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March 21, 2024
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As the third largest cable provider in the U.S., Cox offers affordable television services starting at $53 per month. Each of their TV plans also includes a voice-controlled remote, free premium channels, and DVR service.
Although the provider does not have a specific plan or discount for seniors, in our experience, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an option with lower prices and more extensive options than Cox.
Pro Tip: To learn more about our favorite cable providers, read our guide to the best TV service for seniors.
Cox Cable Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable plans: Cox’s most basic cable plan costs $53 per month.
- 30-day, money-back guarantee: If you’re not satisfied with Cox, the company offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee on new service activations.
- Build your cable TV package: Cox lets you build your own cable package with 75 to over 250 local and premium channels to choose from. You can either choose a one-year term agreement, or no term agreement.
- Bundle discounts: Cox offers affordable options to bundle your internet, cable TV, phone, and security systems.
- No equipment rentals: While some cable providers require you to rent cable boxes (for additional monthly fees), Cox provides you cable boxes and remotes at no additional charge.
Pro Tip: Pro tip: If you select the one-year term agreement, the price for each plan drops by $10 per month.
Cons
- Availability: Compared to other nationwide providers, Cox is only available in 18 states.
- Potential price increases: Pricing of Cox plans is subject to price increases after your initial contract is up.
Cox Cable Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Number of Channels | Additional Features |
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| Cox Contour TV Starter | $53 | 75+ channels |
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| Cox Contour TV Preferred | $98 | 140+ channels |
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| Cox Contour TV Preferred Plus | $118 | 170+ channels |
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| Cox Contour TV Ultimate | $138 | 250+ channels |
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Cox Contour TV Starter
For $53 per month, Cox’s Contour TV Starter provides access to over 75 local channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Included with this plan, you’ll also get your choice of one premium channel for 12 months. If you want to record your favorite shows or movies, I’d recommend purchasing their add-on DVR service for $10 to $30 per month, which lets you record two to 24 shows at once, depending on the monthly plan you choose.
Cox Contour TV Preferred
Cox Contour TV Preferred, priced at $98 per month, provides over 140 local and cable TV channels, including CNN, Food Network, and Nickelodeon. For sports and home improvement enthusiasts, popular cable channels like ESPN and HGTV are included in this plan. This plan also includes 12 months of DVR service and one free premium channel, a voice remote, and cable box.
Cox Contour TV Preferred Plus
For $118 per month, Cox Contour TV Preferred Plus gives you over 170 local, cable, and premium channels. I’d recommend upgrading to this plan if you’re living with family or have a diversified range of entertainment cable TV options. This plan includes one voice remote, one cable box, and DVR service for 12 months. You’ll also get access to premium, cable, and broadcast channels like HBO Max, ESPN, and CBS.
Cox Contour TV Ultimate
Cox’s premium plan, Cox Contour TV Ultimate, is the most expensively priced package at $138 per month. This plan has over 250 channels, compared to the Contour TV Preferred Plan, which has over 170. This package has the most diverse entertainment offerings for kids, sports and news enthusiasts. I’d recommend this full package if you’re not on a budget and don’t mind paying more for cable TV.
Cox Cable Senior Plans
Currently, Cox does not offer a particular TV plan or discount for seniors; however, their Contour TV Starter plan is an ideal option. Priced at $53 per month, it’s their most affordable plan, and it also allows you access to streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. This plan also gives you one free year of a premium channel, including HBO, Starz, or Cinemax.
Cox Extra Features
Cox offers additional services such as DVRs, home security systems, additional cable boxes, and premium channels. We’ll go over these in detail, below:
Cox Smart Help: Whenever you have internet or cable TV problems, you can download the Cox mobile app to get support right away.
Cox Homelife: Aside from cable and internet, Cox also provides home security solutions starting from $20 to $40 per month. Stay connected to your home virtually with Cox’s Homelife Automation service and control lights and cameras in your home. Or, you can upgrade to the Homelife Security plan, and get 24/7 professional security monitoring for advanced smart home and security protection.
