CenturyLink internet plans

Best CenturyLink plans for your home

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 05/19/23.

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

3.51 / out of 5 stars

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

Rating breakdown

• Affordability

  3.63 / 5

• Performance

  3.50 / 5

• Value

  3.31 / 5

• Customer satisfaction

  3.53 / 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.

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.

How Allconnect reviews internet service providers

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What to expect with CenturyLink internet

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.

Compare CenturyLink internet to 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.

Shop CenturyLink plans

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

Order online

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

How to bundle CenturyLink internet with TV

CenturyLink doesn’t have its own TV service, but it does partner with DISH, DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream 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 internet 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. 

CenturyLink’s ACSI ratings have gone down in the last couple of years due to customer service issues surrounding billing disputes and Allconnect’s ratings dipped due to DSL considerations. Most providers have moved to fully fiber or hybrid connections, giving customers a better range of high-speed download options.

CenturyLink 2022 American Customer Satisfaction Index rating: 60/100

• In 2022, CenturyLink received a 60/100, a two-point decline from its 2021 score.
• Compared to other providers, CenturyLink ties with Mediacom and is ahead of Optimum (59).
• The average ISP score was 65/100.

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.

Can you use your own modem with CenturyLink internet?

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

Does CenturyLink internet have unlimited data?

CenturyLink offers unlimited data with all of its plans.

Is 10 Mbps fast enough to stream Netflix?

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.

Does CenturyLink offer senior discounts?

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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Written by:

Ari Howard

Associate Writer, Broadband & Wireless Content

Ari is an Associate Writer for the Allconnect team. She primarily writes about broadband news and studies, particularly relating to internet access, digital safety, broadband-related technology and the digital d… Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

Read bio