Does Cox Offer Free Streaming?
Watching movies, TV shows, and other content through online streaming has become widespread in the last few years. Thanks to services such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney + and their like, viewers have access to the vast amount of content at their fingertips. This has resulted in many people ditching regular paid cable TV subscription services and moving to alternatives. But some of the leading cable companies, including Cox Communications, also provide different streaming choices. To answer this question, we need to find out whether Cox offers free streaming services to its customers or not. Let's take a look.
Cox TV Online
Cox does allow for some free streaming content for the customers through the Cox TV Online feature. This provides the subscribers with all the facilities that include live streaming and On Demand for most of the leading TV channels. The specific options provided will depend on the kind of TV plan you have adopted with Cox. But some of the major networks typically included are:
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- FOX
- PBS
- The CW
If you are a Cox cable TV subscriber, you can watch all those programs live through Cox TV Online on your computer or any type of mobile device without any additional cost. It works in the same way as most of the other TV Everywhere applications that are offered by other cable operators.
However, there is a catch, you have to be at home, connected to the Cox WiFi, to get to watch the streams. One cannot stream content out of home. It’s more of a companion screen thus making it different from most of the streaming services that you can easily carry around with you.
Contour Stream Player
Cox also includes its Contour Stream Player for television customers. This small device works as a WiFi adapter and can be connected to any HDMI port of household TVs, which enables streaming Cox TV Online.
The Contour Stream Player works in parallel with another cable box while it does not require a connection with the wires or cables of your current system. Just insert the power cord into the socket, hook it up to WiFi, and you’ll be able to watch Cox TV live or on demand. It’s only effective home-based though like the online streams that were discussed earlier.
HBO Max Bundle
Among the recent developments, Cox has increased its focus on streaming by becoming affiliated with HBO Max. Currently, most HBO viewers who subscribe to Cox can access the HBO Max AdSupported plan at $7 extra on top of their existing Cox subscription. That’s half of the $10 that is charged for the basic subscription which has ads.
Pricing of HBO Max plans begins at $10 per month with ads or $15 a month ad-free, which makes it very affordable. HBO Max will include all that is available on HBO and much more, some of which are HBO original series, movies, Max originals, and others.
So, if you are a Cox Contour user, HBO Max suggests getting connected by Contour 2 or a later version. Alternatively, one can watch HBO Max live as well as through internet browsers with the HBO Max account or with the HBO Max application installed on connected TVs and smartphones.
So the only streaming service they provide without requiring any additional fee is the Cox/HBO Max bundle. You are getting HBO Max at a considerably cheaper price than signing up for HBO directly rather than signing up through Cox. However, yes, there is the condition that you need to stay a Cox customer to continue getting the discount.
Plans with Free Hulu
Hulu is also one of the perks that Cox offers with the help of some packages, and it is also free. Customers of Cox’s Ultimate Internet plan or any higher plan will benefit from a free Hulu account that will include an ad-supported plan and full access to Hulu.
The Internet package that offers an Internet speed of up to 20mbps is the Ultimate Internet which costs $99 per month while the Ultimate Classic TV package which comes with over 260 channels costs $120 per month. Once again, the customer must be a fully paid customer at Cox to continue getting the free Hulu indefinitely.
This free access to Hulu is perceived to be of immense value in saving Cox consumers up to $84 annually since the ad-supported Hulu plan is usually $7 monthly for new subscribers. Thus, while not quite the ‘free streaming’ that has recently caught everyone’s imagination, it is still a very welcome extra.
Apps and TV Compatibility
When streaming your Cox channels through Contour and Cox TV Online, there is an opportunity to access free streams on iOS and Android mobile apps. Cox also has options for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Samsung Smart TVs if offered.
It needs to be mentioned that the site is fully compatible with Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. Therefore, you have a wide range of compatibility requirements for broadcasting to phones, tablets, laptops, and TV networks.
Cox Affordable Internet Program
Finally, although it does not come under the category of free streaming, Cox has a program in place where it provides a cheaper home internet service to those belonging to a low-income category. The Affordable Connectivity Program also offers internet from Cox to qualifying households at $30/month or less. That involves download speeds of up to 50 megabits per second.
Therefore, if they qualify for the ‘income-based’ plan, this excellent value internet plan would allow them to access the streaming services at an affordable price. It simply means you could get Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and all others directly at full-listed rates without being a full-paying Cox subscriber. In light of how much of a necessity it has become to have access to the internet, it is an essential feature for many families.
The Bottom Line
However, unlike other cable providers, Cox does not have a broad selection of free streaming movies and shows available for users who do not have a cable TV subscription; but there are some bonuses. Existing clients can watch live stations and the on-demand libraries with Contour and online streaming for free. Lossmaking subscriptions also include a cheaper HBO Max and free Hulu for some of its customers with higher tiers.
Furthermore, low-cost internet plans are offered to ensure that everyone can afford to stream more in their homes. However, there is no traditional mainstream streaming video available free of charge for cord-cutters save for the local channels. However, it turns out Cox still has some room to grow in the complimentary streaming department compared to its satellite competitor, DirecTV Stream with the NBA League Pass offers bundled in. But their current TV customer incentives along with the equipment can provide further savings and easier planning when trying to save on traditional cable offerings.
Ready to upgrade your internet experience? Call us now at +1 844-349-7575 to explore the best Cox Internet plans for your needs!