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. But 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 is one of the major internet service providers in the country. With origins dating back to 1930, this technology and communications company today provides an assortment of services to its residential and business clients, which include internet access, security solutions, cloud, and managed services.
Subscribe To CenturyLink Internet Plans
CenturyLink is considered one of the top internet providers. In fact, U.S.News has termed it as their best DSL internet provider. In addition to its vast DSL network, the company also has a sizable fiber footprint, providing high-speed internet in 19 states of its coverage area. The good news is that CenturyLink is continually expanding this network so that more customers in its service area can access faster speeds.
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 39 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 & Cons – CenturyLink vs Xfinity
Both CenturyLink and Xfinity are well-known telecommunications providers with substantial service areas. But deciding between them can be difficult, especially if you live in CenturyLink’s fiber coverage area. It is crucial to thoroughly consider your options and see whether they fit the requirements of your household.
CenturyLink and Xfinity are not perfect for everyone. Each provider has its own flaws. Therefore, we have highlighted the plus and negative points of Xfinity and CenturyLink to reduce your uncertainty so you can proceed with the most viable option.
| CenturyLink vs Xfinity – Pros | |
| CenturyLink | Xfinity |
| Cheaper fiber service | Wide range of plans |
| Affordable bundles | Higher speeds |
| No data caps | Available in more states |
| No contracts | – |
| CenturyLink vs Xfinity – Cons | |
| CenturyLink | Xfinity |
| Slow DSL plans | Minimal fiber availability |
| Poor customer service | Annual contracts |
| – | Data caps on some plans |
| – | Varying prices depending on the location |
Internet Service Comparison – CenturyLink vs Xfinity
| Features | CenturyLink | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Plans | 3 | 7 |
| Price Range | $50.00/month – $65.00/month | $25.00/month – $300.00/month |
| Speed Range | 20 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 75 Mbps – 6000 Mbps |
| Internet Type | DSL, Fiber | Cable, Fiber |
| Availability | 37 states | 39 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 fiber service is more affordable than Xfinity’s fiber internet and even its higher-tiered cable internet plans. 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 | Internet Type | Contact CenturyLink |
| Simply Unlimited Internet | $50.00 | 20 Mbps – 100 Mbps | DSL | Call Now |
| Quantum Fiber 200 | $30.00 | 200 Mbps | Fiber | Call Now |
| Quantum Fiber Gigabit | $65.00 | 940 Mbps | Fiber | 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 $25 to $109. 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 | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Regular Price | Internet Speed |
| Performance Starter | $65.00/month | $65.00/month | 75 Mbps |
| Performance | $84.00/month | $84.00/month | 200 Mbps |
| Performance Pro | $40.00/month | $89.00/month | 400 Mbps |
| Blast! | $60.00/month | $94.00/month | 800 Mbps |
| Extreme Pro | $70.00/month | $99.00/month | 1000 Mbps |
| Gigabit Plus | $80.00/month | $104.00/month | 1200 Mbps |
| Gigabit Pro | $300.00/month | $300.00/month | 3000 Mbps |
Central Region
| Xfinity Internet Plans | ||||
| Plans | Starting Price | Regular Price | Internet Speed | Data Caps |
| Connect | $30/mo. | $49mo. | 75 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Connect More | $40/mo. | $69/mo. | 200 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Fast | $55/mo. | $79/mo. | 400 Mbps | None |
| Superfast | $70/mo. | $89/mo. | 800 Mbps | None |
| Ultrafast | $75/mo. | $99/mo. | 1000 Mbps | None |
| Gigabit Extra | $80/mo. | $109/mo. | 1200 Mbps | None |
| Gigabit Pros | $300/mo. | $300/mo. | 6000 Mbps | None |
West Region
| Xfinity Internet Plans | ||||
| Plans | Starting Price | Regular Price | Internet Speed | Data Caps |
| Connect | $25.00/mo. | $50.00/mo. | 75 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Connect More | $40.00/mo. | $60.00/mo. | 200 Mbps | 1.2 TB |
| Fast | $55.00/mo. | $70.00/mo. | 400 Mbps | None |
| Superfast | $65.00/mo. | $80.00/mo. | 800 Mbps | None |
| Ultrafast | $75.00/mo. | $90.00/mo. | 1000 Mbps | None |
| Gigabit Extra | $80.00/mo. | $100.00/mo. | 1200 Mbps | None |
| Gigabit Pro | $300.00/mo. | $300.00/mo. | 6000 Mbps | None |
Internet Speed
The advancement of the internet has introduced more bandwidth-hungry apps, consequently increasing the demand for faster speeds. We all know that fiber internet is the ultimate option for fast connectivity. Both ISPs provide this service, but Xfinity has an advantage over CenturyLink since its fiber internet package has one of the highest possible speeds on the market—up to 6000 Mbps.
But its limited availability makes it accessible to only a few customers. And while Xfinity’s cable internet service offers a broader range of speeds than CenturyLink, they are asymmetrical. In contrast, CenturyLink offers much slower DSL speeds, but its fiber internet adds the best value with symmetrical downloads and uploads. 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 | Fiber Gigabit + Simply Unlimited Home Phone | Simply Unlimited Internet + DIRECTV CHOICE | Simply Unlimited Internet + DISH America’s Top 120 |
| Price | $110.00/mo. | $119.99/mo. | $129.99/mo. |
| Internet Speed | 940 Mbps | 20 Mbps – 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps – 100 Mbps |
| Channel Count | – | 200+ | 190+ |
| Additional Features |
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| CALL 877-395-5851 Now! | |||
Xfinity
Like its internet plans, Xfinity’s bundles also vary with the three regions. And while Xfinity has its own TV service, its bundles are also more expensive than CenturyLink. The provider also gives you multiple double-play and triple-play options, allowing you to customize your own packages so your family can access high-speed internet, a TV package with their preferred channel lineup, and a high-quality home phone service. Additionally, Xfinity also gives you incredible perks like a Visa Prepaid Card or free Peacock Premium with its bundles.
