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CenturyLink internet plans

By Ari Howard Last updated: November 21, 2023

CenturyLink internet comes with simple pricing and added features such as unlimited data and free self installation with select plans. Learn more about CenturyLink internet and shop plans below.

  • Fiber speeds up to 200 Mbps starting at:

    $30.00/mo.

    *Pricing per month plus taxes for length of service. Additional fees and terms may apply. Plans and pricing vary by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Last updated 05/19/23.

    Shop CenturyLink plans

    or call to order: (844) 451-2720

Best CenturyLink internet plans

  • CenturyLink Internet up to 100 Mbps
    Speeds up to
    100 Mbps
    Contract length
    12 mos.
    Connection type
    DSL
    Rating
    Moderate
    Plan cost
    $50/mo.
    Pricing breakdown
    Check with CenturyLink
    Or give us a call
  • CenturyLink Internet Speeds up to 200 M
    Speeds up to
    200 Mbps
    Contract length
    12 mos.
    Connection type
    DSL
    Rating
    Moderate
    Plan cost
    $50/mo.
    for 12 mos.
    Pricing breakdown
    Check with CenturyLink
    Or give us a call
  • CenturyLink Internet up to 1 gig
    Speeds up to
    940 Mbps
    Contract length
    12 mos.
    Connection type
    Fiber
    Rating
    High
    Plan cost
    $75/mo.
    Pricing breakdown
    Check with CenturyLink
    Or give us a call

Other CenturyLink internet plans

The Fiber 200 Mbps plan is fast enough for a small household and inexpensive enough for most budgets at $30/mo. Most plans offered by CenturyLink are fiber-based in metro areas, but depending on your address, DSL service may be your only choice.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing and plans vary by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Last updated 11/15/23.

Why choose CenturyLink internet?

CenturyLink internet has relatively fast speeds and unlimited data, but the service may not be for everyone. For instance, CenturyLink tends to only have one plan available in each serviceable area, giving you fewer choices than most providers. We explain everything you need to know about CenturyLink below to determine if the service is right for you.

CenturyLink Fiber internet rating

Allconnect Rating

3.52 / out of 5 stars

This score is based off of the 2 plans CenturyLink Fiber has available

Rating breakdown

  • Affordability

    3.57 / 5

  • Performance

    3.50 / 5

  • Value

    3.29 / 5

  • Customer satisfaction

    3.89 / 5

How we calculated our rating

CenturyLink DSL internet rating

Allconnect Rating

2.72 / out of 5 stars

This score is based off of the 2 plans CenturyLink DSL has available

Rating breakdown

  • Affordability

    4.9 / 5

  • Performance

    1.5 / 5

  • Value

    3.0 / 5

  • Customer satisfaction

    1.5 / 5

How we calculated our rating

We scored CenturyLink internet services on a scale of 1 to 5 across four major categories. To learn more, read our review methodology.

What we like

  • Fast speeds – CenturyLink’s fiber speeds are as fast as any, and their DSL speeds are faster than most.

  • Broad service areas – CenturyLink internet is available to many areas where cable or other fiber providers may not offer high-speed internet.

  • No contracts – There are no contracts with CenturyLink service, so you can change or move service at any time without early termination fees.

Things to consider

  • Limited plan options – DSL and fiber service is one cost, so you won’t have the option of choosing a cheaper or faster/more expensive plan.

How we scored internet providers

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of 1 to 5, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 180 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between 3 and 4. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 400 Mbps plan got a 4.16.

We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.

CenturyLink internet speed expectations

Real speeds are close to advertised speeds: According to an FCC report, over 45% of CenturyLink subscribers experienced speeds greater than 95% of what was initially advertised. About 30% received speeds within 80-95% of what was advertised, and 25% received less than 80% of what was initially advertised.

CenturyLink contracts, fees and data caps 

Contracts: CenturyLink does not require any long-term contracts, which means you don’t have to worry about early termination fees.

Additional fees: CenturyLink charges up to $15/mo. in equipment fees. You have the option, however, to purchase your own equipment if you want to save money. You may also have to pay a one-time installation fee of either $129 or $149 based on the internet technology at the address. 

Data caps: CenturyLink offers unlimited data.

