
Compare Xfinity vs. CenturyLink
By Camryn Smith Last updated: June 20, 2025
Our experts compare Xfinity and CenturyLink internet and TV services to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink overview
Plans starting at
$19
99/mo*
For 12 mo.
For 12 mo.
Speeds up to
3,000
Mbps
*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.
*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.
Plans starting at
$55
00/mo*
For 12 mo.
For 12 mo.
Speeds up to
940
Mbps
*Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply.
*Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply.
Key takeaways
- Xfinity offers more speed options than CenturyLink, up to 6,000 Mbps in some areas
- CenturyLink has no contracts, but Xfinity requires 12- or 24-month contracts
- Xfinity has its own TV options, while CenturyLink can bundle with DIRECTV or DISH TV services
Is Xfinity or CenturyLink better?
Is CenturyLink better than Xfinity? The answer is a pretty easy one for most people. If CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber’s fiber internet service is available at your address, you should get it. But if all you can get is DSL from CenturyLink, Xfinity is a better choice. The cable internet that Xfinity uses is a much faster and more reliable option than DSL, but it’s not quite as strong as fiber.
Quick comparison
- Fastest speeds: In most areas, Xfinity has much better speeds than CenturyLink. Both providers both offer gig speeds, but Xfinity also offers multi-gig speeds in select locations. In many places, all CenturyLink offers is slower DSL service
- Most affordable: CenturyLink’s internet plans could increase in price after one year, but you’ll pay a flat $55.00/mo. for all of its DSL plans up to 100 Mbps. In most areas, Xfinity internet prices increase significantly after 12 – 24 months, but there are a variety of cheap plan options available
- Contracts and hidden fees: CenturyLink has no contracts, but Xfinity has 12- to 24-month agreements based on your service region. Xfinity also includes a gateway device for the first year or two of service, then you’ll have to pay a $15.00/mo. equipment fee
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink ratings
Filter your results:
Category | Xfinity | CenturyLink DSL | CenturyLink Fiber |
---|---|---|---|
Affordability | 3.71 / 5 | 3.54 / 5 | 3.45 / 5 |
Performance | 4.17 / 5 | 2.85 / 5 | 4.01 / 5 |
Value | 4.20 / 5 | 2.25 / 5 | 4.05 / 5 |
Customer satisfaction | 3.45 / 5 | 2.73 / 5 | 3.19 / 5 |
Overall score | 3.93 / 5 | 2.97 / 5 | 3.72 / 5 |
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.
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 290 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 500 Mbps plan got a 3.71.
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.
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink internet
Xfinity and CenturyLink both offer a range of internet plans, and prices and speeds might vary by location. In general, this is what you can expect from each provider.

Allconnect Rating
3.93 / 5
Xfinity internet plans
Xfinity has three service regions, the Northeast, West and Central divisions. Pricing and speed vary by region, but we’ve included Xfinity’s Western region plans below.
Filter your results:
Plan | Allconnect score | Starting price | Download speeds | Upload speeds |
---|---|---|---|---|
Connect | 3.58 / 5 | $19.99/mo.* | 150 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Connect More | 3.69 / 5 | $25.00/mo.* | 400 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Fast | 3.84 / 5 | $60.00/mo. | 600 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Superfast | 4.01 / 5 | $65.00/mo. | 800 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Ultrafast | 3.93 / 5 | $75.00/mo. | 900 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
Gigabit | 3.95 / 5 | $80.00/mo. | 1,100 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Gigabit Pro | 3.89 / 5 | $299.95/mo. | 3,000 Mbps | 3,000 Mbps |
*Rate requires paperless billing. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection. Updated as of 06/04/25.

Allconnect Rating
3.72 / 5
CenturyLink internet plans
CenturyLink offers a DSL plan and two fiber plans with speeds from 500 – 940 Mbps. Quantum Fiber is CenturyLink’s fiber-only service. Quantum Fiber offers fiber internet starting at $45.00/mo. with speeds from 200 – 8,000 Mbps.
