Cox Cable TV for Seniors in 2024
Cox offers a variety of affordable TV plans and bundles across 18 states – with or without contracts.
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Cox Communications is an Atlanta-based company that provides internet, cable TV, and telephone services to around 6.5 million Americans. Our tech experts investigated the best Cox cable TV packages for seniors. We were impressed that their most basic cable TV package starts at just $61 monthly. That’s an excellent price for those living on a fixed income. The convenience and affordability of the bundles only sweetened the deal.
Remember that Cox has one-year contracts with some bundles and plans. There are plenty of contract-free options, however. If you’re curious, keep scrolling to see what we thought of Cox cable TV and why they’re one of the best cable TV providers for seniors! We’ll also compare them to other cable providers to emphasize how much they shine.
Quick Facts: Cox
- Fifth largest cable provider in the U.S., servicing 18 states
- Also provides internet, home security, and phone service
- Over 20,000 employees
- Privately held, family-owned corporation
- Customizable, bundle-able cable TV packages starting at $61 per month
Cox Cable TV Nationwide Availability
Before researching Cox, you’ll want to ensure you live in their service area. Interestingly, while Cox has service nationwide, it’s rather spread out and isolated. Most cable companies only cater to a particular region, whereas Cox offers cable in seemingly random pockets across the continental United States.
Cox currently provides service in the following 18 U.S. states:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Is Cox Unavailable in Your Area? Check Out Our Top Cable TV Alternatives
While Cox TV is available in over a dozen states, it may not be accessible where you live. Moreover, Cox Cable TV is ideal for people who want to bundle multiple services. You might want to consider other options if you’re just looking for cable alone. Check out some of the top-rated cable TV alternatives we’ve reviewed.
Choosing the Best Cox Cable TV Package
Cox does a great job outlining the details of its two cable TV packages. We didn’t have to dig too deep to get information, which we appreciate. Some providers hide exact prices or extra fees until you’ve input your address and selected a package. We are big fans of transparency!
Cox offers a cable TV package starting at $61 monthly. It can exceed $200 per month, depending on your customized package. Remember that prices will also vary by your location. If you’re an absolute TV-lover or prefer to watch the news for a few minutes daily, selecting a Cox package that fits your TV viewing habits is pretty straightforward.
The Basic Cable TV Package: Cox Contour TV Starter
Starting at $61 per month, Cox TV Starter is the provider’s least expensive package. It’s about half the cost of starter packages from other major cable TV providers we’ve reviewed, like Xfinity or Mediacom. Remember, this bare-bones option only offers 75 channels, 50 of which are music channels, so it’s ideal for budget-conscious older adults who just want a few common networks. If you wish to get the latest news, listen to commercial-free tunes, and access broadcast television, the Cox TV Starter package will be right up your alley. On the other hand, Cox Contour TV is the better option if you’re looking for more channels and bells and whistles.
The Entertainment Upgrade: Cox Contour TV Preferred
Starting at $115 per month with 140+ channels, Cox Contour TV is a bit pricey. For comparison, Xfinity offers a similar package for about the same monthly price as Cox. Still, this package comes with some great perks. You can stream your favorite shows and movies directly from your tablet or smartphone with Cox’s Contour TV. Since 62 percent of Americans over the age of 70 use a smartphone, being able to watch TV on a handheld device is perfect for on-the-go seniors.1
In addition to a robust channel lineup, we also like how this package is customizable. Cox offers “packs” that cater to customers with specific needs and viewing preferences. For super-fan seniors, a sports package is a perfect add-on, while the movie buffs can break out the popcorn and add exclusive channels like Showtime and HBO. Lights, camera, action! These add-on channels and packs can cost you anywhere from $9 to $15 extra per month, depending on what you select.
Cox Contour TV Starter | Cox Contour TV Preferred | |
---|---|---|
Cost per month | $61 per month* | $115 per month* |
Channels | 75+ channels | 140+ channels |
Popular channels included | NBC, CW, Fox, ABC, CBS, PBS and C-Span | ESPN, CNN, Food Network, nickelodeon, Fox News, Discovery, History, A&E, TNT, HGTV |
Best For | Seniors who want an inexpensive option and mainly watch the news | Older adults who don't mind paying more for entertainment channels |
*Prices vary by location
Cox DVR Options
You can add a DVR (digital video recorder) when you purchase your cable plan. Cox offers four DVR service options: Ultimate, Preferred, Essential, and Starter. The main difference between the four DVR services is the hours they can store and the number of shows you can record simultaneously.
The Starter DVR service is free for the first 12 months when you subscribe to any Cox cable TV package. This DVR service allows you to record one show at a time and store up to 50 hours of HD content. For most seniors, this should be more than enough. If you have a doctor’s appointment or a playdate with the grandkids during your favorite show, it’s simple to hit the record button before you walk out the door. You can cozy up on the couch later and watch it whenever.
However, once the first 12 months are over, you’ll need to get the Essential DVR. You can record two shows simultaneously and store up to 250 hours of content with this equipment. The Essentials DVR service costs an extra $10 monthly. We think the convenience is worth it for seniors who don’t want to miss their favorite shows or the big game. It’s also fantastic for holding onto old programs that don’t run often, so you always have your favorite movie and episodes on hand.
