Compare Xfinity vs. CenturyLink

Xfinity vs. CenturyLink internet and TV bundles

Xfinity offers cable internet, TV and digital phone while CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber-optic internet, and home phone services. If you’re looking for TV service with CenturyLink, you can get satellite through DIRECTV and DISH Network, but they aren’t discounted.

Xfinity gives customers more ability to mix and match internet speed options with TV channel plans than CenturyLink does. However, CenturyLink internet gives customers the opportunity to get a fixed internet rate for life and to choose from a number of satellite and live TV streaming options.

*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 06/11/20.

Xfinity offers customers savings for bundling internet with TV while CenturyLink does not. Since most Xfinity standalone plans already start at lower prices than comparable CenturyLink plans, additional bundle savings are the cherry on top with Xfinity’s bundle offers.

What shoppers should consider in different regions

Xfinity pricing and package options vary across the country. For instance, different internet speeds are available for Xfinity bundles in different regions. When you combine varying speed availability with regional pricing differences, potential “bundle savings” can fluctuate across the U.S.

In contrast, CenturyLink offers more consistent pricing and package options. Internet speed availability changes by area with plans sometimes starting at 3 Mbps, but CenturyLink internet price tiers stay pretty consistent. The exception is CenturyLink fiber internet service, which has slightly higher starting prices.

Xfinity vs. CenturyLink internet

Providers	Starting monthly price*	Starting speeds	Fastest speeds	Data caps	Wi-Fi hotspots
Xfinity	$30*	25 Mbps	2,000 Mbps	Varies, unlimited option available	More than 18 million nationwide with Xfinity mobile
CenturyLink	$49**	3 Mbps	940 Mbps**	1 TB	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 06/11/20.

**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.

Xfinity offers similar starting internet speeds to CenturyLink internet in certain localities, but often costs less. Xfinity also offers plans that reach faster top speeds. While Xfinity offers lower starting internet prices, CenturyLink offers better value pricing for gig internet. Another major difference between the two internet providers is CenturyLink’s lack of Wi-Fi hotspots.

That said, Xfinity’s prices and speeds vary greatly depending on where you live, while CenturyLink gives you the fastest speed available (up to 100 Mbps) for the same $49/mo. price. When CenturyLink’s speeds only go up to 3 Mbps, that probably doesn’t seem like a great deal. But if you can get 100 Mbps for just $49/mo. through CenturyLink in your area, it may be a better option than Xfinity’s internet plans.

No matter where you live, Xfinity will likely give you a lot more options. It has seven internet plans overall, and while they’re not all available in every location, you’ll still be able to tailor your plan more. With CenturyLink, you’re usually stuck with whatever’s available. But with no contracts and Price for Life guarantee, that still might be a better option for some people.

Xfinity vs. CenturyLink fastest internet plans

Xfinity currently offers the fastest internet speeds available in residential markets — the Gigabit Pro Internet plan has speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. However, Xfinity’s price for speeds up to 2,000 Mbps costs nearly $300/mo.* Xfinity also offers internet plans with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps for prices as low as $85/mo.* where available.

Is CenturyLink internet fast?

While Xfinity offers the fastest residential internet available, CenturyLink has internet plans with speeds up to 940 Mbps for just $65/mo. Using a fiber internet connection, CenturyLink offers gig speed internet in select U.S. cities, including Denver, Portland, Seattle and other major metro areas.

*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 06/11/20.

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

Xfinity vs. CenturyLink TV

Xfinity TV plans start at a lower monthly price than plans you can get through CenturyLink, which include DIRECTV. As channel counts rise, though, DIRECTV plans become a better value. Plus, DIRECTV offers more package selection and add-on options for sports and international channels than Xfinity.

Xfinity vs. CenturyLink/DIRECTV TV packages and pricing

*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 06/11/20.