Cox vs Google Fiber: Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Cox and Google Fiber plans, pricing, internet speeds, and available services to find the best home service provider for your area.
Cox vs Google Fiber: Our Verdict
Cox and Google Fiber sit at opposite ends of the internet provider spectrum in terms of pricing transparency, technology, and customer satisfaction. Google Fiber delivers pure fiber optic internet at $70/mo for 1 Gbps symmetrical speeds with no data caps, no contracts, and no equipment fees, while Cox relies on a hybrid coaxial cable network with plans starting at $39.99/mo for 100 Mbps topping out at $99.99/mo for 1 Gbps with a 1 TB data cap. Where both are available, Google Fiber's combination of lower gigabit pricing, symmetrical speeds, and a history of no price increases makes it exceptionally difficult for Cox to compete.
Our Pick
Google Fiber
Recommendation
If Google Fiber is available at your address, it is almost certainly the better choice thanks to its $70/mo gigabit plan with symmetrical speeds, zero fees, and no data caps. Cox only makes sense if Google Fiber hasn't reached your neighborhood yet or if you specifically need a bundled TV and phone package, which Google Fiber does not offer.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cox | Google Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $15.00/mo | $70.00/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | 2000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps |
| Available Plans | 10 plans | 3 plans |
| Internet | ||
| TV | ||
| Mobile | ||
| View Cox Plans | View Google Fiber Plans |
Featured Plans
Cox
Cox Gigablast
Contour TV Preferred
Cox Mobile Gig Unlimited
Google Fiber
GFiber Home 3 Gig
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is Google Fiber than Cox for gigabit internet?
Google Fiber charges $70/mo for its 1 Gbps symmetrical plan with no additional fees for equipment, installation, or data overages. Cox charges $99.99/mo for its Gigablast 1 Gbps plan, and that price doesn't include the potential Panoramic Wi-Fi gateway rental fee or overage charges if you exceed the 1 TB data cap. When you factor in all costs, Google Fiber can save you $30 to $50 or more per month compared to Cox at the same speed tier.
Is Google Fiber available in the same areas as Cox?
There is limited overlap between Cox and Google Fiber service areas. Cox operates primarily across 18 states including Arizona, Virginia, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Google Fiber is available in approximately 25 metro areas including Austin, Nashville, Kansas City, Charlotte, and San Antonio. The two providers overlap in a handful of markets, and in those areas Google Fiber's presence has often pushed Cox to improve its offerings.
Does Google Fiber have data caps like Cox does?
No, Google Fiber does not impose any data caps on any of its plans. Cox enforces a 1 TB monthly data cap on most residential plans, and customers who exceed that limit may face overage charges of $10 per additional 50 GB block. For households with multiple streamers, gamers, or remote workers, Cox's data cap can be a real concern.
Which has better upload speeds, Cox or Google Fiber?
Google Fiber offers fully symmetrical speeds, meaning its 1 Gbps plan delivers 1 Gbps both downstream and upstream. Cox's cable technology results in heavily asymmetrical connections where even the top-tier Gigablast plan offers only about 35 Mbps upload compared to its 1 Gbps download. This is a massive difference for anyone who works from home, creates content, livestreams, or regularly backs up data to the cloud.
Can I get a 2 Gbps plan from either Cox or Google Fiber?
Google Fiber offers a 2 Gbps plan at $100/mo in many of its service areas, providing exceptional speed for power users. Cox does not currently offer a standard 2 Gbps residential plan, with its top-tier Gigablast plan capping out at around 1 Gbps download. Google Fiber's 2 Gbps plan still comes with no data caps, no contracts, and no equipment fees.