Quick Answer: CenturyLink vs. Spectrum
For the majority of households, Spectrum comes out ahead thanks to a stronger combination of speed, value, and customer satisfaction. That said, CenturyLink has genuine advantages for customers who value the specific strengths that CenturyLink brings, such as price for life guarantee most.
CenturyLink offers up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL) starting at $30-$70/mo, while Spectrum provides up to 1 Gbps starting at $50-$90/mo. Both are solid choices, but the right one depends on your priorities.
CenturyLink vs. Spectrum: Which Is Better in 2026?
CenturyLink and Spectrum represent two distinct approaches to internet and entertainment in 2026. Whether you prioritize speed, value, coverage, or customer service, this comparison dives into the specifics that actually affect your daily experience.
In this comprehensive comparison, we evaluate CenturyLink and Spectrum across every category that matters: speed, pricing, reliability, customer satisfaction, and overall value. Whether you are a first-time internet buyer or looking to switch providers, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Speed Comparison: CenturyLink vs. Spectrum
Internet speed is often the deciding factor, and the differences between CenturyLink and Spectrum are worth examining closely. We look at advertised maximums, typical real-world performance, and how each provider handles upload speeds.
CenturyLink
- Technology: Fiber / DSL
- Max Download: up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL)
- Data Cap: None
- Customer Rating: 3.2/5
Spectrum
- Technology: Cable / Fiber
- Max Download: up to 1 Gbps
- Data Cap: None
- Customer Rating: 3.5/5
CenturyLink delivers speeds of up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL) using its fiber / dsl network. Spectrum offers speeds of up to 1 Gbps through cable / fiber infrastructure. The fiber-based option will generally deliver more consistent speeds with symmetrical upload performance.
Real-world speeds typically reach 80-95% of advertised maximums on wired connections. During peak evening hours, customers may notice some variation, particularly on shared network types like cable and fixed wireless. For activities like 4K streaming (requiring ~25 Mbps), video conferencing (5-10 Mbps), or online gaming (50+ Mbps preferred), both providers offer plans that exceed these thresholds.
Pricing Comparison
Monthly cost is a major consideration, but the advertised price rarely tells the full story. Equipment fees, taxes, promotional expirations, and installation charges all factor into your true cost of service.
CenturyLink Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Simply Unlimited | up to 100 Mbps | $30/mo |
| Fiber 200 | 200 Mbps | $40/mo |
| Fiber Gigabit | 940 Mbps | $70/mo |
Check CenturyLink Availability | Call (855) 228-4498
Spectrum Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | 300 Mbps | $50/mo |
| Internet Ultra | 500 Mbps | $70/mo |
| Internet Gig | 1 Gbps | $90/mo |
Check Spectrum Availability | Call (855) 771-1328
CenturyLink prices range from $30-$70/mo, while Spectrum ranges from $50-$90/mo. Keep in mind that promotional pricing typically expires after 12 months, at which point rates may increase by $10-30/mo. When calculating your true monthly cost, add approximately $10-15 for equipment rental unless you provide your own compatible hardware.
Contracts, Data Caps & Fine Print
The details in the fine print can significantly impact your long-term costs and flexibility. Here is what you need to know about contracts and data limitations for both providers.
| Feature | CenturyLink | Spectrum |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | No contracts | No contracts |
| Data Cap | None | None |
| Customer Rating | 3.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Best For | Budget shoppers who value price stability and no data caps | Customers who want simplicity with no contracts and no data caps |
No-contract options provide maximum flexibility, letting you cancel at any time without early termination fees. Data caps can be a hidden cost if your household streams heavily, games online, or has multiple connected devices.
Coverage & Availability
Even the best internet plan is useless if it is not available at your address. CenturyLink and Spectrum have different coverage footprints that could determine your choice.
CenturyLink is available in select markets across the US, while Spectrum covers a broad geographic area. Fiber availability is expanding but still limited to approximately 45% of US addresses. We recommend checking availability at your specific address before making a decision, as coverage can vary block by block in many areas.
Customer Service & Reliability
Customer service quality can make or break your experience with an internet provider. Based on industry surveys, customer reviews, and satisfaction data, here is how CenturyLink and Spectrum compare.
CenturyLink carries a customer satisfaction score of 3.2/5, while Spectrum scores 3.5/5. Both providers offer 24/7 support via phone, chat, and online portals. Network reliability is equally important: CenturyLink maintains a modern infrastructure with consistent uptime, and Spectrum delivers strong reliability through its fiber network.
When evaluating customer service, consider that experiences vary significantly by region. We recommend checking recent reviews from customers in your specific area. The FCC's broadband consumer complaint database is also a useful resource for identifying systemic issues with any provider.
CenturyLink: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price for life guarantee
- No data caps
- No annual contracts
- Affordable entry-level plans
Cons
- DSL speeds are slow by modern standards
- Limited fiber availability
- Customer service issues reported
- Equipment fee of $15/mo
Spectrum: Pros & Cons
Pros
- No data caps
- No annual contracts
- Free modem included
- Consistent pricing without hidden fees
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Upload speeds limited on cable
- Speeds may slow during peak hours
- Only one gig-speed tier
Our Recommendation
For the majority of households, Spectrum comes out ahead thanks to a stronger combination of speed, value, and customer satisfaction. That said, CenturyLink has genuine advantages for customers who value the specific strengths that CenturyLink brings, such as price for life guarantee most.
Ultimately, the best provider for you depends on what is available at your address and what you value most. We encourage you to check availability for both CenturyLink and Spectrum at your specific location before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Spectrum?
CenturyLink offers speeds of up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL), while Spectrum offers up to 1 Gbps. For most households, both provide more than enough bandwidth for streaming, gaming, and video calls.
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Spectrum?
CenturyLink starts at $30-$70/mo, while Spectrum starts at $50-$90/mo. Remember to factor in equipment rental fees ($10-15/mo), taxes, and any promotional pricing expirations when comparing the true cost of each service.
Does CenturyLink or Spectrum have data caps?
CenturyLink has the following data cap policy: None. Spectrum's policy is: None. Households that stream in 4K, have multiple gamers, or work from home may consume 1 TB or more per month, making unlimited data an important consideration.
Do CenturyLink or Spectrum require contracts?
CenturyLink has the following contract policy: No contracts. Spectrum's policy: No contracts. No-contract options give you the flexibility to switch providers if your needs change or a better deal becomes available.
Can I bundle CenturyLink and Spectrum with other services?
CenturyLink and Spectrum both offer various bundling options with TV, phone, and mobile services. Bundling can save you $10-30/mo compared to purchasing services separately. Check each provider's website for current bundle promotions in your area.
Is CenturyLink or Spectrum better for working from home?
For remote work, you need reliable speeds of at least 25 Mbps for video conferencing, plus low latency. CenturyLink (fiber / dsl) and Spectrum (cable / fiber) both support remote work, but fiber connections offer the best experience with symmetrical upload speeds ideal for video calls.
How do I check if CenturyLink or Spectrum is available at my address?
You can check availability by visiting each provider's website and entering your address, or by calling CenturyLink at (855) 228-4498 and Spectrum at (855) 771-1328. You can also use our availability checker tool to compare all providers at your address at once.
Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai may earn a commission when you sign up for a plan through our links. This does not influence our rankings or recommendations. Our editorial team independently evaluates each provider based on speed, price, reliability, and customer satisfaction. All prices shown reflect current rates at the time of publication and are subject to change. Call the provider directly to confirm current pricing and availability at your address.