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Compare Spectrum vs. CenturyLink plans

By Camryn Smith Last updated: December 13, 2024

A full side-by-side comparison between internet and TV services offered by Spectrum and CenturyLink

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum quick comparison

CenturyLink primarily uses a DSL network for service, which means available internet speeds can vary considerably by location. Where CenturyLink fiber optic service is available, speeds are more consistent with max speeds up to 940 Mbps. 

Spectrum uses a cable internet and TV network, which allows them to offer more consistent speeds, but their gigabit internet plan with speeds up to 1000 Mbps is not available in all Spectrum-serviceable areas.

  • Spectrum logo

    Allconnect Rating

    3.82 / 5

    • Internet starting price: $50.00 – $70.00/mo.**
    • Download speeds: Up to 500 – 1,000 Mbps
    • Data cap: None
    • Internet and TV bundles start at: $70.00/mo.
    • Contract: None
  • CenturyLink authorized retailer logo

    Allconnect Rating

    3.81 / 5

    • Internet starting price: $50.00 – $75.00/mo.*
    • Download speeds: Up to 100 – 940 Mbps
    • Data cap: 1 TB/mo. with most plans
    • Internet and TV bundles start at: Varies
    • Contract: None required for internet and home phone

*Wireless speeds may vary. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 12/13/24.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

Is CenturyLink or Spectrum better?

Considering Spectrum or CenturyLink for your home? The best provider for you usually comes down to what’s available in your area. CenturyLink has two types of internet plans: DSL and fiber optic. If you can only get DSL, you’re usually better off going with Spectrum. If CenturyLink’s fiber internet is available, though, you’ll get more reliable speeds for a similar price as  Spectrum.

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum ratings

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 one to five, 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 vs. Spectrum Internet® plan breakdown

CenturyLink internet plans

*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. As of 12/13/24.

Spectrum Internet® plans

*Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. As of 12/13/24.


Spectrum vs. CenturyLink speeds

Spectrum’s cable internet network allows for greater speed tier consistency (500 and 1,000 Mbps) across most markets. CenturyLink uses a DSL network, which means speeds can vary by address, anywhere from 3 to 100 Mbps, but also offers two tiers of fiber, 500 and 940 Mbps.

Where CenturyLink Fiber is available, you will also find speeds up to 940 Mbps — and at a similar price to Spectrum’s cable Gig plan. CenturyLink Fiber availability is limited, however, so customers are more likely to have slower speed options with CenturyLink DSL service.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink pricing

At first glance, it might look like Spectrum and CenturyLink have fairly similar pricing. But factor in the second year increase, and CenturyLink may come out ahead. Spectrum’s plans all increase by varying amounts after the offer term of your service ends (12 – 36 mos.).

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum equipment, data caps and contracts

Always consider the added fees and fine print when choosing an internet provider. Equipment costs, data caps and contract requirements can have an impact on your service quality and how much you pay each month.

Best overall internet provider – Spectrum

Unless CenturyLink Fiber is available in your area, Spectrum will offer the fastest speeds, more speed options and the most value. Spectrum equipment fees are also lower, and all plans come with unlimited data and no contract obligations.

If CenturyLink Fiber is available at your address, it may be the better option as it offers many of the same perks as Spectrum — gig speeds, unlimited data and no contracts — at a lower price than most Spectrum plans. CenturyLink Fiber availability is much more limited than Spectrum, though, which is why we consider Spectrum the best overall provider.

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum cheapest internet plans

A basic internet plan from CenturyLink or Spectrum is the first-tier internet plan. You’ll pay about the same monthly rate with either provider but you’ll get more speed than many providers offer and therefore, more bang for your buck.

