6 Best CenturyLink Compatible Modems in 2023 [For All Internet Plans]

Replacing the rented CenturyLink modem with your own aftermarket equipment can save you $15 monthly (around $180 annually). However, you can’t pick any random device and expect it to work.

Firstly, you need to find the type of connection you’re subscribed to. Centurylink offers two types of connections i.e, DSL and Fiber. If you have a DSL connection, you’ll need a DSL modem. For fiber connections, you’ll need to get a fiber optic modem.

After testing 12 different devices for both types of connections, The below are my top 6 modem recommendations for Centurylink in 2023:

6 Best CenturyLink Compatible Modems in 2023 [Approved & Supported]

Finding the best CenturyLink modem can be tricky despite knowing all the above points. You need a device capable of handling higher speeds, good security safeguards, excellent signal strength, and dual-band WiFi. Also, possibly get a device supporting OFDMA and QoS for better network management.

Considering the features mentioned earlier and diverse use cases, I shall now review 6 highly reliable modems that work with CenturyLink. The list starts with the premium models, then mid-range options, eventually leading to affordable picks.

1. Best DSL Modem for Centurylink: ZyXEL C3000Z

Are you interested in having several networking resources up your sleeve? Consider investing in the ZyXEL C3000Z, which is one of the top-rated DSL modems with integrated routing capabilities. Plus, this device is an excellent upgrade over the C1100Z from the same company, courtesy of the 5G compatibility and, therefore, the potential to reach higher wireless speeds.

Speed & Channel Bonding

If you are into specifics, it supports a wide range of speeds, maxing out at 100Mbps for the two bonded VDSL2 connections, provided CenturyLink supports the same. As it’s not a cable modem, the standard channel bonding terms like DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 aren’t relevant.

Instead, you can find it heartening to know that this one supports Fiber connections, courtesy of the GPON technology, while letting you reach speeds of up to 940Mbps, in theory. Therefore, you can select this gateway device to work well with 940Mbps, 100Mbps, and even 40Mbps CenturyLink internet plans.

Ports & Connectivity

As far as ports are concerned, there are 4 standard Gig Ethernet units connecting to Smart TVs. Gaming consoles and other bandwidth-intensive products. A standard WAN port can also double down as the fifth Ethernet port.

In terms of functionality, there is a DSL feed-in port on this device, which also accepts fiber inputs. Finally, there is a USB port for managing file sharing across the LAN or WAN.

As far as overall connectivity is concerned, ZyXEL paves the way for 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands, with the latter capable of supporting close to 38Mbps for the 40Mbs plan. Also, if standard LAN speeds are concerned, the dual-band capabilities translate to 1.7Gbps of 5GHz throughput and 450Mbps of 2.4GHz throughput.

Design & Build

From a structural perspective, this hardened block of plastic weighs 2.23 pounds and measures 12.2 x 10.39 x 2.56 inches when dimensions are concerned. The build quality is good enough, and the model is well-ventilated to keep heat generation to a minimum.

Hardware & Performance

ZyXEL sports a competent hardware setup supporting VDSL2 and exceptionally consistent speeds. Most importantly, the hardware makes it CBRS compatible, with support for Static IPs and LAN subnets, along the way. Finally, this gateway exhibits the TR-069 functionality for remote management.

Conclusion

Overall, the ZyXEL C3000Z is a high-speed, security-heavy modem with reliable WPA & WPA2 functionality, SPI ethernet firewalling, and other features. Therefore, if you plan on setting up a future-ready internet setup with someday opening doors to fiber optics, this is the perfect option to invest in.

2. Best for CenturyLink Fiber: GreenWave C4000XG

If you have access to CenturyLink’s fiber-optic plan, the GreenWave C4000XG is the perfect Fiber modem-router combo to invest in. Also, compared to C40000LG and BG, this variant is admirably faster and ditches any form of DSL adherence.

