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Frontier vs. Cox Internet Providers Compared

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Frontier Vs Cox

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Dec. 6, 2025

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Frontier Vs Cox

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Plans starting at: $29.99

Popular Package: Fiber 7 Gig

Download speeds up to: 7 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & DSL

Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Plans starting at: $30

Popular Package: Cox Internet Gigablast

Download speeds up to: 1 Gbps

Connection Types: Cable

Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Frontier Staff rating

3.8
Frontier has the same split profile as other internet providers that offer both fiber and DSL. Frontier's fiber internet offerings are outstanding across the board for both performance and pricing. But their DSL internet speed and cost will be mediocre compared to Frontier Fiber. Nearly 70% of Frontier customers can now access fiber internet, with average speeds of 6,394 Mbps for both download and upload [1]. In September 2024, Verizon announced a definitive agreement to acquire Frontier in an all-cash transaction valued at $20 billion [2]. The deal received FCC approval in May 2025 and is expected to close by February 2026 [3]. Currently, Frontier has 7.2 million fiber locations and 2.2 million fiber subscribers across 25 states, with plans to build out an additional 2.8 million fiber locations by the end of 2026. All these fiber connections are FTTP (fiber-to-the-premises), meaning all fiber-optic line, all the way to your home. That's good news, because the difference between DSL and fiber is night and day. Fiber internet will be much faster and more reliable, and you'll get much more internet speed for the price you pay. The pending Verizon acquisition is expected to accelerate fiber expansion and bring Frontier's fiber services into Verizon's broader network of approximately 7.4 million Fios connections.

PROS

Some of the best fiber prices in the country No data caps, Wi-Fi router included Strong customer satisfaction for fiber

Cons

DSL is more expensive DSL is slower Fiber is not available to all customers at present
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

COX Staff rating

3.5

Cox offers gigabit download speeds, but at higher prices than competitors

Cox offers fast, reliable cable internet service and in a few select areas, all-fiber internet. But mostly, when you order Cox service, you’re going to get very fast cable internet up to about 2 Gigs. In fact, 99% of Cox’s customer base gets gigabit download speeds [1]. The lowest-priced plan will remain constant in price after the promotional period and has no monthly contract. All other plans go up by steep price increases of $25-$50 after the promotional rate ends. Overall, you are likely to pay more with Cox than with its cable or fiber competitors. That said, Cox may still be your best option if you happen to live in an area with no stronger fiber or cable internet providers who will give you more speed for your dollar. Beyond its service offerings and pricing structure, Cox has also been at the center of several major industry developments. Recently, Cox has been in the news for jointly defending its proposed $34.5 billion merger with Charter before the FCC, arguing that the two companies do not compete directly and are struggling with declining subscriber numbers [2]. They contend that critics’ claims of the firms becoming dominant “gatekeepers” are outdated and that the merger is necessary to keep their services competitive in today’s broadband market.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has recently signaled sympathy toward internet providers in a high-stakes copyright dispute with major record labels, raising concerns that a ruling for the music industry could force ISPs to police users or disconnect entire households, campuses, or towns [3]. The justices appeared wary of the sweeping consequences proposed by the labels, even as they pressed Cox Communications on the limits of its legal theory.

The developments ultimately highlight how Cox’s role in broadband extends beyond day-to-day internet service and into broader regulatory and industry-wide challenges.

PROS

Wide availability of gigabit download speeds Data caps are high at 1.2 TB, decreasing likelihood of overages Reliability of cable connection

Cons

Big price hikes after promotional rates Data caps may result in overage charges Below-average customer satisfaction ratings
Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Frontier Pricing

4.0
Frontier will give you a good deal on fiber, but DSL varies widely Frontier's main distinction among fiber internet providers is competitive pricing on high-speed plans. Fiber internet plans range from $19.99 to $109.99 per month with Auto Pay and Paperless Billing [4]. Current promotional pricing includes Fiber 200 at $39.99/month, Fiber 500 at $29.99/month, and Fiber 1 Gig at $49.99/month—all offering symmetrical upload and download speeds.  With router rental included and no data caps, Frontier Fiber offers the kind of simple, clear pricing that earns high ratings from us. Frontier offers significant sign-up incentives, some of which has included a $300 Visa Reward Card with Fiber 5 Gig and 7 Gig plans, a $200 Visa Reward Card with Fiber 2 Gig, and $10/month off YouTube TV for 12 months. Be sure to check Frontier’s official website for current promotions. The only drawback is that Frontier Internet (the name for their DSL plans) does not provide the same kind of bargain. Frontier's single DSL plan costs $64.99 per month with variable speeds depending on your location. Plus, the DSL speed you will be able to get at your address will vary depending on infrastructure, with customers receiving average download speeds of 30 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 Mbps [5]. Average DSL pricing in the industry is not a great deal for customers compared to cable and fiber pricing. That's why Frontier and many other providers are moving away from copper-based service in favor of fiber.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Cox Pricing

