Which is better, CenturyLink or Hilltop Broadband?

Hilltop Broadband is cheaper to start where you can get it, but CenturyLink reaches 146 times as many people, so at most addresses CenturyLink is the one on offer (and it is faster). Where both are offered (about 253,474 people), CenturyLink has the faster top speed for 92% of homes.

FasterCenturyLinkTop speed 8,000 Mbps vs 1,000 Mbps; faster for 92% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startHilltop BroadbandFrom $44.95 a month, vs $55.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (181 and 0).

Available to more peopleCenturyLink39.8 million people in 20 states, vs 272,934 in 1 state.

CenturyLink
Price: $55.00 - $75.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (177)
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Hilltop Broadband
Price: $44.95 - $169.00 / mo.
Speed: 30 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

CenturyLink vs. Hilltop Broadband at a glance

Measure	CenturyLink	Hilltop Broadband
Available to	39.8 million people in 20 states	272,934 people in 1 state
Main technology	DSL 96%, fiber 19%	Fixed wireless 97%, fiber 5.5%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	8,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	940 Mbps down, 940 Mbps up	1,000 Mbps
Starting price	$55 a month	$44.95 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,320 (100 Mbps plan)	$1,079 (3 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.2 of 5 (181 reviews)	No reviews yet
Rated for speed	3.2 of 5	No reviews yet
Rated for price	3.4 of 5	No reviews yet
Where both are offered	About 253,474 people (93% of Hilltop Broadband's area); CenturyLink is faster for 92% of them, the same top speed for 0.9%

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where CenturyLink and Hilltop Broadband are available

CenturyLink and Hilltop Broadband have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

CenturyLink currently offers internet service in 5,326 cities and 574 counties across 20 states, reaching approximately 40,620,740 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Phoenix, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; and Denver, CO. By comparison, Hilltop Broadband serves 273,653 residents in 65 cities and 10 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Fort Collins, CO; Loveland, CO; and Longmont, CO.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether CenturyLink, Hilltop Broadband or both are offered at your home.

CenturyLink vs. Hilltop Broadband Speeds and Technology

CenturyLink and Hilltop Broadband utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, CenturyLink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 237 Mbps compared to Hilltop Broadband’s average speed of 94 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. CenturyLink’s premium Fiber service reaches 18.1% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Hilltop Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 5.5% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

CenturyLink vs. Hilltop Broadband Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for CenturyLink and Hilltop Broadband, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

CenturyLink vs. Hilltop Broadband Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate CenturyLink and Hilltop Broadband based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

CenturyLink vs. Hilltop Broadband Pros and Cons

CenturyLink

From 99 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Good value: praised in 30 of 99 written reviews (8 call it overpriced). "I find the price is good compared to other options"
• No contract hassles: praised in 5 of 99 written reviews. "on no contract deal"

Cons

• Slower than promised: a complaint in 40 of 99 written reviews (22 call it fast). "slow speed, probably throttled"
• Outages and drops: a complaint in 39 of 99 written reviews (25 call it reliable). "we had an internet outage"
• Poor customer service: a complaint in 24 of 99 written reviews (9 praise the service). "Century Link customer service is terrible"

Hilltop Broadband

No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.

Pros

• Cheaper to start: $44.95 a month, vs $55 from CenturyLink.

Cons

CenturyLink vs. Hilltop Broadband Top Cities

CenturyLink serves 5,326 cities while Hilltop Broadband is available in 65 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.