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CenturyLink vs. Kinetic by Windstream Internet

Compare CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream Internet Service in 2024

3 Plans Available
CenturyLink internet
price range
$50 - $75/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • Download speeds up to: 940 Mbps
  • DSL, Fiber
  • $15 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data
7 Plans Available
Kinetic by Windstream internet
price range
$24.99 - $99.99/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps
  • DSL, Fiber, Copper, Cable
  • $11 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream:

Kinetic by Windstream has 7 plans:

Learn more about CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream

CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream are top internet providers that offer plans with different connection types. Both offer DSL and fiber-optic internet, but Kinetic by Windstream is more accessible for rural residents. The two providers share some similarities, but we’ve outlined a few key differences below to help you decide which one is right for you.

CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber plans with download speeds reaching up to 940 Mbps on a fiber connection. It’s one of the leading DSL providers in the U.S., and ranks among the top five fiber internet providers. Kinetic by Windstream’s selection of internet plans includes DSL, cable, and fiber. Its top internet plan can reach symmetrical speeds up to 2 Gbps on a fiber connection.

CenturyLink vs Kinetic by Windstream: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

CenturyLink Pros

  • No contracts
  • Nationwide coverage
  • No data caps
  • Fast gigabit speeds

CenturyLink Cons

  • Limited internet plans
  • Speeds vary by location

Kinetic by Windstream Pros

  • Extensive rural availability
  • Multiple connection types
  • No contracts
  • No data caps

Kinetic by Windstream Cons

  • Fluctuating speeds
  • Mixed customer service reviews

Both CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream offer great service plans at competitive rates, but Kinetic by Windstream is more budget-friendly, with plans starting at $24.99 per month. CenturyLink’s cheapest plan, meanwhile, is $55 per month. Neither provider imposes data caps or contracts on their plans. Speeds and plans vary by location, which means what is available at your address may be different than what is advertised.

Kinetic by Windstream Offers the Best Bundles

Both CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream offer bundles that allow you to combine multiple services. Kinetic by Windstream is the more affordable option, however, with bundles starting at per month. In addition, only Kinetic by Windstream allows you to combine the triple threat of internet, TV, and phone service for an additional cost; CenturyLink offers only phone service.

CenturyLink Edges Slightly Past Kinetic by Windstream on Fees

CenturyLink Offers Free Installation

CenturyLink offers a free self-install option for most of its internet plans. Certain high-tier plans, however, require professional installation for $85. Kinetic by Windstream’s professional installation costs just $35, which is significantly lower than many of its competitors.

Neither Provider Has Data Caps

CenturyLink offers unlimited data on all its internet plans, and the same is true for Kinetic by Windstream. You won’t have to worry about overage fees with either provider.

CenturyLink Outperforms Kinetic by Windstream in Customer Satisfaction

According to our internal customer-service reviews, CenturyLink does slightly better than Kinetic by Windstream when it comes to customer satisfaction. The American Customer Satisfaction Index, however, ranked Kinetic by Windstream higher for non-fiber technologies, while CenturyLink pulled ahead for fiber connections. The race between the two providers is tight, but each has a responsive customer-service department with multiple ways of contacting them.

CenturyLink vs. Kinetic by Windstream Internet Review

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

BroadbandNow readers submitted 4476 for CenturyLink. CenturyLink earned an average score of 3.13 out of 5.

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

BroadbandNow readers submitted 1604 for Kinetic by Windstream. Kinetic by Windstream earned an average score of 3.06 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream

  • Is CenturyLink or Kinetic by Windstream cheaper?

    Kinetic by Windstream is cheaper than CenturyLink, with prices starting at just $24.99 per month.

  • Which has faster speeds: CenturyLink or Kinetic by Windstream?

    Kinetic by Windstream offers faster internet plans with download speeds up to 2 Gbps on a fiber connection.

  • Do CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream have unlimited data?

    Both CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream offer unlimited data plans.

  • Do CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream require contracts?

    No, CenturyLink and Kinetic by Windstream don’t require contracts for their internet plans.