CenturyLink vs. Spectrum: Which Internet Service Provider is Better for You?
CenturyLink and Spectrum are among the largest Internet providers due to their connection types, and their networks overlap significantly, so chances are you’ll have to choose between CenturyLink’s expansive DSL network or Spectrum’s cable Internet. Which internet provider is the better option?
CenturyLink and Spectrum are fairly straightforward when it comes to pricing and terms of service, but CenturyLink’s speeds can vary widely by location, while Spectrum’s remain consistent across all service areas. If you’re unsure between Spectrum and CenturyLink, we recommend Spectrum.
Our opinion – DSL often goes a step further than satellite services when it comes to internet in rural areas, but that’s largely where its appeal ends. CenturyLink, one of the best DSL providers, offers download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and higher in certain areas. While impressive for DSL services, that’s still slower than what you’ll find with cable ISPs like Spectrum.
Our opinion – Spectrum keeps it simple with two subscription options, transparent pricing, unlimited data and no contracts. Cable internet is not entirely without faults. Upload speeds are generally slower than a fiber connection – Spectrum’s top speed is 35 Mbps – and a cable network is more susceptible to slower speeds due to network congestion, especially during peak hours. Spectrum’s cable connection isn’t as good as fiber optic, but it’s still a lot better than DSL.
CenturyLink vs Spectrum: Where are they available?
FCC Broadband Map shows CenturyLink’s (pink) and Spectrum’s (purple) coverage overlapping across multiple states.
CenturyLink and Spectrum’s vast coverage overlaps in many areas. Those in Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon or Washington are most likely usable by CenturyLink and Spectrum.
Before 2022, CenturyLink and Spectrum shared more coverage areas, especially in the South and on the East Coast. But CenturyLink’s parent company, Lumen Technologies, sold much of its networks in these regions to Brightspeed.
Compare CenturyLink and Spectrum internet plans
If there’s a common knock against both providers, it’s that neither offers a particularly wide range of plans. CenturyLink DSL customers essentially have one option, $55 per month for the fastest speeds available. Spectrum offers two plans, and both are significantly better options than CenturyLink.
CenturyLink Internet Plan Details
| Plan | From monthly price | Maximum speeds | Equipment rental | Data limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Read the full review | $55 | 140 Mbps down, 12 Mbps up | $15 (optional) | No |
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Spectrum internet plan details
| Plan | From monthly price | Standard price (after 12 months) | Maximum speeds | Equipment rental | Data limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet Premier Read the full review | $50 | $80 | 500 Mbps down, 20 up | $10 (optional) | No |
| Internet performance | $70 | $100 | 1,000 Mbps down, 35 Mbps up | No | No |
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With CenturyLink, you’ll receive the fastest speeds available at your address. The maximum speed is around 140 Mbps, but you’re much more likely to get speeds in the 20 Mbps to 100 Mbps range. That’s not bad, especially for rural areas where satellite internet is the only other option, but if Spectrum is also available, it’s the better choice.
Spectrum vs. CenturyLink: Fees, Contracts, and the Fine Print
What else should you expect to pay for CenturyLink or Spectrum’s service? Actually not much. Both providers are quite reasonable when it comes to extra costs, contracts and data limits.
CenturyLink’s equipment rental fee is a little higher than most at $15, but again, it can be skipped if you use your own equipment. Spectrum includes your modem, but not a router, which is what you need for Wi-Fi. If you rent a router, it will only cost you $10 extra per month with the 500 Mbps plan, but rental is included for free with the gig service.
Neither provider requires a contract, so you don’t have to worry about any early termination obligations or fees. Spectrum also has a contract buyout offer, up to $500 in termination fees with another provider, but you may have to sign up for an internet and TV bundle to qualify for the deal.
You also don’t have to worry about data limits. Both providers are completely unlimited, meaning there is no hard or soft data limit and no fees or speed throttling if you go over a certain limit.
I would like to note that Spectrum is notorious for price increases, while CenturyLink is not. Spectrum typically increases prices by $30 after the first year of service, if you do bundle your internet with cable TVyou can secure a three-year price lock.
Spectrum has an edge over CenturyLink in customer satisfaction
Customer satisfaction numbers aren’t usually pretty when it comes to internet services, but there’s nothing particularly alarming about the way either provider is doing. The US Customer Satisfaction Index gave Spectrum a score of 68 out of 100 in 2024, comparable to the industry average of 68 and a jump of four points year-over-year. CenturyLink fell short, maintaining a score of 62 for the past two years.
However, according to J.D. Power’s latest Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey for 2024, CenturyLink ranks higher than Spectrum in the North Central region with a score of 528 to Spectrum’s 512. That puts CenturyLink above the industry average for the North Central region. Still, Spectrum surpassed CenturyLink in the West, East and South regions, putting it ahead of CenturyLink in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction report.
Summary of CenturyLink vs. Spectrum
If your address only qualifies for CenturyLink and Spectrum is your alternative, I recommend going with Spectrum. With Spectrum you get more speed for your money, not to mention cheaper equipment rental. Ultimately, neither provider requires a contract or other restrictive terms of service, so if you’re unsure, feel free to try them risk-free.
Is Spectrum better than CenturyLink?
CenturyLink and Spectrum offer competitive pricing, decent speeds, and clear terms of service. However, as a DSL Internet provider, CenturyLink is limited by network congestion and slower speeds. Spectrum promises speeds of up to 500 and 1,000 Mbps – far above the average speeds offered by CenturyLink. If you’re choosing between Spectrum and CenturyLink, we recommend going with Spectrum. However, if you know you’ll get decent speeds from CenturyLink (about 100 Mbps) and don’t need higher speeds, you’ll find a cheaper rate with CenturyLink.
Does CenturyLink or Spectrum offer fiber optic internet?
Technically no. CenturyLink offers full DSL internet services, but is owned by the same parent company (Lumen Technologies) as fiber internet provider Quantum Fiber. Quantum Fiber is typically available in major cities and offers speeds ranging from 200 Mbps (symmetrical download and upload speeds) to 8,000 Mbps.
Spectrum primarily offers cable internet services on what it calls a “fiber-rich network,” or a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable connection. However, about 1% of Spectrum customers may be eligible for fiber, although fiber is typically limited to business customers or apartment complexes.
Should I switch from CenturyLink to Spectrum?
If you experience slow speeds and constant interruptions, you should upgrade to a faster internet service like Spectrum. Spectrum surpasses CenturyLink by offering speed tiers of 500 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps, which is plenty of speed for the average household. For context, CenturyLink’s DSL internet tops out at 100-140 Mbps.
