Is Xfinity Better than CenturyLink?

CenturyLink and Xfinity are among the top choices for internet services in the US. Both offer great speeds, cost-effective plans, and reliable internet services. So, if the choice is between these two, you will have to make your decision after proper research.

To help with the process, we have evaluated some of the key points from both of the service providers. These will help you in your research and give you a clear direction towards what you’re looking for.

Connection Types

For some people, internet connection type is the first clue that tells them a lot about the service provider, the speeds that they would be getting, and how reliable that connection is going to be.

CenturyLink offers internet services through fiber optics and DSL connection. However, the choice between the two depends upon availability. The DSL network is widely available and offers good download speed while CenturyLink internet fiber is only limited to a few states and cities.

On the other hand, Xfinity offers internet services through cable and fiber internet. If we compare both, Cable internet is faster than the DSL and can offer higher speed limits.

 Moreover, it is more reliable and advanced compared to DSL. So, as for connection type, Xfinity has the lead.

Plans

Internet plans offer a choice for customers to choose a speed that suits their needs and budget. But if we look at the CenturyLink fiber internet, you will see that there is only one internet speed available, which is up to 940 Mbps with CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit plan.

In the DSL category, you might see different download speed options but with the same price. That is because CenturyLink allows customers to get the maximum available speed through DSL.

Contrarily, Xfinity offers different plans with different speeds. You can get download speeds ranging from 15-2000 Mbps. Here, the Fiber Gigabit Pro, or the download speed of up to 2000 Mbps is offered via fiber, while all other speeds are offered through Xfinity cable internet connection.

Price per Month

If we compare the prices for both of these service providers, you will see a major difference here.

With CenturyLink, you might see the only price of $49 per month with all the plans excluding Fiber Gigabit. At times. It is $45 as well because of the ongoing promotions in the area.

As mentioned earlier, CenturyLink DSL customers can get the maximum speed being offered in the area for $49, at the same time, fiber customers can get the download speed of up to 940 Mbps for $65 a month.

The best part is that CenturyLink offers a price for life for almost all those customers who sign-up for paperless billing and auto-pay, depending upon the plan that they choose.

That gives it an edge in the market as no other internet service provider offers this kind of deal.

In comparison to that, Xfinity internet prices start from $29.99 per month and go up to $299 if customers opt for the fiber Gigabit Pro plan. Although that is a great speed, it is super expensive.

So, if there is CenturyLink fiber available in your area, you can get the Gigabit plan and save about $224 per month on that.

Contract

A contract is usually a bummer for the customers because even if they plan to have services for the next few years, not everyone will agree to be bound to have the service.

In simple words, the contract takes away their choice to cancel the services for a specific period. And in case they do, they have to pay a cancellation cost.

That’s why none of the CenturyLink plans come with a contract. Customers get the liberty to cancel whenever they want, without being worried about paying any extra costs.

Meanwhile, Xfinity offers plans with and without the contract. If you want to go without the contract, chances are you will be paying about $15 additional every month. Moreover, plans like Gigabit and Fiber Gigabit Pro only come with a two years’ contract.

Installation Cost

Installation cost or one-time charges are among the things that can change a person’s decision about getting the services.

Customers generally do not consider these costs when they are signing up for the service and cancel the order when they get to look at the final charges for the first month.

So, to give you an idea of how much you will be paying, CenturyLink charges $99, a one-time charge for complete professional installation for your house.

 However, if your house is already wired, then you can save that amount and go for the self-installation option which is absolutely free.

For professional installation, Xfinity charges $89 along with the first-month charges. But eligible customers can get the self-installation option here as well by paying $15 instead of $89.

The Bottom Line

CenturyLink and Xfinity offer great internet services and speeds. However, if you get the option of CenturyLink fiber internet, go for it without even thinking.

You will get the best value in terms of services, price, and reliability. However, if you have to choose between getting DSL or Cable internet, then Xfinity should be the obvious choice.