CenturyLink internet speed test

Test your CenturyLink internet speeds with our speed test and learn how to get faster internet.

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Test your CenturyLink internet speed

What speeds are you getting with your CenturyLink internet service? A speed test will measure your internet connection’s download speeds and upload speeds. Take our internet speed test to see what speeds you’re getting. Run the test again at different times to see how your internet performs throughout the day.

Your speed test results:

Download Speeds

888 Mbps

Upload Speeds

88 Mbps

Need more for the price?

Try these helpful hacks to improve your internet speed. Or if you just want more bang for your buck, check out providers near you with more speed for the price. Either way, we’ll help you find what you need.

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Pro Tip: For best results, use an Ethernet cord to connect your router or modem directly to your device before you run the test.

Using the speed test

Click “Go” to begin the speed test. The test will first measure your download speeds in Mbps, followed by your upload speeds.
For the most accurate results, perform the test on a device that is plugged directly into the modem using an Ethernet cable.
Disconnect any devices, including computers, phones and other smart devices that may be using bandwidth and interfere with your results.
Wait for the test to finish to view your results.

Can I take the speed test using a Wi-Fi connection?

This speed test is intended to give you an idea of what speeds you are getting from your provider, but you can also use it to test your Wi-Fi connection. Note that using a Wi-Fi connection will not be an accurate test of the speeds you are getting from CenturyLink, but it will be a good indicator of how your Wi-Fi router and devices are performing.

If your Wi-Fi speeds are significantly lower than your plan’s advertised speeds, try resetting your router or any of these tips to boost your Wi-Fi signal. Sometimes the best way to improve your speeds is to upgrade to a faster plan. You can shop available high-speed internet plans in your area with Allconnect

Compare your CenturyLink speed test results

CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber-optic internet service to around 16% of the U.S. Available speeds vary by location and service type. How do your CenturyLink speed test results compare to other CenturyLink customers?

According to a speedtest.net report, average CenturyLink download speeds in Q2 2020 were 36.18 Mbps. Additionally, the FCC recently reported that CenturyLink actual speeds were often close to their advertised speeds for select speed tiers.

Compare CenturyLink average speeds vs. advertised speeds and check out some cities with the fastest CenturyLink speeds below.

CenturyLink advertised speeds vs. average speeds

Advertised speed	Average speed	Actual speed vs advertised speed %
1.5	1.24 Mbps	82.9 Mbps
3	2.72 Mbps	90.7 Mbps
7	6.9 Mbps	98.6 Mbps
10	9.18 Mbps	91.8 Mbps
12	11.77 Mbps	98.1 Mbps
20	19.45 Mbps	97.3 Mbps
40	39.87 Mbps	99.7 Mbps

Source: FCC

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What internet speeds does CenturyLink offer?

CenturyLink offers DSL speeds up to 140 Mbps and fiber-optic internet speeds up to 940 Mbps in select areas.* This may seem like a broad range, but that’s because internet speeds can vary based on your location. However, the FCC defines broadband internet as having a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps, which average CenturyLink speeds typically exceed. (Find out more about what’s considered fast, slow or good internet speeds.)

*Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection.

Cities with fastest CenturyLink internet speeds according to FCC

City	Max download speeds*	City	Max download speeds
Denver, CO	940 Mbps	Omaha, NE	940 Mbps
Tallahassee, FL	940 Mbps	Las Vegas, NV	940 Mbps
Des Moines, IA	940 Mbps	Bismarck, ND	940 Mbps
Minneapolis, MN	940 Mbps	Portland, OR	940 Mbps
St. Cloud, MN	940 Mbps	Seattle, WA	940 Mbps
Jefferson City, MO	940 Mbps	Spokane, WA	940 Mbps

Source: FCC

CenturyLink speed test FAQs

How fast is CenturyLink supposed to be?

CenturyLink internet speeds vary by location, but your actual speeds should be 80% or higher of your advertised speeds. When testing your CenturyLink internet speeds, be sure to use a LAN connection. Disconnect any other wired or wireless devices, including streaming devices to get the most accurate reading.

Why is my downloading speed so slow?

There are many things that can affect internet speeds, such as peak usage hours and the number of connected devices. Wi-Fi speeds are also often much slower than advertised plan speeds. Distance from the router, plus walls, floors and other obstructions blocking the signal can further reduce Wi-Fi speeds.

Can I use my own modem/router with CenturyLink?

Yes. Depending on the internet service type you have, DSL or fiber-optic, there are a few CenturyLink compatible modems you can use. Purchasing your own modem/router can not only save you money on your monthly bill, but it can also increase your internet speeds. Using a personal router with a longer signal range and greater bandwidth capabilities can improve your Wi-Fi speeds.

How do I fix a slow download speed?

Start with resetting the router by unplugging it, waiting 10 seconds and plugging it back in. You can also try disconnecting some of the devices you aren’t using. Reducing online activity that uses a lot of bandwidth, like streaming in 4K or downloading large files such as video games, can also boost your speeds. If that doesn’t help, you may need a faster internet speed.

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Written by:

Lisa Iscrupe

Writer, Broadband & Data Content

Lisa uses years of experience in sales and customer service for internet-TV providers to inform her writing on broadband. Her work has been referenced by CNN and other national sources. In Lisa’s Words: Ever… Read more