3.0

Be aware of price hikes and data overage for heavy-streaming households

Cox offers a first-tier plan at $55/month for up to 300 Mbps download speeds. That's about $.18 per Mbps, which is on the higher end of the pricing scale. The good news is that Cox's first-tier price is the standard price, so it won’t go up automatically after a promotional period. Unfortunately, the higher speed plans do have steep price hikes after the first year’s promotional rate. And when those price increases kick in, you’ll be paying more per month, on average, than you would for the same speeds through Xfinity or Spectrum. In addition, there’s a monthly rental fee for the Cox modem/router of $13, though you are allowed to buy your own compatible router if you wish. Another big question about Cox pricing will be how much data you use. Cox does have a data cap. The cap is high at 1.25 TB [4], so many households will never exceed it. It's worth noting, though, that the share of U.S. broadband subscribers using at least 1 TB of data per month has risen to nearly 25% in Q4 2024 [5]... up from 14% in 2022 [6]. And if you do exceed your cap, you will face overage charges [7]. In other words, if you are a heavy data user, you may end up with a higher monthly bill. So be aware of these data caps as a factor in your pricing if you live in a household with multiple people who stream 4K or play real-time games online every day. If your internet activities don’t include lots of HD streaming, gaming, or large file uploads, or you only have one or two household members, you are unlikely to exceed your monthly data cap.
Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Frontier Reliability and Performance

4.0
Frontier Fiber offers speed and reliability, but their DSL lags behind Just like pricing, performance for Frontier plans is heavily split depending on whether you get fiber or DSL. With Frontier Fiber, you can get multi-gigabit speeds up to 7,000 Mbps. That's right up there with the top few providers in the fiber internet business, with Frontier customers receiving average fiber speeds of 6,394 Mbps for both downloads and uploads. Frontier's fiber network delivers true symmetrical speeds—meaning your upload speed matches your download speed—which is particularly valuable for video conferencing, cloud backups, and content creation. These multi-gigabit speeds will be more than sufficient for very large households with many devices all streaming or gaming simultaneously. Even 500 Mbps is still a lot of speed and will be more than capable of supporting a five- or six-person home and all the devices in it. The pending Verizon acquisition commits to completing Frontier's planned expansion to 10 million fiber homes by 2026, ensuring continued network investment and reliability improvements.

DSL performance will be unpredictable, with customers receiving average download speeds of just 30 Mbps and upload speeds of only 2 Mbps. The only constant is that it will not deliver fiber-like performance. If you're lucky, you'll get a speed above 25 Mbps download. With that speed, you'll be able to do most standard internet activities such as streaming and browsing, though you'll have to watch how many devices are online at once. But if you get a speed that's 10 Mbps or lower, you may find your service glitching or freezing during heavy-data tasks. Frontier is actively phasing out DSL in favor of fiber networks, with former CEO Nick Jeffery indicating full copper decommissioning is expected within a three- to five-year timeframe [6].

Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Cox Reliability and Performance