  • CenturyLink authorized retailer logo

    Allconnect Rating

    3.81 / 5

    CenturyLink Fiber 500 Mbps

    • Starting at $50.00/mo.* for up to 500 Mbps
    • No listed price increases
    • $15.00/mo.* equipment rental fee
    • Free self-installation
    • No contract required
  • Spectrum logo

    Allconnect Rating

    3.82 / 5

    Spectrum Internet®

    • Starting at $50.00/mo.* for up to 500 Mbps**
    • Modem rental included, $10/mo. Advanced WiFi fee with Spectrum Internet® Gig
    • Self-installation $30.00
    • No contract required

*Wireless speeds may vary. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 12/13/24.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

Spectrum’s cheapest plan comes with speeds up to 500 Mbps. And if you need more speed, you can upgrade to Spectrum Internet® Gig with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps for just $20/mo. more.

If it’s available in your area, CenturyLink’s cheapest plan comes with speeds up to 500 Mbps at $50/mo. and if you need more speed, there is a Fiber Gigabit Mbps plan available for $75/mo.

Best for cheap internet – CenturyLink

While Spectrum has more value initially, CenturyLink’s plans likely won’t increase as dramatically as Spectrum after the promotional pricing. Spectrum pricing increases after the offer term of your service expires (12 – 36 mos.).

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum fastest internet

You can get gig speeds from either provider, but the price point and availability will vary greatly. CenturyLink’s gig-speed internet will likely be available in more areas, despite CenturyLink’s smaller service area.

  • CenturyLink authorized retailer logo

    Allconnect Rating

    3.81 / 5

    CenturyLink Fiber

    • Up to 940 Mbps*
    • Starting at $75/mo.
    • Fiber optic connection
    • Unlimited data
  • Spectrum logo

    Allconnect Rating

    3.82 / 5

    Spectrum Internet® Gig

    • Up to 1,000 Mbps
    • Starting at $70.00/mo.**
    • Cable connection
    • Unlimited data

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 12/13/24.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

Both providers offer gig plans, but CenturyLink’s fiber optic connection will likely come with faster upload speeds and better speed reliability than Spectrum. 

CenturyLink’s plan is a bit more expensive, starting at $75.00/mo. compared to Spectrum’s price of $70.00/mo., but Spectrum’s prices will increase after one year.

Availability is where Spectrum’s gig service holds a major advantage over CenturyLink. The Spectrum Internet® Gig plan is available in nearly all Spectrum service areas, whereas CenturyLink Fiber is limited to select areas.

Best for gig internet – CenturyLink Fiber

Spectrum and CenturyLink Fiber are both capable of delivering gig download speeds, but CenturyLink Fiber can offer faster upload speeds and better speed reliability.

Availability is the only drawback to CenturyLink Fiber vs. Spectrum. You’re much more likely to live in an area serviceable for Spectrum Internet® Gig service than CenturyLink Fiber.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink bundles

Bundle deals can be a great way to simplify your monthly bill and get more than one service for a discounted price. However, the internet speed and TV plan you select can greatly affect monthly costs and potential savings.

  • CenturyLink Internet + DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT

    • Starting at $113.99/mo.*
    • Speeds up to 100 Mbps
    • Internet data cap 1 TB/mo.
    • 165+ channels
    • No internet contract required, two-year contract required for TV

    Bundled savings: $0/mo.*

  • Spectrum Internet® Premier + TV Select Signature

    • Starting at $125.00/mo.**
    • Download speeds up to 500 Mbps
    • Unlimited data
    • 150+ channels
    • No contract required

    Bundled savings: $20/mo.*

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 12/13/24.
**$20/mo. off reg. rate of $145/mo. Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Mobile devices excluded from offer. Standard rates apply after promo period or if qualifying services not maintained. Offer subject to qualifying services being ordered on the same day. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. SPECTRUM TV: TV equipment may be required, charges apply. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. XUMO STREAM BOX: Spectrum Internet required. Separate subscriptions are required to view content through various paid applications. Xumo Stream Box and all other Xumo product names, logos, slogans and marks are the trademarks of Xumo or its licensors. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. © 2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

CenturyLink does not sell its own TV services and instead partners with DISH and DIRECTV to offer internet and TV bundles. To build your bundle, you’ll choose your CenturyLink internet plan, then the DISH or DIRECTV plan you want. These bundles typically do not come with any additional benefits or savings.

