Spectrum vs. CenturyLink
Spectrum and CenturyLink are reliable internet providers known for their high-speed internet options and diverse coverage availability. Spectrum offers cable and fiber broadband networks at speeds up to 940 Mbps whereas CenturyLink offers DSL, fiber, copper, and fixed wireless networks with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. Review the details below to compare the different plans and pricing options between Spectrum and CenturyLink.
Spectrum Info
CenturyLink Info
Spectrum vs. CenturyLink Comparison |
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Provider | Spectrum | CenturyLink |
Speed | 200-940 Mbps | 20-940 Mbps |
Pricing | $49.99-109.99/mo. | $49-65/mo. |
Service Type | Cable or Fiber | DSL, Fiber, Copper or Fixed Wireless |
Spectrum vs. CenturyLink FEATURE COMPARISON |
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Provider | Spectrum | CenturyLink |
High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
Unlimited Data | Yes | Select Plans |
Contract-Free Plans | Yes | Yes |
TV Service | Yes | No |
Phone Service | Yes | Yes |

Spectrum Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/13/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Spectrum.

CenturyLink Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/14/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with CenturyLink.
Spectrum vs. CenturyLink Performance Overview


With the greatest coverage reported in California, Texas, and New York, Spectrum is the second largest cable provider in the United States and services an estimated 102.7 million people. Spectrum is a contract-free provider that offers cable and fiber internet plans in select areas without any data cap restrictions. They also have different triple play and double play bundles available.
With the greatest coverage reported in Arizona, Colorado, and Washington, CenturyLink provides internet service to over 59 million people in the United States. CenturyLink supplies reliable and high-speed DSL, fiber, copper, and fixed wireless internet services to select areas. CenturyLink also provides the option to bundle internet with television and/or phone services.
Spectrum Installation

Spectrum offers both self-installation and professional installation options.
When choosing professional installation, Spectrum will send out a technician for a one-time fee of $49.99. With the self-installation option, there is a one-time Wi-Fi activation fee for $9.99 and a one-time fee to pick up or have the cable modem mailed for $9.99.
CenturyLink Installation

CenturyLink offers customers a self-installation option that may cost up to $50 for shipping and handling of equipment.
While self-installation is available, CenturyLink also provides professional installation for customers at a one-time fee of $125. For homes that have not been wired with fiber, a professional installer will run outside wires into the home.
Spectrum Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Contracts are not required when signing up with Spectrum’s internet plans.
As a contract-free provider, Spectrum does not employ early termination fees or cancellation penalties when customers choose to end their services. Spectrum also offers a free modem with their plans and the option to rent a router for $5/month.
CenturyLink Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Like Spectrum, CenturyLink provides customers with contract-free plans.
CenturyLink also offer contracts ranging from 12-36 months that may have lower monthly rates in the first year of the agreement. CenturyLink may also waive installation fees during promotional periods. Early termination fees vary when cancelling a contract with CenturyLink. When it comes to equipment, CenturyLink customers have the option to purchase the equipment for $150 or rent equipment for $10/month.
Spectrum Data Caps

There are no data caps on any of Spectrum’s internet plans.
CenturyLink Data Caps

Most CenturyLink plans have a 1 TB data cap. In select areas, CenturyLink provides 50 GB for $10 if customers go over the data cap limit.
Service Review

5 Stars all the way! Front desk scheduling any time of the day or night. Tech support calls no time limits, smart and always helpful, invested in your problem all the way. Thank you all so much for your kind attitude and willingness to help us.
Good service, but quality could be better and careful disconnecting

Once set up, the service worked well, customer service needed rarely and worked fast. However, the WIFI speed was not great, which could have been the fault of my WiFi router, but their modem had no WiFi capability or it was worse tested than my router. When you disconnect, you don't get prorated statement, so watch out.
100 Mbps CenturyLink Internet

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.
Reliability - 4

Great speed and reliability.
Spectrum vs. CenturyLink Coverage Availability
Spectrum Coverage & Availability

CenturyLink Coverage & Availability

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