Along with its DVR equipment, Cox offers big button remotes, which come in handy for older adults whose eyesight isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Ask your customer service representative about receiving one of these special remotes with your cable TV package.
Perks of Cox Cable TV
In addition to their customizable packages and state-of-the-art equipment, a few extra perks make Cox cable TV stand out from the competition.
- Cox complete care: Though this add-on service will cost you an extra $10 per month, we highly recommend it for older adults who want added support. You’ll get advanced 24/7 technical support; it’s like having a personal tech team at your beck and call. From connecting printers to virus removal, the Cox Complete Care team supports any technical issue you encounter. Their techs will even come to your place to repair damaged wires, replace worn-out outlets, and resolve any bad connections.
- Easy moving: If you move, Cox makes setting up service in your new home as painless as possible; they don’t charge any activation or installation fees. For seniors who see a downsize in their future, that’s a huge plus.
- Friend referrals: When you refer Cox services to a friend, you will both receive $25 for each qualifying Cox service your friend signs up for. You’ll receive this money on a prepaid Mastercard that’s easily redeemed. Cha-ching!
- 30-day money-back guarantee: If you want to try Cox but don’t want to get locked into a contract instantly, you’re in luck. Cox offers a 30-day free trial period, so you can decide if they’re the right provider for you without losing any money.
Cox Bundles: The Most Bang for Your Buck
Cox shines when it comes to bundles. They offer some of the industry’s most comprehensive bundles, providing Cox internet, phone, home security, and cable TV services. If you’re searching for the best deal and love simplicity like us, Cox is an excellent choice with several bundling options. They even let you make a personalized bundle just for you! But to narrow it down, we’ll cover two bundles that may fit seniors’ needs the most.
Go Fast + Contour Stream Player
This bundle provides the two essentials for budget-conscious older adults who want to keep it simple without breaking the bank. You’ll get the Go Fast internet package and Contour Stream Player for $55 monthly. The Go Fast internet plan costs $50 alone, which is excellent. Plus, the simplicity of one bill instead of two is convenient. This bundle’s 100 Mbps internet speeds are ideal for browsing the web, checking social media, video chatting with loved ones, and streaming movies and shows.
Contour Stream Player isn’t your typical cable TV package. It’s a streaming TV package with thousands of On Demand titles and access to all your favorite streaming apps. It’s best for older adults who want a more affordable way to watch TV and those who don’t mind not having access to live TV.
Go Fast + Contour TV Preferred
This bundle is excellent for older adults who spend a fair amount of time online and want a diverse TV package, as it offers 140+ channels and fast speeds of up to 100 Mbps. It will cost you $165.00 per month, but if you host family gatherings, the internet speed can support tech-obsessed grandkids, and Contour TV Preferred lets you tune into the big game or have a movie night with friends and family.
The Fine Print and Additional Fees
If you’re considering switching to Cox, keep the following in mind.
- Look out for long-term contracts: Similar to other popular providers we've reviewed, like Spectrum, Cox requires customers to enter a one-year contract with some bundles and plans. However, if you cancel within your first 30 days, you won’t be charged an early termination fee. Many Cox plans don’t require contracts, so there are plenty of options if you don’t want to be locked in.
- Your monthly price will increase after one year. Cox offers new customers a hefty discount, which is nice until you’re no longer “new.” After one year, your monthly cost will increase by up to 30 percent. It’s a bummer, but price hikes are pretty typical with cable TV providers.
- They charge installation fees. When purchasing your TV package, don’t be surprised to see charges up to $100 for professional installation. Some packages waive the installation fee, or you can choose self-installation, so be on the lookout for those options.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a senior living in one of the 18 states where Cox offers service, they are worth considering for cable TV or a bundled deal. We aren’t big fans of the price increase after one year, but unfortunately, that’s pretty typical among all cable TV providers. On the other hand, we love Cox’s 30-day money-back guarantee, excellent DVR equipment, and customizable TV packages and bundles. Plus, Cox has solid starting prices for those on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cox
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What is Contour TV Preferred?
In addition to providing over 140 cable TV channels, Contour TV allows users to stream shows on any device and use apps such as YouTube and Netflix. When customers add a DVR, they can record, rewind, fast-forward their favorite shows, and watch them on any device.
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How much does Cox cable TV cost?
The cost of Cox cable TV depends on the package you select. Cox’s Contour TV Starter package begins at $61 monthly. The Contour TV Preferred package starts at $115 monthly and can be boosted with additional channels and features, adding to the monthly cost.
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What channels are included in Cox’s Contour TV Starter package?
Cox’s Contour TV Preferred package includes over 140 channels. Notable channels include ESPN, Disney, Discovery, History, A&E, TNT, and HGTV. Customers can add more channels to customize their packages if they desire.
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What channels are included in Cox’s Contour TV Preferred package?
Cox’s Contour TV Preferred package includes over 140 channels. Notable channels include ESPN, Disney, Discovery, History, A&E, TNT, and HGTV. Customers can add more channels to customize their packages if they desire.
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Is Cox cable TV available in my area?
Cox services 18 U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Nevada.
AARP. (2020). Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019). Are most Americans cutting the cord on landlines?