Welcome to the new era of internet, where the country’s tech giants and biggest tele companies are replacing slow and sluggish internet with lightning-fast broadband service. From a recent FCC report, almost 88% of US people have access to fiber and gigabit internet by coaxial and fiber-optic cable.
Today, we will focus on the two biggest ISPs in the industry, Google Fiber vs Cox to compare internet plans, prices, availability, promos, and perks. Let’s start a detailed discussion on Google Fiber vs Cox to see which provider has the great potential to affect your digital lifeline at home.
Key Differences – Google Fiber Vs Cox
| Google Fiber Vs Cox | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Google Fiber | Cox |
| Connection Type | Fiber Optic Cable | Coaxial Cable |
| No. of Plans | 4 | 5 |
| Price Range | $70 to $150/mo. | $49.99 to $149.99/mo. |
| Speed Range (Down) | 1 Gbps to 8 Gbps | 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps |
| Speed Range (Up) | 1 Gbps to 8 Gbps | 5 Mbps to 100 Mbps |
| Coverage Area | 29 States | 19 states |
| Data Cap | Unlimited data | 1,280 GB data cap |
| Contract | No annual contracts | 24-month contract |
| Promo Pricing | Not available | Available |
Additional Fee | Installation Fee: $300.00 | Installation Fee: $100.00 |
| Equipment Fee: FREE | Equipment Fee: $13.00/mo. | |
| Taxes & Surcharges: $15.00/mo | Taxes & Surcharges: $6.00/mo | |
| Bundle Deals | Available | Available |
| Perks | 1Tb Free Google Drive Storage | Free modem, Free Installation |
| Customer Rating | 4.0 out of 5 stars | 3.6 out of 5 stars |
Google Fiber At a Glance
In February 2010, Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company), launched fiber-to-the-premises service to deliver high-speed fiber optic internet, VoIP telephone service, and IPTV service to business and residential customers.
Now, Google Fiber is available in 29 cities. Almost 520,000 individuals subscribed to gigabit and multigigabit plans of Google Fiber. All Google Fiber internet plans include unlimited data, symmetrical download and upload speeds, Wi-Fi coverage, and 1 TB of Google Drive storage.
Though the Google Fiber plan seems expensive, they are famous for its straightforward prices. Unlike other ISPs, Google Fiber does not hike monthly fees in the 2nd, 3rd year. Finally, Google Fiber is committed to serving consistent and fastest internet to every house in the United States.
What to Praise?
- Unlimited data on each plan
- Straightforward pricing
- First-class customer service
- 100% fiber internet
- No-contract service
- Multi-gigabit plans that speed up to 2000 Mbps
What to Hate?
- Expensive plans
- Limited availability
Cox At a Glance
Cox Communications offers internet, Cable TV, and phone service to the whole United States. In 1962, Cox Communications was unveiled as a telecommunications company and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cox offers cable internet to almost 21.8 million people in 19 states. Of this progress, now it’s become the 4th largest cable internet provider in the country. It also provides reliable and innovative internet service to customers.
Cox offers cable TV, broadband, home phone, wireless phone, and smart home security service at affordable monthly prices. This company mostly uses coaxial cables to deliver internet speeds up to 1000 Mbps at $49.99/mo.
It offers a high data pack on a 1.25 TB plan and subscribers are charged for exceeding monthly data limits. There are no contract limits for entry-level plans but other plans require an annual contract after 12 months of service.
With multiple internet plans and benefits, it’s a great option for customers who want high-speed internet, TV, and phone service. Surprisingly, within a short time, Cox achieved broadband internet technology.
In 2013, Cox started to provide cable internet service to customers and became the 1st ever company to offer high-speed internet in the United States. Still, now, Cox has continued to provide innovative service and offer customers a wide range of internet plans.
What to Praise?
- No-contract plan is available
- Available in rural areas
- High data cap
- Offers 1000 Mbps of download speed
- Free access to home WiFi hotspots
- Bundle deals are available
What to Hate?