Filter your results:
CenturyLink internet plans | Price | Max download speeds | Allconnect score |
---|---|---|---|
Simply Unlimited | $55/mo.* | Up to 100 Mbps* | 2.97 / 5 |
Fiber 500 | $50/mo.** | Up to 500 Mbps** | 4.15 / 5 |
Fiber Gigabit | $75/mo.** | Up to 940 Mbps** | 4.03 / 5 |
**Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line.
**Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line. Updated as of 06/04/25.
Which internet plan should you choose?
Best overall internet plans: Xfinity
For most people, Xfinity internet hits the sweet spot between best speeds at the most affordable prices. It’s widely available and offers more plans than CenturyLink, so no matter what you’re looking for, Xfinity has a plan for you.
Cheapest internet plan: CenturyLink Fiber 500
Xfinity offers some of the cheapest starting prices available, with some plans starting at less than $20.00/mo. in certain service regions. CenturyLink’s cheapest plan is $50.00/mo.*
Fastest internet plans: Xfinity
Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro plan ranges from 3,000 – 6,000 Mbps depending on your service region. These speeds are probably more than the average household needs. If you’re looking for the fastest speeds out of these two providers, Xfinity is your winner unless you’re also looking at Quantum Fiber plans.
*Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line. Updated as of 06/04/25.
Equipment, installation, contracts and data caps
The sticker price isn’t the only thing you should pay attention to when comparing internet providers — there are often a number of extra fees that get added to your bill. Here’s how CenturyLink and Xfinity compare when it comes to some of the extras:
- Equipment: CenturyLink charges $15.00/mo. for equipment rental, but it’s free on the Fiber Gigabit plan. Xfinity also charges $15.00/mo. but it doesn’t include it for free on any plans. For both providers, you also have the option of purchasing your own modem and router
- Installation: Xfinity doesn’t have any installation fees. For CenturyLink, you may have to pay a one-time installation fee of either $129 or $149 based on the internet technology at the address
- Contracts: CenturyLink doesn’t have contracts, but Xfinity has 12- or 24-month contracts depending on your region. You can cancel service any time with CenturyLink without getting hit with an early termination fee (ETF), but the ETF is $10 per remaining month on an Xfinity internet contract
- Data caps: CenturyLink has unlimited data, while Xfinity’s are 1.23 TB (1,229 GB). Most won’t come close to that, but if you live in a bigger household with heavy gamers or streamers, it’s worth considering. Xfinity will give you one freebie month per year to go over, but after that, it’ll cost $10 for every 50 GB you exceed the cap
CenturyLink vs. Xfinity internet and TV bundles
Xfinity offers savings for bundling internet with TV, while CenturyLink does not. If you’re looking for TV service with CenturyLink, you can get satellite through DIRECTV and DISH or streaming through DIRECTV, but they aren’t discounted. Overall, Xfinity gives customers more ability to mix and match internet speed options with TV channel plans than CenturyLink does.
Xfinity TV
- TV plans starting at $20.00/mo.
- Three to five package options depending on location
- 10 – 185+ channels available
- Record up to six shows at once
- HD DVR device included, starting at $8.50/mo.* for each additional
- No contract required for standalone TV
DISH (through CenturyLink)
- Four channel package options available
- Packages starting at $91.99/mo.*
- 190 – 290+ channels
- DVR device $10.00/mo., $15.00/mo.* for each additional receiver
- Over 80,000 on-demand titles
*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. Updated as of 06/04/25.
Who is better for customer satisfaction? Xfinity vs. CenturyLink
Customers tend to be more satisfied with their service from CenturyLink than Xfinity. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores internet providers based on feedback from customers and gives them an annual customer satisfaction score.
Filter your results:
Provider | 2025 | 2024 |
---|---|---|
![]() | 69/100 | 67/100 |
![]() | 71/100 | 76/00 |
In our 2024 customer satisfaction survey, Xfinity scored highest in the speed and reliability categories. Read more Xfinity customer reviews.