4.0

Years of solid operations equip Cox with reliable infrastructure

Cox has a thirty-year record of delivering internet access to customers. This means that when you order internet service, it will work as it should the vast majority of the time. Cox home internet serves metro areas in 18 states. Cox Communications remains a major U.S. broadband provider with around 6–6.5 million residential and commercial customers under its own brand. With its 2025 proposed merger with Charter Communications, the combined company would serve roughly 35.9 million broadband subscribers — making it, if approved, the largest cable/broadband operator in the United States [8]. Cox uses hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) technology, like its major competitors Xfinity and Spectrum. Ordinarily, your internet service will be carried by fiber-optic lines along the main arteries until it gets within about a mile of your house. Somewhere near that point, the network will switch to copper coaxial cable. This structure is called Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN). It is faster than an all-copper network, but not as fast as all-fiber, which is also known as Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH). Cox does offer a small percentage of all-fiber connections and is building out more, but for the moment, you are most likely to get HFC, i.e., cable internet service [9]. Download speeds with Cox’s cable internet will go as high as 2,000 Mbps in some areas, and upload speeds will top out around 200 Mbps. Though this upload speed is far below the symmetrical high speeds of an all-fiber connection, Cox cable internet still provides plenty of speed for most households. Cox uses data caps of 1.25 TB/month on its plans. This allowance will provide plenty of data for most households. But if you have a large household and you all do unusually heavy streaming or gaming to go over 1 TB, you may incur up to a maximum of $100 in overage charges. You can get Cox plans with unlimited data, but only by paying more each month for an unlimited plan.
Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Frontier Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0
Installation fees waived for fiber, included router varies by plan Frontier currently waives installation fees entirely for all fiber plans, while DSL plans have a $100 installation fee that you can avoid by doing self-installation. Every Frontier Fiber plan includes a premium Wi-Fi router at no charge, with the specific model depending on your speed tier. Plans from Fiber 200 through Fiber 2 Gig come with a free Amazon eero Pro 6E router, while Fiber 5 Gig and Fiber 7 Gig plans include the more advanced TP-Link Archer AXE300 6E router. For customers choosing the top-tier 5 Gig plan, Frontier also includes a three-year new tech upgrade guarantee. However, there are some important fees to be aware of if you decide to cancel service. Frontier charges a $100 early termination fee if you cancel within the first 12 months for all fiber plans except the Fiber 2 Gig plan, which has no early termination fee. Additionally, if you fail to return equipment after terminating service, Frontier may charge for non-return equipment fees. There's also a $50 restocking fee if you decide you no longer want your Frontier Fiber service.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Cox Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0

Cox offers optional self-installation, charges equipment rental fee

When you order Cox internet service, you will be able to select either professional installation or self-installation. Self-installation will save you about $100, as long as you’re willing to deal with instructions for connection and activation. If you want to use a Cox-supplied modem/router, you will get their Panoramic Wi-Fi gateway [10]. Higher-tier plans will receive a Wi-Fi 6 gateway, while the lower tier of plans will have a more typical Wi-Fi 5 compatible device. All customers will pay a $13/month rental fee for the equipment in addition to their monthly plan fee. However, Cox will forego the fee if you use your own compatible modem/router, which may make it cheaper in the long run for you to buy one rather than renting.
Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Frontier Experience & Support

3.0
Frontier Fiber shows strong performance in customer satisfaction Frontier's reviews have improved greatly with increased fiber service. In the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, Frontier scored 71/100 for its fiber service—a significant improvement over its 58/100 score for non-fiber internet [7]. While fiber ISP satisfaction scores tend to run lower industry-wide, with AT&T leading at 78/100, Frontier's fiber performance places it competitively among major providers. Recent customer feedback reinforces these improvements. One Reddit user wrote that their “newly installed 2 Gig fiber [is an] awesome experience so far” [8]. That said, reliability might depend on where you reside, as another Reddit thread had commenters praising their service in Plano, TX, but also reporting outages and inconsistencies in speeds [9]. Frontier's sharp rise in rankings is a promising sign that if you get Frontier Fiber, you will be happy with your choice. The fiber service has earned an overall rating of 3.83 stars specifically, compared to just 2.55 stars for DSL service, highlighting the dramatic difference in customer satisfaction between the two technologies.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Cox Experience & Support

2.0

Cox customer service ranks below average on national surveys

Cox gets a resounding "meh" for customer service on recognized national surveys of customer satisfaction such as the J.D. Power survey [11]. Cox ranks below average in each region where it provides service. In 2025, Cox scored 68 out of 100 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), which places it just below the 70/100 average for non-fiber internet providers [12].

In an industry not known for good customer service, it's hard to split hairs about exactly what the rankings mean. Even some of the best ISPs occasionally get their share of negativity when you look up review compilation maps [13]. But despite TrustPilot's 1-star rating (based on over 1,400 reviews) [14], because J.D. Power and ACSI are widely regarded as among the more objective rating systems, we're going to give Cox 2 stars for customer service.

Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Frontier FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit BuyFrontierNow.com.
Fiber-optic internet is the most advanced type of internet service offered by Frontier. Fiber-optic cables transmit data with light signals, providing faster and more reliable internet speeds compared to traditional DSL connections. Fiber-optic internet is ideal for customers who require high-speed internet for activities like streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.
Yes, Frontier offers DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet service. DSL uses existing copper telephone lines to provide internet connectivity to customers. DSL is a reliable option in rural areas for those who prefer a wired internet connection.
Opting for Paperless Billing with Frontier offers several benefits. First, you will not be charged the Printed Bill Fee. You will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing paper waste. Finally, all your bills will be organized in one place and easily accessible online.
When you sign up for Frontier Internet, a professional technician will be scheduled to install the service at your home. They will ensure that the necessary equipment is properly set up and connected, allowing you to start using Frontier Internet.
Yes, you can usually keep your current email address when you switch to Frontier Internet. However, it's important to check with Frontier's customer support to confirm the details and requirements for email address migration.
No, Frontier does not enforce data caps on their internet plans. Frontier provides customers with unlimited data usage, allowing you to stream, browse, and download without worrying about exceeding any data limits or incurring additional charges.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Cox FAQ's

Cox provides a convenient self-installation option called Easy Connect. With Easy Connect, you can use a self-installation kit to set up your new internet or phone modem or TV receiver. The process is simple and involves following a few easy steps outlined in the self-installation guides provided by Cox.
Panoramic Wi-Fi from Cox is an innovative high-speed internet experience designed to meet your needs. It offers fast and reliable speeds throughout your home, along with support tools to manage your home network effectively. With Panoramic Wi-Fi, you can enjoy wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage and faster speeds for all your internet activities.
Cox Hotspots are a network of Wi-Fi hotspots available nationwide. They are accessible to Cox Internet Preferred and higher plans. When you're near a hotspot, you can connect to them by searching for available networks using your smart devices. By using Cox Hotspots with your Cox login credentials, you can save on cellular data usage while enjoying internet connectivity on the go.
Yes, Cox allows you to change your home internet speed whenever your needs change. If you require faster or slower internet speeds, you have the flexibility to adjust your plan accordingly. Cox offers a range of internet plans to cater to different speed requirements. You can explore the available options and select the plan that best suits your needs. You can test your internet speed here.
All of Cox’s internet plans come with 1.2 GB of data per month. Cox offers two additional data plans beyond the monthly plan that is included in your service. These additional data plans provide you with more internet data to meet your usage needs if you are a heavy data user.
Yes, you can set up a new Cox email address. Cox provides email services to its customers, allowing them to create personalized email accounts.
Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Frontier Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
3-Year Price Guarantee! Claim a $300 Visa® Reward Card*
Fiber 7 GigFiber InternetUp to 7,000 Mbps Only $109.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Claim a $300 Visa® Reward Card*
Fiber 5 GigFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $89.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Claim a $200 Visa® Reward Card*
Fiber 2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Claim a $150 Visa® Reward Card*
Fiber 1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $49.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Claim a $100 Visa® Reward Card*
Fiber 500Fiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $29.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
1-month free of WH WiFi!
Fiber 200Fiber InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Frontier InternetDSL InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $64.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Cox Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
INCLUDES Panoramic Wifi equipment
Cox Internet GigablastCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $110
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
INCLUDES Panoramic Wifi equipment
Cox Internet Ultimate 500Cable InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $80
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
INCLUDES Panoramic Wifi equipment
Cox Internet Preferred 250Cable InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
INCLUDES Panoramic Wifi equipment
Internet Essential 100Cable InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Frontier Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
4.0
Reliability & Performance
4.0
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
3.0
Customer Experience & Support
3.0
3.8
Overall Rating
3.8
Sarah Munson
3.8
from El Lago, TX on November 2025
Reliable but price has increased 38% in the past two years. Customer support can be spotty.
Pamela W
3.0
from Ruskin, FL on October 2025
Have given me new quotes twice in last 3 months about $25 less than I am paying now but then I get the bill for $5 more. Done with them.
Susan K
1.3
from Middletown, NY on October 2025
Yes when I first started with Frontier they were perfect and every way no flaws now one year later of course they want me to upgrade which I don’t believe I needed it because I had no flaws now my TV does nothing but buff because I didn’t upgrade . I am disgusted with what I am looking at now from what I started with and don’t think I’m not shopping for new services because I am because I will not put up with this thinking you’re gonna goat me into more money when it was nothing wrong with it before you Started messing with it to get more money from me which you will not
Mary Alvey
4.5
from Richmond, IN on September 2025
They have good prices for their Internet service.
Teresa Brown
2.5
from Zephyrhills, FL on September 2025
I have been with Frontier for all but 5 yrs. I just asked them for a new router and in order to do that I had to go thru 3 people and what I was offered is to update the speed . The speed for what I do is not needed .The issue is the weak wifi signal . I didn't have any problems until a few months ago when I started receiving text from them stating that my internet was fixed . I never contacted them stating that I was having any problems . My home isn't large and I don't have multiple things going at the same time . So there should be no reason for the crappy service.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Cox Customers Review

