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Table of Contents
Editors Score:8.6/10
We chose Cox Business Internet as the best business internet service for business continuity because it combines speeds up to 2 Gbps with unlimited data, LTE backup and built-in security. It's a strong choice for businesses that want to minimize downtime.
Pros
Every plan includes unlimited data, with optional static IP addresses and higher-tier plans adding advanced security features.
Net Assurance automatically switches to an LTE backup connection during outages to help keep your business online.
Plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps make it easy to choose the right speed for your business and upgrade as your needs grow.
Cons
Cox's business internet service is available in only 18 states.
Most Cox Business Internet customers connect over a cable network rather than fiber, resulting in slower upload speeds than all-fiber providers.
Pricing and promotional offers vary by location, making it difficult to compare plans before checking availability.
Cox Business Internet offers cable, fiber and dedicated internet services designed to keep small businesses connected. We chose Cox as the best business internet service for business continuity because it combines unlimited data with built-in threat protection, LTE backup and optional IT support to help minimize downtime.
Businesses can start with a 300 Mbps plan and move up to 2 Gbps as their connectivity needs grow, while larger organizations can explore dedicated internet options. We like that Cox goes beyond internet access by offering tools like Net Assurance backup internet and built-in security features that help reduce disruptions. Below, we’ll take a closer look at Cox Business Internet’s pricing, features, implementation, customer support and limitations.
Cox Business Editor's Rating:
8.6 / 10
Pricing
8/10
Speed
9/10
Availability
8/10
Service plans and contracts
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Why We Chose Cox for Business Continuity
Business downtime can be expensive, whether it’s caused by an internet outage, a cyberattack or a network issue that brings operations to a halt. We chose Cox Business Internet as the best business internet service for business continuity because it offers several built-in and optional tools designed to help businesses stay connected. Its plans also include unlimited data and speeds from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps, making them suitable for everyone from small offices to larger organizations with heavier bandwidth demands.
What impressed us most was Cox’s emphasis on reliability. Businesses can add Net Assurance, which automatically switches internet traffic to an LTE backup connection during an outage, helping minimize disruptions to cloud applications, payment processing systems and other essential services. Cox also includes Internet Threat Blocker with every business internet plan and offers optional cybersecurity services and 24/7 remote IT support for businesses that want additional protection and technical assistance.
Another advantage is that Cox gives businesses room to grow. Companies can start with a standard cable internet plan and move to dedicated fiber or Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) as their connectivity needs increase. While Cox’s availability is limited to its service footprint, businesses located within those areas will find a reliable internet provider with strong business-focused features and a good balance of performance, security and continuity tools.
Did You Know?
As your business grows, Cox offers dedicated fiber-optic internet and enterprise internet services with symmetrical speeds that go well beyond its standard small business plans.
Cox Business supports its internet services with an extensive fiber backbone that connects major markets across its service footprint. Source: Cox Business
Cox Business Internet Features
Cox Business Internet offers a variety of ISP features designed to help businesses stay connected, protect their networks and support day-to-day operations. Below are the features that impressed us most.
Backup Internet
Internet outages can bring business to a standstill, interrupting payment processing, cloud apps, video meetings and customer communications. That’s why we were impressed by Cox’s Net Assurance backup internet. It automatically switches your connection to an LTE cellular network during an outage to help keep critical business systems online. The feature is included with Cox’s 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps plans and is available as an add-on for the 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps tiers.
Net Assurance includes a backup gateway with battery backup to help keep your connection running during internet or power outages. Once your primary connection is restored, service automatically switches back without requiring any action from your team. It’s a valuable feature for businesses that rely on cloud-based software, payment systems or VoIP phones and can’t afford to lose their internet connection.
Cox Business Net Assurance uses an LTE backup gateway to automatically switch businesses to a cellular connection if their primary internet service goes down. Source: Cox Business
Built-In Security
Cybersecurity and risk management are other areas where Cox goes beyond basic internet access. Every business internet plan includes Internet Threat Blocker, which blocks access to websites associated with malware, ransomware attacks, phishing and botnet attacks before they reach your network.
Businesses that need additional protection can upgrade to Malblock, which adds content filtering and lets administrators block unwanted or inappropriate websites. For more comprehensive protection, Essential Security includes everything in Malblock plus antivirus protection for up to five devices and 250 GB of cloud backup and recovery. Organizations with more advanced networking requirements can also add DDoS Mitigation Essentials, which helps defend against distributed denial-of-service attacks that could disrupt internet-connected operations.