Speed & Channel Bonding

Regarding data speeds, you can expect the GreenWave C4000XG to offer close to 940Mbps, per CenturyLink’s most promising fiber plan. However, if you look at the larger picture, this CenturyLink modem router combo is capable of much, courtesy of the 2 x 2 OFDMA support, resulting in maximum throughput of 1.2Gbsp for the 2.4GHz and 4.8GHz for the 5GHz band.

Ports & Connectivity

This combo device throws in four dedicated Ethernet ports and one WAN/LAN port that lets you be flexible. Connectivity-wise, the Wi-Fi 6 standard is one of the better traits, followed by 4 x 4 MU-MIMO support for connecting multiple devices at once.

Other relevant specs include Beamforming support for better speeds and the availability of pre-optimized internal antennas to increase the overall coverage.

Design & Build

Honestly speaking, the GreenWave C4000XG is the most premium-looking modem for CenturyLink, featuring a vertical layout and dimensions that read 8.30 x 5.64 x 4.68 inches. Plus, the product comes in white, boasts a standalone front-facing indicator, and weighs 2.86 pounds, to be exact.

Hardware & Performance

C4000XG has a dual-core chipset at the core, which is instrumental in keeping latency to a minimum. Plus, this Wi-Fi 6-powered combo device boasts QoS support for prioritizing data streams better.

Conclusion

Overall, the GreenWave C4000XG is the best modem router combo for CenturyLink if you are only interested in high-speed fiber internet and not DSL. While the specs sheet is worth investing in, the availability of powerful Wireless amplifiers makes it stand out from the rest.

For more details, check out the GreenWave C4000XG review.

3. Best with USB Port: CenturyLink C3000A

CenturyLink’s C3000A is one of the better networking products to pick if you are more interested in the ADSL and ADSL2+ bonding speeds and even the wireless capabilities. Plus, the wide range of indicators make CenturyLink’s C3000A worth your attention.

Speed & Channel Bonding

This device is good enough for several CenturyLink internet plans, including the 20Mbps plan, 40Mbps plan, and even the 100Mbps plan, courtesy of bonded VDSL functionality. However, C3000A is also compatible with fiber internet plans from CenturyLink, courtesy of the GPON operating technology.

Ports & Connectivity

There are several ports on display, including 4 Gig ethernet and one WAN-LAN port that can be used either way. The DSL cable port is bonding capable, and the C3000A also makes room for a USB port for data sharing.

As far as connectivity is concerned, the C3000A functions as a dual-band wireless router, with 2.4GHz and 5GHz throughput to consider.

Design & Build

The C3000A sports a vertical structure, categorically made of plastic. The dimensions at 13.19 x 10.08 x 2.52 inches ensure that you can easily carry this device around the house while placing it in any location of preference. Finally, it weighs a manageable 1 pound, making it lighter than other products around.

Hardware & Performance

Coming to the overall performance of this combo device, you can expect support for static IPs, IPv4, and even IPv6 functionality for minimal address collision and consistent speeds. Plus, the associated technologies make way for better built-in privacy support and even Quality of Service to ensure better traffic prioritization.

Conclusion

In hindsight, the CenturyLink C3000A is one of the more dependable CenturyLink-supported modems. Pick it if you are looking for an easy setup and the fastest possible DSL internet speeds.

4. Best for VoIP Connections: CenturyLink C2100T

In case you want to invest in an all-inclusive modem-router for the preferred CenturyLink internet plan, there isn’t a more versatile device in the market than the CenturyLink Prism TV Technicolor C2100T. I even compared it with the Technicolor C1100T, but the C2100T appropriately comes out on top, courtesy of the better speeds and bonded ADSL2+ and VDSL2 support.

Speed & Channel Bonding

As mentioned, the C2100T supports bonded DSL connections and even Fiber internet plans, with speeds capped at 940Mbps. Therefore, you can pair almost any CenturyLink plan with this product, starting right from the entry-level 10Mbps plan.

