CenturyLink vs Xfinity – Which One Is?

Setting up a new internet service is the first step to moving into a new house. Numerous options can sometimes confuse you, but with proper research, you can find the ideal home internet option. Unfortunately, you have to puzzle through incomplete or incorrect data to find out what is available at your new address.

With considerable coverage across the country, CenturyLink and Xfinity are among the top 5 largest internet service providers in terms of availability. It is crucial to comprehend what each provider offers and how they differ if you’re trying to decide between the two. This CenturyLink vs. Xfinity comparison will give you all the specifics of each service, including internet plans, price structure, internet speeds, packages, and customer satisfaction rankings.

CenturyLink

Based in Monroe, Louisiana, CenturyLink, which has now rebranded to Lumen Technologies, continues to be a technological and communications pioneer. This company, with roots tracing back to 1930, provides an exceptional range of services to its residential and business customers. Top-tier internet access, cutting-edge security solutions, and cloud-based innovations are among those services.

While the company’s name has changed to Lumen Technologies, it still retains the familiar CenturyLink name for a specific broadband service. CenturyLink’s trusted brand name keeps the DSL internet market alive in rural areas. On the other hand, Lumen markets fiber-optic internet services as Quantum Fiber.

CenturyLink maintains its position as one of the leading internet service providers in the country. In fact, U.S. News has given CenturyLink the title of ‘Best DSL Internet Provider of the Year.’ The provider’s DSL network is available in 16 states and plays a critical role in keeping millions of people in rural and suburban areas connected with reliable internet service.

Pros

• Affordable bundles
• No data caps
• No contracts

Cons

• Slow DSL plans
• Poor customer service

Xfinity

Comcast Cable Communications is a Philadelphia-based telecommunication company and a division of Comcast Corporation to market business and residential broadband services. The company promotes its residential internet, TV, and home phone services under the 2010-launched brand Xfinity. It has since grown to be the biggest cable internet provider in the nation.

Currently, Xfinity operates in 36 states and mainly provides broadband access via its cable network. It also has a fiber footprint, but only a few Xfinity customers to access high-speed internet plans. In addition to home internet, Xfinity also provides mobile services and home security as add-ons.

Pros

• Wide range of plans
• Higher speeds
• Available in more states

Cons

• Minimal fiber availability
• Annual contracts
• Data caps on some plans
• Varying prices depending on the location

Internet Service Comparison – CenturyLink vs Xfinity

Features	CenturyLink	Xfinity
Internet Plans	1	6 to 7
Price Range	$55.00/mo.	$20.00/month – $300.00/month
Speed Range	Up to 100 Mbps	75 Mbps – 10,000 Mbps
Internet Type	DSL, Fiber	Cable, Fiber
Availability	16 states	36 states
Data Caps	None	Some plans have them
Bundle Deals	Yes	Yes
Contracts	None	Some plans require them
Equipment Fee	Yes	Yes
Installation Fee	Yes	Yes
Contact Provider	Call 877-395-5851 Now!	Call 877-395-5851 Now!

Xfinity and CenturyLink are direct competitors as their coverage areas overlap in many states. These two are among the top five largest internet providers in the country. However, they employ different methods to deliver broadband access to their customers. They also differ in the number of plans and pricing structure as CenturyLink keeps things simple, but Xfinity bombards you with more options.

The differences don’t end there. So, what else distinguishes them from one another? Read on to find how CenturyLink vs. Xfinity compare when it comes to internet plans, speeds, bundles, coverage areas, and—most importantly—customer service.

Internet Plans

CenturyLink and Xfinity’s pricing structure depends on the internet speed. While CenturyLink starts out more expensive, its price is not promotional like Xfinity. Let’s talk about the differences in detail.

CenturyLink

CenturyLink does not overwhelm you with an array of internet plans. Instead, it gives you two fiber internet plans and DSL internet with varying speeds at one price under the Simply Unlimited Internet plan. This service, however, is distance sensitive, and you receive a slower speed option the farther your home is from the infrastructure connecting you. Most CenturyLink customers get DSL internet in their areas, but you are lucky if you reside in its fiber footprint.

