CenturyLink vs Xfinity
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 67 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Xfinity sells the faster top plan (2 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
CenturyLink and Xfinity compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | CenturyLink | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL, Fiber | Cable, Fiber |
| Fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 300 Mbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $55/mo | $30/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $60/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | No | On some plans |
| Data caps | None | On some plans |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Up to $15/mo |
| States served | 16 | 40 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 67/100 |
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
Xfinity
CableFiberOut of date — checked Sep 11, 2026- Connect150 Mbps · $30/mo · real $60
- Fast500 Mbps · $55/mo · real $85
- Superfast800 Mbps · $65/mo · real $80
- Gigabit1.1 Gbps · $75/mo · real $90
- Gigabit X22 Gbps · $95/mo · real $95
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
Xfinity
- Available in 40 states
- Multi-gig tiers in most markets
- No contract on most plans
- Price rises after 12–24 months
- Slow upload on non-fiber tiers
- 1.2 TB data cap in many regions
Head to head
Cities where CenturyLink and Xfinity compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
CenturyLink vs Xfinity, answered
Is CenturyLink or Xfinity better?
CenturyLink ranks higher on our formula, 79 to 67 on each provider's best plan. CenturyLink is cheaper over two years (from $55/mo all-in), and Xfinity sells the faster top plan (2 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Xfinity?
CenturyLink has the lower real cost: $55 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $60 for Xfinity. The advertised entry prices are $55 for CenturyLink and $30 for Xfinity.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Xfinity?
Xfinity sells the faster top plan, at 2 Gbps down and 300 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 Xfinity?
We have both on record in 20 markets, including Tucson, AZ; Seattle, WA; Spokane, WA; Tacoma, WA; Bellevue, WA. Availability still varies street by street.
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