Cox vs Optimum: Our Verdict
Cox and Optimum (owned by Altice USA) are both cable internet providers operating in largely non-overlapping geographic regions, with Cox serving 18 states primarily in the South and West and Optimum concentrated in the Northeast including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Optimum offers a competitive entry point at $40/mo for 300 Mbps compared to Cox's $39.99/mo for just 100 Mbps, giving Optimum a clear value advantage at the base tier. Cox enforces a 1 TB data cap on most plans while Optimum does not impose data caps, and Optimum also offers a $30/mo mobile add-on that Cox cannot match.
Our Pick
Optimum
Recommendation
Optimum delivers better value for most customers, offering three times the speed of Cox at a comparable entry price with no data caps and an affordable mobile bundle option. Cox is the choice when Optimum simply isn't available in your area, or if you need Cox's broader range of TV and phone bundle packages.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cox | Optimum |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $15.00/mo | $15.00/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | 2000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps |
| Available Plans | 10 plans | 13 plans |
| Internet | ||
| TV | ||
| Mobile | ||
| View Cox Plans | View Optimum Plans |
Featured Plans
Cox
Cox Gigablast
1 Gbps download speed
$110/mo
Gigabit cable internet. Most popular Cox tier. Panoramic gateway included. Unlimited data included on Gigablast in most markets.
Contour TV Preferred
140+ channels
$140/mo
- ✓140+ channels
- ✓Entertainment channels (ESPN, Disney, USA)
- ✓News channels
- ✓Kids channels
- ✓Sports channels
- ✓Contour HD box included
- ✓Contour TV app
- ✕Premium movie channels (HBO, STARZ)
- ✕DVR (add-on $13.50/mo)
Most popular TV package. Adds ESPN, Disney Channel, USA Network, and 140+ total channels. DVR add-on $13.50–$30/mo.
Cox Mobile Gig Unlimited
$45/mo
- ✓Unlimited talk & text
- ✓Unlimited data
- ✓5G (Verizon network)
- ✓Bundle saves $15/mo
Unlimited talk/text/data on Verizon's 5G network. Requires Cox Internet. Bundle saves $15/mo on combined bill.
Optimum
Optimum Fiber 1 Gig
1 Gbps download speed
$60/mo
Most popular Optimum plan. Symmetrical 1 Gbps fiber. 5-year price lock. No data caps. No annual contract.
Optimum TV Select
125+ channels
$80/mo
- ✓125+ channels
- ✓Entertainment channels
- ✓Sports channels (ESPN)
- ✓News channels (CNN)
- ✓Kids channels
- ✓Cloud DVR included
- ✕Premium movie channels
Most popular TV package. Mid-tier with sports and entertainment channels including ESPN and CNN. Cloud DVR included.
Optimum Mobile Unlimited
$30/mo
- ✓Unlimited talk & text
- ✓5G (T-Mobile network)
- ✓20GB premium data
- ✓5GB mobile hotspot
- ✕HD streaming
- ✕50GB+ premium data
20 GB premium data before deprioritization. 5 GB hotspot. SD streaming. T-Mobile 5G. Requires Optimum Internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Cox and Optimum internet prices compare at each speed tier?
Optimum offers significantly more speed per dollar than Cox at the entry level, providing 300 Mbps for $40/mo compared to Cox's 100 Mbps for $39.99/mo. At the gigabit tier, Optimum charges $80/mo for 1 Gbps while Cox charges $99.99/mo. When you factor in Cox's additional equipment rental fees and potential data cap overage charges, the total cost gap widens even further in Optimum's favor.
Does Optimum offer mobile phone service like Cox?
Optimum offers a mobile add-on service at $30/mo per line, allowing internet customers to bundle wireless phone service. Cox does not currently offer its own mobile phone service, which limits its ability to serve as a one-stop provider for connectivity needs. Optimum's mobile service runs on a major national network and includes unlimited talk, text, and data.
Where can I get Cox vs Optimum internet service?
Cox and Optimum operate in almost entirely different geographic regions with virtually no overlap. Cox serves 18 states primarily in the southern and western United States, including Arizona, Virginia, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Optimum's coverage is concentrated in the Northeast, primarily New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, with additional presence in parts of New Mexico and Colorado.
Which provider has better network technology, Cox or Optimum?
Both Cox and Optimum operate primarily on hybrid fiber-coaxial cable networks, but Optimum has been investing heavily in fiber-to-the-home expansion under Altice ownership, bringing pure fiber connections to an increasing number of Northeast addresses. Where Optimum fiber is available, customers benefit from symmetrical upload and download speeds that cable connections cannot match.
Does Cox or Optimum have data caps on internet plans?
Cox enforces a 1 TB monthly data cap on most of its residential internet plans, with overage charges applying once customers exceed that threshold. Optimum does not impose data caps on its residential internet plans, allowing customers to use as much data as they need. This is a significant differentiator for heavy internet users who can easily approach or exceed 1 TB of monthly usage.