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CenturyLink vs. Xfinity

A Side-by-Side Comparison of CenturyLink and Xfinity Internet Service in 2021

Xfinity from Comcast and CenturyLink are premium internet providers committed to equipping U.S. customers with the highest quality of broadband services available. With coverage availability across 40 states, Xfinity is currently listed as the largest cable provider in the U.S. On the other hand, CenturyLink provides DSL services to over 39 states, making it the 3rd largest U.S. provider of DSL. Review the details of their various internet plans and broadband services noted below.

CenturyLink Info

(855) 913-4257

$49-65/mo.

Xfinity Info

Check Availability
(844) 910-2674

$39.99-299.95/mo.

CenturyLink vs. Xfinity Comparison CenturyLink Xfinity by Comcast Logo
Provider CenturyLink Xfinity
Speed 20-940 Mbps 15-2,000 Mbps
Pricing $49-65/mo. $39.99-299.95/mo.
Service Type DSL, Fiber, Copper, or Fixed Wireless Cable or Fiber
CenturyLink vs. Xfinity Feature Comparison CenturyLink Xfinity by Comcast Logo
Provider CenturyLink Xfinity
High-Speed Plans Yes Yes
Unlimited Data Select Plans Select Plans
Contract-Free Plans Yes Select Plans
TV Service No Yes
Phone Service Yes Yes

CenturyLink Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/16/2021
  • $49 for 20 Mbps DSL
    • 20 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • Prepay and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (No charge for self-install, internet activation, and modem shipping and handling.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 40 Mbps DSL
    • 40 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • Prepay and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes standard tech installation and internet activation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 100 Mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Monthly prepayment and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (Free tech install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $65 for 940 Mbps Fiber
    • 940 Mbps ↓ and 940 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Monthly prepayment and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (Free tech install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
Show All Deals (4)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with CenturyLink.

Xfinity Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/14/2021
  • $39.99 for 300 Mbps Cable
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1200 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $100.95.
    • Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount for 24 months.
    • Setup: $0 (Free Getting Started Kit and shipping.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $14/mo
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $39.99 for 200 Mbps Cable
    • 200 Mbps ↓ and 5.0 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1200 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $95.95.
    • Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount for 24 months.
    • Student-exclusive offer: Free $100 Visa® Prepaid Card and 6 months of Amazon Music Unlimited.
    • Setup: $0 (Free Getting Started Kit and shipping.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $14/mo
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $54.95 for 15 Mbps Cable
    • 15 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ a 1200 GB/mo data cap
    • Setup: $0 (Free Self-Install Kit and shipping.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $14/mo
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 600 Mbps Cable
    • 600 Mbps ↓ and 15 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1200 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $105.95.
    • Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount for 24 months.
    • Setup: $0 (Free Getting Started Kit and shipping.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $14/mo
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $79.99 for 1,200 Mbps Cable
    • 1,200 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1200 GB/mo data cap
    • 3-year promo rate.
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount for 24 months.
    • Wireless Gateway free for 24 months
    • Setup: Free Getting Started Kit and shipping.
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $299.95 for 2,000 Mbps Fiber
    • 2,000 Mbps ↓ and 2,000 Mbps ↑
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
Show All Deals (15)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Xfinity.

CenturyLink vs. Xfinity Performance Overview

Reported as the largest cable provider in the United States, Xfinity from Comcast offers cable and fiber services to over 111 million people. Xfinity customers have the option to bundle their high-speed internet with television and/or phone service. Unlimited data and contract-free plans are available for an extra fee.

As the 3rd largest DSL provider and the 5th largest fiber provider in the U.S., CenturyLink provides internet service to approximately 59 million people. Along with DSL and fiber networks, CenturyLink also offers copper and fixed wireless internet services in select areas. Similar to Xfinity, CenturyLink customers also have the option to bundle internet with television and/or phone services.

CenturyLink Installation

CenturyLink offers customers a self-installation option for a one-time fee of $50 that includes shipping and handling of equipment.

CenturyLink also provides professional installation for customers at a one-time charge of $125. For homes that have not been wired with fiber, a skilled technician from CenturyLink will install the necessary wires that will run from the outside in.

Xfinity Installation

Professional installation and self-installation are offered to Xfinity customers.

