CenturyLink, one of the leading DSL and fiber internet providers in the United States, has gained praise for its services. However, the one thing that doesn’t sit well with us is the fact that they’re currently profiting from renting out modems to customers already paying for their services.
While it may seem convenient initially to depend on your ISP for networking equipment, the rental can be quite costly in the long run.
Finding a suitable modem can be challenging, considering the various options in the market. It’s also important to note that not all modems are compatible with every service provider, adding to the complexity. However, suppose you’re specifically looking for a modem that works well with your CenturyLink internet connection. In that case, you’ve landed in the right place.
We’ve tested and compiled a list of the 5 best CenturyLink modems here to simplify your decision-making process.
Table of Contents
5 Best CenturyLink Modems For Smooth Internet Connection
Our Top Recommendation for Best CenturyLink Modems!
- C3000A CenturyLink
- WPA/WPA2 Wireless Encryption
- Bonded VDSL2 Wireless AC Gateway Router
There’re of plenty of modems that are compatible with CenturyLink DSL. If you’re considering purchasing a modem but are unsure if it will work with CenturyLink, I suggest visiting the CenturyLink website.
They provide a list of the modems for CenturyLink and information on the types of DSL used in your area. Here are a few modem options that work well with CenturyLink service.
- CenturyLink C3000A Modem
- CenturyLink C4000LG Modem By GreenWave
- CenturyLink ZyXEL PK5001z Modem
- CenturyLink ZyXEL C3000Z Modem
- CenturyLink C4000XG Modem By GreenWave
1. CenturyLink C3000A Modem
The CenturyLink Actiontec C3000A is a modem/router combo that carries the CenturyLink brand. It stands out as the choice for most CenturyLink customers.
This device is compatible and performs well with both Unlimited and Fiber plans offered by CenturyLink.
During testing, we observed that the WiFi speed falls short of reaching the potential of the Gigabit plan. You might need to invest a little more in a modem to achieve that level of performance.
In our tests, this modem reached a peak speed of 600 Mbps. However, with some conditions, you can achieve higher speeds. While you may not quite reach the speed available on the fastest plan, you can come pretty close.
One small drawback is that this device does not include certain features like QoS (Quality of Service) or parental controls. As a result, you won’t have control over your network compared to some higher-end gateways.
Features
- WiFi 5
- WPA2
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Dual-band technology
- ADSL+ and VDSL2
- 802.11ac WiFi technology
- Denial of Service (DOS)
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | CenturyLink |
| Manufacturer | Actiontec |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet |
| Compatible Devices | Phone, Tablet, WiFi-Enabled Devices, Media Streaming Devices, Computer, PC, Mac, Gaming Consoles |
| Color | Black |
| Price | $175.77 |
Pros
- User-friendly
- Affordable
- High-speed
- Robust security
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Not future-proof
2. CenturyLink C4000LG Modem By GreenWave
Suppose you’re looking for a versatile gateway offering top-notch performance. In that case, the GreenWave C4000LG might be your choice, even if it comes with a slightly higher price tag.
The C4000LG is an option for those who plan to use their gateway for some time, as it supports various DSL formats and fiber connections. So, whether you decide to switch to a DSL or Fiber provider or make changes to your CenturyLink plan in the future, this gateway should accommodate your needs easily.
Thanks to its WiFi 6 technology, the C4000LG delivers high speed. It can come close to reaching the maximum capabilities of CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit plan. However, it lacks features like QoS and parental controls, which may be a drawback for some users.
As expected, the C4000LG is priced higher than other gateways. Nevertheless, considering what you get in return, it still provides value for your money.
Features
- WiFi 6
- Backward compatibility
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | CenturyLink |
| Manufacturer | GREENWAVE |
| Connectivity Technology | LAN, WLAN |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Color | White |
| Price | $174.97 |
Pros
- Supports CenturyLink DSL and Fiber plans
- 1-year warranty
- Suitable for larger homes
- Easy setup
Cons
- Expensive for a renewed model
3. CenturyLink ZyXEL PK5001z Modem
The C3000A modem from CenturyLink is on the pricier side. And you can save money by opting for the ZyXEL PK5001Z instead.
