It’s a battle between Cox’s spotty but fast cable internet and the new 5G home internet provider in town showing off its big speeds and low prices.
Cox vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet: Which Has Bigger Bang for Your Buck?
Speed and reliability
3.8 / 5
Dollar value
3.3 / 5
Customer experience
3.8 / 5
Speed and reliability
4.0 / 5
Dollar value
4.5 / 5
Customer experience
4.3 / 5
9 min readSometimes, just fine is more than enough. A simple hot dog for dinner? Sure, why not. You’re fed, it’s not bad, it’s maybe even pretty good depending on what it cost. That’s all you need.
But for some, that simply won’t suffice. You want wagyu steak, and you want it every day. You want to be fulfilled and happy. And wouldn’t you know it, you know a place where you can get wagyu steak for a reasonable price.
This is what this showdown between Cox internet services and Verizon 5G home internet.
With a just fine level of reliability, speed, and a price many of the customers we spoke to consider too dang high for what they get, Cox is an option that will get the job done, especially because they do offer bundles, free self-installation, and a variety of plans. And with a fiber-internet infrastructure slowly but surely being built, more good options are popping on.
However, based on nearly two dozen conversations Reviews.org has had with Verizon 5G home internet users across the U.S., it appears like the burgeoning service is coming to claim the internet service crown. Running on Verizon’s 5G cellular network, the provider offers reliably high download speeds at an accessible price point, though their upload speeds are on the lower side. And unlike many deals Cox and others offer that only last six months to two years, Verizon customers get their deal locked in for two to five years. Add to that unlimited data, which Cox does not provide (and charges you extra if you go over), Verizon is a formidable option for your internet services far outweighing Cox.
“It has been solid overall.” —Johnothy Michael, a Verizon 5G customer in Robinson, Illinois
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Want to know if Cox or Verizon 5G Home Internet are available where you live? Run a search with your zip code below to find out.
Cox vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet: Plans, pricing, and speed
| Provider |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price per month |
$9.95-$150
|
$35-$70
|
| Download speeds | 100-2000 Mbps | 300-1000 Mbps |
| Upload speeds | 5-100 Mbps | 10-50 Mbps |
| Details | View Plans | View Plans |
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.
Here’s all the meat that makes up the Cox hot dog (and thankfully it’s not mystery meat): their cable internet plans range from 100Mbps for $50 per month to 2,000Mbps for $149.99 per month. Those are the discounted rates when you first sign up. Typically, those rates are set for 24 months, after which your rate will likely increase. When it comes to data, every plan caps at 1,280GB, or 1.25TB. While you’d incur overcharges of overage fee of $10 per 50GB if you surpass that data cap, the likelihood is you never will. You’d have to be running a Best Buy in your home with every internet-connected appliance going off. Well, maybe not but you get the idea. Self-installation is free, and there’s money to be saved if you bundle. Cox plans can sometimes have annual contracts with cancellation fees, though some are contract free. Keep that in mind when choosing a plan.
Alternatively, Verizon 5G internet plans run from $60 for a download speed of 300Mbps, to $80 for 1,000Mbps a month when you set up autopay. There’s further money to save per month of $25–$35 if you have both autopay and a qualifying Verizon cell phone plan. And you need to be a current Verizon phone customer to get the deal. Those prices are some of the lowest you can find for internet services anywhere, albeit with those pretty annoying caveats. However, if you don’t bundle with other Verizon products, it’s still a killer deal, which includes no extra charges for self-installation, equipment (unless you get Wi-Fi extenders), or data overcharges since data is unlimited. All of that is set in stone for five years guaranteed, so no surprise charges on your bill. All in all, it’s a very sweet deal.
“Verizon is proud to provide customers with the best value and overall experience when using Verizon Home Internet,” a Verizon spokesperson told Reviews.org.
Cox vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet: Fees for modem and installation
What makes this review legit?
Our fact-based research process centers on interviews with internet customers across the country, helping us understand how internet services hold up against diverse needs and challenges.
To put together this review, we looked at results from our speed test, pulled data from customer satisfaction surveys, and pored over the fine print to compare prices and speeds between the two providers. To flesh out our analysis, we also interviewed Cox vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet customers to get their firsthand insights. We let their experiences guide our research and shape our conclusions. We also speak with ISP spokespeople and industry experts to get insights into connection types, speed capabilities, and other technical issues related to internet service.
