Kai Rivers
If you're considering Cox for your home internet service, you might be wondering whether you need to rent or buy a router. Cox automatically signs you up to rent a router and modem when you create your account, but you can opt out of this monthly equipment rental fee by supplying your own compatible devices. While buying your own router and modem can save you money in the long run, it also means you're responsible for setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. Cox has a list of certified modem options that are compatible with their service, and you can find a standalone router to pair with it to improve your internet speeds.
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What You'll Learn
Renting vs. buying a router or modem for Cox service
When you sign up for Cox, you are automatically signed up to rent a router and modem from them. They will send it to you as part of your new service, and you pay for it every month as part of your equipment rental fee. When you end your contract with the company, you have to send it back.
The rental fee for Cox's single-band Wi-Fi modem is $6.99 per month, while the dual-band is $9.99 per month. A single-band Wi-Fi modem costs $129.99, which at $6.99 is paid off in 18.5 months. If you plan to stay with Cox for longer than that, you could spend the same money on a personal device and then save $6.99 every month after those first 18.5 months.
Cox also has a promotional offer where new subscribers do not have to pay a monthly fee for equipment. However, once that promo period ends, Cox charges customers $15 per month to rent its Panoramic Wifi gateway, which combines a modem and router into a single device.
If you want to avoid the rental fee, you can buy your own modem and router. Cox has a list of certified" modem options, and if you don't buy from this list, it might not work as well. When you use your own equipment, it's up to you to make sure that you take care of it, change the passwords, update the firmware, and position it so that it is near the center of your home with as few obstructions as possible.
If you decide to buy your own modem and router, you can find compatible options at various price points. For example, the NETGEAR CM500 is a solid, no-frills cable modem that can handle speeds up to 300 Mbps and can be purchased for under $50. If you need higher speeds, the ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 can handle speeds up to 400 Mbps and is priced at around $70.
Overall, whether you rent or buy a router or modem for Cox service depends on your personal preference and needs. Renting can be more convenient and may be a good option if you're not planning to stay with Cox for an extended period. On the other hand, buying your own equipment can save you money in the long run and give you more control over your setup.
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The pros and cons of renting a router from Cox
Renting a router from Cox can be a convenient option for some, while others may prefer to purchase their own equipment. Here are some pros and cons of renting a router from Cox to help you decide which option is best for you:
Pros of Renting a Router from Cox:
- Convenience: When you sign up for Cox services, they automatically provide you with a router and modem as part of your new service. This can be convenient if you don't want to spend time researching and purchasing your own equipment.
- Technical Support: If you rent a router from Cox, they offer technical support and troubleshooting. Their technicians can remotely access your device to push firmware updates or resolve any serious issues.
- No Upfront Cost: While Cox charges a monthly rental fee, there is no upfront cost for the equipment. This can be beneficial if you don't want to make a large one-time payment.
Cons of Renting a Router from Cox:
- Monthly Rental Fee: Cox charges a monthly fee for renting their equipment, which can add up over time. For example, their single-band Wi-Fi modem rental is $6.99 per month, while the dual-band is $9.99 per month.
- Limited Choices: When renting from Cox, you are limited to the equipment they offer. You may prefer to purchase your own router to have more options and find one that better suits your specific needs.
- Long-Term Costs: If you plan on staying with Cox for an extended period, buying your own router may be more cost-effective in the long run. After the initial payoff period, you'll save money by avoiding the monthly rental fee.
Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy depends on your personal preferences, budget, and how long you plan to stay with Cox as your internet service provider.
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The cost of renting a router from Cox
When you sign up for a Cox account, you are automatically signed up to rent a router and modem from them. This equipment is not free and you pay for it every month as part of your equipment rental fee. Cox charges $6.99 per month for the rental fee on its single-band Wi-Fi modem and $9.99 per month for the dual-band modem.
If you plan to stay with Cox for longer than 18.5 months, you could spend the same money on a personal device and then save the monthly rental fee after those first 18.5 months. For example, a single-band Wi-Fi modem costs $129.99, which at $6.99 per month is paid off in 18.5 months.
Cox has a list of "certified" modem options if you choose to buy one. If you don’t buy from this list, it might not work as expected. When you use your own equipment instead of the rental equipment, it’s up to you to make sure that you take care of it, change the passwords, update the firmware, and position it so that it is near the centre of your home with as few obstructions as possible.
You can also purchase Panoramic Wi-Fi Pods if you want to extend your Wi-Fi coverage, but Cox doesn't allow customers to rent these: you have to buy them upfront for $130 each. You can find a better-priced Wi-Fi extender for as low as $15 to $20.
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The process of returning a rented router to Cox
When you sign up for Cox's internet service, you are automatically signed up to rent a router and modem from them. You pay a monthly equipment rental fee, which is usually $6.99 for a single-band Wi-Fi modem and $9.99 for a dual-band modem.
When you end your contract with Cox, you must return the rented equipment. You can return the equipment at any Cox store or UPS, and the charge will be removed from your account.
It is important to return the equipment promptly, as Cox may charge a fee for late returns. In some cases, Cox may refuse to accept late returns and instead charge a one-time equipment fee, which can be costly.
When returning the equipment, you only need to bring the modem itself and the power cord. You do not need to bring the coax cable.
If you choose to buy your own modem and router instead of renting from Cox, you must ensure that you purchase a "`certified`" option from their list of approved devices. Otherwise, your equipment may not work as intended, and you may still be charged a rental fee.
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Compatible routers for Cox service
When you sign up for Cox, you are automatically signed up to rent a router and modem from them. You will be paying for it every month as part of your equipment rental fee. However, if you want to save money on your monthly bill, you can choose to buy your own modem and router.
Cox has a list of "certified" modem options if you choose to buy your own. If you don't buy from this list, your equipment might not work as intended. When you use your own equipment, it's your responsibility to maintain it, change passwords, update the firmware, and position it near the center of your home to ensure optimal performance.
Some modems that are compatible with Cox include the Arris SURFboard T25 cable modem, which features two Gigabit Ethernet ports and dual telephony ports for digital voice support. The CM1000 Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem is another option, offering speeds up to 1 Gbps and DOCSIS 3.1 compatibility.
For routers, any standalone router should work with the Arris TM3402 modem. One option is the Asus RT-AX86u router.
Additionally, you can find combo units that integrate both a modem and a router. The SURFboard G36 is a DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & Wi-Fi 6 Router combo that offers smooth 4K streaming and low-latency online gaming. It is compatible with major U.S. cable internet service providers, including Cox.
By purchasing your own compatible modem and router, you can avoid rental fees and potentially save money in the long run.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can buy your own router and modem, but Cox does offer the option to rent a router and modem for a monthly fee.
Renting a router from Cox means you don't have to pay a large sum upfront, and you can rely on their customer service and technicians to help with any issues.
The monthly rental fees can add up over time, and you will have to return the equipment when you end your contract.
You can save money in the long run by avoiding monthly rental fees, and you have more flexibility to choose a router that suits your specific needs.
You will have to pay a larger sum upfront, and you will need to take care of any issues yourself, although Cox does provide a list of certified" modem options that are compatible with their service.
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