Internet service providers: Spectrum Internet Gig vs. Cox Gigablast

Quick Verdict

Spectrum Internet Gig is generally a better value due to its lower starting price and unlimited data. However, Cox Gigablast may be preferable for users who need faster upload speeds or have access to their 2 Gbps download speeds, and don't mind data caps and higher monthly costs.

Spectrum Internet Gig offers unlimited data and a lower starting price, while Cox Gigablast has data caps and a higher starting price.
Both offer comparable download speeds, but Cox Gigablast has the potential for faster upload speeds in certain areas, and offers up to 2 Gbps download speeds in some locations.
Spectrum includes a free modem, while Cox charges a monthly fee for their Panoramic WiFi Gateway.
Both offer bundling options and self-installation options.
Spectrum has wider coverage, while Cox Gigablast's availability is limited to specific areas within 19 states.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Spectrum Internet Gig	Cox Gigablast
Download Speed (Maximum)	Up to 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps)	Up to 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps), some areas may have access to 2 Gbps (2000 Mbps)
Upload Speed (Maximum)	Up to 35 Mbps in most areas	Typically 35 Mbps, but can reach 100 Mbps in some areas or even 1 Gbps depending on network architecture
Data Caps	None	1.25 TB per month
Contract Length	No contracts	No annual contract is typically required
Price per Month	Starting at $70.00/mo for 12 months	Starting around $99.99/month
Equipment Fees (Modem, Router)	A free internet modem is included. A WiFi router can be added for an additional $10.00/month, or customers can use their own	Around $11-$13/month for Cox's Panoramic WiFi Gateway. You can use your own compatible modem and router to avoid this fee
Installation Fees	A one-time installation fee may apply. Standard in-home installation costs around $65, while a self-installation kit costs about $30	Self-installation is an option to save money. Professional installation may cost around $100
Availability (Coverage Area)	Spectrum serves almost 57 million homes across 41 states	Available in 19 states, but Gigablast may only be in limited areas. Gigabit speeds are reportedly available in 97% of Cox coverage areas
Customer Service Rating	Spectrum scored above average in reliability in a customer satisfaction report	Cox generally has good customer service ratings
Bundling Options (TV, Phone)	Bundling options are available with TV and/or mobile services	Bundling with TV and phone services is available
Technology Used (Cable, Fiber)	Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network	Primarily a cable network, but also uses fiber in some locations
Data Overage Fees	None, unlimited data	$10 per 50GB

Overall Comparison

Spectrum Internet Gig: Starting at $70/month, Up to 1 Gbps download, No data caps. Cox Gigablast: Starting around $100/month, Up to 1 Gbps (or 2 Gbps in some areas) download, 1.25 TB data cap.

Pros and Cons

Spectrum Internet Gig

Pros:

High download speeds (up to 1 Gbps)
No data caps
No contracts
Free modem included
Wide coverage area
Bundling options available
May cover early termination fees from previous provider
Self-installation option available
24/7 online chat support
99.9% internet reliability
Security Suite and Security Shield included

Cons:

Upload speeds are lower (up to 35 Mbps)
Price increases after the first 12 months
Additional monthly fee for Spectrum Advanced WiFi router ($10.00/month)
Installation fees may apply
Connection to home is typically coaxial cable, not fiber

Cox Gigablast

Pros:

Fast download speeds, even during peak times due to their separate network for internet customers.
Optional self-installation.
Cox mobile app allows you to check internet speed and monitor service outages.
Cox Security Suite Plus, powered by McAfee, is included.
Panoramic Wifi Gateway offers advanced security and real-time alerts about blocked threats.

Cons:

Speed variations, especially during high usage times, because cable internet is a shared system.
Actual upload speeds often do not exceed 35 Mbps.
Potential hidden fees include data overage fees ($10 per 50GB), equipment rental fees, and price increases after the promotional period.
Some users experience frequent service-impacting outages.
Early termination fees may apply if you cancel during a contract term, typically $10 for each remaining month.

User Experiences and Feedback

Spectrum Internet Gig

What Users Love

Offers 99.9% internet reliability
Delivers advertised speeds during peak usage hours
Provides free modem
Offers self-install kit and My Spectrum app for easy management
Provides 24/7 online chat support

Common Complaints

Price increases after the first 12 months
Additional monthly charge for Spectrum Advanced WiFi unless you use your own router, bundle with Spectrum Mobile, or choose Internet Gig
Late payment fees may apply

Value Perception

Bundling services like Spectrum Mobile can offer significant discounts
May cover up to $500 in early termination fees from a previous provider

Cox Gigablast

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Cox claims consistent, fast download speeds even during peak times due to their separate network for internet customers.
Some users report speed variations, especially during high usage times, because cable internet is a shared system.
Actual upload speeds often do not exceed 35 Mbps.
Potential hidden fees include data overage fees ($10 per 50GB), equipment rental fees, and price increases after the promotional period.
Some users experience frequent service-impacting outages.
Cox generally has good customer service ratings, and representatives are usually helpful.
A DOCSIS 3.1 modem (or higher) is required to take advantage of Gigablast internet speed.
Early termination fees may apply if you cancel during a contract term, typically $10 for each remaining month.
Cox offers optional self-installation.
The Cox mobile app allows you to check internet speed and monitor service outages.
Cox Security Suite Plus, powered by McAfee, is included.
The Panoramic Wifi Gateway offers advanced security and real-time alerts about blocked threats.