CenturyLink vs. Xfinity Internet

CenturyLink and Xfinity are both widely available across the U.S. While CenturyLink only offers phone services as an add-on, Xfinity has a full suite of home services, including internet, TV, phone, and home security. At first glance, people looking for faster fiber internet connections may want to choose CenturyLink, but if you’re looking for multiple services, Xfinity could be best for you.

CenturyLink has a strong fiber network, but the primary issue with its connection is limited availability. If you live in an area where it’s available, then you’ll get upload speeds equally as fast as your download speeds. Xfinity, in comparison, has really limited fiber internet offerings, and it mostly focuses on the cable internet connection side of its business. That said, Xfinity offers the largest cable internet network in the nation.

One area in which Xfinity triumphs over CenturyLink is public Wi-Fi hotspots. Xfinity has millions of Wi-Fi access points across the nation, and CenturyLink doesn’t yet offer this benefit. New customers who are eligible for promotional pricing must sign up for AutoPay or paperless billing for both Xfinity and CenturyLink. Other online-only promotions cycle constantly with the month or season.

Xfinity Reigns Supreme When It Comes to Bundles

If you’re shopping for an internet and TV bundle, then you may want to consider Xfinity first. With multiple internet speed and cable options, as well as the choice to add home phone, mobile phone, or home security, Xfinity is the king of bundle options. CenturyLink just falls short here without a real TV offering, outside of suggesting DIRECTV or another streaming service to add to your internet plan.

CenturyLink Leverages Fewer Fees Than Xfinity

CenturyLink’s Installation Is Costly

CenturyLink offers customers standard installation for $200 where a technician performs work outside of your location and you just have to install the modem inside your home, or professional installation for up to $149. There is also a one-time, unavoidable activation fee of $19.99. Xfinity’s professional installation typically costs $100, but it varies by location. Self-installation is free for many plans. Self-Install Plus, which offers technician guidance, costs $39.99. Xfinity does not have an activation fee.

CenturyLink Offers More Flexibility

CenturyLink provides customers with contract-free plans, which means there are no early termination fees (ETFs). 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 $15 per month or purchase the equipment for $200 plus tax.

Many Xfinity plans require contracts ranging from 12 to 24 months, though they do have the option to choose month-to-month pricing. 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. Equipment rental fees start at $15 per month for basic equipment that includes a modem and router.

CenturyLink Surpasses Xfinity With Better Data Cap Policies

Unlike Xfinity, CenturyLink doesn’t have data caps on most of their plans. Xfinity leverages a 1.2 TB data cap on most of its plans. While it’s enough data for most users, power users could find themselves in the crosshairs of data overage fees. Customers can purchase an additional 50 GB of data for $10 in select areas. Xfinity also provides the option to pay a flat fee of $30 per month for unlimited data with any plan.

Xfinity Outperforms CenturyLink in Customer Satisfaction

Both companies rank highly in performance, but according to the latest J.D. Power Rankings, Xfinity tops CenturyLink, but not by much. Keep in mind that the performance of each provider depends on your location, Wi-Fi connectivity, distance from your router, and how many devices are competing for your connection. Both providers should be able to connect with you via phone, online chat, email, and social media if you ever have an issue.