Top CenturyLink-compatible modems
| Model | Compatible DSL technology | Wireless protocol | Price* | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink wireless modem | Based on plan | Based on plan | $150.00–$200.00 | Buy with CenturyLink |
| Actiontec C3000A | ADSL, ADSL2+ (bonded), VDSL2 (bonded), GPON | 802.11n 802.11ac | $179.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Zyxel C3000Z | VDSL2 (bonded), GPON | 802.11n 802.11ac | $265.38 | Buy on Amazon |
| Actiontec C1900A | ADSL, ADSL2+ (bonded), VDSL2 (bonded), GPON | 802.11n 802.11ac | $57.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| Technicolor C1100T | ADSL, ADSL2+, VDSL2, GPON | 802.11n | $39.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Amazon.com price as of 12/29/22 12:13 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.
Availability note: Most sellers don’t keep a lot of DSL modems in stock, so the links we’ve listed above may sell out faster than we like.
Go for a CenturyLink wireless modem
CenturyLink fiber internet modems
A lot of CenturyLink service is DSL-based, which is the technology type we’re focused on for the modems in this article. If you have CenturyLink fiber internet instead of DSL internet, you won’t need to worry about finding a modem—CenturyLink will provide one for you at no extra cost.*
However, CenturyLink will charge you $15 per month to lease a router for Wi-Fi service. Since most people don’t like to be wired in these days, you’ll probably want to pony up the cash. (Though going with a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi will make your internet signal much stronger.)
But it will probably be pay off for you to buy a router instead. You have a lot of options—all routers are compatible with CenturyLink fiber internet. Before you buy the cheapest one you can find, keep in mind that routers vary in quality. You can check out our recommendations on “The 3 Fastest Wireless Routers.”
Best modems for CenturyLink
- CenturyLink wireless modem—Best for budget
- Actiontec C3000A—Best for speed
- Zyxel C3000Z—Best for static IPs
- Actiontec C1900A—Runner-up for flexibility
- Technicolor C1100T—Runner-up for static IPs
If you decide not to get your modem through CenturyLink, you’ll need to carefully choose a modem that works with the DSL technology in your area. Let’s take a closer look at the information you need to make your choice.
Best for budget: CenturyLink wireless modem
- Compatible DSL technology: Based on plan
- Wireless protocol: Based on plan
- Price: $150.00–$200.00 based on plan, or $15.00/mo. to lease
Buy or lease with CenturyLink plan
Pros
- Matches your CenturyLink plan
- Comes with technical support
Cons
- Varies in model
- Varies in price
If you want to save yourself the time and energy it takes to find out your local DSL technology type and unearth a matching DSL modem, get your modem straight from CenturyLink.
CenturyLink’s modem options include a built-in wireless router, and they’re cheaper than most options on the market.
Sure, you’ll be left in the dark about the make and model until the modem lands on your doorstep. But CenturyLink can help with tech support if something goes wrong.
And if you’re not going to be with CenturyLink for long, you might save money by leasing your modem instead of buying it.
So if you like to keep things simple—and save cash—getting a modem straight from CenturyLink is the way to go.
What modems are compatible with CenturyLink?
CenturyLink hooks its customers up with a truly ridiculous number of modem possibilities based on what’s compatible with your internet speed and the technology in your area.
As a new user, you’ll probably get one of these models:
- Actiontec C1000A
- Actiontec C1900A
- Actiontec C2000A
- Actiontec PK5001A
- Actiontec Q1000
- Actiontec Q2000
- Adtran C424G
- Calix C844G
- Technicolor C1100T
- Technicolor C2000T
- Technicolor C2100T
- Zyxel C1000z
- Zyxel C1100Z
- Zyxel C2100Z
- Zyxel C3000Z
- Zyxel FR1000Z
- Zyxel PK5000Z
- Zyxel PK5001Z
- Zyxel Q1000Z
What to look for in modems compatible with CenturyLink
Modem specs are riddled with jargon. Let us be your tech–Rosetta Stone.
DSL technology
There are different generations of DSL technology. Each one offers faster speeds than its predecessors, but not all areas of the US support the latest technology.