With an average cost of 7 cents per Mbps, its fiber gigabit plan is more affordable than the cable gigabit offerings from Xfinity. CenturyLink fiber internet service adds value to your home connection with symmetrical speeds and uninterrupted service.

The most notable detail about CenturyLink is that it does not offer promotional prices, meaning it does not tempt you with one-year discounts. The straightforward approach with the internet plans also includes unlimited data and no contracts. 

CenturyLink Internet Plans
Plans	Monthly Price	Internet Speed	Data Caps	Contact CenturyLink
Simply Unlimited Internet	$55.00	Up to 100 Mbps	None	Call Now

Xfinity

Contrarily, Xfinity offers a variety of options, but they vary depending on which of the three regions you live in—the Northeast, Central, or West. While the speed tiers remain the same, the prices and even the names differ depending on where you are.

Xfinity explains that as a regional internet service provider, its services are priced according to various local markets, which explains the pricing variance. But despite the location, its cable internet prices in all regions range from $20 to $300. But what makes it different from CenturyLink?

Xfinity advertises promotional discounts to attract customers, after which it hikes the prices to the standard rates. And although it has recently removed data caps from most plans, the first two internet plans in the Central and Western regions still retain data limitations of 1.2 TB. Furthermore, Xfinity also imposes annual contracts on some packages, unlike CenturyLink.

The actual comparison lies in the fiber internet service. Xfinity only offers one fiber internet plan with 6000 Mbps speed at an outrageous monthly subscription of $300. However, it is not accessible at most addresses since the provider’s fiber network makes up only 4% of its overall network. Here is a rundown of all Xfinity internet plans.

Northeast Region

Xfinity Internet Plans in the Northeast
Plans	Starting Price	Internet Speed	Data Caps
Connect More	$25.00/mo.**	200 Mbps	None
Fast	$35.00/mo.	400 Mbps	None
Superfast	$50.00/mo.	800 Mbps	None
Gigabit	$60.00/mo.	1000 Mbps	None
Gigabit Extra	$70.00/mo.	1200 Mbps	None
Gigabit X2	$100.00/mo.	2000 Mbps	None

Central Region

Xfinity Internet Plans in Central Region
Plans	Starting Price	Internet Speed	Data Caps
Connect	$19.99/mo.	75 Mbps	1.2 TB
Connect More	$30.00/mo.	200 Mbps	1.2 TB
Fast	$50.00/mo.	400 Mbps	None
Superfast	$60.00/mo.	800 Mbps	None
Gigabit	$60.00/mo.	1000 Mbps	None
Gigabit Extra	$70.00/mo.	1200 Mbps	None
Gigabit Pro	$300.00/mo.	10,000 Mbps	None

West Region

Xfinity Internet Plans in West Region
Plans	Starting Price	Internet Speed	Data Caps
Connect	$19.99/mo.	75 Mbps	1.2 TB
Connect More	$35.00/mo.	200 Mbps	1.2 TB
Fast	$55.00/mo.	400 Mbps	1.2 TB
Superfast	$65.00/mo.	800 Mbps	1.2 TB
Gigabit	$75.00/mo.	1000 Mbps	1.2 TB
Gigabit Extra	$85.00/mo.	1200 Mbps	1.2 TB
Gigabit X2	$120.00/mo.	2000 Mbps	1.2 TB
Gigabit Pro	$300.00/mo.	10,000 Mbps	None

Internet Speed

While wired internet options are generally better than wireless connections, they all have different ranges of speeds. Since Xfinity has an advanced hybrid fiber-coaxial network, it holds an advantage over CenturyLink, delivering download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps. Additionally, its limited fiber network is accessible to only a few customers, but it supplies some of the fastest internet speeds in the market.

In contrast, CenturyLink’s DSL internet only offers download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 12 Mbps. Apart from being considerably slower than Xfinity, these speeds also vary by location. Here is an overview of each provider.

Internet Speeds	CenturyLink	Xfinity
Download Speed Range	20 Mbps – 940 Mbps	75 Mbps – 6000 Mbps
Upload Speed Range	2 Mbps – 940 Mbps	10 Mbps – 6000 Mbps

Bundle Deals

We often hear from commercials that bundling saves you money, but you know what else it saves you from? It frees from dealing with multiple providers in case of any issues. CenturyLink and Xfinity allow you to bundle their services, but where Xfinity offers its own TV service, CenturyLink relies on third-party providers. Let’s dive into the details.

