Cox Communications television reviews
Staff rating
3.2
Customer rating
4.2
(40)Price: $20.00 - $218.99/moSpeed: 25 Mbps - 2 GbpsChannels: 250+DVR storage hours: 50–1000
staff review
We're committed to rigorous research, first-hand experience, and transparency in our rating methodology. We don't accept sponsored placements or allow partner compensation to impact our ratings. Learn more about how we rate providers.
Researched by
Kathryn CasnaSenior Staff Writer
Reviewed by
Bri FieldAssigning Editor
We’re committed to transparency. We may earn money when you follow our recommendations, but compensation doesn’t affect our ratings. Learn more.
Good for bundling and premium channels, but not the best standalone value
Cox Communications is one of the most expensive cable TV providers on the market, especially when you consider all the hidden costs. But if you want sports and premium channels, have only one TV, and bundle with internet and other services, this provider could make sense for you.
What we like
- Large number of premium channels
- Tiered DVR storage and recording
- Searches streaming apps too
What we don't like
- Pricey plans and hidden costs
- Padded channel lineup
- No free DVR storage
Our expert assessment
Value
2.0
A padded TV lineup makes this already expensive provider less appealing
Cox Communications has two types of plans. Cox TV includes live TV and on-demand TV. Cox Contour adds the ability to connect streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime to your TV and search their content using a remote. All plans come with a one- or two-year contract, after which you’ll be on month-to-month pricing, which is around $15/month more.
Although it looks like Cox has a ton of channels, its lineup (which varies by plan and location) is padded with up to 50 music channels. (1) Other than that, Cox delivers a decent—but not outstanding—channel lineup, and it’ll cost you more than other companies. You’ll get the most bang for your buck (and some sweet premium channels) with the Ultimate plan, but a Premium plan has plenty of channels for most people and the option to add inexpensive premium channels à la carte, which range from $5-$15 per. We don’t generally recommend the Starter plan because you can get most of its channels for free with an HD antenna, though its signal is less reliable than the coax TV that Cox provides.
Features
4.0
A great experience overall, despite an overrated remote
Cox offers some solid features that make for a great entertainment experience. Its DVR service uses cloud storage so you can access recorded shows anywhere with the Cox Contour app. How much storage you get (50–1,000 HD hours) and how many shows you can record at a time (1 to a whopping 24!) depends on your plan, which seems sensible to us. When you have more channels, there are more shows to record, right?
While at home with your TV, you’ll use Cox’s “award-winning” voice remote. We couldn’t find the specific award Cox claims it won. Instead, we found it hard to remember which “convenient” feature each of the four lettered buttons commanded (help, accessibility controls, sports, and delete or cancel).
Away from your TV, the Contour app lets you stream shows, schedule DVR recordings, and adjust parental controls. The only casting device that works with the app is Chromecast, though, so you can’t stream with a Roku or Apple TV. (2) Unfortunately, this means many customers won’t be able to use the Contour app to avoid paying for cable boxes for multiple TVs.
As an Amazon Associate, Switchful.com may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Equipment and installation
3.0
Reliable equipment and average installation
Cox TV uses cable infrastructure to keep you reliably binging your favorite shows. Your first Contour box is free, and every additional one is $8.50/month. So if you have multiple TVs, you’ll have to rent more boxes.
If your house is already wired with cable jacks for all your TVs, self-install is a free, easy option. Professional installation varies by location but will run you around $75, which is pretty inexpensive. Learn how to choose between self installation or profressional installation.
Sports and premium channels
4.0
Decent sports and premium options on a Preferred plan—or go for the gold with an Ultimate plan
Cox cable TV includes a decent sports lineup in its Preferred (mid-tier) and Ultimate (top tier) plans, but not its Starter (lowest-tier) plan. ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, and the Golf channel are all included in a Preferred plan, and the Ultimate plan adds NFL Network, NFL Red Zone, the Tennis Channel, and the elusive MLB channel.
If you spring for the Ultimate plan, you’ll also get an extensive list of premium channels—including ten HBO, eleven Cinemax, five SHOWTIME, and nine STARZ channels—at no extra charge. If you want all the premiums, this top-tier plan is definitely your best bet! But if you want only a few, grab a Premium plan and add your faves when you check out. Unfortunately, Cox doesn’t let you add premium channels to a Starter plan.
