CenturyLink vs Ziply Fiber
Ziply Fiber ranks higher on our formula, 81 to 79 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $20/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (10 Gbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | CenturyLink | Ziply Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL, Fiber | Fiber, DSL |
| Fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 10 Gbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 500 Mbps | 10 Gbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $55/mo | $20/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $55/mo | $20/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | No | No |
| Data caps | None | None |
| Contracts | None required | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Included |
| States served | 16 | 4 |
| Our rating (best plan) | 79/100 | 81/100 |
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
Ziply Fiber
FiberDSLNot yet checked- Fiber 100100 Mbps · $20/mo · real $20
- Fiber 300300 Mbps · $40/mo · real $40
- Fiber Gig1 Gbps · $60/mo · real $60
- Fiber 2 Gig2 Gbps · $80/mo · real $80
- Fiber 10 Gig10 Gbps · $300/mo · real $300
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
Ziply Fiber
- $20 for 100 Mbps symmetrical
- 10 Gig available to homes
- No contracts or data caps
- Four states only
- Legacy DSL in unconverted areas
- Install scheduling can slip
Head to head
Cities where CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber compete
Markets where we have both on record. Each page ranks every provider there.
Questions
CenturyLink vs Ziply Fiber, answered
Is CenturyLink or Ziply Fiber better?
Ziply Fiber ranks higher on our formula, 81 to 79 on each provider's best plan. It is also cheaper over two years (from $20/mo all-in) and sells the faster top plan (10 Gbps).
Which is cheaper, CenturyLink or Ziply Fiber?
Ziply Fiber has the lower real cost: $20 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $55 for CenturyLink. The advertised entry prices are $55 for CenturyLink and $20 for Ziply Fiber.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Ziply Fiber?
Ziply Fiber sells the faster top plan, at 10 Gbps down and 10 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 Ziply Fiber?
We have both on record in 7 markets, including Seattle, WA; Spokane, WA; Vancouver, WA; Portland, OR; Eugene, OR. Availability still varies street by street.
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