Astound Broadband vs CenturyLink
Astound Broadband ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 79 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $42.50/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (1.5 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
Astound Broadband and CenturyLink compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | Astound Broadband | CenturyLink |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Cable, Fiber | DSL, Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 1.5 Gbps | 500 Mbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 1.5 Gbps | 500 Mbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $30/mo | $55/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $42.50/mo | $55/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | On some plans | No |
| Data caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Included |
| States served | 11 | 16 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 79/100 |
Plans
Every plan from both
Astound Broadband
CableFiberNot yet checked- 300 Mbps300 Mbps · $30/mo · real $42.50
- 600 Mbps600 Mbps · $45/mo · real $57.50
- 1 Gig1 Gbps · $60/mo · real $72.50
- 1.5 Gig Fiber1.5 Gbps · $80/mo · real $80
CenturyLink
DSLFiberNot yet checked- Simply Unlimited Internet100 Mbps · $55/mo · real $55
- Fiber Internet 500500 Mbps · $55/mo · real $55
Honest assessment
Where each one wins
Astound Broadband
- Undercuts incumbent cable in the same neighborhoods
- No data caps
- Gigabit under $60 in most markets
- Coverage is block-by-block
- Promo pricing expires
- Brand transition left support inconsistent
CenturyLink
- Price for Life — no promo expiry
- No contract
- Reaches small towns cable skipped
- DSL speeds are low where fiber is not built
- Aging copper plant
- Fiber is sold under the Quantum brand
Head to head
Cities where Astound Broadband and CenturyLink compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
Astound Broadband vs CenturyLink, answered
Is Astound Broadband or CenturyLink better?
Astound Broadband ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 79 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $42.50/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (1.5 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, Astound Broadband or CenturyLink?
Astound Broadband has the lower real cost: $42.50 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $55 for CenturyLink. The advertised entry prices are $30 for Astound Broadband and $55 for CenturyLink.
Which is faster, Astound Broadband or CenturyLink?
Astound Broadband sells the faster top plan, at 1.5 Gbps down and 1.5 Gbps up. CenturyLink tops out at 500 Mbps down and 500 Mbps up. For most households upload speed matters more than the headline download figure.
Where can I get both Astound Broadband and CenturyLink?
We have both on record in 4 markets, including Seattle, WA; Tacoma, WA; Bellevue, WA; Portland, OR. Availability still varies street by street.
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