CenturyLink

You can save up to $10 by bundling CenturyLink’s internet and home phone service. But for TV bundles, it partners with streaming services or satellite TV providers – DIRECTV and DISH TV, since it does not have its own TV service.

The bundles give you high internet speed, a large channel lineup with popular networks, and unlimited local and long-distance calls. Plus, you get incredible perks like special offers on promotional networks, regional networks, and more, depending on the package. Here are some top CenturyLink bundle deals.

CenturyLink Bundle Deals
Plans	Simply Unlimited Internet + DIRECTV	Simply Unlimited Internet + DISH
Starting Price	$119.99/mo.	$134.99/mo.
Internet Speed	Up to 100 Mbps	Up to 100 Mbps
Channel Count	More than 150	More than 190
Additional Features	Free Genie HD DVR Access to Regional sports networks at extra priceSpecial premium channels offer	3-year price guaranteeFree Hopper Smart HD DVRFree Google Voice Remote80,000On-Demand titles

Xfinity

Unlike CenturyLink, the provider has its own TV service and offers discounts on bundles; the amount, however, depends on the number of services you choose to combine.

These customized Xfinity packages not only help you save money each month but also grant your family access to high-speed internet, a TV package tailored to their preferred channel lineup, and a high-quality home phone service. Furthermore, Xfinity sweetens the deal with incredible perks such as a Visa Prepaid Card or free access to Peacock Premium when you opt for their bundles.

Plan	Starting Price	Internet Speed	Channel Count	Home Phone
Connect More + Popular TV	$115.80/mo.	200 Mbps	125+	–
Superfast Internet + Ultimate TV	$145.80/mo.	800 Mbps	185+	–
Fast Internet + Ultimate TV + Xfinity Voice	$150.80/mo.	400 Mbps	185+	Unlimited nationwide calling

Additional Costs

Additional costs rack up your monthly internet bill and they can be quite frustrating if you lose them in the fine print. CenturyLink and Xfinity’s monthly subscriptions include a few additional charges.

Equipment Fees

Xfinity and CenturyLink have different policies for their equipment that can significantly impact your overall cost of service. Xfinity stands out with its flexible and customer-friendly equipment policies. Its equipment fee varies with the plans and regions. However, some Xfinity plans include equipment at no additional cost, allowing you to save some cash.

Moreover, Xfinity offers you the freedom to choose the equipment plan that suits your needs, the xFi Gateway for $15 per month or xFi Complete for $25 a month, which includes unlimited data and a gateway upgrade after three years. On the other hand, CenturyLink follows a more standardized approach, charging a flat fee of $15 per month for its modem.

Provider	Equipment Fee
CenturyLink	$15.00/mo.
Xfinity	xFi Gateway – $15.00/mo. ($0 with some plans for 24 months)
	xFi Complete – $25.00/mo. ($10 with some plans for 24 months)
	xFi Pod – $119.00

Installation Fees

Both providers charge $15 for self-installation, but Xfinity’s professional installation costs less than CenturyLink’s. Depending on your address and internet plan, CenturyLink may charge up to $129 for professional, in-home installation, while you only have to pay $100 to Comcast.  

Provider	Installation Fee
CenturyLink	Professional Installation: Up to $129.00
	Standard Installation: $15.00
Xfinity	Self-installation: $15 in some areas
	Professional Installation: $100.00

Overage Fees

You don’t have to worry about overage fees with CenturyLink since it gives you unlimited data with every plan. But since some of Xfinity’s plans in the West and Central regions have data caps, you will have to pay $10 for every 50 GB of excess data once you cross the set threshold. However, 1.2 TB is more than enough for most households. So, you won’t face any difficulties staying under Xfinity’s cap.

Provider	Overage Fee
CenturyLink	None
Xfinity	$10 for 50 GB of excess data

Early Termination Fees

Contracts can be a problem for many people, especially if the resulting consequence is a hefty early termination fee if your breach them. While CenturyLink’s plans are contract-free, Xfinity requires you to sign annual agreements with some of its plans. These agreements spanning one or two years have an early termination fee of $110 or $230, respectively, if you decide to switch providers amid service.