Internet Threat Blocker will be enough for some businesses, while others may want the added protection that comes with Malblock or Essential Security. And while these tools won’t replace a thorough cybersecurity plan, we appreciate that Cox gives customers options for protecting against common online threats that could disrupt operations.Â
Businesses can start with built-in threat protection and upgrade to more advanced security tools as needed. Source: Cox Business
Connectivity Options
Not every business has the same internet needs. A home office, retail store and multi-location organization may all require different speeds, reliability levels and internet service types. We like that Cox offers several ways to connect, including business Wi-Fi, cable internet, fiber internet in eligible areas and dedicated internet services for businesses with more demanding performance requirements.
Whether you’re running a small office, supporting remote work plans or working with dozens of employees, Cox offers business broadband plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps with unlimited data. Businesses can also add Cox Business Wi-Fi with enterprise-grade equipment, guest networks and customizable network names, then step up to dedicated fiber with symmetrical speeds and guaranteed bandwidth as their networking needs grow.
Cox Business offers multiple internet plans with increasing speeds and additional features as business needs grow. Source: Cox Business
FYI
Businesses with a Cox Business Gateway can participate in Cox's Wi-Fi Hotspots program, creating a separate business hotspot for eligible Cox customers while keeping the business's private network separate.
Static IP Options
If employees need secure remote access to your office network or you host your own website or server, a static IP address can make those connections much more reliable. Unlike a dynamic IP address that may change over time, a static IP stays the same, making it easier to connect to business resources and manage devices across your network.
Cox offers several static IP options, including single static IPs, multiple static IPs and CIDR address blocks for businesses with more advanced networking needs. We like that businesses can choose the level of addressing they need as their networking requirements grow, rather than being limited to a single option.
Businesses can configure static IP addresses through the Cox Business Gateway to support services like VPNs, remote access and web hosting. Source: Cox Business
Cox Business Internet Pricing
Compared with some providers, Cox’s lineup is refreshingly simple. There are four plans to choose from, with speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps. Unlimited data comes standard across the board, while features like backup internet and enhanced security are available on higher plans.Â
Note that pricing varies by location, so your monthly cost may be different from the advertised starting prices below.
Plan
Download Speed
Starting Monthly Price*
Best For
Business Internet 300
Up to 300 Mbps
$65
Home offices, solo businesses and light internet use
Business Internet 500
Up to 500 Mbps
$95
Small offices, retail stores and video conferencing
Business Internet 1 Gbps
Up to 1 Gbps
$140
Growing teams using cloud apps and large file transfers
Business Internet 2 Gbps
Up to 2 Gbps
$190
Larger offices with heavy bandwidth needs
*With paperless billing and AutoPay via ACH where available.
Additional pricing considerations to keep in mind include the following:Â
Pricing varies by location: Your actual monthly rate depends on your service address, available infrastructure and current promotional offers.
AutoPay saves money: The advertised starting prices require paperless billing and AutoPay via ACH. Standard monthly pricing is higher.
Upload speeds depend on your connection: Most Cox Business Internet plans use cable, so upload speeds are lower than download speeds. Businesses with fiber service receive symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Premium features vary by plan: Net Assurance backup internet, Essential Security and Cox Business Complete Care are included with the 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps plans and available as paid add-ons for the 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps tiers.
Installation isn’t always free: Professional installation costs $99 to $199 for most plans and is included with the 2 Gbps plan.
Enterprise fiber is available separately: Businesses that need guaranteed bandwidth or speeds beyond 2 Gbps can request a quote for Dedicated Internet Access (DIA).
Getting started with Cox Business Internet begins with an availability check, since speeds, internet service types and installation options vary by address. Businesses can choose either self-installation or professional installation, depending on their location and the services they’re ordering.
We like that Cox doesn’t force every customer into the same installation process. Eligible businesses can set up their equipment themselves using Cox’s online guides and videos, while those who prefer a little more help can schedule professional installation. Before the job is finished, the technician checks the connection to make sure everything is working as expected.
Professional installation typically costs $99 to $199 for most plans and is included with the 2 Gbps plan. Businesses that choose self-installation can avoid those fees, provided their location and equipment qualify. Note that setting up dedicated fiber or multiple static IP addresses will take a little more time than a standard internet installation because there are additional network settings to configure.
Customer Support
Whether you need help troubleshooting an outage or setting up your network, Cox offers several ways to get support:
24/7 technical support: Technical support is available around the clock by phone, live chat and SMS text, so businesses can get help whenever connectivity issues arise.
Robust self-service resources: Cox’s online support center includes installation guides, troubleshooting articles, equipment documentation, speed tests and other diagnostic tools. We also like that support content is organized by product, making it easy to find resources for business internet, Wi-Fi, networking and security services.
