CenturyLink vs Spectrum
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 65 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Spectrum sells the faster top plan (2 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
CenturyLink and Spectrum compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | CenturyLink | Spectrum |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL, Fiber | Cable, Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $55/mo | $50/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $65/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | No | On some plans |
| Data caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Included |
| States served | 16 | 41 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 65/100 |
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
Spectrum
CableFiberOut of date — checked Sep 11, 2026- Internet500 Mbps · $50/mo · real $65
- Internet Premier1 Gbps · $70/mo · real $85
- Internet Gig+2 Gbps · $90/mo · real $105
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
Spectrum
- No data caps anywhere
- No term contract
- Free modem included
- Big price jump after 12 months
- Upload capped at 35 Mbps on most tiers
- WiFi router costs extra
Head to head
Cities where CenturyLink and Spectrum compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
CenturyLink vs Spectrum, answered
Is CenturyLink or Spectrum better?
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 65 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Spectrum sells the faster top plan (2 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Spectrum?
CenturyLink has the lower real cost: $55 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $65 for Spectrum. The advertised entry prices are $55 for CenturyLink and $50 for Spectrum.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Spectrum?
Spectrum sells the faster top plan, at 2 Gbps down and 100 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 Spectrum?
We have both on record in 5 markets, including Reno, NV; Lincoln, NE; Rochester, MN; Billings, MT; Cheyenne, WY. Availability still varies street by street.
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