Compare Spectrum vs. CenturyLink plans

Is CenturyLink or Spectrum better?

David Anders Last updated: June 10, 2021

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 the same speed for a lower price than 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.

How Allconnect reviews internet service providers

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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 940 Mbps is not available in all Spectrum-serviceable areas.

• Internet starting price: $49-$65/mo.*
• Download speeds: 10-940 Mbps
• Data cap: 1TB/mo. with most plans
• Internet and TV bundles starting at: $108.99/mo.*
• Contract: None required for internet and home phone

• Internet starting price: $49.99-$109.99/mo.*
• Download speeds: 200-940 Mbps
• Data cap: None
• Internet and TV bundles starting at: $89.98/mo.*
• Contract: None

*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 06/04/21.
**Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection.

Want to learn more about how CenturyLink and Spectrum compare? Click any of the links below to jump to more details about how their internet, TV and bundled services compare.

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum internet

CenturyLink internet plans

*Rate requires paperless billing. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Offer Details. Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection. As of 06/03/21.

Spectrum internet plans

*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 06/03/21.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink speeds

Spectrum’s cable internet network allows for greater speed tier consistency (200, 400 and 940 Mbps) across most markets. CenturyLink primarily uses a DSL network, which means speeds can vary by address, anywhere from 3 to 100 Mbps. 

Where CenturyLink Fiber is available, you will also find speeds up to 940 Mbps — and at a much lower price than Spectrum. 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 comes out way ahead. Spectrum’s plans all increase by $25/mo. in the second year, while CenturyLink’s Gig plan is the only one that goes up in year two.

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.

Equipment: Spectrum is $10/mo. cheaper

Spectrum includes a modem with all internet plans and the router rental fee is only $5/mo. CenturyLink’s rental fee is $15/mo., or you can choose to purchase your equipment outright for a one-time cost of around $200. 

You also have the option to use your own compatible equipment with either provider and avoid the monthly or one-time equipment costs. Keep in mind that while using your own equipment can save you money, it also typically limits any tech support from your provider if you have issues with your equipment or connection.

Data caps – Spectrum has unlimited data with all plans, CenturyLink does not.

All Spectrum internet plans come with unlimited data, so you can stream, game, surf, browse, etc. without having to worry about going over a data limit.

CenturyLink has a 1TB/mo. data cap on their DSL plans, but you won’t necessarily be penalized for occasionally going over. There is no added fee for going over your limit, but doing so consistently could be considered a violation of the terms of service.

Contracts: Neither require contracts, both offer unique perks.

Spectrum does not require a contract for any service, including internet. Additionally, Spectrum offers a contract buyout offer to help you out of your current contract with another provider. It’s good for up to $500, but the catch is you have to sign up for a qualifying Spectrum Double or Triple Play bundle. 

CenturyLink also does not require a contract with their internet and home phone services. If you bundle with TV, however, there may be contract requirements for TV service depending on which provider you choose.

CenturyLink plans up to 100 Mbps come with a Price for Life Guarantee, so your plan pricing will never go up for as long as you have the plan.

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 Price for Life 100

  • Starting at $49/mo.* for up to 100 Mbps
  • No price increases
  • $9.99/mo.* equipment rental fee
  • Free self-installation
  • No contract required
• Spectrum Internet

  • Starting at $49.99/mo.* for up to 200 Mbps
  • Price increases to $74.99/mo. after 12 mos.
  • Modem rental included, $5/mo.* router rental fee
  • Free self-installation
  • No contract required

*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 06/03/21.

Spectrum’s cheapest plan comes with speeds up to 200 Mbps. And if you need more speed, you can upgrade to Spectrum Internet Ultra with speeds up to 400 Mbps for just $20/mo. more.

CenturyLink’s cheapest plan comes with the fastest speeds available, up to 100 Mbps, but you could get slower speeds of 20, 40, 60 or 80 Mbps depending on your location. Additionally, you likely won’t have the option to upgrade to a faster speed. If CenturyLink’s fiber optic service is available in your area, you can get 100 Mbps for $49/mo.

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 Fiber

  • Up to 940 Mbps*
  • Starting at $65/mo.**
  • Fiber optic connection
  • Unlimited data
• Spectrum Internet Gig

  • Up to 940 Mbps
  • Starting at $109.99/mo.**
  • Cable connection
  • Unlimited data

*Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection.
**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 06/04/21.

Both providers offer gig plans with max download speeds of 940 Mbps, but CenturyLink’s fiber optic connection is likely to come with faster upload speeds and better speed reliability than Spectrum. 

CenturyLink’s plan is also considerably less expensive, starting at just $65/mo. compared to Spectrum’s price of $109.99/mo. Spectrum’s price also increases to $134.99/mo. in year two.

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.

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.
  • 160+ channels
  • No internet contract required, two-year contract required for TV
    
    Bundled savings: $0/mo.*

• Spectrum Double Play Select

  • Starting at $89.98/mo.*
  • Download speeds up to 200 Mbps
  • Unlimited data
  • 125+ channels
  • No contract required
    
    Bundled savings: $5/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 06/04/21.

CenturyLink no longer sells their own TV services and instead partners with DIRECTV to offer internet and TV bundles. To build your bundle, you’ll choose your CenturyLink internet plan, then the 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 three internet and TV plans to create your bundle. Bundle savings are available with most plans, but only to the tune of $5-$10 off per month.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink TV

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

CenturyLink’s legacy TV service, Prism TV, was an IPTV service similar to AT&T U-verse TV. Similar to AT&T U-verse, Prism TV has been discontinued for new customers. You can choose from satellite TV providers like DISH and DIRECTV, or live TV streaming services like AT&T TV and YouTube TV. Unfortunately, you won’t get any discount when going through CenturyLink.

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

• • Three channel packages available
  • Plans starting at $44.99/mo.*
  • 125-200+ channels
  • DVR service starting at $12.99/mo.* and $6.99/mo.* for DVR/HD box rental
  • Record up to two shows at once
  • No contract required
• • Four channel packages available
  • Plans starting at $64.99/mo.*
  • 160-330+ channels
  • Record up to five shows at once
  • Standard installation included
  • Two-year contract required

*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 06/04/21.

Choosing cable TV from Spectrum or satellite TV from DIRECTV can give you a much different viewing experience. While DIRECTV might offer more channels in its lowest plans, it costs more than Spectrum, and prices go up in the second year of the contract. Additionally, you’ll be locked into a two-year agreement with DIRECTV whereas Spectrum does not require a contract at all.

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 three years.

Provider	2020 score	2019 score	2018 score	Avg. past three years
	63	59	58	60.0
	63	59	60	60.7

Both companies have improved considerably in the past year, and while 63/100 might not seem like a sterling grade, it’s actually pretty solid for internet service providers. In 2020, four companies ranked ahead of Spectrum and CenturyLink and five companies fell below them.

Frequent complaints for Spectrum center around long wait times, poor customer service and unexpected price increases. In fact, Spectrum even had to pay a $172 million settlement in 2018 for repeatedly defrauding customers. Since then, however, it has improved its scores with most customers.

CenturyLink customers are more likely to have issues with missed appointments, service outages and website problems. It scored significantly worse than Spectrum with Consumer Reports readers, earning just a 62/100 overall and a “poor” grade for technical support.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink availability

As the second-largest cable internet provider in the country with 46 states nationwide, consumers are more likely to be in a Spectrum serviceable area. CenturyLink home services are available in 35 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.