As a cable provider, Spectrum makes internet and TV bundles readily available in all service areas. Pick any combination of Spectrum’s internet and TV plans to create your bundle. You can also save by bundling internet and TV.

Best for bundling – Spectrum

Unlike CenturyLink, Spectrum offers its own TV service and even offers bundling discounts when you pair a Spectrum Interet® and TV plan.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink TV

Spectrum offers cable TV service in most areas, while TV service from CenturyLink is much more limited.

Here’s how DISH and DIRECTV as part of a CenturyLink bundle and Spectrum cable TV services compare:

    • Spectrum TV® Stream, Select Signature, Select Plus and Mi Plan Latino plans are available
    • TV Stream starts at $45.00/mo.*
    • 85 – 170+ channels
    • DVR service starts at $10.00/mo. and $13.50/mo. for DVR/HD box rental
    • No contract required
    • Three DISH packages are available, four DIRECTV packages are available
    • DISH plans start at $91.99/mo.**, DIRECTV plans start at $69.99/mo.
    • 65 – 290+ channels
    • Standard installation included
    • Two-year contract required with DISH and DIRECTV

*Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. SPECTRUM TV STREAM/SPECTRUM TV STREAM LATINO: Price subject to change. Spectrum Internet required. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. Additional equipment may be required to access PEG channels. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. As of 12/13/24.
**Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address.

Choosing cable TV from Spectrum or satellite TV from DISH can give you a much different viewing experience. While DISH might offer more channels in its lowest plans, Spectrum offers a discount when you bundle internet and TV.

Best for TV – Spectrum

When comparing DISH to Spectrum, DISH and DIRECTV definitely take the cake, but we’re reviewing CenturyLink vs. Spectrum here, and CenturyLink simply does not have a TV service or bundling discounts like Spectrum.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink customer satisfaction

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) gives the top internet providers an annual customer satisfaction score based on feedback from real customers. Here’s how CenturyLink and Spectrum scored for internet services over the past two years.

CenturyLink Fiber scored higher than Spectrum in 2023 and 2024, but this is expected since fiber is a better service. Spectrum scored higher than CenturyLink’s non-fiber service. 

Best for customer service – CenturyLink Fiber

Neither provider has a stellar customer service track record, but CenturyLink Fiber scores higher than both Spectrum and its non-fiber service. If you’re comparing CenturyLink DSL and Spectrum, Spectrum has superior customer satisfaction scores.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink availability

As the second-largest cable internet provider in the country with 41 states nationwide, consumers are more likely to be in a Spectrum serviceable area. CenturyLink home services are available in 36 states, but it’s usually available in more rural areas.

Areas where CenturyLink and Spectrum availability overlap include eastern North Carolina, Alabama, central Texas, Ohio, northern Michigan, Wisconsin, western Oregon, central Washington and central Florida.

Though Spectrum is available in more states and to more people than CenturyLink, residents of rural areas are more likely to be eligible for CenturyLink service. CenturyLink has better coverage across the Midwest and Western states, but Spectrum services more major cities and the Eastern and Southeastern states.

Our final take on Spectrum vs. CenturyLink

If CenturyLink Fiber is available in your area, that’s likely to be the better internet option compared to Spectrum Internet®. CenturyLink Fiber offers gig speeds, faster upload speeds and better speed reliability than Spectrum’s Gig plan, and for a similar price.

However, Spectrum is available in far more places than CenturyLink Fiber. If given the option of Spectrum vs. CenturyLink DSL, we’d have to go with Spectrum. You’ll get faster speeds for the price, plus unlimited data and their equipment rental fee is half of what CenturyLink charges.

Since CenturyLink doesn’t have a TV service, comparing TV plans and bundles will vary depending on which TV service you choose. CenturyLink partners with DIRECTV and DISH, but you could technically choose any available TV service. This can make the bundling process a little complicated, so if you’re looking for a simple internet and TV bundle, consider Spectrum.

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Camryn Smith

Written by:

Camryn Smith

Camryn Smith started writing for Allconnect in July 2022 and has developed broadband expertise across the landscape, including home internet providers, plans, pricing and equipment, as well as internet technolog… Read more

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