Optimum vs. CenturyLink: Internet Speed, Pricing & Plan Comparison

Picking the right Internet service provider is very important. The quality of your service can affect many aspects of your life, from your ability to work or go to school remotely to how seamless of an experience you have streaming TV shows and playing online games. Selecting your ISP can also be a financial decision, and it pays to have all the facts.

In this article, we’ll compare the Internet service offered by Optimum and CenturyLink. You’ll find all the details about Internet speed, service bundles, installation, and more below. For a quick overview, we’ve compiled key facts into a handy chart. Beneath it, we’re digging further into Optimum vs. CenturyLink specifics, so you can make an informed decision about your ISP.

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. Internet speeds may vary depending on location and connection type. Click here to see if 8 Gig is available in your area.

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. Internet speeds may vary depending on location and connection type. Click here to see if 8 Gig is available in your area.

Installation Options

Optimum offers both self-setup and professional installation options (Optimum Fiber Internet is always professionally installed). If you opt for the former, you’ll receive all the necessary equipment and instructions on setting up your Internet connection. With professional installation, a technician will visit your home to install your service and set up your modem, which is provided by Optimum. They can also help set up your account and hardwire one device.

CenturyLink also offers both types of installation, with a self-install costing less than professional installation. For a self-install, a technician works outside of your house or building, and you install your own equipment inside. With a professional installation, the technician will set up your router and modem for you, which you can buy or lease directly from CenturyLink.

Internet Connection Types

Both Optimum and CenturyLink provide fiber Internet in some regions. In areas where fiber is not yet available, Optimum provides Internet connection via a hybrid-fiber coaxial (HFC) network. Below, learn more about the different types of Internet service Optimum and CenturyLink provide:

Fiber

Fiber Internet uses plastic or glass cables to transmit data from one point to another (Optimum uses glass cables). This technology allows for high bandwidth and fast speeds, and it is less susceptible to slowdowns caused by high traffic. Light signals travel through fiber optic cables, providing a more reliable connection than traditional cable or DSL service. (Learn about the differences between Fiber and 5G home Internet here.)

Cable

Cable is an extremely common type of Internet service. It uses cable wires to deliver internet to your home, with speeds that typically top out at 1 Gig. Cable internet provides faster download speeds than DSL connection options, but generally has asymmetrical upload speeds.

HFC (Hybrid-Fiber Coaxial)

Optimum’s HFC network is used in regions where fiber is not yet available. It’s connected to our greater 100% fiber-optic networks and offers fast speeds. For Optimum internet customers with HFC service, the experience differs from pure fiber but still provides excellent performance.

Quantum Fiber

CenturyLink's fiber service is also being marketed as Quantum Fiber in some regions. This is their premium fiber offering, which provides symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 940 Mbps.

DSL Service

CenturyLink's DSL plans use traditional telephone lines for internet connection. CenturyLink's DSL customers often experience much slower speeds than fiber customers, with average download speeds ranging from 15-100 Mbps. DSL internet is generally less reliable than fiber or cable options.

HFC vs. Fiber Speeds

If you’re able to choose between cable or fiber, consider how much speed you need. Optimum fiber plans range in speed from 300 Mbps to 8 Gig*, while our HFC plans range from 200 Mbps to 1 Gig. Optimum offers many different Internet speeds, so pick the one that is right for you. (Find more information about picking the right Internet speed here.)

*8 Gig Fiber Internet is currently available in portions of NY, NJ & CT. Fiber Internet is not available in all areas. Internet speeds may vary depending on location and connection type. Click here to see if 8 Gig is available in your area.

Internet Speed Comparison

Price is important when choosing an Internet service provider. When comparing prices, make sure you’re looking at similar plans: no matter the provider, higher-speed plans will generally cost more than lower-speed plans. At Optimum, our prices are similar to what CenturyLink charges for similar services. We also offer bundling for additional ways to save on your service.