DVR: When you add DVR service, you can record your shows in real-time or when they air. For a limited time, all of the Cox Contour TV plans include Record 1 DVR service for 12 months. You can also add on DVR services to any Contour TV plan for $10-$30 per month, with the option to record two to 24 shows at once.
Streaming-only option: You can stream subscription-based apps through Cox’s wireless 4K Contour Stream Player, which starts at $5 per month. With this option, you don’t need cable outlets or a Cox cable TV plan. Keep in mind that this stream-only plan does require an Internet Starter, or higher with Panoramic Wi-Fi subscription, and separate subscriptions for certain subscription-based apps like Netflix or HBO Max.
Contour Voice Remote: Each cable TV plan includes a free Contour Voice Remote, which lets you use voice commands to tune in to your favorite shows without typing or scrolling through the cable TV guide.
Cox Bundled Plans
Currently, Cox customers can bundle their internet with TV, Homelife security, and phone. Here’s the breakdown below for cable TV bundles:
- Internet + TV: Prices start at $57.99 per month for 12 months with a one-year agreement.
- Internet + TV + Homelife: Prices start at $157.99 per month for 12 months with a one-year agreement.
- Internet + TV + Phone: Prices start at $157.99 per month for 12 months with a one-year agreement.
If you want to bundle your internet and TV plans, you can get the Cox Internet Essential 50 + Contour Stream Player for just $58 per month with a one-year term agreement. With no term agreement, it would cost $68 per month. By bundling both your internet and TV streaming option with the one-year term agreement, you would save $10 per month.
Cox Contracts and Fees
As with any cable provider, it’s important to read the fine print to avoid any surprises. We’ve listed information below about contracts, data limits, and other fine print-related stuff you should keep in mind when choosing Cox (or any other cable provider).
Cancellation: To cancel your Cox service, call 1-800-234-3993. When and if you decide to disconnect service, keep in mind that you will only be billed for the partial month of services that you used before cancellation. You’re responsible for dropping off or mailing borrowed Cox equipment (this includes modems, remote controls, cable boxes, etc.) by finding a Cox Solutions Store or a UPS retail location.
Early Termination Fees: In their 24-month Service Agreement page, Cox highlights what happens if you decide to terminate your agreement for Cox Starter TV (Basic) or other Cox services before the term expires. They have a tiered scale for early termination fees ranging from $96 to $360, and monthly early termination reduction fees ranging from $4 to $15 per month.
Final Thoughts
With affordable pricing and the chance to build your own cable TV packages, Cox is an alternative cable TV choice for seniors. Overall, we’d recommend Cox if you’re looking to stream your favorite shows in 4K through their Contour Stream Player. Or, if you want to set yourself up with a cable TV plan with hundreds of local, premium, and broadcast channels.
To learn more about other cable options, read our following guides:
Cox Cable Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cheapest Cox cable plan?
At $53 per month, Cox Contour TV Starter is their most affordable TV plan.
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Does Cox require long-term contracts for cable?
Most Cox plans require 12- or 24-month service term agreements. The early termination fees for 12-month plans is $120, with an early termination fee reduction of $10 per month. For the 24-month service term agreement, the early termination fees vary from $96 to $360, with an early termination fee reduction ranging between $4 to $15 per month.
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What is Cox Contour?
Cox Contour is the name for their version of television service that can be streamed on your home television, smartphone, or tablet.
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Where is Cox TV available?
Cox TV is currently available in 18 states.
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If I move, how can I keep my Cox cable?
Provided Cox services the area you’re moving to, you can contact Cox, and they’ll help you transfer your service.
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Does Cox have a cable plan for seniors?
Although Cox doesn’t have a designated cable plan for seniors, we’d recommend taking a look at their Cox Contour TV Starter plan, which costs $53 per month.