CenturyLink vs Cox Communications
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 59 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Cox Communications sells the faster top plan (2 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
CenturyLink and Cox Communications compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | CenturyLink | Cox Communications |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL, Fiber | Cable, Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $55/mo | $50/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $74/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | No | On some plans |
| Data caps | None | On some plans |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Up to $14/mo |
| States served | 16 | 17 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 59/100 |
Plans
Every plan from both
CenturyLink
DSLFiberNot yet checked- Simply Unlimited Internet100 Mbps · $55/mo · real $55
- Fiber Internet 500500 Mbps · $55/mo · real $55
Cox Communications
CableFiberOut of date — checked Sep 11, 2026- Go Fast100 Mbps · $50/mo · real $74
- Go Faster500 Mbps · $70/mo · real $99
- Go Even Faster1 Gbps · $90/mo · real $119
- Go Beyond Fast2 Gbps · $150/mo · real $150
Honest assessment
Where each one wins
CenturyLink
- Price for Life — no promo expiry
- No contract
- Reaches small towns cable skipped
- DSL speeds are low where fiber is not built
- Aging copper plant
- Fiber is sold under the Quantum brand
Cox Communications
- Widely available in its metros
- Multi-gig tiers in most markets
- Low-cost ConnectAssist tier
- 1.25 TB data cap
- Equipment fee on most plans
- Price steps up after 12 months
Head to head
Cities where CenturyLink and Cox Communications compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
CenturyLink vs Cox Communications, answered
Is CenturyLink or Cox Communications better?
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 59 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Cox Communications sells the faster top plan (2 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Cox Communications?
CenturyLink has the lower real cost: $55 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $74 for Cox Communications. The advertised entry prices are $55 for CenturyLink and $50 for Cox Communications.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Cox Communications?
Cox Communications sells the faster top plan, at 2 Gbps down and 100 Mbps up. CenturyLink tops out at 500 Mbps down and 500 Mbps up. For most households upload speed matters more than the headline download figure.
Where can I get both CenturyLink and Cox Communications?
We have both on record in 10 markets, including Phoenix, AZ; Mesa, AZ; Chandler, AZ; Scottsdale, AZ; Glendale, AZ. Availability still varies street by street.
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