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
In order to run the test, do I have to sign in or connect to a Cox network?
No, you don’t have to sign in. However, by signing in first, you’ll be able to compare your current Cox Internet plan speeds to the test results. The test is intended to be run on your in-home Cox network but can also be run while using your mobile carrier data or public wifi.
Can I test my device speed using my smartphone, tablet or other mobile device?
Yes, you can. We’ve designed the test so that it works for multiple smart devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and phones and most major operating systems. Please note that you’ll typically get better test results by connecting your computer directly to your Cox modem, rather than using a mobile device.
Can you guarantee my Internet speed test results will be the same as my subscription tier?
No. we can’t guarantee that the results of the speed test will match your subscription 100% of the time. This is due to a number of factors beyond our control, including (but not limited to) the 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, the performance of the websites you visit and traffic on the Internet.
How does the Device Speed Test tool work?
The test is backed by Ookla and measures the ping (latency), download speed and upload speed between your device and a test server. Please note that it doesn’t measure the speed we deliver to your modem because there are many other factors affect the speed in your home.
The test works by making multiple connections to a nearby test server to measure latency and download/upload speeds. All samples are sorted by speed, and the two fastest results and the bottom quarter of the remaining samples are removed. The remaining samples are then averaged.
Why are my Device Speed Test results different than results from other online speed tests?
Even if your performing speed tests under the same conditions, the results you get from other testing websites may differ because they use different testing methods. Some factors include:
What do all of these speed-related terms mean?
Wired Connection – using an ethernet cable connected from your device directly to the modem to connect to the Internet and other devices
Wifi Connection – a wireless network that uses a radio frequency signal to connect your devices to the Internet and to each other
Cellular Connection – a network distributed by mobile carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.) over land through cells that together provide radio coverage over larger geographical areas
Download speed – how fast your connection delivers content from the Internet to your device. For example, it determines how long it takes to download files (like photos, movies, songs) or display webpages with lots of images.
Upload speed – how fast content is delivered from your device to the Internet. For example, it determines how long it takes to post pictures to social media or upload an email attachment.
Mbps – Megabits per second (Mbps) is the standard measure of transfer rate or Internet speed
Latency – The reaction time (measured in milliseconds) of your connection–how quickly your device gets a response after you’ve sent out a request
Test Server – a computer system used as the central location to store data and various programs that are shared by users in a network
IP Address – a unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network
Modem – a small device that connects to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to provide Internet in your home
Router – a small device that connects to your modem via an Ethernet cable and passes the Internet connection on to other devices either via additional Ethernet cables or via a wireless network
Looking for more?
Outages
Learn what to do during a service outage by reading this helpful guide.