MetroNet Vs CenturyLink: Which ISP is Best For You?

If it comes down to comparing MetroNet vs CenturyLink, they can be put on the same scale. Both have similar quality and service configurations. Then, you get unlimited plans from both with no contract obligations.

But is it supposed to be? Where MetroNet is relatively new, and CenturyLink has been around for a long time. One has a full-fledged fiber network, while the other has cable, DSL, and fiber. This implies that they have differences as well.

We will analyze the differences between CenturyLink and MetroNet by their categories, including speeds, plans, prices, customer services, etc. So, you can compare them and find the suitable one for you.

MetroNet Internet Review

MetroNet is a customer-oriented, family-run telecommunication company based in Evansville, Indiana. Since the company has no parent corporation, customers can deal directly with the provider.

MetroNet was founded in 2005 in the age of technology. Since they have constantly expanded its functionality and digital innovations across the Midwest, this regional provider puts its extremely productive services to work in 13 states.

However, it provides state-of-the-art fiber-optic services, including full-fledged, high-speed fiber internet. MetroNet has been providing a fiber-optic network to over 80 communities.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer more traditional DSL internet. The fiber internet it provides is very fast and more reliable than many. That is why, MetroNet fiber internet is apt for online gaming and streaming.

Are you looking for a new internet provider? Read our comparison of MetroNet Vs Spectrum to see which one is right for you.

CenturyLink Internet Review

CenturyLink, a part of Lumen Technologies, is a telecommunication company. It’s a trusted brand for providing high-speed internet, fiber, voice, phone, and TV services to residential and small businesses.

CenturyLink offers internet service to over 5.3 million people across over 50 states. It has the most extensive coverage in Arizona. CenturyLink mainly provides DSL internet in 36 states and fiber internet in 19 states.

However, CenturyLink is constantly working on its fiber internet growth and development. The core strength of CenturyLink is its rural availability, thanks to its existing telephone infrastructure.

That’s what makes CenturyLink DSL one of the widely available services. What else? CenturyLink has a great opportunity called “Price for Life Internet.” This implies you must pay the same fee as the first day until the day you change the plan.

MetroNet Vs CenturyLink: Compare Speeds, Plans, Prices, and More

Picking between MetroNet and CenturyLink has always been challenging, while one is new and the other is established. They have a lot of similar upsides and downsides as well to compare. Let’s go deeper into it.

Internet Configuration: MetroNet Internet Vs CenturyLink

Despite being relatively new, MetroNet is mainly known for its dedicated fiber network. It connects people to the internet through fiber infrastructure. The fiber configuration makes the network more reliable and ensures symmetrical speeds.

On the other hand, CenturyLink is known primarily for its DSL network. If you think of their DSL as a “phone line,” FYI, their DSL significantly improved over dial-up Internet. Despite sharing the line with phone service, CenturyLink DSL delivers higher speeds.

However, they also have fiber and cable networks in selected areas. CenturyLink fiber network is known as “FITL or Fiber in the loop.” The Subscriber data is transmitted from the residence over copper lines to a nearby DSLAM device.

Then, the DSLAM (digital subscriber line access multiplexer) device switches over the connection into a fiber line for all local subscribers. You will probably get better plans if you are lucky enough to be in their fiber network.

Our Feedback:

Is MetroNet better than CenturyLink? Yes. Because of its full-fledged fiber network, MetroNet offers a more stable connection than CenturyLink.

Which provider is right for you?? Compare Metronet vs. Mediacom in our detailed comparison post to see which provider is right for you.

Internet Speeds and Plans: CenturyLink Internet Vs MetroNet

CenturyLink and MetroNet have almost similar maximum speeds that are up to 1000Mbps. CenturyLink has low-speed options for you if you need the internet for daily tasks like email, work, or study. 

The CenturyLink simply unlimited internet plan has a maximum download speed of up to 100Mbps with unlimited data. While other ISPs’ DSL ranges from 3Mbps to 35Mbps, CenturyLink’s DSL speeds range from 20Mbps to 100Mbps.

The overall speeds may be lower than fiber or cable. But, this DSL plan has a higher level of stability and should be enough for daily tasks. The speed may vary by location.

In some areas, you are likely to get much less speed, for example, 10Mbps, 20Mbps, or 40Mbps. Otherwise, you can consider CenturyLink Fiber internet 200Mbps package.

CenturyLink has a fiber plan for committed gamers and streamers with speeds 500Mbps or 940Mbps. These plans ensure a virtually lag-free experience. On the contrary, MetroNet has three plans with download speeds 100Mbps, 500Mbps, and 1Gb.

MetroNet also gases the 2Gig plan available in selected markets. The best part, they offer symmetrical download and upload speeds. With the highest speeds, MetroNet also ensures the lowest latency. It is just perfect for online gamers and streamers.