Ports & Connectivity

Coming to the port arrangement, there are 5 Gig ethernet slots in play, out of which one can double down as a WAN port in case you need to connect to an external router that works with CenturyLink. Plus, this is one of the few products in the concerned retail space to feature two VoIP ports for IP telephony and the HPNA port for setting up intra-home calling setups.

When it comes to connectivity, this is a dual-band device supporting 2.4GHz and 5GHz access. You can even access IPv4 and IPv6 support to use Static IPs and inherent QoS functionality.

Design & Build

The modem features a triangular layout, with dimensions reading 10.6 x 10.6 x 2.6 inches, to be exact. Plus, the product weighs 2 pounds, which is in line with most of my expectations. Coming to the build quality, I did notice proper ventilation and minimal overheating.

Hardware & Performance

While the hardware setup hasn’t been declared, the performances hint at a dual-core processor. As far as the performances go, I experienced zero gaming latency with bonded DSL connections. Streaming multiple 1080p videos on disparate devices didn’t feel like a stretch either.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the CenturyLink C2100T comes across as a resourceful gateway, both for DSL and Fiber connections from CenturyLink. But then, the availability of VoIP ports makes it an exclusive device compared to others on the list.

5. Best ADSL Modem for Centurylink: Actiontec GT784WN

If you are seeking a more affordable combo for the low-level CenturyLink internet plans, the Actiontec GT784WN is the perfect product to invest in. Keeping the complications of Fiber compatibility and VDSL support aside, this product from Actiontec is strictly ADSL compatible and even ensures decent wireless speeds in case you also plan on getting a router along.

Speed & Channel Bonding

Coming to the speeds, this product supports maximum data transfer rates of up to 300Mbps. However, from a practical perspective, you can expect it to work perfectly for speeds reaching up to 24 Mbps, making quite a strong case for the 20 Mbps plans from CenturyLink.

Ports & Connectivity

As far as the port setup is concerned, this Actiontec device comes equipped with 4 non-gig slots, with a max throughput of 100Mbps. Plus, there is a standard telephone port for feeding in the DSL cable.

At heart, the Actiontec GT784WN is still a wireless-N, state-of-art router, perfect for reaching 5GHz speeds of up to 300Mbps. Not to mention the backward compatibility with older wireless products.

Design & Build

The device sports a rounded, laminated, plastic-clad layout with dimensions fixed at 6.8 x 1.3 x 7 inches. As far as the product weight is concerned, you need to account for 1.60 pounds of heft.

Hardware & Performance

Launched way back in 2011, the Actiontec GT784WN is still relevant, courtesy of the multi-core processor and the ability to make the most of the standalone, receiver-type MIMO antenna. As far as the performances are concerned, you can readily use this product for running video calls, 720p streaming on a single device, and other basic household errands that require internet connectivity.

But then, what’s even more impressive is the descriptive wireless security suite followed by the auto-configuration support.

Conclusion

For the given price, there aren’t many products as inclusive as the Actiontec GT784WN. While this device has a lot going for it, the smart antenna’s availability steals the show by offering excellent coverage to get rid of any dead zone in play.

6. Best Budget Option: ZyXEL P660HN-51

Getting hold of a budget ADSL modem isn’t easy as these innovative devices are extremely rare. However, you can always rely on the Zyxel P660HN-51 as your choice of CenturyLink ADSL modem. It features on the list courtesy of the advanced security safeguards, which are even better than the GT701D from Actiontec.

Speed & Channel Bonding

Coming to the speeds, I tested this ADSL2+ modem with a 100Mbps internet plan from CenturyLink, only to find that it can easily assume download and upload speeds of 80Mbps and 10Mbps, respectively. While this doesn’t make it the best modem for CenturyLink right away, it still is one of the better picks for the low-level plans offered by the ISP.

