CenturyLink vs Mediacom
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 50 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Mediacom sells the faster top plan (1 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
CenturyLink and Mediacom compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | CenturyLink | Mediacom |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL, Fiber | Cable |
| Fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 1 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $55/mo | $30/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $59/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | No | On some plans |
| Data caps | None | On some plans |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | $14/mo |
| States served | 16 | 21 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 50/100 |
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
Mediacom
CableNot yet checked- Internet 100100 Mbps · $30/mo · real $59
- Internet 400400 Mbps · $50/mo · real $79
- Internet 1 Gig1 Gbps · $70/mo · real $99
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
Mediacom
- Serves towns the big four skip
- Gigabit available across most of the footprint
- Low intro pricing
- Data caps on most tiers
- Steep price increase after promo
- Upload speeds are low
Head to head
Cities where CenturyLink and Mediacom compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
CenturyLink vs Mediacom, answered
Is CenturyLink or Mediacom better?
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 50 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Mediacom sells the faster top plan (1 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Mediacom?
CenturyLink has the lower real cost: $55 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $59 for Mediacom. The advertised entry prices are $55 for CenturyLink and $30 for Mediacom.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Mediacom?
Mediacom sells the faster top plan, at 1 Gbps down and 50 Mbps 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 Mediacom?
We have both on record in 4 markets, including Des Moines, IA; Cedar Rapids, IA; Sioux Falls, SD; Fargo, ND. Availability still varies street by street.
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