CenturyLink vs Ziply Fiber: CenturyLink reaches 940 Mbps via fiber. DSL, and Ziply Fiber tops out at 5 Gbps using fiber. Overall, Ziply Fiber delivers stronger performance for the price.
Understanding Your Internet Provider Options in 2026
Choosing between CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) and Ziply Fiber requires understanding how each provider's technology, pricing, and service model aligns with your specific needs. Both providers serve different market segments and offer distinct advantages depending on your location, budget, and usage patterns.
This comprehensive comparison examines every critical factor—from raw speed and pricing to contract terms and customer service—to help you make an informed decision. We've analyzed real-world performance data, customer feedback, and plan details to provide an objective assessment of which provider delivers better value for different user scenarios.
Whether you're a remote worker needing reliable video conferencing, a family streaming on multiple devices, or a budget-conscious user seeking basic connectivity, understanding the key differences between these providers will ensure you select the best option for your household.
| Feature | CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) | Ziply Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 940 Mbps | 5 Gbps |
| Starting Price | $30/mo | $20/mo |
| Technology | Fiber/DSL | Fiber |
| Data Cap | None (fiber) | None |
| Contract Required | No | No |
| Best For | Budget users in CenturyLink fiber areas | Pacific Northwest users wanting affordable fiber |
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) Overview
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) delivers internet service using Fiber/DSL technology, offering speeds up to 940 Mbps starting at $30/mo. Established in 1930 and headquartered in Monroe, LA, the provider has built a reputation in its service areas. Fiber expanding nationwide defines their market position.
Key Features:
- Price for life on fiber
- No contracts
- No data caps on fiber
- Low starting price
Limitations:
- DSL areas have slow speeds
- Limited fiber availability
- Customer service inconsistent
Ideal Customer: Budget users in CenturyLink fiber areas
Ziply Fiber Overview
Ziply Fiber delivers internet service using Fiber technology, offering speeds up to 5 Gbps starting at $20/mo. Established in 2020 and headquartered in Kirkland, WA, the provider has built a reputation in its service areas. Fiber in the pacific northwest defines their market position.
Key Features:
- Very low starting price
- No data caps
- No contracts
- Fast fiber
Limitations:
- Limited to Pacific Northwest
- New company
- DSL in some areas
Ideal Customer: Pacific Northwest users wanting affordable fiber
Speed Comparison: Raw Performance Analysis
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) delivers substantially faster maximum speeds at 940 Mbps, compared to Ziply Fiber's 5 Gbps. This speed advantage translates to better performance for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming, large file downloads, and households with numerous connected devices. The higher speeds provide headroom for future needs and maintain performance during peak usage times when network congestion typically impacts service quality.
Download speeds determine how quickly you can stream videos, download files, and load web pages. Both providers' networks can experience congestion during peak usage times, though fiber connections generally maintain more consistent speeds throughout the day. For households with multiple users streaming 4K content simultaneously, higher speeds become essential to prevent buffering and maintain quality.
Upload speeds are equally important for video conferencing, cloud backups, and content creation. Upload speeds vary by plan and technology, with fiber connections typically offering the best upload performance. Remote workers and content creators should prioritize providers offering symmetrical speeds where uploads match downloads.
Latency—the delay between sending and receiving data—matters most for gaming, video calls, and real-time applications. Wired connections like fiber, cable, and DSL all deliver low latency suitable for gaming. Video calls, with fiber typically providing the lowest and most consistent latency. Fiber and cable connections typically deliver latency under 20ms, while satellite services may experience 500-600ms delays that affect interactive applications.
Pricing Breakdown: Total Cost of Ownership
The advertised monthly rate represents just one component of your total internet cost. CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) starts at $30/mo, while Ziply Fiber begins at $20/mo. However, understanding the complete cost structure requires examining promotional periods, price increases, equipment fees, and installation charges.
Ziply Fiber offers a more attractive entry price at $20/mo, $10 below CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber)'s $30/mo. This translates to $120 in potential first-year savings. Remember that promotional pricing eventually expires, so verify how long the introductory rate lasts. What the regular price will be after the promotional period ends.
Installation and activation fees can add $50-100 to your first month's bill, though many providers waive these costs during promotional periods. Equipment rental fees for modems and routers typically range from $10-15 monthly, adding $120-180 annually to your internet costs. Purchasing your own compatible equipment can eliminate this recurring expense and pay for itself within the first year.
Hidden costs emerge in the form of data overage fees, early termination penalties, and service fees. Both providers' terms should be reviewed for potential equipment fees, installation charges, and administrative costs that may not be immediately apparent in advertised pricing. Carefully review the complete terms of service and calculate your total first-year and second-year costs before committing to a provider.
Coverage & Availability: Geographic Reach
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) operates from its headquarters in Monroe, LA, serving customers in select areas where fiber infrastructure has been deployed. Ziply Fiber is based in Kirkland, WA and provides service in regions where it has built fiber optic infrastructure, typically concentrated in specific markets.
Availability varies significantly even within a provider's service area. CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) is expanding its fiber network but currently serves limited geographic areas, with availability concentrated in specific cities and neighborhoods. While Ziply Fiber is expanding its fiber network but currently serves limited geographic areas, with availability concentrated in specific cities and neighborhoods. Urban and suburban areas typically enjoy access to multiple providers and technologies, while rural locations may have limited options.
Technology availability within a service area creates another layer of complexity. A provider's fiber network may only reach certain neighborhoods, with older DSL or cable infrastructure serving other areas. This results in dramatically different experiences for customers nominally served by the same provider—fiber users enjoy symmetrical gigabit speeds. While DSL customers struggle with 25 Mbps connections.
