CenturyLink vs Cox: Comparing DSL to Cable

CenturyLink vs Cox: Comparing DSL to Cable

Does shopping for home internet feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded? We’re here to help. Today, we’re comparing CenturyLink vs Cox in a DSL vs cable internet showdown. The choice between these two providers boils down to what’s actually available at your address and what you need from your internet connection.

Ready to see how these providers stack up against each other? Let’s dive in.

Speed

Cox takes a commanding lead when it comes to raw speed. As the third-largest cable provider in the US, Cox offers download speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps. The entry-level plan starts at 100 Mbps, while the top-tier plan reaches 2 Gbps. Even the most basic plan outpaces what many CenturyLink DSL customers can access.

CenturyLink operates on DSL technology, which runs through copper phone lines. This fundamental difference creates a speed lottery for customers. Your actual speed depends heavily on how close you live to the network hub—the farther away, the weaker your signal becomes. Some lucky customers pull 100Mbps downloads, while others struggle with speeds as low as 3Mbps or 15Mbps—well below the FCC’s broadband minimum of 100Mbps.

The upload speed gap tells an even starker story. Cox’s fastest plans deliver 100 Mbps uploads, with even its mid-tier options ranging from 10 Mbps to 50 Mbps. CenturyLink’s DSL caps uploads at 10 Mbps on its best plan, dropping to just 3 Mbps on lower tiers. This matters tremendously if you upload videos, participate in video conferences, or back up files to the cloud.

The verdict: Cox takes the cake in the speed showdown.

The big question: cost

Pricing

CenturyLink keeps pricing straightforward. All the DSL plans cost $55 per month, regardless of which speed tier you qualify for at your address. That price stays locked in with no contracts and no surprise increases after year one. You’ll pay the same $55 in month one and month twenty-four. This transparency eliminates the need to set calendar reminders for when promotional rates expire.

Cox plays a different game entirely. The plans start attractively priced—$30 for 100Mbps—but here’s the catch that snags unsuspecting customers. Prices jump by about $30-$40 after two years.

The pricing structure creates a vicious cycle that Cox likely designed deliberately. When your promotional rate expires and you call to complain, the sales rep won’t offer you the same deal again. Instead, they’ll suggest upgrading to a faster tier at a new promotional rate that appears to be cheaper than your current payment. You think you’re getting a deal, but you’ve just reset the clock on another two-year promotional period. Eventually, your bill creeps higher and higher as you cycle through increasingly expensive speed tiers.

When you factor in equipment costs, the pricing picture shifts further. CenturyLink charges around $15-$17 monthly for modem rental or lets you buy it outright for $200. That monthly fee sits on the high side compared to competitors like AT&T and Frontier, which include equipment at no extra cost. However, if you plan to stick with CenturyLink for longer than twelve months, buying the equipment outright saves money over time.

Cox’s equipment fee runs about $15 per month. The company offers free equipment upgrades over time, allowing long-term customers to access newer Wi-Fi 6 routers without incurring additional charges. Cox also lets you skip rental fees by using your own compatible equipment.

The verdict: For value-conscious shoppers who can secure CenturyLink’s faster speed tiers (80Mbps or higher), the flat-rate pricing is the winner. The cost per megabit sits at roughly 55 cents for 100Mbps service—competitive for DSL technology. However, if Cox’s promotional rates align with your budget and you’re prepared for potential price increases, you’ll receive significantly faster service that better meets modern internet demands.

Data Caps and Usage Policies

Cox implements a 1.25TB monthly data cap across all plans. Exceed it, and you’ll pay $10 for each additional 50GB block, with a maximum of $100 in overage charges per month. The company offers a one-time courtesy credit if it’s your first month exceeding the limit. Want unlimited data? That costs an additional $50 per month.

CenturyLink throws caution to the wind with truly unlimited data on all plans. No caps, no throttling, no monitoring your usage. For households with multiple streamers, gamers, or anyone who works from home transferring large files, this unlimited approach eliminates worry.

According to recent industry data, the average American household uses approximately 641GB of data per month [1]. Most Cox customers won’t reach the cap, but it’s one more thing to keep track of. CenturyLink removes that mental overhead entirely.

The verdict: CenturyLink wins because it removes overage charges entirely, while Cox does implement data caps.

Contract Terms and Flexibility

Both providers skip annual contracts, giving you the freedom to cancel anytime without early termination fees. CenturyLink requires monthly prepayment, which also means they skip credit checks—a plus if you’re building credit or prefer not to deal with hard inquiries.

