Sources
This comparison references data from FCC Broadband Map, CenturyLink, WOW!, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Market Context
The broadband market concentration in areas served by both CenturyLink and WOW! varies significantly. According to FCC broadband deployment data, median household income and population density are key factors in determining which provider offers better value. The BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program may expand options in underserved areas where neither provider currently has strong coverage.
Ready to choose? Check CenturyLink availability or check WOW! availability at your address to view plans and pricing.
CenturyLink vs WOW!: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CenturyLink | WOW! (WideOpenWest) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL + Fiber (Quantum Fiber) | Cable + Fiber |
| Max Download Speed | 940 Mbps (fiber) | 1.2 Gbps |
| Starting Price | $30/mo (fiber) / $50/mo (DSL) | $30/mo |
| Data Caps | None on fiber | None (all plans) |
| Contracts | No contracts | No contracts |
| Coverage | 36 states | 5 states (IL, MI, OH, AL, TN) |
| Upload Speeds | Up to 940 Mbps (fiber, symmetric) | Up to 50 Mbps (cable) |
| Equipment Fee | $15/mo router rental | $12/mo modem + router rental |
Our Verdict: CenturyLink vs WOW!
If both are available at your address, WOW! edges out CenturyLink for most households. Here is why:
- No data caps on any plan: WOW! provides unlimited data across every tier, including its $30/mo entry plan. CenturyLink only guarantees unlimited data on fiber — its DSL plans may have soft caps. For CenturyLink DSL customers, WOW!'s cable service is a clear upgrade.
- Higher speed ceiling: WOW!'s top-tier plan delivers 1.2 Gbps, exceeding CenturyLink's 940 Mbps fiber maximum. The practical difference is minimal for most households, but WOW! offers more headroom.
- Competitive pricing across all tiers: WOW! starts at $30/mo for 100 Mbps and scales to $80/mo for 1.2 Gbps. CenturyLink fiber matches the $30/mo entry but only where fiber is available — many CenturyLink addresses are stuck with $50/mo DSL at lower speeds.
When CenturyLink wins: CenturyLink's Quantum Fiber delivers symmetric upload speeds (up to 940 Mbps), which far exceeds WOW!'s cable upload of approximately 50 Mbps. For remote workers, content creators, and anyone uploading large files regularly, CenturyLink fiber's symmetric speeds are a major advantage. CenturyLink also covers 36 states vs WOW!'s 5, so for most addresses, CenturyLink may be the only available option.
CenturyLink Plans and Pricing (2026)
CenturyLink operates a dual-brand strategy in 2026: Quantum Fiber for fiber-served markets and CenturyLink for legacy DSL areas. Brightspeed has acquired CenturyLink's copper network in portions of 20 states, so availability varies by address.
DSL: $50/mo for 20–100 Mbps. No contracts. Performance varies based on distance from infrastructure. Some DSL plans include a 1TB soft data cap. DSL is CenturyLink's legacy product and is not receiving significant investment.
Fiber: $30/mo for 200 Mbps up to $70/mo for 940 Mbps symmetric. Unlimited data, no contracts, and a price-lock guarantee are included with all fiber plans. Free installation is standard. Router rental is $15/mo or bring your own.
CenturyLink's biggest selling point is the price-lock guarantee on fiber — your rate never increases for as long as you maintain service. This contrasts with WOW!'s pricing, which has historically been stable but does not carry a formal rate-lock commitment. CenturyLink's Quantum Fiber expansion continues in western and midwestern metros.
WOW! (WideOpenWest) Plans and Pricing (2026)
WOW! is a regional cable and fiber provider serving approximately 500,000 customers across five states: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, and Tennessee. The company differentiates itself through a consumer-friendly approach: no data caps, no contracts, and transparent pricing across all plans.
Plans start at $30/mo for 100 Mbps and scale to $80/mo for 1.2 Gbps. Mid-tier options include 500 Mbps for approximately $55/mo. All plans include unlimited data — a significant advantage over many cable competitors who impose caps.
WOW!'s network is primarily DOCSIS 3.1 cable, though the company has been deploying fiber in select markets. Cable technology means upload speeds are asymmetric — typically 20–50 Mbps regardless of download tier. This is WOW!'s main weakness compared to CenturyLink fiber's symmetric speeds.
Equipment rental runs $12/mo for a modem/router combo, slightly less than CenturyLink's $15/mo. Customers can purchase their own DOCSIS 3.1 modem and Wi-Fi router to eliminate this fee. WOW! does not charge installation fees for standard installations.
WOW! has earned above-average customer satisfaction scores for a cable provider, largely due to its no-cap, no-contract policies. The company's regional focus means more localized customer support compared to national providers. However, WOW!'s 5-state footprint is a severe limitation — it simply is not an option for most Americans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WOW! have data caps?
No. WOW! does not impose data caps on any plan. This applies to all speed tiers, from 100 Mbps through 1.2 Gbps. This is one of WOW!'s strongest differentiators compared to other cable providers and compared to CenturyLink DSL plans that may include soft caps.
Which has better upload speeds?
CenturyLink fiber has dramatically better upload speeds — up to 940 Mbps symmetric. WOW!'s cable service typically offers 20–50 Mbps upload regardless of download tier. If upload speed matters for your workflow (video conferencing, cloud backups, streaming), CenturyLink fiber is the clear winner.
Is WOW! available in my state?
WOW! serves customers in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, and Tennessee. Coverage within these states is concentrated in metro and suburban areas — not all addresses in these states are served. Check the WOW! website with your exact address to confirm availability.
Which provider is better for gaming?
Both are solid for gaming. CenturyLink fiber offers the lowest latency (5–15ms) and highest upload speeds, which benefits competitive online gaming. WOW!'s cable service provides latency in the 15–30ms range — still excellent for gaming. WOW!'s unlimited data means you never have to worry about game downloads or updates counting against a cap.
Can I bundle TV with either provider?
WOW! offers TV bundles in some markets, though the company has shifted focus toward internet-only service. CenturyLink does not offer traditional TV bundles but has partnered with streaming services in some areas. Both providers work well as internet-only connections for cord-cutters using streaming services.
Sources and Methodology
Data sourced from FCC Broadband Data Collection (December 2024) and provider-published Broadband Consumer Labels. Pricing reflects standard (post-promotional) rates unless noted. WOW! coverage and plan data based on company-published information as of Q1 2026. Full methodology.