Our Feedback:

MetroNet is undoubtedly a better option than CenturyLink when it comes to internet plans and speeds. It offers the fastest symmetrical upload and download speeds.

Costs: CenturyLink Vs MetroNet Internet

As the saying goes, good benefits come at a cost. The same applies to MetroNet internet. MetroNet offers faster download and upload speeds. However, it charges a considerable amount for the service.

Though each MetroNet plan, except 100Mb, comes with a promotional price, it only lasts for a while. Where gigabit plans from most ISPs last for at least a year, the MetroNet plan lasts only 6-months. The 1Gb plan costs $59.95/month for 6 months.

After the promotional period ends, the price will be $69.95 for 12 months. Then, the rate will increase to $89.95. Nonetheless, the 500mbps plan last 24 months. After 24 months, the standard rate of $69.95 will apply.

However, the starting price for the 100Mbps plan costs $49.95/mo. And the 2Gig plan costs $119.95/month. Additional installation fees and taxes will also apply. Conversely, CenturyLink is reasonably priced.

Their DSL plan starts at $50, excluding taxes and fees. CenturyLink fiber internet plan costs $65/month for speeds up to 940Mbps. Since they don’t provide contracts, the monthly expense will likely increase after a certain period.

Our Feedback:

CenturyLink is possibly an affordable option than MetroNet. Where the MetroNet Fiber Gig plan costs you $89.95, CenturyLink charges $65 for the same speed. Apparently, CenturyLink plans are budget gamers and streamers.

When it comes to the basic package, MetroNet has a better option than CenturyLink. For the 100Mbps plan, MetroNet charges $49.95/month. CenturyLink charges $50 for speeds ranging from 10Mbps to 100Mbps.

If your area has both and you need a basic package, MetroNet would be a suitable pick. Else if your area has only CenturyLink DSL internet with up to 10Mbps, you are bound to pay $50. It is nothing but overpaying.

Still not sure which internet provider is right for you? Read our comprehensive comparison of MetroNet Vs Comcast to learn more.

Comparing MetroNet and CenturyLink Internet Plans and Pricing

CenturyLink Plans and Pricing

Internet Plans	Download Speeds	Costs	Data Cap	Contracts
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited internet	Up to 100 Mbps	$50/month	No	No
CenturyLink Fiber Internet	Up to 940 Mbps	$65/month	No	No

MetroNet Plans and Pricing

Internet Plans	Download / Upload Speeds	Costs	Data Cap	Contracts
100Mb	Up to 100Mbps	$49/month	No	No
500Mb	Up to 500Mbps	$59.95/month for 6 months $89.95.month afterwards	No	No
1 Gigabit	Up to 1 Gigabit	$59.95/month for 6 months $89.95/month afterward	No	No
2 Gigabit	Up to 2 Gigabit	$119.95/month	No	No

Availability: MetroNet Vs CenturyLink Internet

MetroNet provides only fiber connections, while CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber connections. Undoubtedly, MetroNet will have limited availability compared to CenturyLink. CenturyLink is available in 37 states, whereas MetroNet exists only in Midwest.

CenturyLink has maximum coverage in rural areas, while MetroNet is available in selected markets. The fiber service from CenturyLink is currently available in over 19 states. CenturyLink fiber has better coverage than overall MetroNet fiber coverage.

Our Feedback:

CenturyLink is certainly a better option than MetroNet when it comes to availability. Unless you live in the Midwest, picking out CenturyLink is better.

Customer Experience: MetroNet Vs CenturyLink

MetroNet has better ratings than CenturyLink in terms of customer ratings. It has to be since MetroNet offers full-fledged fiber internet in selected areas. MetroNet may be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it.

Most of the customer’s reviews are positive and reflect satisfaction. MetroNet succeeded in providing speeds as advertised and is very responsive to customers’ queries.

It is noted that CenturyLink’s fiber customers seem quite satisfied. But, their DSL network could be more stable and offer higher speeds. However, the customer hasn’t complained about CenturyLink’s increasing price, which is a plus.

Our Feedback:

If you live in the Midwest, you are lucky to enjoy the excellent customer service from MetroNet.

Additional Fees: CenturyLink Vs MetroNet

MetroNet charges a $9.95/month technology service fee. On the contrary, CenturyLink doesn’t charge a technology fee, though. You don’t have to pay extra if your modem is compatible with CenturyLink. Otherwise, you have to pay $9.99/month as a modem lease fee.

Final Verdict

So, which one is better between MetroNet Vs CenturyLink? If you live in an area where MetroNet is available, nothing could be better than MetroNet. The fiber-only connection of MetroNet makes it a more reliable and stable option.

If you are looking for a low-speed option on a budget, CenturyLink would be an affordable option to choose. CenturyLink may have little to offer like others; what it provides, it does best in it.