Deciding between Starlink .and Cox for your internet needs can’t be tough because these networks operate differently.
Starlink aims to offer internet services in remote areas where traditional cables like Cox cannot be accessed.
Conversely, Cox operates as a traditional internet provider in specific regions, mostly urban areas.
That said, your location is the main determinant of your chosen service.
Other aspects to consider include speed, prices, and equipment required.
We will show you how they compare based on the mentioned aspects.
But before that, let’s get down to these two communication networks.
Table of Contents
- What is Starlink Internet?
- What is Cox Internet?
- Cox vs. Starlink: Comprehensive Comparison
- Cox vs. Starlink Internet: Which One is the Best
What is Starlink Internet?
Starlink is a satellite internet service from SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.
It uses a low earth orbit satellite constellation to transmit internet signals to your dish receiver.
Because it uses a low earth orbit constellation, it offers a higher internet speed than other satellite options such as Viasat and Hughesnet.
This makes it ideal for use in remote areas where cable infrastructure cannot penetrate.
Satellite trains around the earth
What is Cox Internet?
On the other hand, Cox is a major internet service provider (ISP) in the US that offers Internet through cable and optic lines.
Unlike Starlink, which can offer internet service globally, cox offers services in specific regions where the cable infrastructure can access.
However, more than 6 million US residents already have access to Cox Internet, making it one of the largest telecommunication companies in the country.
In addition to being a popular internet infrastructure, cox is common in TV and home phone wire connections.
Cox cable on the server
Cox vs. Starlink: Comprehensive Comparison
Availability
Since the Cox network uses cables, it only operates in regions where cable infrastructure can access.
You will mostly find them in urban areas or residential areas that are easy to access.
Starlink, on the other hand, has the potential for global coverage.
However, its coverage is still limited and expanding since it is a new invention.
Besides, it was established with a remote area in mind – where cable infrastructure cannot be accessed.
Connection and Speed
Cox uses a cable to deliver Internet, while Starlink uses satellite.
As you may know, cable connections usually offer faster internet speed than satellite.
The exact speed Cox offers may vary widely depending on the plan, location, network congestion, quality of wiring in your home, and the capacity of your router and modem.
Depending on the abovementioned factors, you can get as low as 10 Mbps download speed in some areas and 1 Gbps.
Starlink may not be as fast as cable internet, but the fastest satellite internet you will come across.
Like Cox Communications, the speed of the Internet may vary depending on the plan, location, your router’s capacity, and the wiring’s quality.
However, satellite internet is also susceptible to weather and obstruction interference.
That said, many users report a download speed between 50Mbps and 150 Mbps, with some users with Business Plan reporting even a higher speeds.
Starlink also works to lower its latency, which ranges between 20-40 ms.
However, this is still higher than cable internet latency in most areas.
Reliability
Starlink and Cox Internet are both reliable in terms of performance.
However, there may be variations in the performance depending on your location.
Factors such as network congestion and weather conditions usually interfere with network reliability.
Starlink is more prone to interference by weather conditions than Cox Cable.
The distance between the satellite and the dish in your compound is long, and this causes a delay in the transmission of the signal.
However, it is worth noting that Starlink uses low earth orbit satellites, making it more reliable than other types of satellites that use high altitude satellites.
Price and Plan
The prices and plans these two providers offer can also vary depending on the package available and the region.
However, expect to pay more for Starlink internet compared to Cox.
You will make an upfront payment of $599 for the equipment, followed by a fee of $99 -$110.
On the other hand, Cox offers different plans with a monthly subscription ranging between $49.99 and $99.9.
The most expensive package is the Gigablast plan at $99.9, but you can get up to 1 Gbps download speed.
Equipment
Starlink kit contains several pieces of equipment, including an indoor router, base unit, ethernet cable usually 75ft and satellite receiver (dish).
This extensive setup kit comes with a one-time fee mentioned above.
The dish receives the network signal from the satellite, while the base and the WiFi router allow access to the data.
In most cases, you will not require extra equipment for a Cox internet connection setup.
However, if you don’t have a modem and router in your home, you may need them.
Depending on your service provider, you may get this equipment for free or be allowed to lease them.
Starlink dish on the rooftop
Cox vs. Starlink Internet: Which One is the Best
Deciding between these two ISPs is easy because they differ in many aspects.
They also target different users, so they aren’t competitors.
That said, choose Starlink if you live in a rural area or need Internet in your van or RV.
It is a high-speed satellite internet alternative that you can access no matter where you are.
Choose cox internet if you live in a home close to ISP or can access traditional Internet.
It is more reliable with a better speed, lower latency, and lower ping than Starlink.
Therefore, it is always a better option if you can access it unless you live in areas where it can only offer less than 50Mbps speed.