3.0
Pricing
3.0
4.0
Reliability & Performance
4.0
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
2.0
Customer Experience & Support
2.0
3.5
Overall Rating
3.5
alfred n
2.5
from Portsmouth, VA on December 2025
cost to high
James Heaton
1.0
from Crestview, FL on September 2025
Cox is to expensive
Jason Merrifield
1.0
from Tucson, AZ on September 2025
Just read the other reviews. This is crap. IF there was ANY other real choice I would dump Cox in a second. I am paying for a GIG connections and am getting 30 mgb. I spent an hour arguing with chat to get a phone number so I could talk to a person. Then when I asked for compensation they transferred me to a dead line. Yep this is worth the 110 a month. There is no proactive maintenance on their infrastructure. The online tech said the in home amp needed to be disconnected........I dont have an in home amp. So now here I get to sit for the rest of Saturday and hope a Tech can help and if not today I have to be home tomorrow so they can maybe show up. Find a different service provider.
H Meyers
2.0
from Omaha, NE on September 2025
I've had Cox since 1987. Years ago, it was moderately priced and customer service was excellent. It has progressively got worse and worse to the point that it has taken 3 months and endless hours to fix my current problem. The phone customer service staff don't know what they are doing - and won's ask for help. Cox doesn't check on their end to make sure they've done what they need to. For example, I recently had to upgrade equipment twice (their error) and they managed to disconnect my landline for almost three weeks because they didn't flip a switch. Then, a two-hour (and twice disconnected on their end) argument about obtaining credit for the time I didn't have phone service. This particular problem has happened at least three times in the past. The pricing is a shell game, as every time I call I get different explanations - and some differ. Be sure if you talk to them to threaten to leave and behold! you can get the new subscriber deals, and some others they seem to pull out of a hat. Service in my neighborhood (Benson) is unreliable, to the point that we neighbors call each other to see if *we* can identify the issue. Cox's first response is always that it is our personal equipment - and nothing on their end. It is ALWAYS on their end. Techs and customer service seldom completely know what they are doing. Now they are obviously contracting overseas so the people on the phone, while speaking English, have such heavy accents that neither of us can understand each other. Which adds to the confusion. If you are in Omaha and your area has access to fiber - go for it. In older parts of Omaha, like mine, where Cox was the only game in town for decades, their equipment and the cable is old and not upgraded unless it fails completely. It is above ground and subject to weather (rain, snow, cold, wind, fallen trees). We pay the same as West Omaha for questionable service. Do not rely on Cox for landline service. I finally had to get a cell phone so I can call Cox at least once a month when service is interrupted or fails. Their prices keep going up as they add services with fancy names but no real advantage to the customer, especially as they can't provide steady service. Most of us are okay with the speeds we have if only we could count on it! To add to the insult, they have now trained staff in some happy clappy reassuring customer service language to praise the customer for things like "being so smart to figure that out" and "you are being so patient." We are not dogs; we know they are desperately trying to salvage their ratings. It is insulting and patronizing. They give a one-minute thank you at the end of the call - wasting even more time after two hours mostly on hold with them. Really - just fix the service. Fast. Or cut the prices and be honest.
dennis cuccarese
3.5
from El Cajon, CA on September 2025
cost is too high
Call today & find the best COX internet deals
1-833-864-0259