, with a total of 84 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Mediacom's ratings, their cable service (81% of reviews) averages 3.01 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Mediacom Internet Reviews page.

WOW! Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.00 of 5 stars

1

Cable

Cable: 3.00 of 5 stars

22

DSL

DSL: 4.00 of 5 stars

1

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.00 of 5 stars

1

WOW! has an overall rating of 3.04 out of 5, with a total of 25 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into WOW!'s ratings, their cable service (88% of reviews) averages 3.00 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our WOW! Internet Reviews page.

Mediacom vs. WOW! | 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.

Mediacom Service

Fee

Modem rental (if using Mediacom modem)

$14.00

Standard installation (professional)

Waived (free self-install)

WOW! Service

Fee

Paper Statement Fee

4

Professional Installation

99.00

Self-Installation Activation

10.00

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.

Mediacom vs. WOW! | Top Cities

Mediacom serves 2,270 cities while WOW! is available in 322 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Mediacom Cities

Des Moines, IA
  • Availability: 89.89%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,001 Mbps
Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 6.26%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,014 Mbps
Springfield, MO
  • Availability: 95.65%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Columbus, GA
  • Availability: 81.97%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Availability: 98.79%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Columbus, GA
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • WOW! Avg. Speed: 1,200 Mbps
Madison, AL
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • WOW! Avg. Speed: 1,200 Mbps
Harvest, AL
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • WOW! Avg. Speed: 1,200 Mbps
Huntsville, AL
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • WOW! Avg. Speed: 1,200 Mbps
Midland, GA
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • WOW! Avg. Speed: 1,200 Mbps

WOW! Cities

Detroit, MI
  • Availability: 43.94%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,237 Mbps
Tampa, FL
  • Availability: 27.32%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,538 Mbps
Charleston, SC
  • Availability: 39.70%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,200 Mbps
Augusta, GA
  • Availability: 43.40%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,200 Mbps
St. Petersburg, FL
  • Availability: 89.58%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,200 Mbps