- Second tier plan requires long time contract
- Price hike in 2nd year
- Poor customer score
Do you want a reliable ISP? Check out our “Fidium Fiber Vs Comcast” comparison!
What to Compare in Google Fiber Vs Cox?
Plans & Pricing – Google Fiber Vs Cox
Google Fiber and Cox subscribers are billed in advance for broadband service. Google Fiber allows a month-to-month payment option while Cox users can pay a $50 upfront fee with no hidden or extra fees.
It provides 1 TB of data each month. For 2nd tier plans, you need to sign a long-year contract and the early termination fee begins at $240 and is reduced by $10/mo.
Google Fiber Internet Plans
Previously, Google Fiber offered only a two-speed tiers plan with a fiber network. Now, they expand their service. Now, it offers four-gigabit internet plans that start at $70/mo.
From 1 Gig to 8 Gig plan, you can get up to 1000 Mbps to 8000 Mbps of symmetrical speeds on all plans. All plans come with unlimited data, no-contract service, 1 TB of free Google Drive storage, and wifi connectivity at home.
| Google Fiber Plans | ||
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Price | Speed |
| Google Fiber 1 Gig | $70/mo | 1000 Mbps |
| Google Fiber 2 Gig | $100/mo. | 2000 Mbps |
| Google Fiber 5 Gig | $125/mo. | 5000 Mbps |
| Google Fiber 8 Gig | $150/mo. | 8000 Mbps |
Unlike other prominent ISPs, Google Fiber doesn’t hike prices. All Google Fiber plans remain unchanged even after 6, 12, and 24 months. Google Fiber set a fixed price for plans and price hiking is rarely seen here. So, customers treat it as the best and speedy fiber-optic internet service provider in the country.
Cox Internet Plans
Cox Communication offers four internet plans to business and residential customers. The plan starts from $49.99 per month to $99.99 per month. Each plan offers separate upload and download speeds. So, customers can choose a plan that fits their internet usage and budget. The lowest-priced plan is “Go Fast”, which offers 100 Mbps speed that is best for web browsing and social media.
| Cox Internet Plans | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Plans | Price | Speed | Contract |
| Go Fast | $49.99/mo | 100 Mbps | No |
| Go Faster | $69.99/mo. | 250 Mbps | No |
| Go Even Faster | $59.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | Yes |
| Go Super Fast | $99.99/mo. | 1000 Mbps | Yes |
| Go Beyond Fast | $149.99/mo. | 2000 Mbps | No |
“Go Beyond Fast” is the highest-tier plan that offers up to 2000 Mbps speed. It is best fit for households with heavy internet use such as online gaming and multiple users 4K streaming video. All Cox Internet plans provide multiple options depending on users’ specific internet requirements and optimal budget.
Internet Speed
Google Fiber is available in four-speed tiers. It’s a fully-fiber optic internet that can deliver 1000 Mbps to 2000 Mbps download speeds in an entry-level package. But, they claim to deliver 1000 Mbps symmetrical upload and download speeds on gigabit plans and multiple gigabit plans.
1000 Mbps superfast upload speed will help you to transfer heavy files within seconds, stream movies in 4K resolution, and play multiplayer games without lagging. Cox Communications has five internet plans that start from $49.99/mo. It provides different upload and download speeds on each plan.
While Google Fiber offers 4 expensive plans with a speed of up to 1000 Mbps, Cox offers 1 more plan with a download speed of 100 Mbps to 2000 Mbps. When it comes to talking about speed, Cox wins only for 1 extra plan. For your kind information, Cox’s Go Beyond Fast plan doesn’t offer speed up to 1000 Mbps.
But, Google Fiber internet doesn’t compromise with high-speed internet that speeds 1000 Mbps for entry-level plans. However, advertised speeds are always alluring, there may be some complaints about slower speeds on each provider. So, you may experience slow internet speed on their website.
Sluggish internet issues are not new in the ISP industry. There are a couple of reasons behind slow internet including network infrastructure, older modem, older cable line, etc, or issues from Google Fiber or Cox Communications end.
