Which is better, Verizon or Cox?

Cox is faster and cheaper to start where you can get it, but Verizon reaches 12 times as many people, so at most addresses Verizon is the one on offer (and it is better rated). Where both are offered (about 21.7 million people), Cox has the faster top speed for 96% of homes.

FasterCoxFaster for 96% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startCoxFrom $30 a month for 12 months, then $50, vs $49.99.

Better ratedVerizon3.8 of 5 from 802 reviews, vs 3.2 from 448.

Available to more peopleVerizon282.2 million people in 49 states, vs 23.4 million in 19 states.

Verizon
Price: $49.99 - $119.99 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,300 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (816)
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Cox
Price: $30.00 - $125.00 / mo.
Speed: 100 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fiber, and fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (453)
View Plans

Verizon vs. Cox at a glance

Measure	Verizon	Cox
Available to	282.2 million people in 49 states	23.4 million people in 19 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 93%, fiber 15%	Cable 95%, fiber 15%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,300 Mbps	2,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up	2,000 Mbps down, 1,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$49.99 a month	$30 a month for 12 months, then $50
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,200 (300 Mbps plan)	$960 (100 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.8 of 5 (802 reviews)	3.2 of 5 (448 reviews)
Rated for speed	4.0 of 5	3.6 of 5
Rated for price	3.5 of 5	2.9 of 5
Where both are offered	About 21.7 million people (93% of Cox's area); Cox is faster for 96% 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 Verizon and Cox are available

Verizon and Cox 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.

Verizon currently offers internet service in 41,951 cities and 2,829 counties across 49 states, reaching approximately 282,939,228 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, Cox serves 23,775,587 residents in 1,145 cities and 161 counties in 19 states, with a presence in population centers such as Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA; and Las Vegas, NV.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Verizon coverage map and Cox coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Verizon, Cox or both are offered at your home.

Verizon vs. Cox Speeds and Technology

Verizon and Cox 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, Cox offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,980 Mbps compared to Verizon’s average speed of 499 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Verizon’s premium Fiber service reaches 14.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Cox’s top-tier Cable is available to 93.5% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Verizon vs. Cox Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Verizon and Cox, 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.

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.

Verizon vs. Cox Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Verizon earns an overall rating of 3.76 / 5 stars from 816 customer reviews, while Cox maintains a 3.17 / 5 rating from 453 reviews. Verizon outperforms Cox by 0.6 points in overall satisfaction. Verizon’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.87 / 5 stars, compared to Cox’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.41 / 5 stars.

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.

Verizon vs. Cox Pros and Cons

Verizon

From 455 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 205 of 455 written reviews (61 call it slow). "overall speeds are fast"
• Reliable connection: praised in 189 of 455 written reviews (58 report outages). "My provider gives me reliable service"
• Good value: praised in 137 of 455 written reviews (95 call it overpriced). "this is probably the best value for speed as Cox is 3x as slow"

Cons

• Bills that go up: a complaint in 30 of 455 written reviews. "It goes up every year"

Cox

From 273 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 73 of 273 written reviews (54 call it slow). "I like the speed and reliability of Cox cable internet"
• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 96% of those homes.
• Cheaper to start: $30 a month, vs $49.99 from Verizon.

Cons

• Expensive for what you get: a complaint in 100 of 273 written reviews (55 call it good value). "not motivated to have a fair price for their service"
• Poor customer service: a complaint in 58 of 273 written reviews (42 praise the service). "They don't seem to care about existing customers"
• Bills that go up: a complaint in 45 of 273 written reviews; its starting price rises from $30 to $50 after 12 months. "In two years, they said that the price will increase"
• Slow uploads: 35 Mbps up on its 1,000 Mbps plan.

Verizon vs. Cox Top Cities

Verizon serves 41,951 cities while Cox is available in 1,145 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.