Cox doesn’t advertise prepayment requirements, but it does encourage customers to opt for contract bundles when adding unlimited data or specific TV packages. Read the fine print before bundling services.

The verdict: A tie.

Coverage and Availability

Cox serves seven million homes and businesses across 18 states [2]. Its network concentrates in urban areas, such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego, Cleveland, and Virginia Beach. You’ll also find Cox in cities like Baton Rouge, Omaha, Oklahoma City, and throughout Rhode Island. Rural customers typically fall outside Cox’s footprint, as the company focuses on denser population centers where cable infrastructure is more economical to maintain.

CenturyLink reaches about 9% of Americans across 17 states, primarily in the West and Midwest [3]. Its DSL infrastructure extends into suburban and rural areas where cable hasn’t reached—making it one of the few broadband options in these communities. You’ll find CenturyLink service in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and several other states.

Check availability in your area by entering your zip code in the box below before getting too attached to either provider.

Understanding the Difference Between Cable vs DSL

The fundamental technology difference between these providers shapes everything from speed to reliability. Cox’s cable internet utilizes coaxial cables designed initially for television service. These cables carry data signals efficiently over long distances, maintaining speed and strength across entire neighborhoods.

CenturyLink’s DSL travels through existing copper telephone lines, never designed for modern internet demands. The electrical signal degrades as it travels farther from the source, which directly impacts your speed. Houses closest to the network hub typically receive decent speeds, while those farther away often struggle with slower connections.

This technological reality explains why CenturyLink can’t promise specific speeds at every address until it tests the distance of your location from its equipment. Cox can reliably deliver advertised speeds across its entire service area because cable infrastructure doesn’t suffer the same distance-related degradation.

To rent or buy?

Equipment and Installation

Cox charges $100 for professional installation but offers free self-install kits.

CenturyLink’s self-installation costs $25, while professional installation runs $129-$149. Not all addresses qualify for self-install. Its equipment supports basic connectivity needs but won’t impress tech enthusiasts. Without renting CenturyLink’s equipment, you lose access to the 24/7 tech support—a significant trade-off.

The verdict: Cox wins with lower or free installation costs.

Customer Service Reality Check

Neither provider wins awards for customer satisfaction. CenturyLink’s DSL service scored 62 out of 100 in the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index, with a 0% change from the previous year [4]. Cox earned a 68 in the same ACSI survey, which was also a 0% change from the previous year [4].

The verdict: Both companies will get you connected, but neither will wow you.

The Overall Verdict: Which Provider Fits YOUR Needs?

Choose Cox if you need consistently fast speeds for streaming, gaming, or supporting multiple devices. Its cable infrastructure delivers the bandwidth modern households demand. Just prepare for potential price increases and be mindful of your data cap if you’re a heavy user.

Choose CenturyLink if you value pricing transparency and unlimited data, but only if you can get at least 80-100Mbps at your address. Below that threshold, you’re paying $55 for speeds that will most definitely frustrate you.

CenturyLink excels in rural areas where cable or fiber options are unavailable. Cox dominates in urban and suburban markets where its infrastructure reaches, providing you with reliable, fast performance.

Find Your Best Internet Option

Complete transparency, the providers available at your address determine your actual choices more than any comparison article. What works brilliantly for someone in Phoenix might not even serve your neighborhood.

Enter your zip code below to see which providers and plans serve your specific location. You’ll discover your real options, compare actual prices, and find the internet service that fits both your needs and your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CenturyLink or Cox better for gaming?

Cox delivers superior gaming performance thanks to faster download and upload speeds. Its cable infrastructure provides lower latency and more consistent connections than CenturyLink’s DSL.

Can I use my own router with CenturyLink or Cox?

Yes, both providers allow you to use your own modem and router, thereby avoiding monthly equipment fees. Please note that CenturyLink withdraws 24/7 tech support access if you choose to use your own equipment instead of renting.

Which provider has better reliability during storms?

Cox typically handles severe weather better than CenturyLink’s DSL infrastructure. CenturyLink’s copper phone lines are more vulnerable to water damage and electrical interference during storms. However, actual reliability varies significantly by location and how well each provider maintains its local infrastructure. Check with neighbors about their experiences during bad weather.

Sources

[1] Ooma.com. “Understanding Internet Data Usage at Home"

[2] Newsroom.cox.com. “Company Overview"

[3] Tech.yahoo.com. “CenturyLink Internet Review Plans Pricing"

[4] Theacsi.org. “Internet Service Providers"