If you are looking for a new internet service provider, and you have decided to choose from CenturyLink and Xfinity, the following comparison of CenturyLink vs Xfinity will help you know the ideal internet service provider for your home or office.
Prices of Starting Plan offered by Xfinity
Xfinity is known for providing a couple of plans for internet services as well. Generally, their speeds vary between 25 Mbps and 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps). The company claims that their 600 Mbps (and higher) internet plans are capable of handling up to 12 devices. The prices of Xfinity plans begin at $20/monthly as an introductory rate for lower-pricing plans and moves higher depending on your internet needs.
In case you are looking to rent a router, you will need to pay more for both CenturyLink and Xfinity. Also, if you need the installation service from the company, be ready to pay more.
On the whole, CenturyLink is known to be offering more direct pricing with reasonable maximum prices for their services. However, the company has only fewer add-ons to offer to the customer.
Contract Terms
Both CenturyLink and Xfinity are known for offering contract-free terms, which is an advantage if you wish to avoid the introductory price. Although Xfinity offers contracts ranging from 12-month introductory prices, they are not an obligation for services, and contracts are mainly linked with bundle packages.
In general, Xfinity offers plans with higher internet speeds. If you wish to use multiple numbers devices such as computers, TVs, phones, smart devices, thermostats, etc. Xfinity is perhaps the most appropriate option. With Xfinity connection, you can expect fewer slowdowns when you and other members of your family connect devices at once.
Availability & Coverage
The options for Xfinity and CenturyLink in terms of coverage and availability are quite different. Although it appears that more overall space is covered by CenturyLink compared to Xfinity, the actual percentage of the population served by Xfinity is approximately 20% higher. While Xfinity is known for serving more than 35% of the US population, CenturyLink only serves about 15%. Some of the cities where CenturyLink is known for offering the best coverage include:
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Boise, Idaho
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Fargo, North Dakota
Similarly, cities where Xfinity is known for offering the best coverage, are:
- Detroit, Michigan
- Atlanta, Georgia
- San Francisco, California
- Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
- Chicago, Illinois
It has been noticed that CenturyLink is known for offering its services more in rural areas of the United States and Xfinity majorly serves the urban areas in the country.
Pros & Cons of CenturyLink Internet
| PROS | CONS |
| Price remains the same life long for Life plans | Download speeds sometimes can be disappointing. |
| Plans with no contracts are usually offered. | Coverage and availability of CenturyLink internet plans are not much exciting in urban areas |
| Gig Fiber internet plans are available | No deals or introductory rates are offered by the company. |
| Option to purchase a modem from CenturyLink instead of renting for a monthly fee. | Customer service is below average in some areas. |
Pros & Cons of Xfinity Internet
| PROS | CONS |
| A wide range of internet plans is available in major cities.
|
Fiber options and availability are quite limited. |
| Get easy access to the internet from Xfinity WiFi hotspots that are available across the country.
|
Contracts need to be signed for getting the best prices for certain internet plans. |
|
Get free Xfinity Flex and voice remote with any service.
|
Unsatisfactory customer service. |
| Modem and router options are reliable. | Based on location, prices and product availability may vary. |
So, now as you have gone through the comparison of CenturyLink and Xfinity, you can easily decide which service is ideal for your internet needs.