Astound Broadband vs CenturyLink Internet

CenturyLink vs. Astound Broadband

CenturyLink and Astound Broadband are often compared because they appeal to similar users who want fast internet, simple plan options, and flexibility without long-term contracts. Both providers focus heavily on value, but they take different approaches, especially when it comes to technology, pricing stability, and availability. This comparison helps you decide which one fits your home, work, or streaming needs best, so you can feel more confident choosing your next provider.

Speeds and availability

CenturyLink serves millions of homes across more than 30 states, offering both fiber and DSL depending on location. Their Simply Unlimited Internet plan typically delivers speeds up to around 100 Mbps in non-fiber areas, while CenturyLink Fiber can reach up to about 940 Mbps. Their biggest strength is reach and consistency: unlimited data, no annual contracts, and predictable plans that do not depend on frequent promotions or regional pricing gimmicks.

Astound Broadband focuses primarily on cable internet across select markets in 11 states and Washington, D.C., with fiber available in limited areas. Their cable speeds commonly range from 300 Mbps to 1,500 Mbps, with some locations offering 2 Gbps and even 5 Gbps on fiber. Like CenturyLink, Astound offers unlimited data and no contracts, but availability is much more regional, with strong coverage in places like Texas, California, Illinois, Oregon, and the East Coast urban markets.

Reliability and performance

CenturyLink’s fiber network is known for stable connections, symmetrical speeds, and 99.9% promoted reliability under Lumen Technologies’ national backbone. DSL service, though still widely used, varies more by location and infrastructure quality. Performance is generally strong for remote work, gaming, streaming, and multi-device homes.

Astound’s performance reflects its cable backbone in most areas, meaning very strong download speeds, slower uploads compared with fiber, and occasional performance dips during peak hours in some markets. Astound’s fiber areas offer noticeably faster and more reliable performance, especially in select cities where multi-gig speeds are available.

Pricing and value

CenturyLink’s biggest advantage is pricing predictability. Their plans generally avoid short-term teaser rates that later spike, so customers usually pay the same rate month to month. Most plans include unlimited data, many fiber markets include Wi-Fi equipment, and select areas even get free installation. Their DSL plan usually sits around $55 per month, and fiber plans often average about $75 per month, which helps people budget confidently without worrying about surprise increases.

Astound is often one of the most aggressively priced cable providers at sign-up, with promo rates commonly starting around $30 to $70 per month, depending on the speed tier, and they frequently offer incentives like 1 to 3 free months of service or $100–$200 gift cards. Prices almost always increase after one to two years, typically by around $8 to $20 per month, though some plans can see steeper jumps.

Conclusion

CenturyLink is best if you want stable, straightforward pricing, unlimited data, and strong fiber performance where available, especially if you prefer avoiding surprise price hikes. They also work well for users who appreciate simple options and wide availability. Astound Broadband is a good fit if you want fast speeds at very competitive introductory rates, live in one of their service regions, and do not mind keeping an eye on price increases after the promo period. If both are available in your area, think about whether you want long-term price stability or short-term savings with higher potential speeds, then choose the provider that matches how you use the internet most.