Still, Google Fiber is the fastest internet option for customers. Because they use fiber-optic technology to serve the internet to every door. In contrast, Cox also has fiber-optic options, They still use coaxial cable to serve internet service.
However, you can’t decide on your ISP by looking at internet packages. There is something extra, you need to look up before choosing an ISP for your home or business. It’s clearly visible, Google Fiber offers high-speed and reliable internet plans.
But, speed is just a number, if your internet is not reliable at all, it’s not could be a discussion. So, before going for it, consider checking if Google Fiber is available in your area and if is it reliable on your side. On the other hand, Cox offers all types of internet plans that fit your lifestyle.
If you use the internet at home occasionally, go for the “Go Fast” 100 Mbps plan. And heavy users can go for 1000 Mbps internet for multi-device gaming. Apart from complaints, Cox’s average internet speed is quite good in all aspects.
Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) data shows the average download speed of Cox is 104%. But, Cox’s upload speed is not so good compared to Google Fiber.
Data Cap
Data cap is a regular activity happening with all customers. Its bandwidth restriction is usually seen in maximum internet service providers. When customers exceed data allowances, speeds may get reduced or users will charge extra for over-data usage.
ISP providers set data caps on internet plans and ensure fair data sharing to all customers. Google Fiber has a special market of 520,000 broadband customers. It owns 16% of the market share.
Because of the small customer range, it can offer unlimited data to all customers. If a customer can consume 1.5 Tb of data for browsing, sharing, streaming, and gaming every month, still Google Fiber has excessive bandwidth to offer.
On the other hand, Cox allows 1.2 TB of data cap each month. It’s quite good for heavy internet usage. As we mentioned earlier, Cox has several plans, so they set a data cap for all customers.
So that, they can properly distribute bandwidth to all of their internet packages. I think Cox’s data cap won’t bother you because after you hit the data cap, you will get 50 GB of excess data for only $10.
Still confused? Can’t choose your ISP? Check another ISP comparison “GoNetspeed Vs Optimum“
Bundle Deals with TV Service – Google Fiber Vs Cox
Google Fiber
Unfortunately, Google Fiber doesn’t have a TV service but it partners with the best streaming service like YouTube TV, fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV which offers a wide range of channels including cable networks.
Bundling Google Fiber with a separate TV plan will cost $100 to $140 approx. It always depends on the plan you choose. Also, you can subscribe to those streaming services separately for more control of content.
| Facts | YouTube TV | Fubo TV | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | On-demand | $74.99 | $99.99 | $40 |
| Channels | 85+ | 100+ | 150+ | 50+ |
| Live TV | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Live sports | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| On demand | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cloud DVR | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| RSNs | — | — | ✔ | — |
Cox
Cox customers can use bundle features with internet service. It offers a few TV bundles such as Cox Contour TV, Cox Homelife, and Cox Voice services. With the Cox Contour TV package, you will get 250+ channels with a free Contour HD TV box and a Contour TV app to stream content anywhere.
Cox recommends buying a combined TV and Internet package to stream without buffering. For the best home service, customers should go for Cox Homelife to ensure home automation and security suite.
This package allows customers to control HD cameras around the home. You can also add a Cox Voice Preferred at $20 per month to any bundle package which will help in HD calling.
| Plan | Price | Bundle Deals |
|---|---|---|
| Cox Internet+TV | $54.99/mo to $208.99/mo(for 12 mo. w/ 1-yr. Term agreement.) | Go Super Fast
|
| Cox Internet+Homelife | $64.99/mo to $124.99/mo(for 12 mo. w/ 1-yr. Term agreement.) | Go Super Fast
|
| Cox Internet+TV+Homelife | $163.99/mo to $223.99/mo(for 12 mo. w/ 1-yr. Term agreement.) | Go Super Fast
|
| Cox Internet+TV+Phone | $168.99/mo to $228.99/mo(for 12 mo. w/ 1-yr. Term agreement.) | Go Super Fast
|
Contracts – Google Fiber Vs Cox
Google Fiber
Google Fiber strictly uses a no-contract policy. Any time customers can sign up or cancel their service. They can even switch to other plans from existing plans without incurring a penalty fee. Google Fiber charged a month-to-month advance payment for internet service in the coming month from all customers.