Northeast Region:
| Xfinity Bundle Deals | ||||
| Plans | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Channel Count | Additional Features |
| Signature+ | $119.99/mo. | 1000 Mbps | 185+ |
|
| Super+ | $139.99/mo. | 1000 Mbps | 185+ |
|
Central Region:
| Xfinity Bundle Deals | ||||
| Plans | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Channel Count | Additional Features |
| Connect More + Popular TV | $121.10/mo. | 200 Mbps | 125+ |
|
| Superfast Internet + Ultimate TV | $171.10/mo. | 400 Mbps | 185+ |
|
| Fast Internet + Ultimate TV + Xfinity Voice | $166.10/mo. | 400 Mbps | 185+ |
|
West Region:
| Xfinity Bundle Deals | ||||
| Plans | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Channel Count | Additional Features |
| Ultrafast Internet + Popular TV | $137.00/mo. | 1000 Mbps | 125+ |
|
| Fast Internet + Choice TV | $87.00/mo. | 400 Mbps | 10+ |
|
| Gigabit Extra + Popular TV + Xfinity Voice | $152.00/mo. | 1200 Mbps | 125+ |
|
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
Both providers allow you to buy your own router, but they will charge a regular monthly fee if you rent their equipment. However, Xfinity’s equipment fee varies with the plans and regions. The equipment price charged by Xfinity, however, varies by area and your internet plan. For instance, the Central and West regions require $14 for the first two plans and $25 for the remainder. However, all internet packages in the Northeast continue to have a $14 equipment rental price.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|
| CenturyLink | $15.00/month |
| Xfinity | $14.00/month – $25/month |
Installation Fees
Self-installation is free with both providers, but Xfinity’s professional installation costs way less than CenturyLink’s hefty price. Depending on your address and internet plan, CenturyLink may charge up to $149 for professional, in-home installation, while you only have to pay $40 to Comcast. Furthermore, CenturyLink does not offer free installation at every address in its service area, and you may even have to pay an activation fee of $20.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
| CenturyLink | Professional Installation: Up to $149.00 |
| Self-installation: Free (available in select areas) | |
| Xfinity | Professional Installation: $40.00 |
| Self-installation: Free |
Overage Fees
You don’t have to worry about overage fees with CenturyLink since it gives you unlimited data with every plan. But since Xfinity’s first two plans in the West and Central regions have data caps, you’ll 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
While CenturyLink and Xfinity have a fiber footprint, both providers predominantly use different technologies to deliver broadband access to their customers. Xfinity mainly relies on its coaxial cable network to provide internet plans in 39 states, whereas CenturyLink’s network is primarily made up of its DSL service. However, its fiber infrastructure is more developed as CenturyLink provides fiber internet in 20 states of its service 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 providers ranking at the bottom of every list. Comcast Xfinity edges over CenturyLink in this regard, as it ranks better in both ACSI and J.D. Power’s reports, with scores of 66/100 and 714/1000, respectively.
On the other hand, CenturyLink ranked below the industry average in both charts, earning 60 out of 100 in ACSI’s 2022 ranking and 665/1000 in the South and 691/1000 in the West in J.D. Power’s Study.
| ACSI Rankings | CenturyLink | Xfinity | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 39 states, you can find CenturyLink in the following 36 states.
| CenturyLink Coverage | ||
| Alabama | Michigan | Oklahoma |
| Arkansas | Minnesota | Oregon |
| Arizona | Mississippi | Pennsylvania |
| Colorado | Missouri | South Carolina |
| Florida | Montana | South Dakota |
| Georgia | Nebraska | Tennessee |
| Iowa | Nevada | Texas |
| Idaho | New Jersey | Utah |
| Illinois | New Mexico | Virginia |
| Indiana | North Carolina | Washington |
| Kansas | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
| Louisiana | Ohio | Wyoming |
| Xfinity Coverage | ||
| Alabama | Kentucky | North Carolina |
| Arizona | Louisiana | Ohio |
| Arkansas | Maine | Oregon |
| California | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
| Colorado | Massachusetts | South Carolina |
| Connecticut | Michigan | Tennessee |
| Delaware | Minnesota | Texas |
| Florida | Mississippi | Utah |
| Georgia | Missouri | Vermont |
| Idaho | New Hampshire | Virginia |
| Illinois | New Jersey | Washington |
| Indiana | New Mexico | West Virginia |
| Kansas | New York | 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
While cable internet may seem like an ideal solution for your home internet, it might not be a viable option for gaming, especially if you are a professional. Internet speed is not the only crucial requirement for gaming. Your connection should be reliable and have minimum latency to support quick actions. Hence, fiber internet is the most preferred choice of gamers, which is why CenturyLink is the best internet provider for gaming since Xfinity’s fiber network is extremely limited.
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. However, if you are unsure which provider to choose, we recommend CenturyLink, especially if its fiber service is accessible at your home, as it offers contract-free options with faster speeds and reliable service.
