Quick Answer: Brightspeed vs. CenturyLink
For the majority of households, CenturyLink comes out ahead thanks to a stronger combination of speed, value, and customer satisfaction. That said, Brightspeed has genuine advantages for customers who value the specific strengths that Brightspeed brings, such as rapidly expanding fiber network most.
Brightspeed offers up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL) starting at $30-$70/mo, while CenturyLink provides up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL) starting at $30-$70/mo. Both are solid choices, but the right one depends on your priorities.
Brightspeed vs. CenturyLink: Which Is Better in 2026?
Brightspeed and CenturyLink represent two distinct approaches to internet and entertainment in 2026. Whether you prioritize speed, value, coverage, or customer service, this comparison dives into the specifics that actually affect your daily experience.
In this comprehensive comparison, we evaluate Brightspeed and CenturyLink across every category that matters: speed, pricing, reliability, customer satisfaction, and overall value. Whether you are a first-time internet buyer or looking to switch providers, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Speed Comparison: Brightspeed vs. CenturyLink
Internet speed is often the deciding factor, and the differences between Brightspeed and CenturyLink are worth examining closely. We look at advertised maximums, typical real-world performance, and how each provider handles upload speeds.
Brightspeed
- Technology: Fiber / DSL
- Max Download: up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL)
- Data Cap: None
- Customer Rating: 3.0/5
CenturyLink
- Technology: Fiber / DSL
- Max Download: up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL)
- Data Cap: None
- Customer Rating: 3.2/5
Brightspeed delivers speeds of up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL) using its fiber / dsl network. CenturyLink offers speeds of up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL) through fiber / dsl infrastructure. The fiber-based option will generally deliver more consistent speeds with symmetrical upload performance.
Real-world speeds typically reach 80-95% of advertised maximums on wired connections. During peak evening hours, customers may notice some variation, particularly on shared network types like cable and fixed wireless. For activities like 4K streaming (requiring ~25 Mbps), video conferencing (5-10 Mbps), or online gaming (50+ Mbps preferred), both providers offer plans that exceed these thresholds.
Pricing Comparison
Monthly cost is a major consideration, but the advertised price rarely tells the full story. Equipment fees, taxes, promotional expirations, and installation charges all factor into your true cost of service.
Brightspeed Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Simply Broadband | up to 100 Mbps | $30/mo |
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | $50/mo |
| Fiber Gig | 940 Mbps | $70/mo |
Check Brightspeed Availability | Call (855) 228-4498
CenturyLink Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Simply Unlimited | up to 100 Mbps | $30/mo |
| Fiber 200 | 200 Mbps | $40/mo |
| Fiber Gigabit | 940 Mbps | $70/mo |
Check CenturyLink Availability | Call (855) 228-4498
Brightspeed prices range from $30-$70/mo, while CenturyLink ranges from $30-$70/mo. Keep in mind that promotional pricing typically expires after 12 months, at which point rates may increase by $10-30/mo. When calculating your true monthly cost, add approximately $10-15 for equipment rental unless you provide your own compatible hardware.
Contracts, Data Caps & Fine Print
The details in the fine print can significantly impact your long-term costs and flexibility. Here is what you need to know about contracts and data limitations for both providers.
| Feature | Brightspeed | CenturyLink |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | No contracts | No contracts |
| Data Cap | None | None |
| Customer Rating | 3.0/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Best For | Customers in brightspeed's growing fiber footprint who want modern infrastructure | Budget shoppers who value price stability and no data caps |
No-contract options provide maximum flexibility, letting you cancel at any time without early termination fees. Data caps can be a hidden cost if your household streams heavily, games online, or has multiple connected devices.
Coverage & Availability
Even the best internet plan is useless if it is not available at your address. Brightspeed and CenturyLink have different coverage footprints that could determine your choice.
