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.
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:
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.
Looking for more?
Outages
Learn what to do during a service outage by reading this helpful guide.