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Viasat vs. COX: Which Internet Provider Is Better?

Compare internet speeds, pricing, reliability, customer reviews, and fees so you can choose the best internet provider for your home.

100% unbiased. Provider information updated regularly.
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Viasat Vs COX

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3.9/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.5/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.9

Plans starting at: $39.99

Popular Package: Unleashed

Download speeds up to: 200 Mbps

Connection Types: Satellite

Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544
3.5

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

Viasat Provider Information

Viasat is a major satellite internet provider headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Unlike terrestrial options that rely on wires buried in the ground, Viasat beams data directly from space to a dish installed at your home. This technology makes it a top choice for people living in rural or remote areas where cable or fiber infrastructure doesn't exist. In September 2026, Viasat's ViaSat-3 F2 satellite entered service over the Americas, completing the company's next-generation ViaSat-3 network, which Viasat says has tripled bandwidth across its fleet. That added capacity powers a refreshed lineup of three home internet plans: Essentials, Unleashed, and Unleashed Max. Viasat now handles streaming, web browsing, and everyday work tasks well, and every plan includes unlimited data. Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data, while Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data with no long-term contract. You will still notice higher latency than hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) or fiber connections, so Viasat isn't ideal for competitive online gaming or lag-sensitive video calls. Plans start at $39.99 for 150 Mbps, while the most advanced options reach $109.99 for 200 Mbps. Availability is nationwide, covering all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and Viasat estimates that 99% of U.S. households can get its service. Viasat's biggest advantage is its reach, as it is often the only high-speed option for rural residents. However, the trade-offs are real. Your home needs a clear view of the southern sky for the dish, though standard professional installation is now free. Heavy rain or severe weather can also interrupt your connection, and the Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract. If you have access to a wired connection like fiber or HFC, it will almost always offer better performance and lower latency. For rural households without those options, Viasat is a stronger choice than ever.

COX Provider Information

Cox is the largest private broadband provider in the United States, operating as a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The company primarily delivers internet through a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, which balances widespread availability with high performance. While this infrastructure is reliable for most households, it is important to note that upload speeds on these cable connections are typically much slower than download speeds. Cox has been steadily expanding its fiber-to-the-home footprint in select markets, but the vast majority of customers will still use their traditional cable network.

You can find Cox service across a significant portion of the country, particularly in suburban areas throughout the West, Southwest, and parts of the South. Plans start at $30 for 100 Mbps, while their top-tier offerings reach $110 for 1000 Mbps. The provider is a strong choice for families who need consistent connectivity for streaming and general web use. However, be aware that Cox often enforces data caps on its plans, which can lead to overage charges if you are a heavy user who frequently downloads large files or streams in high definition.

Cox excels in terms of sheer availability and ease of installation, making it a convenient option for many renters and homeowners. The main drawback is the pricing structure, which often increases after promotional periods end. If you live in an area where fiber competition is limited, Cox is a dependable provider, but you should keep an eye on your monthly data usage to avoid unexpected costs.

PROS

Wide coverage means 99% of U.S. households can get satellite internet Unlimited data on every plan Burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max Free standard installation

Cons

Slower than fiber or hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) internet Higher latency or “ping” Can experience temporary “rain fade” during heavy rain or snow Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract

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

Viasat Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$30 off for 12 months
UnleashedSatellite InternetUp to 180 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$30 off for 12 months
EssentialsSatellite InternetUp to 150 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$70 off for 12 months
Unleashed MaxSatellite InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $109.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

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

Viasat FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit ViasatDeals.com.
Viasat internet uses a modem and dish system to transmit user requests to satellites, which then connect to a gateway station on the ground network.
Viasat internet covers all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The company estimates that 99% of the U.S. population can get its service.
Viasat internet frequently offers faster speeds compared to DSL or LTE, with burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max.
Yes, Viasat’s data plans and speed will allow you to stream HD videos.
Every Viasat plan has unlimited data, so you never lose your connection. Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data, while Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data followed by unlimited Standard Data that may slow down during congestion.
You can game on Viasat internet, but performance depends on the game. Turn-based and single-player games work well, but fast-paced multiplayer games struggle because satellite latency typically runs at 600 milliseconds or higher.
Both plans include unlimited High-Speed Data and no long-term contract. Unleashed Max adds burst speeds up to 200 Mbps (versus 180 Mbps on Unleashed), priority network access during busy hours, and EasyCare protection at no extra charge.
Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max are month-to-month plans with no long-term contract. Viasat Essentials requires a 24-month service agreement.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

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