Xfinity Customer Reviews:
CenturyLink customers rated the provider lower in the speed category but scored the provider the same for reliability, price and customer service. Read more CenturyLink customer reviews.
CenturyLink Customer Reviews:
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink FAQs
Does Comcast own CenturyLink?
No. Comcast owns the Xfinity brand, but is separate from CenturyLink.
Does a CenturyLink modem work with Xfinity internet?
No. CenturyLink internet uses either a DSL or fiber optic network, whereas Xfinity uses a cable network. The equipment required for each network type will vary.
How fast should my CenturyLink internet be?
Ideally, your CenturyLink internet speeds should be 80% or higher of your plan’s advertised speeds. If you are consistently getting slower speeds, check out these ways to boost your Wi-Fi speeds.
How fast should my Xfinity internet be?
Your Xfinity internet may be slower than advertised on their website, but this is normal since advertised speeds are based on a wired connection. Take our Xfinity speed test to compare your actual internet speeds to the advertised speeds of your plan.
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Written by
Camryn Smith
As one of Allconnect’s writers, Camryn Smith helps consumers navigate complex home internet services and broadband technology through her helpful content. Using her expertise in the broadband space, Camryn educates readers on home internet providers, plans, pricing, industry trends and technology … View profile

Edited by
Anine Sus
Editor I
Anine Sus is an editor and publisher with Allconnect. With eight years of experience editing and wri… View profile
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Simply Unlimited DSL: The CTL Fee is the Facility Relocation Cost Recovery Fee. This is neither a tax nor required by law but set by CenturyLink and may change. For information about taxes and fees, visit centurylink.com/feesandtaxes.
Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the Internet wirelessly from various devices. Download speeds are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access through a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.
Service is not available everywhere. Offer is available to qualifying customers only. Limited time offer. Monthly service rate, leased equipment rates, installation and constructions fees, taxes, and fees are subject to change and, if any changes are made to existing CenturyLink accounts in any manner, all prior discounts will be void. Equipment: Customers may provide their own compatible equipment, lease from CenturyLink (up to $17/mo.), or one-time purchase (up to $200 + tax). Installation: A one-time installation fee may apply depending on network technology at customer location: Standard installation fee up to $25 (technician completes work outside of location and customer installs equipment /connects devices inside) or technician installation fee up to $149 (technician completes work outside of location and installs equipment /connects devices inside). Construction: For new Internet installations, construction charges apply (“Construction Charges”). Customers will pay $500 unless the total cost equals or exceeds $1,000, and in that case, Customer will be responsible to pay the entire amount of Construction Charges, which usually does not exceed $2,000. Customers must approve Construction Charges before work begins; either party may cancel with no further obligations. Billing: Month to month (referred to as “no contract”) service means no term commitment and may be cancelled at any time without an early termination fee but customer must accept Internet Subscriber Agreement prior to using service (see centurylink.com/eula). To receive advertised rate, customer must enroll in paperless billing and agree to not receive a paper invoice from CenturyLink. If paperless billing is cancelled or not activated in a timely manner, the then-current standard monthly rate will apply. Customer may access their monthly invoice in My CenturyLink online account. Customers who elect to receive a paper bill will be charged $2 for each applicable monthly bill. Postpay: A credit check or deposit may apply. Prepay: Service will begin on the date your order is completed and full payment is processed through your choice of bank account (via ACH payment), debit card, credit card, or other prepay service available with your subscription. Each month following, a recurring e-commerce transaction for your service will be processed as service automatically renews monthly until cancelled by customer. See centurylink.com/feesandtaxes for applicable taxes and fees. Additional restrictions apply.
500 Mbps Fiber: The CTL Fee is the Facility Relocation Cost Recovery Fee. This is neither a tax nor required by law but set by CenturyLink and may change. For information about taxes and fees, visit centurylink.com/feesandtaxes.
Although our fiber service usually means 100% fiber-optic network to your location, in limited circumstances CenturyLink may need to deploy alternative technologies coupled with a non-fiber connection from a certain point (usually the curb) to your location in order to provide the advertised download speeds.
Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the Internet wirelessly from various devices. Download/upload speeds are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access through a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.
Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Offer available to qualifying customers only. Limited time offers. Monthly service rate, leased equipment rates, installation and construction fees, taxes and fees are subject to change and, if any changes are made to existing CenturyLink accounts in any manner, all prior discounts will be void. WiFi Equipment: CenturyLink-provided leased WiFi equipment is included in the service and must be returned upon termination of service. Installation: Offer includes technician installation at customer’s eligible location. Construction: For certain, new Internet installations, construction charges may apply (“Construction Charges”). CenturyLink will absorb the first $1,500 of the Construction Charges; customer will be responsible for Construction Charges to the extent they exceed $1,500, usually no more than an additional $2,000. Customers must approve Construction Charges before work begins; either party may cancel with no further obligations. Billing: Month to month (referred to as “no contract”) service means no term commitment and may be cancelled at any time without an early termination fee but customer must accept Internet Subscriber Agreement prior to using service (see centurylink.com/eula). To receive advertised rate, customer must enroll in paperless billing and agree to not receive a paper invoice from CenturyLink. If paperless billing is cancelled or not activated in a timely manner, the then-current standard monthly rate will apply. Customer may access their monthly invoice in My CenturyLink online account. Customers who elect to receive a paper bill will be charged $2 for each applicable monthly bill. Postpay: A credit check or deposit may apply. Prepay: Service will begin on the date your order is completed and full payment is processed through your choice of bank account (via ACH payment), debit card, credit card, or other prepay service available with your subscription. Each month following, a recurring e-commerce transaction for your service will be processed as service automatically renews monthly until cancelled by customer. See centurylink.com/feesandtaxes for applicable taxes and fees. Additional restrictions apply.
Gigabit Fiber: The CTL Fee is the Facility Relocation Cost Recovery Fee. This is neither a tax nor required by law but set by CenturyLink and may change. For information about taxes and fees, visit centurylink.com/feesandtaxes.
Although our fiber service usually means 100% fiber-optic network to your location, in limited circumstances CenturyLink may need to deploy alternative technologies coupled with a non-fiber connection from a certain point (usually the curb) to your location in order to provide the advertised download speeds.
Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the Internet wirelessly from various devices. Download/upload speeds are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access through a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.
Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Offer available to qualifying customers only. Limited time offer. Monthly service rates, leased equipment rates, installation and construction fees, taxes and fees are subject to change and, if any changes are made to existing CenturyLink accounts in any manner, all prior discounts will be void. WiFi Equipment: CenturyLink-provided leased WiFi equipment is included in the service and must be returned upon termination of service. Installation: Offer includes technician installation at customer’s eligible location. Construction: For certain, new Internet installations, construction charges may apply (“Construction Charges”). CenturyLink will absorb the first $1,500 of the Construction Charges; customer will be responsible for Construction Charges to the extent they exceed $1,500, usually no more than an additional $2,000. Customers must approve Construction Charges before work begins; either party may cancel with no further obligations. Billing: Month to month (referred to as “no contract”) service means no term commitment and may be cancelled at any time without an early termination fee but customer must accept Internet Subscriber Agreement prior to using service (see centurylink.com/eula). To receive advertised rate, customer must enroll in paperless billing and agree to not receive a paper invoice from CenturyLink. If paperless billing is cancelled or not activated in a timely manner, the then-current standard monthly rate will apply. Customer may access their monthly invoice in My CenturyLink online account. Customers who elect to receive a paper bill will be charged $2 for each applicable monthly bill. Postpay: A credit check or deposit may apply. Prepay: Service will begin on the date your order is completed and full payment is processed through your choice of bank account (via ACH payment), debit card, credit card, or other prepay service available with your subscription. Each month following, a recurring e-commerce transaction for your service will be processed as service automatically renews monthly until cancelled by customer. See centurylink.com/feesandtaxes for applicable taxes and fees. See centurylink.com/feesandtaxes for applicable taxes and fees. Additional restrictions apply.