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In the world of internet service providers (ISPs), you often get what you pay for. This means if you want the fastest speeds around, the cheapest isn't always best. Look for speed and reliability metrics alongside price to make sure you get the best internet for your buck.
ISPs have improved over the years and are able to offer much faster speeds to their customers than before. DSL internet was once considered only an upgrade from dial-up, but today many DSL providers are capable of offering fast speeds and plenty of bandwidth.
We’ll be comparing Comcast Xfinity vs. Centurylink DSL to find out which one is right for your home or office based on the following metrics:
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink DSL – which is the best option overall?
Xfinity is the winner in our overall comparison. They offer better speeds, dependability and customer service for today’s connected families.
The 2019 Residential ISP Customer Satisfaction Survey by J.D. Power awarded Xfinity three power circles in three regions: the South, East and North-Central areas, and four power circles in the West. CenturyLink only earned two stars across the board in the same survey.
Although CenturyLink is a reliable service, the coverage area is not as widespread as Xfinity. And while their online reviews are about the same as Xfinity for service reliability, Comcast received more awards due to a recent customer satisfaction survey.
While CenturyLink does have budget-friendly packages, you will pay the same amount for CenturyLink’s download speeds of 100 Mbps as you would for Xfinity’s download speeds of 200 Mbps.
Overall Winner
Xfinity
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink DSL at-a-glance
| Provider | Internet Type | Starting Price | Data Caps | Speeds | Contracts | Availability |
 | Cable, Fiber | $29.99 | 1 TB | Up to 1 Gbps | 1-year | Check Availability |
   | DSL, Fiber | $49.99 | 1 TB | Up to 940 Mbps | None | Check Availability |
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink: Internet speeds
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink: Availability
Availability Winner
Xfinity
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink: Customer service
Customer Service Winner
Xfinity
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink: Bundled services
Both providers offer options for bundling internet with TV and other services to get the best rates possible. Xfinity offers bundled packages including internet, TV, home phone, mobile phone and home security with the cheapest packages starting at $39.99 per month. CenturyLink has bundled options with home phone starting at $85.00 per month. Note that TV lineups, internet speeds and availability vary by location.
Bundled Services Winner
Xfinity
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink DSL: affordability
CenturyLink offers a Price for Life Plan with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps without having to worry about your bill changing for as long as you have service with CenturyLink. As of March 2020, they’re charging $49 per month for this plan with a $5 per month modem charge, bringing the total to $54 plus tax for service.
Xfinity’s services and prices vary by location. An example package was quoted at $40 for the Performance Plan, which offers download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. This plan includes a $13 monthly charge for modem, and the price is good for one year.
So, while Xfinity is slightly cheaper in the short-term, CenturyLink’s lifetime price lock is tough to beat in the long term.
Affordability Winner
CenturyLink
Xfinity vs. CenturyLink: which is right for you?
If you only need high-speed internet and want to lock in your price, CenturyLink will be a better option to consider. If you want to bundle more services with better dependability and customer service, Xfinity is going to offer you more value. Check provider availability to see which providers are in your area.
We supplied the data; now, the decision is yours.
Get started with by seeing which plans are available in your area.
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