That means you have to pay the bill within 30 days, otherwise, your internet connection will be terminated. Remember, there is no written agreement between you and Google Fiber, so you can’t hold Google Fiber responsible for unexpected cancellations.
Cox
Cox offers a 12-month contract with a few internet plans. If you are happy with Cox’s service and plan to stay with them, a 1-year contract can also put you in promotional offers. Before the contract period, if you are forced to switch providers or cancel their service, you have to pay an early termination fee.
| Offer | Early Termination Fee (ETF) | Reduction of ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Rate+Special Offer | $360 | $15/month |
| Retail Rate+Monthly discount and incentive | $240 | $10/month |
| Retail Rate only | $96 | $4/month |
Availability of Google Fiber
Google Fiber is available in 29 cities in the United States. See the following-
| Google Fiber Coverage by States | ||
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | Kansas City, KS | Orange County, CA |
| Austin, TX | Kansas City, MO | Pocatello, ID |
| Chandler, AZ | Lakewood, CO | Provo, UT |
| Charlotte, NC | Logan, UT | Salt Lake Valley, UT |
| Chicago, IL | Mesa, AZ | San Antonio, TX |
| Council Bluffs, IA | Miami, FL | San Diego, CA |
| Denver, CO | Nashville, TN | San Francisco, CA |
| Des Moines, IA | Oakland, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Huntsville, AL | Omaha, NE | The Triangle, NC |
| West Des Moines, IA | Westminster, CO | |
Availability of Cox
Cox Communication is accessible in only 19 states.
| Cox Coverage by States | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Iowa | North Carolina |
| Arizona | Idaho | Nebraska |
| California | Kansas | Nevada |
| Connecticut | Louisiana | Ohio |
| Florida | Massachusetts | Oklahoma |
| Georgia | Missouri | Rhode Island |
| Virginia | ||
Installation Fees
Internet installation in your home is the 1st step in setting up a new service but it requires additional fees. Here’s what you need to know about Google Fiber and Cox installation fees.
Google Fiber always thinks about customer satisfaction as they provide consistent fiber-optic internet service at affordable prices to customers. There is no clarification of the internet installation fee from Google Fiber’s end. They claim this fee is included in the monthly fee.
In contrast, Cox charges $100 for professional installation, if you want a technician to come and set up your internet connection. Cox opens a self-installation option which costs $0. You can order a free Easy Connect Self-install kit to set up your internet connection yourself.
But, self-installation requires experience and is a time-consuming matter. If you are confident, better to set up yourself. Good Luck!
Equipment and Rental fees
Google Fiber plans include equipment such as Fiber Jack, Router, and Wi-Fi with no extra cost. Additionally, you can use your own router with Google Fiber 1 Gig plans. But, Google Fiber 2 Gig requires a Multi-Gig Router to get optimum speeds. Google Fiber charges a 1-time construction fee of $300 for extensive writing to connect fiber-optic networks.
On the other hand, Cox’s equipment rental charge is $13 per month to use their Panoramic Wi-Fi modem/router. You can skip this charge, by using your own Cox-approved modem with a router. To buy a Cox-compatible router, you may need almost $179.99. It’s a great way to save money from monthly bills.
Additional Cost – Google Fiber
| Additional Service | Extra Price |
|---|---|
| Installation/ Construction Fee | $300.00 (one-time) |
| Taxes & Surcharges | Up to $15.00 per month |
Note: Taxes and Surcharges are set by Federal and State governments and will vary from state to state.
Additional Cost – Cox
| Additional Services | Extra Price |
|---|---|
| Professional Installation | $100.00 one-time charge |
| Equipment Fee | $14.00 per month |
| Late Payment Fee | $8.35 per month |
| Early Termination Fee | Up to $240.00 |
| Data Overage Charge | $10.00 for every 50 GB of excess data |
| Equipment Unreturned Fee | $200.00 (one-time charge) |
| Taxes & Surcharges | $6.00 per month |
Note: Taxes and Surcharges are set by Federal and State governments and will vary from state to state.