The matchup: How we rate Cox vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
For all our internet reviews, we give a rating based on three main criteria—speed and reliability, dollar value, and customer experience—which we then average to make an overall score.
Here, we compare those ratings face to face. We then offer some analysis and context for important factors to keep in mind.
Want to know more? Read our full-length Cox and Verizon 5G Home Internet reviews.
Speed and reliability
Cox: 3.8/5.0 | Verizon 5G Home Internet: 4.0/5.0
Cox’s average download speed is 160.347Mbps—ample speed compared to its competitors. Upload speeds are also sufficient at 26.442Mbps, according to our own speed tests—slower than fiber connections, but still faster than other cable options. Meanwhile, Verizon 5G Home Internet claims speeds between 300Mbps and 1,000Mbps. However, the reality is that by running over a fixed wireless connection, 5G speeds have a higher likelihood of going up and down. It’s hard to get a more accurate speed reading as a result. Even so, Verizon 5G Home Internet ranks high on our list of Fastest Internet Providers.
In speaking to several Cox customers about how they grade Cox’s reliability, many complained of frequent outages while others praised the provider. One customer based in Tulsa says, “Download and upload speeds varied wildly.” That would drive anyone nuts, but it is important to consider that some areas are more prone to struggles with Cox service. Especially in rural areas or high-density cities. Verizon has been taking shots at cable providers as a go-to marketing talking point, the reality is that users are more likely to deal with slowing or outages because Verizon’s wireless connection isn’t as secure as fiber or cable. If you live in or near a cell phone dead zone, it’s going to be a big problem. That being said, Verizon customers we spoke to were happy with their service. “It has been solid overall,” says Johnothy Michael, a Verizon 5G customer from Robinson, Illinois.
Dollar value
Cox: 3.3/5.0 | Verizon 5G Home Internet: 4.5/5.0
Have you been itching to get a landline? Dead set on streaming, cable, mobile phone plan, and internet services? Then Cox is your best bet, since bundling is where you get the highest amount of savings, though one customer tells us he broke down his bill, and everything separate would only amount to $5 a month for him. If you’re shopping for internet only, Cox tends to be one of the more expensive options. Especially compared to Verizon 5G Home. The faster the speed plan you buy with Cox, the more you save, with unlimited data going for an additional $49.99 a month. But most people who aren’t vlogging or filming TikTok dances 14 hours a day don’t need all that.
Verizon 5G Home Internet is far more budget friendly, especially if you’re already a Verizon customer via your cell phone plan. With a limited amount of fees, unlimited data, and a flat rate that includes all your equipment and locks in for five years, this is the best bet for anyone on a budget.
Customer experience
Cox: 3.8/5.0 | Verizon 5G Home Internet: 4.25/5.0
It’s hard to calculate something so subjective as customer service since everyone’s barometer for bad service is different. Read a handful of Yelp reviews by wannabe restaurant critics and it’s abundantly clear. Both Cox and Verizon 5G Home Internet have inspired dissatisfaction in customers ranging from mild annoyance to full blown rage.
One Cox customer calls customer service “a very mixed bag” and is frustrated that every time she calls to inquire about an outage in her area, she seems to be the one alerting the company. "Every time there is an outage, I call it in, and shortly after, our app is updated to: 'There's an outage/event in your area,'" they tell Reviews.org.
On the other end, Verizon 5G Home Internet has generally high rankings on customer satisfaction surveys, placing second among major internet providers. Still, it has shortcomings. A customer we spoke to complained of repeated issues with “improper billing” that he’s never been able to resolve by visiting a store. It can be generally hard to get an agent on the phone (we were unable to when we tested it out) and their chat agent is unhelpful. Still, based on surveys like the 2023 American Consumer Satisfaction Index, Verizon 5G Home Internet users tend to be happy with their service. This edges them out over Cox.
Overall quality: Which internet provider should you pick?