Optimum offers extremely flexible packages that combine two to three of the following services: Internet, Optimum TV, and Optimum Phone (for your home phone). There are additional benefits included in these bundles, such as a 60-day money-back guarantee and unlimited data. Optimum Bundles is another option. The bundle includes Internet (with speeds of up to 8 Gbps) and Optimum Mobile.

Customers can also save by enrolling in auto-pay and paperless billing, which offer lower rates. Look at the chart below for an overview of some key Optimum vs. CenturyLink features.

For the budget-minded Internet customer, Optimum offers competitive pricing, flexible plans, and money-back guarantees. Whether you’re looking for a simple Internet plan or want to bundle in TV or phone service, there’s likely an Optimum plan that fits your budget. Best of all, you can customize your bundle without signing up for an annual contract. Optimum is currently available in 21 states, with more on the way. To see if Optimum is available in your area, click here.

Customer Experience

Optimum's 60-day money-back guarantee (compared to CenturyLink's 30-day guarantee) gives you more time to test your service.

Optimum consistently receives higher overall satisfaction ratings for the fiber internet service.. Optimum also offers perks like access to Wi-Fi hotspots and advanced whole-home Wi-Fi options not available with basic CenturyLink plans.

Optimum delivers superior value for most households with higher speeds (up to 8 Gbps), more flexible bundling options, and included equipment with no equipment fees. Optimum's competitive pricing, no annual contracts, and a 60-day money-back guarantee make it the more intelligent choice for anyone who wants a customizable, high-performance internet experience.

Whether you're looking for a simple Internet plan or want to bundle in TV or phone service, there's likely an Optimum plan that fits your budget. Best of all, you can customize your bundle without signing up for an annual contract. Check to see if Optimum is available in your area, enter your zip code to search providers.

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Optimum vs. CenturyLink FAQs

General Comparison

What are the main differences between Optimum and CenturyLink?

The primary differences lie in Internet speed, service bundling, and equipment costs. Optimum offers significantly higher maximum speeds (up to 8 Gbps), provides its own TV and mobile services for bundling, and includes a modem with its Internet plans.

CenturyLink's top speed is 940 Mbps, it does not offer TV packages, and customers must rent or purchase their own modem.

Which provider is recommended in the article?

The article suggests that Optimum delivers superior value for most households due to its higher speed options, more flexible bundling, included equipment, and a longer money-back guarantee.

Speed and Technology

Which provider offers faster Internet speeds?

Optimum offers faster Internet speeds. While CenturyLink's maximum speed is 1940 Mbps, Optimum provides a wider range of speeds, with plans going up to 28 Gbps in certain fiber service areas (specifically parts of NY, NJ, & CT).

What types of Internet connections do they offer?

Both providers offer fiber Internet. In areas where fiber is not yet available, Optimum uses a hybrid-fiber coaxial (HFC) network.4 CenturyLink also offers DSL service over traditional telephone lines in some regions, which is generally slower than fiber or HFC.

Pricing, Contracts, and Fees

How does pricing compare between Optimum and CenturyLink?

The article states that for plans with similar speeds, the base prices are comparable. However, a key difference is that Optimum includes the modem in its plan, while CenturyLink requires customers to rent or purchase a modem, which is an additional cost.

Do I have to sign an annual contract with either provider?

No. According to the provided text, neither Optimum nor CenturyLink requires customers to sign an annual contract.

Are there any data caps?

No. Both Optimum and CenturyLink offer Internet plans with no data caps, meaning you get unlimited data.

Bundles and Guarantees

Can I bundle other services like TV or mobile?

Yes, with Optimum. Optimum offers flexible packages where you can bundle Internet with Optimum TV, Optimum Phone (home phone), and Optimum Mobile.7 The article states that CenturyLink does not offer its own TV packages.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes, both providers offer one. Optimum provides a 60-day money-back guarantee, while CenturyLink offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Installation and Equipment

What are the installation options?

Both Optimum and CenturyLink offer self-setup and professional installation. For Optimum customers, a professional installation is required for all Fiber Internet plans.

Is the modem or router included?

Optimum includes the modem in its Internet plans.9 With CenturyLink, the modem is not included, and you must either rent it from them or purchase your own compatible equipment.