How to Skip Additional Fees?
- Go for the self-installation process with a compatible 5G wireless router apart from requesting a professional installation.
- Register on AutoPay and stop making payments every month.
- Request for e-receipts. Avoid receiving printed bills by mail.
- Pay bills on time to avoid late payment fees.
- Return leased equipment on time after service cancellation to avoid penalty fees.
- Move to tax-free states such as Alaska, Delaware, New Hampshire, Oregon, or Montana.
Customer’s Opinion – Google Fiber Vs Cox
When it comes to talking about customer experience, we thoroughly researched a lot. Then I found some helpful and unhelpful reviews. It’s common to any internet service provider.
Internet experience depends on several criteria including good coverage area, location near the tower, you are not in peak hours, etc. A survey report indicates Google Fiber has great potential to become the best ISP in the U.S. Most customers are happier with Google Fiber than other ISPs.
Learn More: Brightspeed Internet Reviews 2023 | Plans, Speed, Availability
Google Fiber
When I checked reviews on Switchful.com, I found they said Google Fiber is a fast and reliable fiber connection in a limited area. Some customers claim Google Fiber is excellent value for money as they get the advertised speed which is impossible for certain ISPs.
Customers are also happy to see Google Fiber’s free installation, free equipment, and no sneaky fees. Few customers also complain about unstable internet connection and sudden outages. But, the good side is Google Fiber offers straightforward pricing, clear bills, and consistent speed.
Cox
Switchful said Cox Communication offers low starting prices with reliable speeds. But, higher speed requires top-tier plans, extra data, and add-ons. Customers can start buying packages from $49.99 for 100 Mbps, but you may miss out on reliable speed in-entry level packages.
Jessica-a Cox user said, there is no serious issue with Cox. It provides a stable connection and advertised speed. Above all, Cox provides excellent customer support and solves your issue as soon as possible. Few customers complain about higher prices on plans and speed and sudden outages.
Final Word – Google Fiber VS Cox
From the above comparison, it’s clearly visible that Google Fiber wins in many aspects. It feels proud to serve reliable and reasonable fiber-optic internet compared to Cox Communications.
In contrast, Cox has multiple internet options for beginner to expert levels. You can decide to see each plan of Cox. Also, Cox has less coverage than Google Fiber nowadays. Cox outplayed Google Fiber with the best TV bundle package.
FAQs – Cox Vs Google Fiber
Absolutely. Google Fiber offers incredibly fast internet speeds than traditional broadband services. It’s designed for smooth streaming, fast downloads, and lag-free online activities like gaming and video conferencing.
Yes, Cox Communications has been gradually upgrading its network to include fiber-optic technology in select areas. This upgrade aims to enhance internet speeds, reliability, and overall performance for its customers.
Google Fiber provides a robust and high-quality internet service known for its strength and reliability. With its use of fiber-optic technology, Google Fiber offers exceptional speed and stability, making it suitable for streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
The best alternative to Cox Internet depends on your location. Several reputable internet service providers offer competitive options, such as AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Xfinity, CenturyLink, and Google Fiber. Research and compare plans, speeds, pricing, and customer reviews in your area to determine which alternative fits your needs.
5G and Google Fiber offer different types of connectivity. While 5G provides incredibly fast wireless speeds, Google Fiber’s wired fiber-optic technology offers consistently high speeds that can reach up to 1 Gbps.
Google Fiber achieves impressive speed through fiber-optic technology. Unlike traditional copper cables, fiber-optic cables use light technology to transmit data, allowing for significantly higher data transfer rates. This technology enables Google Fiber to deliver ultra-fast download and upload speeds.
Google Fiber and Starlink offer different types of internet connectivity. Google Fiber uses fiber-optic cables to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds. On the other hand, Starlink is a satellite-based internet service provided by SpaceX. Starlink’s mission is to bring high-speed internet to underserved areas.