Provider	Overage Fee
CenturyLink	None
Xfinity	$110 for one-year contract
	$230 for two-year contract

Type of Internet

Both providers use different technologies to deliver broadband access to their customers. Xfinity mainly relies on its hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network to provide internet plans in 36 states, whereas CenturyLink has a dependable DSL network in 16 states. As a result, their reliability and speed levels vary. 

Generally speaking, Xfinity is the superior wired internet provider, Xfinity is a much better wired internet provider than CenturyLink because although its prices vary with the three markets, its speeds remain consistent. Moreover, some fortunate customers can also access Xfinity’s incredibly fast fiber internet in certain areas within its coverage area.

Promotions

CenturyLink’s actual incentives are its trustworthy, contract-free internet plans. Besides them, the provider does not really offer any promotions. In fact, it doesn’t even use promotional prices to draw in customers; instead, it charges regular rates for its services. But you can get discounted internet and phone bundles with CenturyLink.

On the other hand, Xfinity offers discounted bundles, but you also get a Visa Prepaid Card with select packages. Plus, it gives a free streaming box called Flex to its internet-only customers, allowing them to access thousands of movies and shows.

Customer Service

Customer satisfaction has always been a dreadful area in the telecommunication sector, with internet service providers consistently finding themselves at the bottom of every satisfaction ranking. In this context, Comcast Xfinity outperforms CenturyLink, as it has better ratings in both ACSI and J.D. Power’s reports. Xfinity holds the fifth position in ACSI’s Non-fiber Internet Service Providers category, with a score of 68 out of 100. Furthermore, in the J.D. Power 2023 Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study, Xfinity’s ratings vary by region, with scores of 698 in the East, 707 in the North Central, 735 in the South, and 712 in the West. Remarkably, its score in all regions, except the East, is above the regional average.

In contrast, CenturyLink falls below the industry average in the ACSI rankings, with a score of 62. However, its performance in J.D. Power’s study is mixed, as it ranks last in the West with a score of 687 and takes second place in the North Central region with a score of 709.

ACSI Rankings	CenturyLink	Xfinity	Industry Average
2023	62	68	68
2022	60	66	64
2021	62	67	65

Coverage Area

Both providers have substantial coverage areas, providing internet service throughout significant states of the U.S. While Comcast Xfinity is available in 36 states, you can find CenturyLink in the following 16 states. 

CenturyLink Coverage
Arizona	Nevada
Colorado	New Mexico
Florida	North Dakota
Idaho	Oregon
Iowa	South Dakota
Minnesota	Utah
Montana	Washington
Nebraska	Wyoming

Xfinity Coverage
Alabama	Kansas	New Mexico
Arkansas	Kentucky	Oregon
Arizona	Louisiana	Pennsylvania
California	Massachusetts	South Carolina
Colorado	Maryland	Tennessee
Connecticut	Maine	Texas
District of Columbia	Michigan	Utah
Delaware	Minnesota	Virginia
Florida	Missouri	Vermont
Georgia	Mississippi	Washington
Illinois	New Hampshire	West Virginia
Indiana	New Jersey	Wisconsin

Although you can find CenturyLink and Xfinity overlapping in the majority of these states, the following areas have the most substantial overlap:

• Portland, Oregon
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Tallahassee, Florida
• Tucson, Arizona
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Salem, Oregon

Internet for Gaming

Internet speed is not the only crucial requirement for gaming. Your connection should be reliable and have minimum latency to support quick actions. While cable internet may seem like an ideal solution for your home internet, fiber is the best choice for professional gamers. Unfortunately, both Xfinity and CenturyLink predominately serve their customers via cable and DSL services. However, cable internet is significantly better than DSL in terms of reliability and latency. Hence, Xfinity is the best internet provider for gaming.

Final Verdict

You now do more with your home internet connection than just browse the web. The advancement of technology has transformed the internet into a utility. But the growing telecommunication market often makes it challenging to narrow down a suitable choice.

This CenturyLink vs. Xfinity comparative analysis highlights all the characteristics that set both providers apart. You are really fortunate if you reside in their service area. Both providers have unique services with tempting features, but the choice depends on your requirements and household size.