CenturyLink vs Metronet
Metronet ranks higher on our formula, 82 to 79 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $50/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (5 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
CenturyLink and Metronet compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | CenturyLink | Metronet |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL, Fiber | Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 5 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 5 Gbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $55/mo | $50/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $50/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | No | No |
| Data caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Included |
| States served | 16 | 14 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 82/100 |
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
Metronet
FiberNot yet checked- 500 Mbps500 Mbps · $50/mo · real $50
- 1 Gig1 Gbps · $60/mo · real $60
- 2 Gig2 Gbps · $70/mo · real $70
- 5 Gig5 Gbps · $110/mo · real $110
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
Metronet
- $60 gigabit, symmetrical
- No data caps or contracts
- Builds where only cable existed
- Limited metro list
- Construction disruption during buildout
- Support hours are business-heavy
Head to head
Cities where CenturyLink and Metronet compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
CenturyLink vs Metronet, answered
Is CenturyLink or Metronet better?
Metronet ranks higher on our formula, 82 to 79 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $50/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (5 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Metronet?
Metronet has the lower real cost: $50 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $55 for CenturyLink. The advertised entry prices are $55 for CenturyLink and $50 for Metronet.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Metronet?
Metronet sells the faster top plan, at 5 Gbps down and 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 CenturyLink and Metronet?
We have both on record in 5 markets, including Minneapolis, MN; Saint Paul, MN; Rochester, MN; Cedar Rapids, IA; Fargo, ND. Availability still varies street by street.
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