Which is better, CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber?

Quantum Fiber is faster, better rated and cheaper to start where you can get it, but CenturyLink reaches 3.3 times as many people, so at most addresses CenturyLink is the one on offer. Where both are offered (about 11.4 million people), Quantum Fiber has the faster top speed for 88% of homes.

FasterQuantum FiberFaster for 88% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startQuantum FiberFrom $50 a month, vs $55.

Better ratedQuantum Fiber3.8 of 5 from 52 reviews, vs 3.2 from 181.

Available to more peopleCenturyLink39.8 million people in 20 states, vs 12.2 million in 17 states.

CenturyLink
Price: $55.00 - $75.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (177)
View Plans

Quantum Fiber
Price: $50.00 - $165.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (50)
View Plans

CenturyLink vs. Quantum Fiber at a glance

Measure	CenturyLink	Quantum Fiber
Available to	39.8 million people in 20 states	12.2 million people in 17 states
Main technology	DSL 96%, fiber 19%	Fiber 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	8,000 Mbps	8,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	940 Mbps down, 940 Mbps up	8,000 Mbps down, 8,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$55 a month	$50 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,320 (100 Mbps plan)	$1,200 (500 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.2 of 5 (181 reviews)	3.8 of 5 (52 reviews)
Rated for speed	3.2 of 5	4.2 of 5
Rated for price	3.4 of 5	4.0 of 5
Where both are offered	About 11.4 million people (94% of Quantum Fiber's area); Quantum Fiber is faster for 88% of them, the same top speed for 7.2%

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 Quantum Fiber are available

CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber 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, Quantum Fiber serves 12,158,769 residents in 1,132 cities and 225 counties in 17 states, with a presence in population centers such as Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; and Seattle, WA.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: CenturyLink coverage map and Quantum Fiber coverage map.

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

CenturyLink vs. Quantum Fiber Speeds and Technology

CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber 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, Quantum Fiber offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 3,292 Mbps compared to CenturyLink’s average speed of 237 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, Quantum Fiber’s top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

CenturyLink vs. Quantum Fiber Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber, 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. Quantum Fiber Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, CenturyLink earns an overall rating of 3.23 / 5 stars from 183 customer reviews, while Quantum Fiber maintains a 3.83 / 5 rating from 52 reviews. Quantum Fiber outperforms CenturyLink by 0.6 points in overall satisfaction. CenturyLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.81 / 5 stars, compared to Quantum Fiber’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.83 / 5 stars.

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. Quantum Fiber 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"

Quantum Fiber

From 40 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 20 of 40 written reviews. "really good in terms of speed and ease of usage"
• Good value: praised in 19 of 40 written reviews. "the price and high-speed internet is great"
• Easy installation: praised in 12 of 40 written reviews (8 had install trouble). "Installation was really great and it felt like they went the extra mile"

Cons

• Poor customer service: a complaint in 11 of 40 written reviews (5 praise the service). "Contacting customer service does not resolve the issue"

CenturyLink vs. Quantum Fiber Top Cities

CenturyLink serves 5,326 cities while Quantum Fiber is available in 1,132 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.