Contract Terms & Fees: Understanding Commitments
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) does not require a contract, providing flexibility to cancel service without penalties. Ziply Fiber offers no-contract service, allowing you to cancel anytime without financial penalties.
No-contract service provides valuable flexibility for renters, seasonal residents, or anyone uncertain about their long-term housing situation. The ability to cancel service without penalty allows you to switch providers if better options become available or service quality deteriorates. However, contract-free plans may cost $5-10 more monthly than equivalent contracted plans.
Both CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) and Ziply Fiber offer no-contract service, providing maximum flexibility for customers. You can cancel anytime without early termination fees, making these options ideal for renters, students, or anyone who values the ability to change providers without financial penalty. However, verify whether month-to-month plans cost more than contracted rates.
Price lock guarantees protect customers from mid-contract rate increases, but not all providers offer this protection. Without a price lock, your monthly bill can increase at the provider's discretion, even during your contract term. Read promotional terms carefully to understand whether your rate is guaranteed and for how long.
Who Should Choose Which Provider?
Choose CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) if:
- You need maximum speeds of 940 Mbps for large households or heavy usage
- Unlimited data is essential for your household's streaming and usage patterns
- You want fiber's symmetrical speeds and reliable performance for work-from-home needs
- You're located within CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber)'s service area and it's available at your address
Choose Ziply Fiber if:
- Budget is your primary concern and $20/mo fits your spending limit
- Unlimited data is essential for your household's streaming and usage patterns
- You want fiber's symmetrical speeds and reliable performance for work-from-home needs
- Ziply Fiber is available at your specific address while the alternative isn't
Frequently Asked Questions
Which provider offers faster internet speeds?
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) offers significantly faster maximum speeds at 940 Mbps compared to Ziply Fiber's 5 Gbps. However, advertised maximum speeds represent ideal conditions. Fiber connections typically deliver speeds closer to advertised maximums throughout the day, while cable. DSL speeds can vary based on network congestion and distance from network equipment.
What are the main price differences between these providers?
Ziply Fiber offers a lower starting price at $20/mo compared to CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber)'s $30/mo. Remember that promotional rates are temporary, typically lasting 12 months. Always ask about regular pricing, equipment fees, installation costs, and any additional charges that will affect your total monthly bill.
Do these providers require contracts?
Neither CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) nor Ziply Fiber requires contracts, giving you flexibility to cancel service anytime without early termination fees. This month-to-month service is ideal if you're renting, may relocate, or simply prefer not to commit to long-term agreements.
Which provider has better availability in my area?
Coverage varies significantly by location. CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) is limited to select markets where fiber has been deployed. While Ziply Fiber is limited to select markets where fiber has been deployed. Check availability at your specific address with both providers to determine which offers service in your area.
Are there data caps I should know about?
Both providers offer unlimited data with no monthly caps. You can stream, download, and use the internet as much as you want without worrying about overage fees or throttling after reaching a threshold.
Which technology is better: Fiber/DSL or Fiber?
Fiber technology delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, lowest latency. Most consistent performance regardless of network congestion, making Ziply Fiber the stronger choice from a technical standpoint. However, availability matters most—the best technology doesn't help if it's not offered at your address.
Can I bundle internet with other services?
Both providers may offer bundling options depending on their service portfolio. CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) might bundle internet with phone or TV services depending on their service portfolio. While Ziply Fiber might bundle internet with phone or TV services depending on their service portfolio. Bundles can provide savings but may require longer contracts or complicate billing if you need to make changes.
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CenturyLink vs Ziply Fiber: Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for gaming, CenturyLink or Ziply Fiber?
For gaming, low latency (ping) matters more than raw download speed. Fiber connections from either provider typically deliver the lowest latency (5-15ms). Cable internet provides acceptable gaming performance (15-30ms latency). Satellite and fixed wireless connections generally have higher latency that can affect competitive gaming. Choose the provider that offers fiber or cable at your address.
Which provider has better customer service, CenturyLink or Ziply Fiber?
Customer service quality can vary by region and changes over time. Check recent customer satisfaction surveys from J.D. Power and the American Customer Satisfaction Index for current ratings. Online reviews for your specific area can also provide insight into local service quality. Both providers offer phone, chat, and online support channels.
Which is faster, CenturyLink or Ziply Fiber?
Maximum speeds depend on the technology each provider uses at your address. Fiber connections from either provider can reach 1-5 Gbps, while cable typically maxes out at 1-1.2 Gbps. Compare the specific plans available at your address, as speeds vary by location. For the most accurate comparison, check what technology each provider offers at your specific address.
Do CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber both offer no-contract plans?
Many current plans from both CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber are available without annual contracts. However, some promotional pricing may require a commitment period. No-contract plans offer flexibility to switch or cancel anytime, though monthly rates may be slightly higher than contract plans. Verify contract terms for the specific plan you're considering.
Which provider has better reliability, CenturyLink or Ziply Fiber?
Network reliability depends on the technology type and local infrastructure. Fiber networks generally offer the highest reliability with fewer outages. Cable networks are typically reliable but can experience congestion during peak hours. Check outage reports for your area and ask neighbors about their experience with each provider before deciding.
Is CenturyLink or Ziply Fiber cheaper?
Pricing varies significantly by plan tier and location. Entry-level plans from both CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber typically start between $30-55/month. Compare the total cost including equipment fees, installation charges, and post-promotional pricing. The cheapest option depends on the speed tier you need — one provider may be cheaper for basic plans. While the other offers better value at higher speeds.
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