While this modem is affordable, it does have its limitations in terms of speed. It’s worth considering if you have one of the Simply Unlimited plans, such as those offering speeds up to 20 Mbps, simply because the C3000A modem operates on a WiFi 4 standard which may not be ideal for faster connections. Even if it had WiFi capabilities, it wouldn’t be compatible with higher-speed plans due to its supported modem technology.
This modem isn’t suitable for CenturyLink Fiber customers as it doesn’t support that technology.
However, note that this modem may soon become obsolete. Consider it more as an affordable solution that you might need to upgrade in the future.
Even if you’re subscribed to slow plans, this modem will still work perfectly.
Features
- Backward compatibility
- MIMO (many-input, many-output) technology
- 4 Ethernet ports
- ADSL/ADSL2+
- 802.11n wireless standards
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | ZYXEL |
| Manufacturer | ZYXEL |
| Internet service provider | Centurylink |
| Maximum Downstream Data | 300 Megabits Per Second |
| Color | Black |
| Price | $49.00 |
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- 1-year warranty
- Easy installation
Cons
- Slow to use
- Outdated wireless standard
4. CenturyLink ZyXEL C3000Z Modem
If you’re currently using CenturyLink as your internet service provider, the ZyXEL C3000Z router is worth considering. It works well with all CenturyLink plans, from Simply Unlimited to the fastest Fiber plan.
Although it’s a WiFi 5 router and may not fully utilize the potential of CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit, it can still provide optimal performance.
This router may not have many features because of its low price. However, suppose you require features or want to maximize your Gigabit plan. In that case, you can set the device in bridge mode and connect to another router.
Overall the ZyXEL C3000Z offers a perfect choice for CenturyLink users looking for a reasonably priced router.
Features
- WiFi 5
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports dual band of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Wireless encryption
- VDSL2 Bond Support.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | ZYXEL |
| Manufacturer | ZYXEL |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi Fi |
| Internet service provider | Centurylink |
| Color | Black |
| Price | $48.96 |
Pros
- Strong signal
- Affordable
- 1-year warranty
- Easy setup
- Advanced security features
Cons
- Works only with Fast DSL Technology
- Unable to set up a Mac system.
5. CenturyLink C4000XG Modem By GreenWave
If you want to make the most of CenturyLink Fiber Gigabits 940 Mbps speed over WiFi, the GreenWave C4000XG is your bet.
However, note that this gateway isn’t compatible with Simply Unlimited plans. It’s specifically designed for fiber connections and comes preconfigured to work with CenturyLink plans. You can plug it in and start using it without any setup.
If that meets your requirements, then keep reading. The C4000XG device utilizes WiFi 6 technology to give CenturyLink customers some of the best WiFi speeds one can think of.
While it may not reach the potential of the Fiber Gigabit plan, it comes close. Moreover, its impressive range of around 90 – 100 ft ensures speeds in larger homes.
That being said, remember that this gateway is a bit pricey. You can use your router and an affordable modem if you want to save money.
Features
- WiFi 6
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Dual-band of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | CenturyLink |
| Manufacturer | CenturyLink |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi Fi |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Color | White |
| Price | $157.86 |
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Easy setup
- Great range
- High speed
Cons
- Does not work with Simply Unlimited plans
How we Picked And Tested Best CenturyLink Modems?
For selecting the best CenturyLink modems, we followed a meticulous testing process to ensure our readers receive accurate and reliable information. Our first step involved researching to identify the popular and highly recommended modems available in the market.
That’s why we put a lot of effort into researching and choosing products for our reviews. We want to ensure we recommend things our readers will truly enjoy. First and foremost, we aimed to include products at price points so that there’s something for everyone regardless of their budget.
We also considered factors like internet speed and bandwidth as to whether it offers dual or single-band WiFi. Additionally, durability and cyber security were important factors because staying safe online is crucial, especially if you spend significant time online.
Once we had compiled a list of contenders, we moved on to the testing phase. We tested each modem under real-world conditions. Our testing covered download and upload speeds, latency, signal strength, and stability.
Moreover, considering the consumer’s technical know-how, we tested how easy it was to set up the modems and their user-friendliness. After conducting a thorough analysis and comparing all these factors, we determined which modems stood out as the top choices for CenturyLink users.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Modem For CenturyLink
When shopping for a router, it’s important to consider the features and crucial factors. With the wide variety of routers and models available on the market, I’ll simplify things for you and guide you in researching and finding the one that suits your needs.
