CenturyLink vs Google Fiber
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 79 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Google Fiber sells the faster top plan (8 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
CenturyLink and Google Fiber compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | CenturyLink | Google Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL, Fiber | Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 8 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 8 Gbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $55/mo | $70/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $70/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | No | No |
| Data caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Included |
| States served | 16 | 16 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 79/100 |
Plans
Every plan from both
CenturyLink
DSLFiberNot yet checked- Simply Unlimited Internet100 Mbps · $55/mo · real $55
- Fiber Internet 500500 Mbps · $55/mo · real $55
Google Fiber
FiberChecked Sep 11, 2026- Core 1 Gig1 Gbps · $70/mo · real $70
- Home 3 Gig3 Gbps · $100/mo · real $100
- Edge 8 Gig8 Gbps · $150/mo · real $150
Honest assessment
Where each one wins
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
Google Fiber
- No contracts, no equipment fees
- Multi-gig standard, 8 Gig available
- Price never increases
- Only ~20 metros
- Apartment coverage is inconsistent
- Long waitlists in new builds
Head to head
Cities where CenturyLink and Google Fiber compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
CenturyLink vs Google Fiber, answered
Is CenturyLink or Google Fiber better?
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 79 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Google Fiber sells the faster top plan (8 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Google Fiber?
CenturyLink has the lower real cost: $55 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $70 for Google Fiber. The advertised entry prices are $55 for CenturyLink and $70 for Google Fiber.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Google Fiber?
Google Fiber sells the faster top plan, at 8 Gbps down and 8 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 CenturyLink and Google Fiber?
We have both on record in 11 markets, including Phoenix, AZ; Mesa, AZ; Chandler, AZ; Denver, CO; Colorado Springs, CO. Availability still varies street by street.
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