The best CenturyLink modems and routers of 2023

When you sign up for your CenturyLink internet plan, you’ll have the option to either buy or rent your modem and router. While there are some advantages to renting, purchasing your own equipment gives you the most control over your device and saves you the most money in the long run. To help you make the most of your internet plan, we’ve rounded up a list of the best internet routers for CenturyLink internet.

Centurylink modem and router winners

CenturyLink-compatible routers or gateways must be able to support DSL and fiber optic internet. Since DSL offers the slowest internet speeds and fiber offers the fastest, it’s important to get a router and modem that can support your plan’s allotted speeds to ensure you’re getting the most out of your internet. We’ve listed our favorite picks below:

Should you rent or purchase your CenturyLink equipment?

When you sign up for your CenturyLink internet plan, you’ll have the ability to choose between buying and renting your equipment. While renting is the obvious choice for many, buying your own equipment actually has some serious advantages.

How we chose the best modem/router for CenturyLink

When narrowing down the best CenturyLink internet modems and routers, our goal was to find the best value.

When narrowing down the best CenturyLink internet modems and routers, our goal was to find the best value. We compared a variety of options based on criteria such as speed, price, features, customer reviews and what plan it’s best for.

CenturyLink provides DSL internet, which isn’t compatible with all internet routers and modems on the market. All of the devices on our list are on CenturyLink’s approved list of devices to ensure the best compatibility.

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Best wireless router for CenturyLink fiber gig plan: ASUS RT-AX88U

If you want to get the most speed out of CenturyLink’s fiber gigabit plan, then the ASUS RT-AX88U is one of the best high-speed router options. Whether you’re a heavy gamer or want unmatched speed, the RT-AX88U can handle heavy internet activity and maintain peak performance. 

While it’s more expensive than our budget-friendly option, you’ll get tons of great features to accompany top-notch speed, like parental controls and beamforming. It has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon with customers loving its mid-range price and high-end features.

Best modem for CenturyLink DSL: Zyxel C3000Z

The Zyxel C3000Z is one of CenturyLink’s top recommended modems for its DSL internet service. It is a gateway device (modem/router combo) with IPv4 and IPv6 compatibility. It also comes with vectoring, which provides for increased performance and range.

This gateway has 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers love its easy setup and stability with DSL internet plans.

Best modem for flexibility: Greenwave C4000LG

The Greenwave C4000LG Wi-Fi 6 xDSL modem offers up to 3 Gbps of speed and four internal antennas to reach every part of your home. It can support both DSL and fiber plans, so it’s a great choice if you currently have a CenturyLink DSL and plan to upgrade to fiber in the future.

Best budget router for CenturyLink: TP-Link Archer A7

The TP-Link Archer A7 often makes our best-budget lists, and for good reason. With reliable speeds and an affordable price, this router can handle most internet activities for the average home. This router supports CenturyLink’s DSL plans and lower-tier fiber speeds like the 200 Mbps plan. 

Since it’s a budget-friendly option, it doesn’t have a lot of high-end features, but it’s a good option if you’re looking for a simple yet reliable router to cover your basic internet needs. With 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon and almost 70,000 global ratings, it’s clear that customers appreciate the price as well as the performance. 

Best for large homes: Amazon eero 6+

The Amazon eero 6+ is one of the most popular mesh systems on the market because it provides great speeds and even better coverage. If you live in a large home and have CenturyLink Fiber, then the eero 6+ is a great choice to ensure coverage throughout your entire home. Mesh systems are also customizable, so you can start with one or two units and add more if you need. 

The eero 6+ has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers enjoy its impressive range and their ability to customize their coverage. 

CenturyLink modem tips

Whether you have DSL or fiber internet with CenturyLink, using a CenturyLink-compatible modem and router from the list of CenturyLink-verified equipment is a smart decision. CenturyLink has already tested that list of modems, and their tech support team can help you troubleshoot any issues that might arise.

Interested in switching to CenturyLink high-speed DSL or fiber internet? Allconnect can help find plans available near you and the best equipment to maximize your Wi-Fi at home.

What to look for in a CenturyLink-compatible modem 

While there are many advantages to buying your own internet modem and router rather than renting, it also requires additional research on your part to find the devices with the best features that also fit your internet plan. Here are a few things to consider when you’re choosing a CenturyLink router and modem:

• DOCSIS: Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification — otherwise known as DOCSIS — allows data to transfer over existing coaxial cable systems at a high bandwidth. Cable modem DOCSIS usually ranges from 1.0 to 3.1, with the best devices having 3.0 or 3.1.
• Speed compatibility: When you shop around for internet devices, you must find those that are compatible with your internet plan. For example, if your internet plan has up to 200 Mbps download speeds, be sure to shop around for devices that allow for at least 200 Mbps speeds. Choosing a device with slower speeds means you can’t maximize the internet service you’re paying for.
• Security: You must have a safe and secure internet connection. After all, a secure internet connection helps to keep your personal information safe. A good rule of thumb is that your devices should have password encryption of at least WPA2 or WPA3.
• Channel bonding: Channel bonding is a way to maximize internet speed by combining two internet channels simultaneously. The higher your channel bonding, the more traffic and speed it can handle. Devices can often go up to 32×8 channel bonding, meaning 32 downloading channels and eight uploading channels.

Other CenturyLink-compatible equipment

If you are interested in other CenturyLink-compatible equipment, CenturyLink has a list of all approved internet equipment on its website. These modems and gateways have been tested by CenturyLink and are 100% compatible with all CenturyLink plans.

Need a faster internet plan?

One of the best ways to improve your internet speeds is to shop around for a better internet plan. That could mean upgrading to a faster plan with your current internet service provider, though it could also mean switching service providers altogether. You can check availability on our site to find the best internet in your area.

The bottom line

Choosing the right internet modem and router for your CenturyLink internet plan is critical for maximizing your speed and having the best overall experience. There are many modems, routers, and modem/routers to choose from, and it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. While buying your devices instead of renting might be more work to find the right fit, it’s worth it in the long run.

Written by:

Camryn Smith

Associate Writer

Camryn Smith is an Associate Writer with Allconnect.com. She specializes in writing about the broadband industry and helping consumers navigate complex internet service purchasing decisions…. Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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