Optional managed IT support: Businesses without dedicated IT staff can add Cox Business Complete Care, which provides remote support for connected devices, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, malware removal and other technical issues. Plans start at $30 per month for businesses with up to 20 employees, while larger organizations can purchase Helpdesk support starting at $10 per user per month.
Easy account management: The MyAccount portal lets customers pay bills, manage services, troubleshoot issues and access support resources from one place.
Limitations
Cox Business Internet is a strong choice for businesses in its service areas, but it won’t be the right fit for everyone. Here’s what to consider as potential downsides:Â
Availability is limited: Cox Business serves businesses in 18 states, and available plans, speeds and connection types vary by address. Even within its service area, fiber isn’t available everywhere. If Cox isn’t an option for you due to location, check to see if Spectrum is. As our detailed Spectrum review notes, this provider has affordable pricing and month-to-month contracts, making it a fit for teams that need commercial-grade service without a long-term commitment.
Upload speeds are lower on cable plans: Many Cox Business Internet plans use a cable network, so upload speeds are significantly slower than download speeds. That’s fine for most everyday business tasks, but companies that regularly upload large files, back up data to the cloud or host their own services may be better served by a provider with more widely available symmetrical fiber. If symmetrical speeds are important to you, check out our review of AT&T Business Internet and our Verizon Business Internet review.
Advanced features can increase your monthly costs: Unlimited data is included with every plan, but features such as Net Assurance backup internet, Essential Security, static IP addresses and Complete Care managed IT support cost extra unless they’re included in a promotional offer.Â
Pricing depends on your location: Cox publishes starting prices for its standard business internet plans, but your final rate depends on your address, available services and current promotions. Dedicated fiber and enterprise services require a custom quote.
FYI
If your business is in a rural area where cable or fiber service isn't available, a fixed wireless or satellite internet provider may be a better fit. Learn more in our Viasat Business Internet review.
Methodology
During our search for the best business internet service providers, we evaluated vendors based on their available internet speeds and connection types, pricing, implementation process, customer support, included features, add-on services and overall value for small businesses. Whenever possible, we spoke with company representatives and reviewed product demonstrations, keeping in mind the connectivity needs of businesses of different sizes, industries and locations. We identified Cox Business Internet as the best option for business continuity because it combines reliable connectivity with backup internet, built-in security tools and flexible upgrade options to help businesses stay connected as they grow.
Cox Business Internet FAQs
Cox Business Internet serves businesses in 18 states, with its footprint concentrated in the Southwest and South, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Virginia and Georgia. Availability, speeds and connection types vary by address, so you'll need to check service at your specific location.
No. All Cox Business Internet plans include unlimited data, so your team can browse, upload files, use cloud applications and stream without worrying about hitting a monthly limit or incurring overage fees. That's a key advantage over Cox's residential internet plans, which do have data caps.
Cox's standard business internet plans offer download speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps. On cable plans, upload speeds range from up to 30 Mbps to up to 35 Mbps, while eligible fiber customers may receive symmetrical upload and download speeds. Businesses with more demanding networking needs can also choose Cox Dedicated Internet Access, which offers symmetrical fiber speeds up to 100 Gbps.
Bottom Line
We recommend Cox Business Internet for:
Small and mid-sized businesses within Cox’s 18-state service area that want reliable internet with unlimited data.
Businesses that prioritize uptime and want the option to add features like backup internet, managed Wi-Fi and enhanced security as they grow.
Companies that need flexible speed options, from 300 Mbps for everyday business use up to 2 Gbps, with dedicated fiber available for larger organizations.
We don’t recommend Cox Business Internet for:
Businesses outside Cox’s 18-state service area or those that can’t get the speeds they need at their location.
Organizations that regularly upload large files, host servers or rely on symmetrical fiber speeds that aren’t available in their area.
Businesses that prefer fully transparent pricing, since final rates depend on location, available services and current promotions.
Chad Brooks is the author of "How to Start a Home-Based App Development Business," drawing from over a decade of experience to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs in launching, scaling, and sustaining profitable ventures. With a focused dedication to entrepreneurship, he shares his passion for equipping small business owners with effective communication tools, such as unified communications systems, video conferencing solutions and conference call services.
As business.com's managing editor, over the years Brooks has covered everything from CRM adoption to HRIS usage to evolving trends like pay transparency, deepfakes, co-working and gig working.
A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism, Brooks has become a respected figure in the business landscape. His insightful contributions have been featured in publications like Huffington Post, CNBC, Fox Business, and Laptop Mag. Continuously staying abreast of evolving trends, Brooks collaborates closely with B2B firms, offering strategic counsel to navigate the dynamic terrain of modern business technology in an increasingly digital era.
