CenturyLink vs Comcast Xfinity Internet

As you might have noticed in the side-by-side comparison, CenturyLink and Comcast Xfinity have a wealth of differences.

They seem to share low customer scores, but keep in mind that customer scores are relatively low industry-wide. In CenturyLink’s specific case, its coverage area could be the reason for numerous one-star reviews. CenturyLink specializes in serving rural areas, which are unlikely to receive a high speed connection in the United States. 

As a result, more users have cause to complain about unreliable speeds and connection. Users in urban areas who can connect to CenturyLink fiber might have a more positive experience. Keep in mind, however, that despite CenturyLink’s large coverage area, the provider is the third largest in the United States, while Xfinity is the largest despite less surface area covered.

While both share some common customer service complaints, Xfinity is slightly less likely to have complaints of delivering lower-than-advertised speeds. For those prioritizing reliable internet, Xfinity could be the winner.

However, Xfinity has less of an edge with its contract. CenturyLink offers an internet Price for Life guarantee that will lock in your rate, and the company charges by the month. For those who move frequently and for customers who are wary of ISP contracts with cancellation fees and rising rates, CenturyLink may have the more appealing plan.

The better provider can also depend on your desired download speeds and price. Xfinity’s cheapest plan is $29.99 per month for 15 mbps. CenturyLink’s cheapest is $45 per month for 20 mbps. If you prioritize a plan with the fastest possible connection, Xfinity tops off at 2,000 mbps for $299.95; CenturyLink caps at 1,000 mbps. For 2,000 mbps, you could stream on dozens of devices to your heart’s content, but it will likely be overkill for the average household.

If you’re more inclined to a modest 1,000 mbps of internet, Xfinity is $70 per month and CenturyLink is $65. This is why the fastest and cheapest plans can be deceiving; consumers will likely settle with something in the middle, and sometimes CenturyLink offers a better rate.

Lastly, you might be juggling the issue of data caps. CenturyLink has 1 TB data caps on most plans (besides for business owners and users on a 1,000 mbps plan). Meanwhile, Xfinity caps everyone out at 1 TB regardless of plan.

The ISP of your dreams will depend on what you prioritize. For high speeds that deliver consistently, you may prefer Xfinity Comcast. For consistent pricing and an affordable 1,000 mbps, you might opt for CenturyLink service.