CenturyLink
Frontier

CenturyLink vs. Frontier

A Side-by-Side Comparison of CenturyLink and Frontier Internet Service in 2023

Learn more about CenturyLink and Frontier:

Learn more about CenturyLink and Frontier

CenturyLink and Frontier provide fast and reliable internet at pocket-friendly prices. Both offer DSL and fiber internet plans, but availability and speeds depend on location. Below, we explore the similarities and differences between CenturyLink and Frontier, such as pricing, speeds, data caps, and more.

CenturyLink vs Frontier Overall Comparison

CenturyLink vs Frontier Overall Comparison

  • Speed

    100 Mbps - 940 Mbps

  • Pricing

    $30 - $70/mo.

  • Service Type

    DSL, Fiber, Copper, Fixed Wireless

  • Equipment Fee

    $15 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

  • Speed

    115 Mbps - 5 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $49.99 - $154.99/mo.

  • Service Type

    DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Copper

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

CenturyLink is one of the largest DSL internet providers in the U.S. and also offers fiber internet service. With affordable pricing, it’s among the top fiber internet providers. Frontier is another fiber internet provider with varying download speeds. Its DSL internet plan offers download speeds typical of most other DSL providers.

Both CenturyLink and Frontier offer unlimited data with their fiber plans. Rather than offering their own TV service, both providers offer home phone service as an add-on or bundle instead.

CenturyLink vs Frontier: Best Deals

Internet Deals

In general, CenturyLink internet plans are more affordable compared to Frontier internet plans. CenturyLink’s lowest-priced DSL plan costs $50 per month, while Frontier’s lowest-priced DSL plan costs $49.99 per month.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

CenturyLink Pros

  • Unlimited data
  • Affordable pricing
  • Bundling options
  • Contract-free plans

CenturyLink Cons

  • High equipment lease fee
  • Limited fiber availability

Frontier Pros

  • Multiple connection types
  • Extensive coverage
  • Contract-free options
  • Unlimited data

Frontier Cons

  • Pricey fees
  • Poor customer service

CenturyLink might not have the most internet plans compared to Frontier, but it does offer reliable and fast gigabit speeds. If you live in an area where its fiber service is available, it might be best to choose one of its fiber plans, especially when it doesn’t require a contract.

Frontier also doesn’t require contracts for its plans, but prices are more expensive than CenturyLink. It also offers antivirus and malware protection software as an add-on to your internet plan.

That said, Frontier isn’t widely known for its excellent customer service. And while CenturyLink is on board with fiber internet, speeds vary greatly by location.

CenturyLink vs. Frontier: Packages Compared

CenturyLink offers bundles with its home phone services. It doesn’t have its own TV service, but you can sign up for TV packages from DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and DISH. Frontier has a partnership with YouTube TV, which provides discounted pricing for Frontier customers.

Similarly, Frontier doesn’t offer its own TV service but does provide home phone service with its internet plans. Known as Double Play, these types of bundles help you save more money if you want to knock out two services for a combined cheaper price than the individual costs totaled up.

CenturyLink vs. Frontier: Extra Fees and Contracts

CenturyLink has no-contract plans, making it easy for you to cancel the service at any time without encountering any early termination fees.

Frontier doesn’t require contracts, but to get the best pricing, you may have to sign an agreement. This puts you at risk for ETFs, which typically cost hundreds of dollars.

Installation

CenturyLink offers professional installation and standard installation, while Frontier charges for expert installation. You can waive the one-time $85 expert installation fee if you sign up for a qualified fiber internet plan.

Data cap

Both CenturyLink and Frontier don’t impose data caps on their internet plans. This allows you to access unlimited internet without paying data overage fees.

CenturyLink vs. Frontier: Customer Satisfaction

CenturyLink has a slight advantage over Frontier in customer service. While neither of them offers the best customer service, CenturyLink has had fewer complaints than Frontier.

CenturyLink vs. Frontier Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review CenturyLink based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 4308 for CenturyLink. CenturyLink earned an average score of 3.14 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Frontier based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 3252 for Frontier. Frontier earned an average score of 3.34 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About CenturyLink and Frontier

  • Is CenturyLink cheaper than Frontier?

    Both CenturyLink and Frontier are on par with their most affordable DSL plans, but CenturyLink offers faster starting download speeds than Frontier for the price.

  • Who has faster speeds – CenturyLink or Frontier?

    CenturyLink’s fastest internet plan reaches download speeds of up to 940 Mbps, while Frontier’s fastest plan may reach higher download speeds depending on your location.

  • Do CenturyLink and Frontier have unlimited data?

    Yes, CenturyLink and Frontier offer unlimited data for their internet plans.

  • Do CenturyLink and Frontier require a contract?

    No, CenturyLink and Frontier don’t require contracts. If you want promotional pricing for Frontier plans, you’ll need to sign an agreement.