Centurylink Fiber vs. DSL

CenturyLink allows customers to choose between speeds in areas where more than one speed is available. Choose the fastest available speed in your area and opt for free self-installation (where available) to get the most value in the long run. DSL connections are more likely if you are not in a metro area, so you’ll have access to plans up to 200 Mbps, with more latency than a fiber option.

CenturyLink DSL price is the same, speeds vary

Looking at the CenturyLink internet pricing table above, you may have noticed that some speed tiers are the same price. That’s because CenturyLink aims to get you the fastest available speed in your area at the lowest price they offer. You can choose a lower speed for the same price, but really, why would you want to?

CenturyLink Fiber is the best value

If you aren’t working from home, streaming from multiple devices at a time or live gaming, paying $70/mo. for internet service likely isn’t worth it. However, for the average household, the fiber gigabit plan is the best CenturyLink plan available. If only CenturyLink’s DSL service is available to you and there aren’t fiber optic providers serviceable in your area, then CenturyLink is likely a more affordable long-term option than other DSL, satellite or even cable providers in your area.

Quantum Fiber is future of CenturyLink

Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink are separate brands owned by Lumen. In the future, CenturyLink will offer only DSL services, and Quantum will offer fiber internet plans. For now, Quantum is available in select areas with two plans, 200 Mbps and 940 Mbps.

CenturyLink internet vs. other providers

In areas serviceable for CenturyLink fiber or DSL internet, a cable provider may also be available. You may also have access to competing DSL or fiber optic internet providers. Find out how CenturyLink compares to other internet service providers in terms of price, speeds and more below:

*Wireless speeds may vary. Updated 05/19/23.

Want to learn more? Click the links below to see how CenturyLink compares to each cable provider.

CenturyLink vs. Cox

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum 

CenturyLink vs. Xfinity

CenturyLink authorized retailer logo

Shop CenturyLink plans

CenturyLink delivers fast internet with simple pricing and unlimited long distance calling.

Order online
or call us today: (844) 451-2720

CenturyLink internet and TV bundling options

CenturyLink doesn’t have its own TV service, but it does partner with DISH and DIRECTV so that you can still bundle your internet and TV service. You won’t receive any discounts bundling your CenturyLink internet service with any of the listed TV providers, but it will simplify your monthly bill. 

So, which TV service should you choose?

  • DISH: DISH offers between 190 and 290+ channels and is best known for its advanced DVR where you can record up to 16 channels at once. 
  • DIRECTV: DIRECTV offers between 165 and 340+ channels and is best known for its sports packages. 

CenturyLink customer satisfaction ratings

How satisfied are CenturyLink customers compared to other providers? The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) gives the largest internet providers annual customer satisfaction scores based on feedback from actual customers. 

  • In 2023, CenturyLink Fiber received a 78/100 for second place in the fiber providers ratings after AT&T Fiber.
  • Compared to other fiber providers, CenturyLink came in better than Google Fiber and Verizon FiOS.
  • The average ISP score for fiber is 75/100.
  • For non-fiber providers, CenturyLink came in a bit lower, with 62/100, after AT&T, Sparklight, Windstream, Xfinity, Spectrum and others.

CenturyLink internet FAQs

What type of internet service is CenturyLink?

CenturyLink has fiber and DSL internet plans. Available connection type and home Wi-Fi speeds vary by region.

Yes. You can use your own modem with CenturyLink. CenturyLink has a list of tested modems you can consider using with your internet service.

CenturyLink offers unlimited data with all of its plans.

Yes. Netflix recommends a speed of at least 3 Mbps for standard-definition (SD) quality streaming and at least 25 Mbps for Ultra HD quality. If you are planning on streaming on more than one device at a time, faster speeds may be necessary.

CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which provides affordable internet to all qualifying customers for $9.25/mo.


The name CenturyLink and the pathways logo are trademarks of CenturyLink.

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Ari Howard

Written by:

Ari Howard

Associate Writer, Broadband & Wireless Content

Ari Howard is a staff writer Healthline and spent two years as a writer on the Allconnect team. She specialized in broadband news and studies, particularly relating to internet access, digital safety, broadband-… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

Read bio

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