Consequently, your local DSL tech might not support the fastest speeds on the market. And buying a DSL modem for CenturyLink is tricky because not all modems work with every type of DSL technology.
Ask a CenturyLink representative which DSL technology your home and plan uses. You can guess what technology your plan uses based on the speeds listed below, but this is something you’re better off being sure about if you want to find the best DSL modem for CenturyLink services:
- ADSL—Up to 7 Mbps
- ADSL2+—Up to 20 Mbps
- Bonded ADSL2+—Up to 25 Mbps
- VDSL2—Up to 80 Mbps
- Bonded VDSL2—100 Mbps
- GPON—Up to 1,000 Mbps
Wireless protocol
You’ll need a router to get Wi-Fi in your home. Luckily, most DSL modems come with one equipped.
All of the wireless modems in this article come with dual-band routers, which broadcast on both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequencies.
The 2.4 GHz frequency is better at moving through walls and other obstacles in your home than 5.0 GHz. But 5.0 GHz supports faster Wi-Fi speeds.
If your router uses 802.11n tech, the 5.0 GHz frequency will travel only up to 460 feet. With the more advanced 802.11ac tech, 5.0 GHz will go as far as 820 feet.
So go for a wireless modem 802.11ac if you have a large home. Otherwise, a wireless modem with 802.11n will work just fine.
Pro tip: a separate router is better
While it’s convenient (and less messy) to have your modem and router combined, you might consider getting a separate router. They’re often more reliable than their combo counterparts. But the good ones will cost ya.
CenturyLink-compatible modem FAQ
You might be able to use your own modem with CenturyLink, provided it works with the technology CenturyLink uses in the area. But that’s a pretty big gamble, seeing as CenturyLink uses six different types of DSL technology across the US.
If your modem is left over from a cable internet provider, like Xfinity, your modem won’t work with CenturyLink’s DSL technology. You’ll need to buy or rent a new one.
To find out the right type of DSL modem, ask your CenturyLink customer representative what DSL technology works at your home. Then you can check our chart above for the best CenturyLink modem for that service.
Keep in mind that, oftentimes, it’s cheaper to buy a compatible modem from CenturyLink (as opposed the renting one) than it is to buy a modem on Amazon.
If you have CenturyLink fiber internet, don’t worry—your fiber modem comes included with your plan. But it costs a bit more for Wi-Fi service. You can save some more cash by buying a Wi-Fi router instead of paying $5 a month for a CenturyLink router.
The modem/router NETGEAR D7000 works with some CenturyLink plans—but as of this update, its Amazon price is $419.95. Yikes.
The NETGEAR D7000 is compatible with ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ and VDSL/VDSL2 networks and doesn’t work with bonded technology. Considering the limited compatibility and “empty all your pockets” price, we still think we think you’re better off sticking with the CenturyLink modem.
CenturyLink’s modems all include a built-in wireless router, so you’re covered in the Wi-Fi department. Plus, CenturyLink assigns its modem/router combos based on your internet service plan needs, so your device will support all the internet speeds you’re paying for.
You must have a modem to get DSL internet into your home. And while you don’t have to have a router, they’re essential to broadcast Wi-Fi. That’s what helps you get online wirelessly—no Ethernet cord needed.
Luckily, all the DSL modems discussed in this article already include a router. You might see these types of hybrid modems referred to as wireless modems, wireless gateways, or modem/routers.
If you have fiber internet with CenturyLink, your modem comes included with your service at no extra cost. You can pay $5 per month to lease a CenturyLink router, or buy your own.
You can boost your CenturyLink Wi-Fi signal by switching to a wireless modem that uses 802.11ac, like the Actiontec 3000A.
Alternatively, you can set up a Wi-Fi extender kit in your home. CenturyLink offers them for $99, and Amazon offers some deals on them too.
CenturyLink’s 100 Mbps plan offers more than enough download speed for most homes.
If you have few internet users and smart home devices, 15 Mbps and 20 Mbps will still get you far. For moderate internet usage, go a little higher to 40 Mbps and 80 Mbps.
But if you want to zoom through the internet, CenturyLink Fiber Internet has 940 Mbps download speeds. It’s more expensive than CenturyLink’s other plans but well priced for its speed when compared to other providers.
