CenturyLink vs Quantum Fiber
Quantum Fiber ranks higher on our formula, 80 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 (8 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | CenturyLink | Quantum Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL, Fiber | Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 8 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 8 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 | 19 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 80/100 |
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
Quantum Fiber
FiberNot yet checked- 500 Mbps500 Mbps · $50/mo · real $50
- 940 Mbps940 Mbps · $75/mo · real $75
- 2 Gig2 Gbps · $95/mo · real $95
- 8 Gig8 Gbps · $165/mo · real $165
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
Quantum Fiber
- Symmetrical up to 8 Gig
- No annual contract
- Price does not step up
- Build is patchy inside its own metros
- Install lead times
- Support is shared with CenturyLink
Head to head
Cities where CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
CenturyLink vs Quantum Fiber, answered
Is CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber better?
Quantum Fiber ranks higher on our formula, 80 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 (8 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber?
Quantum Fiber 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 Quantum Fiber.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber?
Quantum 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 Quantum Fiber?
We have both on record in 37 markets, including Phoenix, AZ; Mesa, AZ; Chandler, AZ; Scottsdale, AZ; Glendale, AZ. Availability still varies street by street.
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