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CENTURYLINK vs. XFINITY

A Side-by-Side Comparison of CenturyLink and Xfinity Internet Service in 2020

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) 272-5033

$49-65/mo.

Xfinity Info

Check Availability
(866) 736-3035

$49.95-299.95/mo.

CenturyLink vs. Xfinity Comparison CenturyLink XFINITY from Comcast
ProviderCenturyLinkXfinity
Speed10-940 Mbps15-2,000 Mbps
Pricing$49-65/mo.$49.95-299.95/mo.
Service TypeDSL, Fiber, Copper, or Fixed WirelessCable or Fiber
CenturyLink vs. Xfinity Feature Comparison CenturyLink XFINITY from Comcast
ProviderCenturyLinkXfinity
High-Speed PlansYesYes
Unlimited DataSelect PlansNo
Contract-Free PlansYesSelect Plans
TV ServiceNoYes
Phone ServiceYesYes

CenturyLink Internet Deals †

Last updated on 5/21/2020
  • $49 for 15 Mbps DSL
    • 15 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • Paperless billing required.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 20 Mbps DSL
    • 20 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • Paperless billing required.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 80 Mbps Fiber
    • Speeds up to 40-80 Mbps w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • Paperless billing required.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 100 Mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
    • Paperless billing required.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $65 for 940 Mbps Fiber
    • 940 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Paperless billing required.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
Show All Deals (5)

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

Xfinity Internet Deals †

Last updated on 5/24/2020
  • $49.95 for 15 Mbps Cable
    • 15 Mbps ↓ and 2.0 Mbps ↑
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Setup: $0 (Free Self-Install Kit and shipping.)
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 300 Mbps Cable
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Contract Term: 1 year
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Flex 4K streaming device + Voice Remote included.
    • Setup: $0 (Free Self-Install Kit and shipping.)
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $69.99 for 600 Mbps Cable
    • 600 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Contract Term: 1 year
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Flex 4K streaming device + Voice Remote included.
    • Setup: $0 (Free Self-Install Kit and shipping.)
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $77.95 for 100 Mbps Cable
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Flex 4K streaming device + Voice Remote included.
    • Setup: $0 (Free Self-Install Kit and shipping.)
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
  • $79.99 for 1,000 Mbps Cable
    • 1,000 Mbps ↓ and 35 Mbps ↑
    • 3-year promo rate.
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • Some areas have a 1TB data cap.
    • Flex 4K streaming device + Voice Remote included.
    • Setup: Free Self-Install 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
    • Flex 4K streaming device + Voice Remote included.
    • Call (866) 736-3035 to setup service.
Show All Deals (6)

†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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CenturyLink is great

5.00 Stars

on March 23, 2020

CenturyLink

I have unlimited internet (no overage bills). My internet is now 2 1/2 times faster on download and 9 times faster on upload than others with a boost. I have one bill that is guaranteed to be the same price for life with my phone and internet bundle. The phone we have in the bundle from CenturyLink will still work in a power outage and is 40% cheaper than others and 911 knows immediately where I am calling from. If the power goes out with VOIP, you are done. 911 may also not be as effective on VOIP. But on fiber from Centurylink, it is a hard line. Also, with this bundle, I got a free modem/router. No rental, just outright free. It's mine! And the installation was free! All that money we saved and all that extra speed on the internet is wonderful! I am winning in multiplayer games. My pings are insane! Downloads go too fast compared to others. No throttling, I don't "compete for bandwidth from neighbors". I don't "share my bandwidth with people passing by our house". The speeds are always the same, super fast. Support responds fast. I get to speak to a rep in less than 5 minutes with CenturyLink on the phone. Or I can tweet or email or chat. Anyway, I've gone for the support and it's been great. Install was 30 minutes. The rep was awesome. Also should mention that I put a poll, 84% voted CenturyLink as good. Many people posting the same pain I had with our previous ISP and how much they love CenturyLink. That said, I can't believe all these negative reviews.

IP Verified Seattle, Washington
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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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Worth it

5.00 Stars

on May 13, 2020

XFINITY from Comcast

I just did a transfer of service, in the beginning, I did have trouble and I was already in the mindset of it taking days or even weeks to be resolved. Fortunately, I was helped by Chat support service, it was a one on one service that helped me resolve my troubleshooting when I couldn't be on the phone, he spoke very professional, and was quick! I definitely recommend it.

IP Verified Nashville, Tennessee
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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 5/24/2020.