Cox vs. Windstream – How do these internet service providers compare to each other?

From streaming to holding online meetings, a quality internet service provider is pretty much a necessity in this modern world. Cox and Windstream have stood the test of time in delivering reliable and flexible deals with their packages.

Hi there. I know you agree with me that unstable and slow internet speeds are some of the most annoying things ever! Luckily, many formidable companies have come in to deliver on ultra-fast internet at all times. Cox and Windstream are right up there. From online gaming to holding conferences on video meet, Cox and Windstream have got your back. How then do you know which one to opt for as they clearly have their own winning features?

When to use Cox

If you are looking to get a reliable cable company for your internet, then look no further than Cox. It has packages that offer up to 1000Mbps. With Cox, you also get a TV as well as many add-on features.

When to use Windstream

Windstream is a DSL and fiber-optic internet service provider that has a lot going for it. Depending on the connection type you settle for, you can get anywhere between 100Mbps and 1000Mbbps as well as a phone.

Features	Cox (Winner)	Windstream
Price range	$29-$99	$28.99-$100+
Download speeds	10Mbps-1000Mbps	1.5Mbps-1000Mbps
Coverage(states)	18	50
Connection type	Cable	DSL, Fiber-optic
Data cap	1024GB	Unlimited

 

How we evaluate Cox and Windstream

It is good you understand the standards we have used to rate these internet service providers because they both have their perks and drawbacks. To help you tell which of these you should opt for, here is the criteria we follow to know which one is best:

• Download speeds- we know no one wants to get stuck with internet that is always buffering or unreliable in how fast data is transmitted through channels
• Data caps- this refers to whether data plans have limits as to their usage
• Cost- whether you are on a budget or not, it is always good to know what is the best value for your money
• Data plans- a variety of packages indicates how flexible a company is
• Customer service ratings- knowing the customer satisfaction of each company is important because it is another indicator as to how well their products are doing in the market
• Connection type- you can choose from a range of connection types like DSL, fiber and cable

Cox vs. Windstream – A comparison overview

Cox overview

If you are in any of the 18 states that Cox covers then you are in for a great deal. Cox offers reliable internet as well as TV and home phone services. You also get a whole bunch of internet speeds to choose from depending on your needs. As it is with cable, you can be rest assured of these speeds all through from online gaming to streaming in HD.

Data plan	Internet download speeds	Contract	Price	Connection Type	Data cap	Details
Cox Internet Starter	10Mbps	No	$29.99	Fiber/Cable	1TB	View plan
Cox Internet Essential	30Mbps	No	$39.99	Fiber/Cable	1TB	View plan
Cox Internet Preferred	150Mbps	No	$59.99	Fiber/Cable	1TB	View plan
Cox Internet Ultimate	300Mbps	No	$99.99	Fiber/Cable	1TB	View plan
Cox Internet Giga Blast	1000Mbps	No	$99.99	Fiber	1TB	View plan

These data plans are flexible enough for all kinds of people whether you are on a budget or not. To add, these data plans come with many channels (more than 250). They are also rather flexible. For internet, you can enter into a 1-year deal on a non-contractual basis. For both internet and TV, you can enter into a 2-year contract.

With Cox, the data plans also have a 1TB limit. While unlimited data always takes the cake, 1TB is still a lot of data to get through in a month. Even with daily online gaming, surfing the web and streaming you will still find 1TB a lot to easily finish. If you do though, you can get an additional 50GB for $10.

Pros

• Wide range of internet speeds to choose from
• Reasonably priced
• Comes with bundling options to include extras like home security systems

Cons

• Has a data cap of 1TB
• Comes with contract terms

Windstream overview

If you are up for mostly DSL connections that will still deliver on steady speeds then Windstream is the company for you. To add, Windstream partners with DirecTV to give you a complete package with TV services.

Data plan	Internet download speeds	Price	Connection Type	Data cap	Details
Kinetic	25Mbps	$19.99	DSL	Unlimited	View plan
Kinetic Internet 100	73Mbps-125Mbps	$55	DSL	Unlimited	View plan
Kinetic 500	500Mbps	$66	DSL	Unlimited	View plan
Kinetic Gig	1000Mbps	$75	Fiber	Unlimited	View plan

Depending on your connection type, you can get up to 1000Mbps with Windstream and the upside of it all is that the plans do not come with any data caps. You will not have to continuously monitor your usage with Windstream. With these data plans, you can seamlessly game online as well as stream in more than one device. That is how strong it is!

Windstream also wins out because of its wide coverage. Currently, more than 50 states across the country have access to Windstream services. The only downer is that while Windstream does offer wide coverage, it is mainly localized to rural or suburban areas.

Pros

• All plans come with unlimited data
• No contract signing
• Available in rural areas as well

Cons

• You get bumped up from the introductory rate after one year

How does Cox and Windstream compare?

Data Plans

For data plans variety, Cox wins out. It offers many internet plans with speeds ranging from 10Mbps to 1000Mbps depending on what you need.

Data Caps

When it comes to the best internet experience, getting unlimited data comes at the top of the list. With Windstream, this is exactly what you get. Windstream offers unlimited data plans on non-contract terms making it the better option here. Cox on the flipside has limits of up to 1,024GB but the upside is that you can pay up for additional data.

Download speeds

With Windstream, the range of speeds between 1.5 Mbps and 200 Mbps all depend on your location. You can also get up to 1000Mbps on Windstream but Cox proves to be better.You can always expect reliably fast speeds from cable connections like that of Cox. Also, its fast speed is widely available to all people across the states.

Cost

If you are looking to save up, go for Windstream. This provider does not bind you into any long-term contracts so you get the service whenever you want to pay up for it. Cox on the other hand does not have as transparent billing and pricing.

Conclusion

While Windstream and the DirecTV plans do have their quirks, Cox is ultimately the better option. It wins out for its reliability that you are bound to appreciate whether you are an online gamer or you just like streaming your movies. Cox also delivers on consistently fast internet primarily through cable which has always proved to be more stable than other connection types.

FAQ’s

How do you install these services?

With both Cox and Windstream you can go for either professional or self-installation. Do keep in mind that Cox charges for both $20 for self-installation and $75 for professional installation.

Are they widely available?

To check on whether they are available in your region, have a look at their coverage maps on their websites. Currently, they both cover 18 states.