Cox: 3.58/5.0 | Verizon 5G Home Internet: 4.3/5.0
While Cox is solidly reliable with high speeds, the dollar value and customer service experience brings down its overall score. Verizon 5G Home Internet has high ratings, fast and dependable services even with its spottier wireless connections, and little to no fees. The winner is clear, though either would work great depending on your needs.
Cox vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet: What deals and promotions can you get?
Unless you're bundling or a new customer, Cox doesn’t have much to offer in terms of promotions. Currently, you can save $14.99 a month on internet services when you add a cell phone plan with Cox Mobile, the company’s prepaid phone brand. Verizon 5G Home Internet offers some extra perks and deals, like a discount of $25–$35 per month on internet plans when you have AutoPay and a qualifying Verizon cellular plan. Some plans also offer add-ons like streaming service trials and subscriptions to Apple Music and Google Play Pass at a low price.
Get $14.99 off when you also sign up for Cox Mobile service
Eligible with the Go Fast, Go Faster, Go Even Faster, and Go Super Fast internet plans.
Verizon 5G Home Internet add-ons and perks
Verizon 5G Home Plus or LTE Plus plan (Black Friday offer valid 11/21/2024–12/01/2024)
Verizon 5G Home Plus or LTE Home Plus plan (Black Friday offer valid 11/21/2024–12/01/2024)
Available with Verizon 5G Home Plus plan (Black Friday offer valid 11/21/2024–12/01/2024)
Available as add-ons with some plans
Available as add-ons with some plans
Available as add-ons with some plans
Cox vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet: What do customers think?
Even with some issues with service and higher plan rates, Cox customers stick with the provider for sake of ease.
As I mentioned at the top of this review, Cox is a fine choice that gets you what you need, albeit with some annoyances and pricier internet plans. Customers we spoke to echo this sentiment. Most say they’re satisfied with their service.
Tulsa-based business owner Isaac Chandler reports to Reviews.org that the price of his Cox services feels inflated for what he gets, especially considering how many outages and service issues he faces. Even so, he says customer service solves issues “pretty quickly.” Despite issues and concerns with his service, and a price point he’s not too thrilled about, Chandler is mostly happy with his service mainly because it’s no frills and relatively straightforward. "It's pretty easy to set up and doesn’t require any weird cabling,” he says.
However, those unhappy with the service have good reason not to be. Lindsey Scotney, owner of a hospitality staffing company in Tulsa, tells Reviews.org that a customer service agent kept interrupting her and was excessively rude when she called to ask about issues with her internet speeds.
“He hung up on me intentionally after telling me I was being abusive,” Scotney says. “I literally did not raise my voice at all and in a very calm voice just asked him to please let me finish what I was saying.”
“They solve my problems pretty quickly.” —Isaac Chandler, Cox customer in Tulsa
Fast speeds, cheap services, and strong dependability makes Verizon 5G Home Internet one of our best reviewed services.
Verizon 5G Home Internet has garnered positive responses from every customer we spoke to; a rarity in the reviewing internet plans business. It was actually pleasantly surprising!
“I like how it gives us fast speeds without a video throttle cap, so we can watch 4K shows,” says Johnothy Michael, a customer in Illinois. He actually made the switch from T-Mobile to Verizon in 2023, saying T-Mobile was “OK, but Verizon was cheaper on our phone bill and [has] a more stable service.”
Claire Messink, a teacher based in Salt Lake City, Utah, had some complaints about Verizon’s prices, feeling it should be $25 a month instead of the $50 she pays. This gripe is doubly real for her because she paid less for internet services while living abroad (she moved back to the U.S. last June).
Even though she’s tasted the sweet, sweet cost of cheaper internet in another country, Messnick is still happy with her Verizon 5G Home Internet services, calling it “an affordable option” and noting that she’s “had zero problems with it.”
“It was an affordable option, and I've had zero problems with it.” – Claire Messnick, a teacher in Salt Lake City, Utah
Want Cox or Verizon 5G Home Internet? Find it in your area
When it comes down to it, Cox does the job, but Verizon 5G Home Internet gives you the most for an accessible price. Nothing wrong with hot dogs or wagyu steak, but if you really want to get full, the latter is the one to order. Make sure to check our zip check tool to see if either is available in your area.
Find Cox or Verizon 5G Home Internet in your area
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