CenturyLink and Mediacom are two highly competitive internet providers in the U.S. While CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber internet plans, Mediacom relies on a cable internet network to provide internet access. CenturyLink reaches many more people than Mediacom, as a DSL connection can reach rural areas.
CenturyLink vs Mediacom Internet
Compare CenturyLink and Mediacom Cable internet service in 2024
PROVIDER DETAILS
- Download speeds up to: 940 Mbps
- DSL, Fiber
- $15 a month equipment fees
- Unlimited Data
PROVIDER DETAILS
- Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps
- Cable
- $14 a month equipment fees
- Unlimited Data
Learn more about CenturyLink and Mediacom:
Learn more about CenturyLink and Mediacom
CenturyLink vs Mediacom: Best Deals
Internet Deals
Pros and Cons By Provider
Pros and Cons By Provider
CenturyLink Pros
- Free installation
- Symmetrical speeds on fiber plans
- Unlimited data
- No annual contracts
CenturyLink Cons
- Limited plan options
- Limited bundling options
Mediacom Pros
- Free installation when ordering online
- Wide variety of speeds available
- No contracts
Mediacom Cons
- Requires a contract to get the best deals; $10 premium increase for contract-free option
- 1.2 TB data cap
When considering an internet provider, many people’s decisions will often boil down to its features. Is fiber important? Then CenturyLink should be your choice. Is it price? Mediacom has great introductory rates, but be aware that its prices will jump after the first year.
Mediacom Offers the Best Bundles
The primary difference between CenturyLink and Mediacom is their bundle offerings. CenturyLink doesn’t offer TV service, and it has only a VoIP phone option as an add-on. Of course, you can purchase an outside streaming service or a satellite internet service like DIRECTV, but it’s not really a bundle if you can’t combine it with another service into one bill and get a discount. In comparison, as a cable internet provider, Mediacom offers a variety of cable TV options that come with on-demand programming. In addition, you can bundle Mediacom internet and TV with its tech support and protection services, as well as landline phone service. Overall, Mediacom excels when it comes to bundling, while CenturyLink comes up short.
CenturyLink and Mediacom Have Similar Fee Structures
Both Providers Offer Free Installation
CenturyLink offers a self-install option for most of its internet plans. You should know, however, that certain high-tier plans will require professional installation that will come with separate fees. While Mediacom typically charges an installation fee of $109, it will waive it if you order your internet service online.
Mediacom’s Data Caps Are a Downside
CenturyLink offers unlimited data on all of its internet plans. While Mediacom does have data caps, they reach all the way up to 8 TB, or 8,000 GB, which is more than enough for the average household.
CenturyLink Outperforms Mediacom in Customer Satisfaction
In both the American Customer Satisfaction Index and our survey posted below, CenturyLink surpassed Mediacom in public opinion. Complaints about Mediacom revolved around topics like data caps and fees.
CenturyLink vs. Mediacom Internet Review
We asked BroadbandNow users to review CenturyLink based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.
BroadbandNow readers submitted 4479 for CenturyLink. CenturyLink earned an average score of 3.13 out of 5.
We asked BroadbandNow users to review Mediacom based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.
BroadbandNow readers submitted 1188 for Mediacom. Mediacom earned an average score of 2.76 out of 5.