Cox vs Mediacom: Our Verdict
Cox and Mediacom are both cable internet providers, but they serve very different geographic markets. Cox operates across 18 states with a focus on suburban and urban areas, offering plans from $39.99/mo for 100 Mbps up to $99.99/mo for 1 Gbps with a 1 TB data cap on most plans. Mediacom targets rural and suburban communities primarily in the Midwest and Southeast with lower entry pricing starting at $29.99/mo for 100 Mbps but significantly more restrictive data caps ranging from 60 GB to 400 GB on lower tiers. Cox generally offers more consistent speeds and broader infrastructure investment in its service areas.
Our Pick
Cox
Recommendation
Cox is the stronger choice if both providers are available in your area, thanks to its more generous 1 TB data cap, generally more reliable network infrastructure, and wider availability of higher speed tiers. Mediacom makes sense primarily if it's the only broadband option in your rural or suburban location, or if you only need basic internet at its competitive $29.99/mo entry price.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cox | Mediacom |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $15.00/mo | $30.00/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps |
| Available Plans | 10 plans | 6 plans |
| Internet | ||
| TV | ||
| Mobile | ||
| View Cox Plans | View Mediacom Plans |
Featured Plans
Cox
Cox Gigablast
Contour TV Preferred
Cox Mobile Gig Unlimited
Mediacom
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Mediacom's data caps compare to Cox's data caps?
Mediacom imposes significantly stricter data caps than Cox, especially on its lower-tier plans. Mediacom's entry-level plans cap data usage at just 60 GB per month, with mid-tier plans allowing 200 GB to 400 GB, which can be easily exhausted by a household that streams video regularly. Cox applies a 1 TB data cap across most of its residential plans, which is substantially more generous and sufficient for most households.
Which is cheaper for basic internet, Cox or Mediacom?
Mediacom has the lower entry price at $29.99/mo for its 100 Mbps Access Internet plan, compared to Cox's $39.99/mo for a comparable 100 Mbps tier. However, Mediacom's lower price comes with a much stricter data cap. When comparing total cost of ownership including potential overage fees and equipment rental charges, the gap between the two providers narrows considerably.
Is Cox or Mediacom better for rural internet service?
Mediacom specifically targets rural and suburban communities in the Midwest and Southeast that larger cable companies have historically underserved, making it sometimes the only wired broadband option in those areas. Cox tends to focus on more densely populated suburban and urban markets. If you live in a rural area where both are available, Cox typically offers better performance and more generous data allowances.
Can I get gigabit speeds from both Cox and Mediacom?
Both Cox and Mediacom advertise 1 Gbps download speed tiers. Cox offers its Gigablast plan at $99.99/mo, while Mediacom's Xtream Gig plan is priced at $59.99/mo, making Mediacom significantly cheaper at the top speed tier. However, Cox's network infrastructure in urban and suburban areas tends to deliver more consistent speeds during peak usage hours.
What states do Cox and Mediacom serve?
Cox Communications operates in 18 states including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Mediacom serves customers primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, with major presence in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri. There is some geographic overlap, particularly in Iowa and Georgia, where customers may have the choice between both providers.