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When comparing the internet services of CenturyLink vs. Cox, many factors come into play. Nevertheless, with some thought and analysis, it is possible to determine which company will best meet your needs. In this article, we’ll take a look at the various components and plans of each provider and compare them side-by-side.
Cox Cable vs. CenturyLink DSL comparison
| Provider | Type of Internet | Data Caps | Speeds | Contracts | Availability |
 | Cable | 1 TB | Up to 300 Mbps | 12 months | Check Availability |
  | DSL | 1 TB | Up to 100 Mbps | None – 12 months | Check Availability |
Cox Cable vs. CenturyLink DSL data comparison
Cox Cable
Cox has a baseline data cap of 1 TB, but this can be extended into unlimited data for an extra $50/mo. If you haven’t purchased the unlimited data option and you go over your cap, then Cox will charge you $10 and add 50 GB to your account. For a single person, 1 TB of data is enough for nearly any internet activity, including extensive movie streaming and internet gaming. For larger households where more than one person uses the internet heavily, the data cap may become a problem.
CenturyLink DSL
CenturyLink also has a baseline data cap of 1 TB, with some of its plans allowing for unlimited data. If you have a plan with a data cap and you go over, CenturyLink will charge $10 to your account and add another 50 GB for the month. Provided only one device is heavily using the internet, the 1 TB of data can be sufficient for most, if not all, activities. However, for numerous devices running high internet usage at once, the data cap may present a barrier.
Cox Cable vs. CenturyLink DSL: Internet speeds
Cox Cable
Cox Cable offers a variety of internet speeds across different plans. There are four plans available, ranging in speed from 10 Mbps to 300 Mbps. The 10 Mbps, its basic plan, is recommended for less than three internet devices used for basic use, such as internet browsing and checking email. The 30 Mbps plan is similar but can handle up to three to five devices. Next, the 150 Mbps is recommended for five to seven devices used for more intensive activities, such as movies or light online gaming. The last plan is its 300 Mbps plan, which can handle seven to nine devices and fairly heavy data usage, like HD movie streaming and moderate online gaming.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink offers four internet plans of varying speeds, ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps. Its basic plan has a 10 Mbps top speed and is sufficient for one to two devices employed for light internet use, such as emails, social media and basic web browsing. The 20 Mbps speeds can handle two to three devices used for similar tasks as the basic plan, or one device used for slightly more speed-intensive activities. The 40 Mbps plan can handle four to five devices with similar activities, or one device used for movie streaming. Last is its 100 Mbps plan, which is suitable for five to six devices used for single HD movie streaming or minor online gaming.
Internet speeds winner
Cox Cable
Cox Cable vs. CenturyLink DSL: Availability
Cox Cable
Cox Cable is available in 19 states across the U.S. Within these states, availability varies by address. Not all of its internet plans are available to every address that they service.
Use our ZIP code tool to see if Cox Cable is available to you.
CenturyLink DSL
CenturyLink is available in 36 states, to varying degrees. Depending on your location within these states, they may not be able to service your address, or they may only have specific plans available for your address. Use our ZIP code tool to see if CenturyLink DSL is available to you.
Availability Winner
CenturyLink DSL
Cox Cable vs. CenturyLink DSL: customer service
Customer Service Winner
Cox Cable
Cox Cable vs. CenturyLink DSL: bundled services
Many internet companies offer bundled packages which can save you money when compared to buying each product or service individually. Often, these bundles are based around an internet plan and incorporate some combination of television, phone service and smart home service.
Cox Cable Bundles
Bronze Duo
- Up to 150 Mbps
- 140+ channels
- Includes internet and television
Emergency Response Offer
- Up to 10 Mbps
- 75+ channels
- Includes internet, television and first month free
Bronze Bundle with Voice and Homelife
- Up to 150 Mbps
- 140+ channels
- Includes internet, television, unlimited calls within the U.S., Homelife home security monitoring, free installation and one TV receiver rental.
Cox Bundles
Plans Include
- Up to 150 Mbps
- Includes over 75+ channels
Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract, unless otherwise stated. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing may or may not reflect promotional, bundle and/or other offers available. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary.
CenturyLink DSL bundles
DIRECTV Extra all-included + CenturyLink internet
- Up to 20 Mbps
- 235+ channels
- Includes internet and television
DIRECTV Extra all-included + CenturyLink internet + home phone
- Up to 20 Mbps
- 235+ channels
- Includes internet, television and unlimited calls within the U.S.
DIRECTV premier all-included + CenturyLink internet + home phone
- Up to 20 Mbps
- 330+ channels
- Includes internet, television and unlimited calls within the U.S.
CenturyLink & DirecTV Bundle
Plans Include
- Up to 20 Mbps
- Includes over 235+
Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the Internet wirelessly from various devices, and are not guaranteed. Listed Internet speeds vary due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, equipment, and access through a wireless connection, and are not guaranteed. See centurylink.com/InternetPolicy for additional network performance information.
Cox Cable vs. CenturyLink DSL: affordability
While Cox runs different prices for every speed of internet that they offer, CenturyLink has an offer for a flat rate for all internet speeds up to 100 Mbps. If you want speeds greater than 100 Mbps, then Cox is the only choice of these two. However, for speeds of 100 Mbps and below, CenturyLink is more affordable. Since they are so close in price points, Cox Cable and CenturyLink tie for affordability.
Cox Cable vs. CenturyLink DSL: which is right for you?
Choosing the right internet service provider for you has a lot to do with your personal needs, your location and your budget. Cox Cable offers greater versatility of bundles and varieties of internet speeds, but CenturyLink offers some plans that are slightly cheaper. Keep in mind that Cox Cable has been rated higher for both customer satisfaction (ACSI) and trustworthiness (BBB).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which internet service provider is best for residential use?
Cox Cable scored higher both with the BBB and the ACSI, while also offering a greater variety of bundled options and customizations. As such, Cox cable appears to be the better option for most residential situations. However, due to a greater coverage area and better pricing on specific ranges of internet speed, CenturyLink will be the better choice for some residences.
Which internet service provider is best for business use?
Businesses often need to be able to send large amounts of data quickly, making the higher-speed internet plans better for their purposes. As such, Cox is the clear choice for businesses. The top speed of Cox Cable is 300 Mbps vs. the top speed of 100 Mbps for CenturyLink DSL.
We supplied the data; now, the decision is yours.
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