We stand by the validity of our reviews and are committed to transparency: Our team uses consumer sentiment software to source customer reviews, which are entirely unique to this website. Reviewers attest to being current customers of the providers they review and are not incentivized to speak positively or negatively about their experience. We do not alter the reviews in any way. Learn more about how we source reviews.
Cox Communications customer ratings overview
Cox Communications
4.2
(40)5 Star
40%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
3%
Our reviews come from real customers who weren't incentivized to leave a review. The rating distribution typically shows a range of experiences and opinions that helps you get a sense for the average customer experience, not just extremes.
Top reviews from Cox Communications customers
T
Tiffanyfrom Muldrow, OK
Cox Communications Customer for Less than a year
Reviewed on: 9/12/2022
It's okay wish it was cheaper and sometimes it doesn't work
T
Travis from Peoria , AZ
Cox Communications Customer for 8+ years
Reviewed on: 9/11/2022
I'm overall pleased with my service. I rarely have problems. I've only had my service go bad once and it was fixed promptly.
S
Shillafrom East Providence , MA
Cox Communications Customer for 8+ years
Reviewed on: 9/8/2022
They don't need to improve anything. It's fine the way it is. No changes necessary
C
Corey from Las Vegas , NV
Cox Communications Customer for 4+ years
Reviewed on: 9/6/2022
It's been a pretty great experience. I watch sports movie content I use to watch cartoons a lot. They really do well bye having technology going smoothly.
E
Edwin from New Orleans, LA
Cox Communications Customer for 4+ years
Reviewed on: 9/3/2022
They provide quality. They are consistent. And have variety
L
Lindy from Las Vegas, NV
Cox Communications Customer for Less than a year
Reviewed on: 9/2/2022
I just have the basic kit comes with my apartment extra package that I pay with my rent is $99 which to me is ridiculous for Just a basic cable
J
Jenfrom Tulsa , OK
Cox Communications Customer for 1+ years
Reviewed on: 9/2/2022
It's just ok. It is actually included with my all Bill's paid rent I pay. I mainly access streaming services through my roku device.
I
Isabelfrom Roanoke, VA
Cox Communications Customer for Less than a year
Reviewed on: 8/31/2022
After 5 years with Comcast, I appreciate the quick response to problems that I get from Cox. There's always someone I can talk to and if my problem needs a visit to the house, it's not a problem. Their pricing is also better than the same features with Comcast.
H
Heather from Mesa, AZ
Cox Communications Customer for 1+ years
Reviewed on: 8/31/2022
Lower prices
J
Jennafrom Ocoee, FL
Cox Communications Customer for Less than a year
Reviewed on: 8/30/2022
Great value and very easy to use. Has variety of different shows and movies to watch
M
Michellefrom Omaha, NE
Cox Communications Customer for Less than a year
Reviewed on: 8/22/2022
I like it I think it's pretty cool it's good service good customer service. I don't see myself Social Services anytime soon they have really good internet and everything else I liked about them and they're in my area close to where
S
Samantha from Goodyear, AZ
Cox Communications Customer for 1+ years
Reviewed on: 8/22/2022
Not the best. But probably the best price for what we get. Not my favorite though
B
Bonniefrom North Las Vegas, NV
Cox Communications Customer for 4+ years
Reviewed on: 8/22/2022
The price is ok, I just wish I had a DVR and on demand, but those cost so much extra I couldn't afford it.
J
Jonathan from Omaha , NE
Cox Communications Customer for 1+ years
Reviewed on: 8/13/2022
It is very good I love their service and features
S
Scott from Mesa, AZ
Cox Communications Customer for 4+ years
Reviewed on: 8/6/2022
Offering bundled packages and a large range of channels and products
Is this provider in your area? Find out!
Endnotes and sources
1. "Channel Lineup," Cox Communications. Accessed 11 October 2022.2. "How to Use the Contour App," Cox Communications. Accesed 11 October 2022.
© 2023 Switchful. All rights reserved.