Brightspeed is available in select markets across the US, while CenturyLink covers a broad geographic area. Fiber availability is expanding but still limited to approximately 45% of US addresses. We recommend checking availability at your specific address before making a decision, as coverage can vary block by block in many areas.
Customer Service & Reliability
Customer service quality can make or break your experience with an internet provider. Based on industry surveys, customer reviews, and satisfaction data, here is how Brightspeed and CenturyLink compare.
Brightspeed carries a customer satisfaction score of 3.0/5, while CenturyLink scores 3.2/5. Both providers offer 24/7 support via phone, chat, and online portals. Network reliability is equally important: Brightspeed maintains a modern infrastructure with consistent uptime, and CenturyLink delivers strong reliability through its fiber network.
When evaluating customer service, consider that experiences vary significantly by region. We recommend checking recent reviews from customers in your specific area. The FCC's broadband consumer complaint database is also a useful resource for identifying systemic issues with any provider.
Brightspeed: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rapidly expanding fiber network
- No data caps
- No contracts
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Very limited fiber availability currently
- DSL infrastructure is aging
- New company still improving service
- Availability concentrated in Southeast and Midwest
CenturyLink: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price for life guarantee
- No data caps
- No annual contracts
- Affordable entry-level plans
Cons
- DSL speeds are slow by modern standards
- Limited fiber availability
- Customer service issues reported
- Equipment fee of $15/mo
Our Recommendation
For the majority of households, CenturyLink comes out ahead thanks to a stronger combination of speed, value, and customer satisfaction. That said, Brightspeed has genuine advantages for customers who value the specific strengths that Brightspeed brings, such as rapidly expanding fiber network most.
Ultimately, the best provider for you depends on what is available at your address and what you value most. We encourage you to check availability for both Brightspeed and CenturyLink at your specific location before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Brightspeed or CenturyLink?
Brightspeed offers speeds of up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL), while CenturyLink offers up to 940 Mbps (fiber), up to 100 Mbps (DSL). For most households, both provide more than enough bandwidth for streaming, gaming, and video calls.
Which is cheaper, Brightspeed or CenturyLink?
Brightspeed starts at $30-$70/mo, while CenturyLink starts at $30-$70/mo. Remember to factor in equipment rental fees ($10-15/mo), taxes, and any promotional pricing expirations when comparing the true cost of each service.
Does Brightspeed or CenturyLink have data caps?
Brightspeed has the following data cap policy: None. CenturyLink's policy is: None. Households that stream in 4K, have multiple gamers, or work from home may consume 1 TB or more per month, making unlimited data an important consideration.
Do Brightspeed or CenturyLink require contracts?
Brightspeed has the following contract policy: No contracts. CenturyLink's policy: No contracts. No-contract options give you the flexibility to switch providers if your needs change or a better deal becomes available.
Can I bundle Brightspeed and CenturyLink with other services?
Brightspeed and CenturyLink both offer various bundling options with TV, phone, and mobile services. Bundling can save you $10-30/mo compared to purchasing services separately. Check each provider's website for current bundle promotions in your area.
Is Brightspeed or CenturyLink better for working from home?
For remote work, you need reliable speeds of at least 25 Mbps for video conferencing, plus low latency. Brightspeed (fiber / dsl) and CenturyLink (fiber / dsl) both support remote work, but fiber connections offer the best experience with symmetrical upload speeds ideal for video calls.
How do I check if Brightspeed or CenturyLink is available at my address?
You can check availability by visiting each provider's website and entering your address, or by calling Brightspeed at (855) 228-4498 and CenturyLink at (855) 228-4498. You can also use our availability checker tool to compare all providers at your address at once.
Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai may earn a commission when you sign up for a plan through our links. This does not influence our rankings or recommendations. Our editorial team independently evaluates each provider based on speed, price, reliability, and customer satisfaction. All prices shown reflect current rates at the time of publication and are subject to change. Call the provider directly to confirm current pricing and availability at your address.