So you have the choice between Starlink vs Cox internet services but yet to know which one to choose?
Well, I will help you navigate your dilemma. While both are excellent ISPs in the US, they have very different modes of operation, pricing, performance, and availability.
Now, let’s compare them comprehensively to help you choose the best for your internet requirements.
Starlink vs Cox: Definition
Starlink is an American satellite company run by space exploration giant SpaceX.
The company started its services in 2019, targeting rural, remote, and underserved regions where conventional internet is scarce.
The company aims to provide fast and reliable internet in the underserved region. It uses LEO satellites and phased array technology antennae to ensure optimum reliability and performance.
In contrast, Cox is a US fiber and cable internet provider that came onto the scene in 1961.
The company started as a cable TV provider but extended its services to provide cable internet. Apart from being the third largest cable TV provider in the US, the company has also amerced over 20 million internet subscribers.
It has since grown to start offering a fiber network, which is faster than either cable or satellite internet.
As we speak, the company now offers cable TV, phone, coaxial cable internet, plus a fiber giga-byte speed in some areas in the US.
Telecommunication satellite
Starlin vs Cox: Method of Service
While both companies aim for higher speed and reliability, their mode of operation is very different.
Starlink uses several small satellites launched in spaces only 550 to 570 km from the earth’s surface.
When writing this, the company had over 5500 LEO satellites in space and continues to launch more as it seeks global coverage.
Apart from the satellites, the company utilizes a user terminal (dish and router) and has established several ground stations.
To use the internet, you install the user terminal on your premises, which helps your devices access the internet.
When you send an internet request via your laptop, the signal travels through your router to the dish.
The dish then sends the message to the satellite in space, which beams it to the ground station.
Finally, the ground station uses its many connected servers to process your request and send the results through the same path.
Conversely, the Cox service is fiber or cable internet supplied via underground cables.
These cables are buried underground to protect them from animals and other interference.
To get this service, you must have a gateway modem or a router, which you can buy or rent.
Additionally, your home or premises must have a cable or fiber node for you to enjoy the service.
Since these nodes are expensive, the Cox network is only available in selected urban regions with existing infrastructure.
Internet router
Starlink vs Cox: Availability
Since satellites are in space above the ground, there is a hypothetical chance for such internet to have a large coverage.
For this reason, you can expect Starlink to have more coverage than Cox in the US. It is available in most parts of the world, such as Canada, Africa, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.
The company also continues to launch more satellites to ensure it covers every part of the globe. However, one satellite can only serve a limited number of people.
It is, therefore, common to find some areas already at full capacity. In such areas, mostly in the US, you are on a waitlist to get the service when an available slot opens.
To be safe, I recommend visiting the Starlink website and entering your address to see its availability status.
Contrastingly, Cox is only available in selected locations in the US. According to the company, they have coverage in 19 states, which includes Arizona, Nevada, and Rhodes Island.
As we said, the ISPs serve residents and commercial users in cities and other metropolitan areas.
You must know that the fiber or cable infrastructure must exist in your areas to enjoy Cox Internet.
Fiber optic concept
Starlink vs Cox: Speed
To start with, Starlink advertises a blazing download of 100 to 220 Mbps and upload of between 10 to 25 Mbps.
Thanks to the uses of LEO satellites, this speed is way better than traditional satellites such s Viasat and HughesNet.
Note that this is for standard users, but you can get priority access data with up to 350 Mbps speeds.
In addition to the blazing speeds, you also get low latencies of between 20 to 40 ms. These are all advertised speeds, but the real one will depend on the network congestion and weather.
On the other hand, Cox, being a cable internet, speeds can go to 1000 Mbps. The ISP can also achieve 2000 Mbps in some selected zones with a fiber connection.
Its latency also triumphs over Starlink, achieving one digit ms and 25 ms when it is worse.
This latency is perfect for you if you do professional gaming or other real-time online activities.
The good news about the Cox performance is not dependent on weather or other interferences since data travels through cables.
Internet speed test
Starlink vs Cox: Price and Installation
Regarding pricing, Starlink is way more expensive than Cox, but all prices depend on the service you choose.
For example, the cheapest Starlink plan is the standard residential package, which costs $599 for the kit plus shipping costs.
The monthly cost of this standard plan is $120. You can also get other plans such as RV for the $599 for the kit and $150 monthly fee.
In addition, there are other premium plans, such as business, aviation, and maritime, with prices ranging from $2500 to $25000.
For these premium plans, you can buy priority access data at different rates or use standard data.
Also, note that you can rent the Starlink kit for a lesser price than buying it, although there is a connection fee.
Moreso, the Starlink installation is self and does not need technical help.
Conversely, the price of Cox Internet ranges from $49.99 to $99.99 per month. For example, its plan with 100 Mbps goes for $49.99, while the giga-byte speed plan costs $99.99.
You will also have to pay for the gateway modem, but there are some instances where you can get it for free.
Also, while Starlink does not have contact and data caps, Cox has a 1-year contact and a 1.25TB data cap.
The good thing about Cox is that you can lease the internet gateway for $14 monthly and get free installation.
Conclusion
Now, you have all the comparison information you need to choose between Starlink and Cox.
In my opinion, I would recommend Starlink if you live in rural areas where other providers are scarce.
However, if you are in a city and need internet for gaming, then Cox would be perfect, thanks to its low price and blasting speeds.