Cox speed test

Let’s run a quick check-up

Your speed test results may not match your plan speeds—but don't worry, that's normal. Browsers have different capabilities and may give you different results, particularly on high-speed connections. If you want something to compare against, try downloading the Speedtest app for some extra accuracy.

Understanding your device speed

What affects my device speed?

If you have some questions about your test results, here are potential factors that could be affecting your speeds.

Device hardware

Your particular connected device and/or cable could be limiting your speed. Most hardwired devices are limited to 940 Mbps download speeds. If you’re using a wired connection, make sure you’re using an up-to-date cable like a CAT-6 ethernet cable.

Number of connected devices

The more connected devices there are, the less speed there is to go around. Your home network can slow down if there are a lot of smart devices being used at the same time.

Distance to modem

If you’re using wifi, get closer to your modem or Panoramic Wifi Gateway for a faster connection.

Interference

Certain objects can slow down your wifi speed if they’re between you and your modem including electronics, walls, doors and other building materials.

How to improve device speeds

Boost your everyday connections

Try these DIY tips for a faster Internet connection.

See the full wifi guide

View wifi support articles

Make a fresh start

Reboot your modem and smart devices by powering them off then back on. Set any major device software updates or cloud backups to run overnight.

Location, location, location

Place your router on a counter in a central area of your home. Make sure it’s elevated over three feet high, not in a cabinet and away from walls, metal objects and other electronics.

Check your equipment

Take a look at your router to make sure it’s operating on the 802.11ac standard and see if it’s on our list of certified cable modems. If your Gateway is four years or older, it’s time to upgrade. When buying Gateways or other wifi devices, look for terms like AC/AX, Dual Band, wifi 5 or wifi 6.

Look to your other devices

Check in with the smart devices in your home to see if they’re using up more bandwidth than necessary. If you have a Homelife HD Camera, you can adjust to a lower video quality setting or turn it off when not needed.

Take calls from video to voice

If you notice buffering or fuzziness when on a video call, try turning off your camera to regain call quality.

Stretch your wifi signal

You can get better wifi coverage around your home with wifi extenders—available with Panoramic Wifi.

Network outages

Still having issues with your speed?

It’s possible that you’re experiencing a network outage. Check for outages in your area

Device speed test FAQs

What is the Cox speed test tool and how does it work?

The test measures your current connection’s performance - the ping, download and upload speeds - between your device and a test server. The test mimics your online activity by downloading / uploading sample files and recording speeds. Speed tests are a good way to start troubleshooting. The Cox Speed Test tool works using testing from Ookla, a global leader in broadband speed testing applications, and creates a series of multiple connections to nearby test servers to measure and gather your speed performance data. All samples are sorted by speed and the fastest two results and the bottom quarter of the remaining samples are removed. The remaining samples are then averaged, giving you your speed test results.

To run the test, do I need to be connected to a Cox network? Can I test my speed with multiple devices?

No, you don't need to be connected to a Cox network but connecting your device directly into your Cox network will yield the best results. You can also run the test with multiple devices; it will slow the test down and give an inaccurate reading so connect one device at a time.

How can I maximize the accurancy of my speed test results?

A lot of things can negatively impact your results. To get a more accurate reading during your speed test, try the following:

Run the test on a computer with a wired connection to your gateway.
If you don't have a wired connection, run the test near your modem or router to make sure nothing is blocking your wifi signal.
Make sure other devices aren't using the internet connection - too many devices on the same network might slow down your speed.
Check that your modem and router are newer models that meet your internet service package's minimum requirements.
Looking for better performance? Invest in newer devices; older ones may not have the ability to keep up with your service's speed needs.

Can you guarantee my speed test results will be the same as my internet service subscribed?

We can’t guarantee that the results of the speed test will match your service because of the external factors that impact your speed, like your devices’ hardware and operating systems. The device (phone, laptop, etc.) used with the tool can play a very important role since devices can have varying max speeds (most hardwired devices are limited to 940 Mbps due to port limitations). Other factors include the browser which you use to run the speed test, processing power of your personal computing equipment, apps running on your computer, the nature and quality of your home network connection, third party networks you may be connected to, and the performance of the websites you visit on the internet.

What do all of these speed-related terms mean?

Download speed tells you how quickly you can pull data from the internet to your computer or device.

Upload speed tells you how quickly you can send data from your computer or device to others.

IP address is your unique "signature" that identifies your device on the internet or network.

Test server is the local or shared network where your speed test is running.

Ping is how long it takes your device to connect to a remote destination (also called latency).

Jitter is how consistent your device speed is when it's connected to the internet.

Internet support FAQs

Why isn't my Internet working?

If you’re having trouble connecting to the Internet, your first step should be checking for an outage.

Get more support

Does Cox offer email addresses?

If you have an existing Cox.net email addresses you can open Cox Email by going to myemail.cox.net. Use these tips for additional information about your Cox.net email account.

How do I manage my wifi network?

Primary account holders can manage their home and guest networks through My Wifi at www.cox.com/mywifi.

Get more support

How do I get Cox Security Suite Plus?

Cox Security Suite Plus powered by McAfee® is a free service included with Cox Internet, allowing you to protect and manage up to five devices.

Learn more

How do I improve my wifi connection?

A wired Ethernet connection always provides the fastest speeds. But in today's wireless world, it is important to know how to optimize your in-home WiFi to achieve the best speeds and connectivity.

How do I get the Panoramic Wifi app?

You can download the free Panoramic Wifi app through the App Store and Google Play

How do I set up Cox Email on my computer? How do I set up Cox Email on my phone?

Most third-party email clients available on computers and other devices can be configured to send and receive Cox Email. Just choose from these server setting options to set up, send and receive Cox Email in a third-party email client.

How do I test the speed of my smart devices?

You can check your devices’ connection speeds and explore steps you can take to improve performance by running our speed test. If you’re testing your computer, you’ll get the most accurate results by using a wired (Ethernet) connection, turning off wifi, and closing all other programs on your computer.

What is Panoramic Wifi?

Panoramic Wifi from Cox is an innovative high speed Internet experience that offers fast, reliable speeds around your home and support tools to manage your home network.

How do I connect a new device to my wifi network?

It’s easy. Just follow these steps

What are Cox Hotspots and how do I connect to them?

Cox Hotpots are a network of 650,000 wifi hotspots nationwide—the largest in the nation—available with Cox Internet Preferred and higher plans. When you’re near a hotspot, you can connect to them by searching for available networks using your smart devices.

Learn more

Can I connect my modem or router with an ethernet cable?

Absolutely. Here’s how

Can I get more Internet data?

Check where to see your Arris TG1682 modem information and find quick troubleshooting tips.

Yes. We offer two additional data plans beyond the monthly plan that’s included in your service.

Learn more

Can I set up a new Cox Email address?

In recent years, fewer customers have taken advantage of a Cox Email account, so we decided to modify our email service to better serve our customers. As of August 15, 2019, Cox no longer offers the ability to create new Cox Email accounts.

Learn more