Internet Speed
Firstly, determine the internet speed provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Find out if you’re on a CenturyLink plan that offers speeds up to 100Mbps or if you have their Fiber Gigabit plans with speeds up to 940Mbps. You can check this information on their website at https;//www.centurylink.com/home/internet/. To be sure about the speed in your area, call them and ask about it. Once you have clarity on your internet speed, select a router that can handle that speed or higher.
Wireless Standards
Another aspect to consider is the standards supported by routers. These standards include 802.11b (WiFi 1), 802.11a (WiFi 2), 802.11g (WiFi 3), 802.11n (WiFi 4), 802.11ac (WiFi 5), and the latest standard, which is 802.11ax (WiFi6).
If you want a router opting for WiFi6 would be ideal; however, remember that WiFi6 routers require compatible devices to benefit fully from their features.
In addition, WiFi 6 routers offer a speed that is three times faster than WiFi 5 routers. It makes them capable of managing crowds due to their higher theoretical speed, reaching up to 9.6Gbps.
However, I suggest opting for a router that follows the ‘ac’ wireless standard, as it is widely preferred and can easily handle CenturyLink’s fiber plans. Moreover, WiFi 5 routers tend to be more affordable when compared to WiFi 6 routers.
How Many Devices Will be Connected At a Time?
If you live alone, you probably don’t have a lot of devices connected simultaneously. I only connect my gaming console, laptop, and TV. So it doesn’t put much strain on my router.
However, suppose you’re someone who uses more devices. In that case, it’s important to choose a router with a core processor, extra ports for wired connections, and even USB ports for adding external drives.
WiFi Coverage
Determining the coverage area is crucial. If you want all your devices to have connections throughout your home, investing in a good router that covers the entire space is necessary.
For apartments or homes, a budget-friendly router can fulfill your needs without any doubt. If you live in a house or a larger area opting for a high-end router with extensive coverage becomes essential.
When it comes to covering thousands of feet effectively, regular routers won’t suffice. You must consider investing in a mesh WiFi system.
Frequently Asked Questions
CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber services depending on your location. To use CenturyLink internet plans, you must purchase a DSL or fiber optic modem. We suggest verifying with the company to determine which plan you have so that you can choose the modem.
Absolutely! You can use your modem and router for CenturyLink internet service. While there may be a cost involved in acquiring your hardware, it can save you money in the long run. You won’t have to pay a monthly fee for renting equipment from the internet service provider.
Having a CenturyLink Compatible Modem is crucial because CenturyLink has requirements for modems that work with their internet services. Using a modem that isn’t compatible with CenturyLink’s network could lead to internet speeds or connectivity problems. By using a CenturyLink Compatible Modem, you can ensure that you will enjoy the best internet experience.
CenturyLink Compatible Modems offer a multitude of advantages. They provide dependable internet speeds are fully compatible with CenturyLink’s internet services, and offer setup and configuration. Opting for a CenturyLink Compatible Modem can enhance your internet experience by enjoying connectivity and fewer complications.
Setting up a modem for CenturyLink is straightforward. While the process may vary when using a gateway device from CenturyLink compared to other manufacturers, it should still be relatively easy if you have the apt device.
Simply plug in the modem and activate it with CenturyLink to get started. It can easily be accomplished through the network configuration settings of the device.
To Sum Up
After conducting a lot of research, comparing modem options, and carefully reviewing customer feedback, we narrowed our selection to these top five contenders.
These modems work seamlessly with CenturyLink network and offer impressive download and upload speeds. Additionally, we have ensured that they provide a robust signal with latency to deliver an excellent internet experience.
We understand the frustration that arises when your internet acts up. Hence, we have prioritized user-friendliness and ease of setup for these modems. Regardless of your technical expertise, you’ll be able to get them up and running in no time.
Purchasing a modem from CenturyLink rather than renting one or buying it online would be a better option. Do not buy cable modems, as they may not be compatible. Choosing a modem from CenturyLink itself can ensure compatibility and functionality while saving money in the long run.
As a customer of CenturyLink, your choices may be limited. However, I hope the information provided in this article has given you an understanding of the available options.
Chris loves technology, specifically smart home technology! With both hands-on and executive leadership experience in his corporate career, Chris stays abreast of emerging technology and solutions and immerses himself in BCCA when not in the office.