Depending on the Xfinity plan selected, fees for professional installation range from $60-90 and is a must for homes that have never been wired for Xfinity services. Returning Xfinity customers have the convenient option of self-installing the internet on their own terms.

CenturyLink
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

CenturyLink provides customers with contract-free plans, which means there are no early termination fees.

CenturyLink offers contracts ranging anywhere from 24-36 months. Early termination fees vary when cancelling a contract with CenturyLink. If customers decide to end services, they will be responsible for returning their equipment (if rented) and any amount that is due on their account. CenturyLink customers have the option to either rent a modem and router for $10/month or purchase the equipment for $150. CenturyLink may waive installation or equipment fees when customers sign up for a contract during select promotional periods.

Xfinity
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Most Xfinity plans require contracts ranging from 12-24 months.

For an extra fee of $10/month, Xfinity customers can opt for a contract-free plan, which allows you to cancel at anytime without facing penalty fees. There is no standard early termination fee, but customers who end their contract early will need to pay a monthly penalty fee for each remaining month of their contract. Xfinity’s early termination fee can range anywhere between $5-10/month. Equipment rental fees start at $11/month for basic equipment that include a modem and router.

CenturyLink Data Caps

Similar to Xfinity, CenturyLink also has a 1 TB data cap on most of their plans. In select areas, CenturyLink provides 50 GB for $10 if customers go over the 1 TB cap.

Xfinity Data Caps

There is a 1 TB data cap on all Xfinity internet plans. Customers are able to purchase an additional 50 GB of data for $10 in select areas. Xfinity also provides the option to pay a flat fee of $50/month for unlimited data with any plan.

100 Mbps CenturyLink Internet

5.00 Stars

on September 19, 2019

CenturyLink

We switched to CenturyLink and could not be happier. It is so much faster, has never cut out and had the best installation customer service. The price is also great.

Featured Review IP Not Verified Hopkins, Minnesota
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GREAT TECH

4.00 Stars

on November 30, 2020

CenturyLink

I was extremely frustrated by the lack of communication from Wed. to Monday with no techs calling or showing up. However, finally, on Monday, Tech did call me, arrived when he said he would, and was absolutely wonderful. He was professional, respectful, and patient with all my questions. His customer service was excellent!

IP Verified Layton, Utah
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Great Service

5.00 Stars

on October 06, 2019

XFINITY from Comcast

First time Xfinity subscriber. Exceeded my expectations. I can honestly say I was very impressed with all aspects of Xfinity. I just purchased a home in Delray Beach FL. From the initial appointment call to complete installation, Xfinity exceeded my expectations. Very impressed with the Tech. The tech arrived early. He introduced himself and ask me about my expectations. He explained what he was going to do and would have me watching NFL football today. Walked me through the setup and all options of the remote. I ordered cable and internet. I will say the internet service is faster than others. Very impressed with Xfinity.

Featured Review IP Verified Delray Beach, Florida
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Xfinity in Ft. Collins

4.00 Stars

on December 19, 2020

XFINITY from Comcast

Very rarely down or issues, quick response to issues, pretty fast connection.

IP Verified Fort Collins, Colorado
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CenturyLink vs. Xfinity Coverage Availability

CenturyLink Coverage & Availability

CenturyLink Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Xfinity Coverage & Availability

XFINITY from Comcast Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CenturyLink & Xfinity Internet Services

  • Is Xfinity cheaper than CenturyLink?

    Currently, Xfinity from Comcast’s lowest-priced internet-only plan is $34.99/month with speeds up to 100 Mbps while CenturyLink’s starts at $45/month with speeds up to 10 Mbps. However, CenturyLink’s most expensive plan is more affordable than Xfinity’s.

  • Who has faster speeds? Xfinity or CenturyLink?

    In certain areas, customers are able to receive speeds up to 2000 Mbps with Xfinity and 1000 Mbps with CenturyLink. Customers will have access to different speeds depending on the coverage availability and type of internet connection (i.e. DSL, cable, or fiber).

  • Do Xfinity and CenturyLink have unlimited data?

    Both Xfinity and CenturyLink have unlimited data plans for an additional charge of $50/month.

  • Do Xfinity and CenturyLink require a contract?

    Xfinity from Comcast offers contract-free plans for an additional fee while CenturyLink offers contract-free plans at no additional charge.

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Last updated on 1/16/2021.