CenturyLink vs. Spectrum: Which Internet Provider Is Better for You?

CenturyLink and Spectrum are among the largest internet service providers for their connection type, and their networks significantly overlap, so there's a good chance you'll have to choose between CenturyLink's sprawling DSL footprint or Spectrum's cable internet. Which internet provider is the better option?

CenturyLink and Spectrum are fairly straightforward when it comes to pricing and service terms, but CenturyLink's speeds can vary widely by location whereas Spectrum's remain consistent throughout all service areas. If you're stuck picking between Spectrum and CenturyLink, we recommend Spectrum.

Our take - DSL is often a step above satellite service when it comes to internet in rural areas, but its appeal largely stops there. CenturyLink, one of the top DSL providers, offers download speeds up to 100Mbps and higher in select areas. While impressive for DSL service, that's still slower than what you'll find from cable ISPs such as Spectrum.

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Our take - Spectrum keeps it simple with two plan options, transparent pricing, unlimited data and no contracts. Cable internet isn't completely without fault. Upload speeds are generally slower than a fiber-optic connection -- Spectrum's top out at 35Mbps -- and a cable network is more susceptible to slowed speeds due to network congestion, especially during peak usage times. Spectrum's cable connection isn't quite as good as a fiber one, but it's still leaps and bounds better than DSL.

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CenturyLink versus Spectrum: Where are they available?

FCC Broadband Map displays CenturyLink's coverage (pink) and Spectrum's (purple) overlapping across multiple states.

CenturyLink and Spectrum's vast coverage overlaps in many areas. Those in Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon or Washington are most likely serviceable for CenturyLink and Spectrum.

Before 2022, CenturyLink and Spectrum shared more coverage areas, particularly in the South and on the East Coast. But CenturyLink's parent company, Lumen Technologies, sold a bulk of its networks in these regions to Brightspeed.

Comparing CenturyLink and Spectrum internet plans

If there's a common knock against both providers, it's that neither offers a particularly wide range of plans. CenturyLink DSL customers will essentially have one option, $55 a month for the fastest speeds available. Spectrum offers two plans, and both are significantly better options than CenturyLink.

CenturyLink internet plan details

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Spectrum internet plan details

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With CenturyLink, you will receive the fastest speeds available at your address. Speeds max out at around 140Mbps, but you're much more likely to get speeds in the 20Mbps-to-100Mbps range. That's not bad, especially for rural areas where satellite internet is the only other option, but if Spectrum is also available, it'll be the better choice.

Spectrum vs. CenturyLink: Fees, contracts and the fine print

What else should you expect to pay for service from CenturyLink or Spectrum? Not much, actually. Both providers are fairly reasonable when it comes to added fees, contracts and data caps.

CenturyLink's equipment rental fee is a little higher than most at $15, but again, it is skippable when using your own equipment. Spectrum includes your modem but not a router, which is what you need for Wi-Fi. Renting a router will only set you back an additional $10 per month with the 500Mbps plan, but rental is included at no extra cost with gig service.

Neither provider requires a contract, so there are no commitments or early termination fees to worry about. Spectrum also has a contract buyout offer, up to $500 toward termination fees with another provider, but you may have to sign up for an internet and TV bundle to qualify for the deal.

You won't have to fret over data caps, either. Both providers are completely unlimited, meaning there is no hard or soft data cap and no fees or speed throttling for going over a certain limit.

I will note that Spectrum is notorious for price increases, while CenturyLink isn't. Spectrum typically raises prices by $30 after the first year of service, however, if you bundle your internet with cable TV, you can secure a three-year price lock.

Spectrum has the edge over CenturyLink for customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction numbers are typically not pretty regarding internet service, but there's nothing particularly alarming about how either provider stacks up. The American Customer Satisfaction Index gave Spectrum a 68 out of 100 in 2024, on par with the industry average of 68 and a four-point jump year over year. CenturyLink fell short, maintaining a score of 62 the past two years. 

However, according to J.D. Power's latest survey on internet customer satisfaction for 2024, CenturyLink ranked higher than Spectrum in the North Central region with a score of 528 to Spectrum's 512. That puts CenturyLink above the industry average for the North Central region. Still, Spectrum outranked CenturyLink in the West, East and South regions -- putting it ahead of CenturyLink overall in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction report.

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum recap

If your address is only eligible for CenturyLink and Spectrum is your alternative, I'd recommend going with Spectrum. You'll get more speed for the money with Spectrum, not to mention cheaper equipment rental. Ultimately, neither provider requires a contract or other restrictive service terms, so if you're on the fence, feel free to try them out essentially risk-free.