Provider Face-Off: Cox Cable vs DIRECTV and DISH
Cox TV Starter (75+ chnls).
24-month contract required.
For over 75 channels at $25/mo, it breaks down to just over $0.33/channel. Solid value but a fair number of high-demand channels are missing
Flex Pack (>50 chnls, regular pricing).
24-month contract required.
The best price in the industry. If you're fed up with cable bills, this plan will slash your costs in half overnight.
SELECT Plan (155 chnls, promo pricing).
24-month contract required.
One of the most popular plans in satellite TV, it's the closest to DISH's rock-bottom price. Consider this plan if you want more options.
Contour TV Ultimate ($148.99/mo)
Though it has less overall channels than DISH or DIRECTV, nearly all are high-value with very little (music) fluff.
America's Everything Pak ($149.99/mo)
All channels are digital or HD quality, with about 85% available in HD.
Premier Plan ($159.99/mo)
All channels are digital quality, with at least 90% available in HD.
Allows you to watch recorded shows from up to 6 networked TVs. Cox's Contour 6 HD-DVR has 4x the storage (1,000 hours of SD, 2 TB) of their standard Record 2 DVR.
Simultaneously record and playback on up to 7 different DVRs. Hard drive space: 2 TB. Learn more.
Simultaneously record and playback on up to 5 different TVs (only one main box). Hard drive space: 1 TB. Learn more.
While not really a bonus (since you pay for it), Cox Contour DVRs give you access to over 70,000 On Demand options - they range in price from free to $10+, along with personal recommendations.
Watch or stream up to 15 high-demand movie channels (EPIX, Sony Movie Channel, FOX Movie Channel, MGM HD, etc). Free for the first 3 months; $10/mo thereafter.
The NFL SUNDAY TICKET (free w/ Choice plan & up) was free in 2014 and '15, expect much of the same in 2016 and beyond. CINEMAplus is a cool streaming service of about 7k shows and programs.
TV: 140+ channels
Internet: 150 Mbps download, 15 Mbps upload
Phone: unlimited local and domestic calling (plus free voicemail; caller ID and call waiting usually extra)
DISH's infrastructure doesn't support traditional (landline) or VoIP phone service.
DIRECTV partners with AT&T, Verizon, Windstream and others to offer high-speed Internet and home phone service (final specs/price vary per provider).
TV: 140+ channels
Internet: 300 Mbps download, 25 Mbps upload (great for power users)
Plus free HBO, Cinemax & Showtime
TV: 190+ channels
Internet: 25 Mbps download (no cap)
TV: 140+ channels
Internet (ATT Uverse): ~100 Mbps download (no cap)
Cox is towards the front of the cable pack when it comes to customer satisfaction, and improving. In our experience, signup almost always goes smoothly, but it's sometimes hit and miss thereafter. Ex: our longest time on the phone (for a relatively basic issue with the DVR) took a while whereas a more techie problem was solved right away.
Just about every year, it's a neck and neck race between DISH and DIRECTV for the best customer satisfaction in the industry. It's basically a toss-up, so lean on the other features to help make your decision.
DIRECTV prides itself in customer satisfaction and doesn't skimp on hiring quality personnel. I don't know of a single person who's left DIRECTV due to a poor experience with their call-in staff. It's a draw here.
BUYING GUIDE
Channel LineupsFind out which packages include your favorite channels in this interactive, side-by-side table.
Verizon FiOS vs SatelliteIf fiber optic service is an option in your area, learn more about what Verizon FiOS has to offer.
Cable versus SatelliteGet a more general overview of how cable's features and options compare to satellite TV.
More about Cox Cable
Formally called Cox Communications, they're currently the third largest cable provider on the planet. Originally launched in the 1960s, Cox rapidly expanded operations by acquiring a variety of small and successful cable companies from most of the major metropolitan areas. As programming options and population density grew, Cox intelligently leveraged their reach by signing a number of licensing and broadcasting partners...ultimately dominating strategic sections of the contiguous United States. That is, in certain parts of the nation, if you can't get satellite TV (for whatever reason), your only option is Cox. Smart business by any measure.
Big picture: Folks often like to slam cable companies for their high prices and service, but thing have changed over the years. We know plenty of happy Cox customers. As with any home service, it's all about need vs cost. If Cox turns out to be the most convenient option where you live and you're good with the price, go with them. Just make sure you weigh all your options before you sign any long-term contracts. Finally, COX is probably one of the most up-front providers when it comes to pricing. They don't hike up their rates in year 2 and are very transparent with any/all fees.
Their Top Bundles
If you dig into the setup costs of home services, it's no surprise why Cox heavily markets their 3-service bundles (TV, Internet and Phone). If you're already a customer of one, it's MUCH easier AND cheaper for them to activate the other two. In some cases, it's a simple switch on their end without having to send a tech over to your home. Customers tend to love 'em because they inherently see a savings. Here's a quick view of their current offerings:
- Starter Triple: TV Starter, Internet Starter 10, Cox Voice Premier - 75+ channels, download speeds of up to 10 Mbps, unlimited nationwide calling: $64.99/mo promo pricing for 12 months; 2-year contract
- TV Starter and Internet Preferred 150 - 75+ channels, download speeds of up to 150 Mbps; $84.99/mo promo pricing for 12 months; 2-year contract
Have something to share?
If you've dealt with Cox Cable or you'd like to suggest an important feature not covered above, please feel free to get in touch.