As far as the tech is concerned, it supports ADSL and ADSL2+ connections but lacks support for a GPON port to lead into fiber connections.

Ports and Connectivity

There are 4 high-speed Ethernet ports, each capable of reaching wired speeds of up to 100Mbps or less. One out of the four ports is an optional LAN/WAN port allowing you to connect the device to a routing setup or a console, as preferred. There is also a standard DSL port that feeds data packets to this gateway of a device.

As discussed in my dedicated review of the ZyXEL P660HN-51, this DSL modem for CenturyLink also has routing capabilities, featuring Wi-Fi N standard with 2.4GHz and a tad weaker 5GHz band support.

Design and Build

This piece of tech measures 1.57 x 5.2 x 7.4 inches, making it a lot slimmer than those cable internet modems. Made of plastic, this product is quite robust, comes equipped with several heat-dissipating vents, features a vertical structure, and, most importantly, weighs 0.83 pounds.

Hardware and Performance

While the company hasn’t declared the exact chipset in play, the performances are synonymous with a standard multi-core processor. As tested, latency is hardly an issue with this ZyXel device. It also comes with ubiquitous security safeguards in firewall and VPN support.

Conclusion

If you are searching for a DSL modem for CenturyLink to pair with their mid-range plans, I’d recommend the Zyxel P660HN-51. And purchasing it makes sense for a standard household owner, who also needs to keep an eye on the external online threats as this gateway scales beyond every other product on the list in terms of security tweaks in play.

Note: Once purchased, you can install CenturyLink internet on your own and save the hefty installation fee charged by the ISP.

Things To Consider

If you’re still not sure, here are a few things you should consider when getting an ideal modem/router for CenturyLink:

• Ensure that the modem or modem/router combo you’ve chosen is compatible with Centurylink.
• Like I said above, Choose the modem depending on the type of connection, if you’re having a DSL connection at your end then get a compatible DSL modem and if you’re having a fiber connection, get an optic fiber modem.
• The modem you’re choosing should be capable of handling the speeds of your internet plan (you can’t expect a 200 Mbps modem to handle gigabit internet speeds or higher speeds.)
• Also, most Centurylink-approved modems are gateway devices that also double as routers. While setting them up is easier than setting up separate devices, the performance is better in the latter.
• So, if you want better performance and can spend a little more to buy a wireless router, I’ve also made a list of the best Centurylink routers.

A Beginner’s Guide To Find An Ideal Modem Compatible with CenturyLink

Now that you know what modems work with CenturyLink, here are some of the factors to keep in mind while picking one perfect for you.

User Requirements

If you want to pick a modem for Century Link, you should first prioritize the speed-based requirements. If you only have a few devices to connect to the internet, a standard 50Mbps or a 100Mbps plan works great. However, if you are a gamer, gig or any mid-range plan (around 300Mbps) makes perfect sense.

You can pick a device that makes sense based on these speed-related requirements. For instance, if you are a frequent traveler who needs to juggle DSL and Fiber-based internet plans, a modem with a GPON port makes sense. Also, depending on the connection you choose (ADSL, ADSL2+, and VDSL), you can pick a modem that supports either one or all of these.

Speeds and Compatibility

As the preferred ISP, CenturyLink offers multiple selections when it comes to plans and internet speeds. For instance, you can choose an xDSL modem to pair with four handpicked plans, including 100Mbps, 40Mbps, 20Mbps, or 10Mbps.

If you plan on using the 940Mbps internet plan from the ISP, you can look for a modem with DSL and fiber-specific GPON capabilities.

Also, if you want to ditch the router and get a combined device, the likes of Zyxel ADSL2+ gateway devices make sense, offering Wi-Fi support and other routing capabilities.

Also, If you have less faith in DSL internet, CenturyLink will soon give you a more inclusive taste of fiber-grade speeds. Till then, you would have to make peace with DSL, primarily if you hail from a rural locale. Plus, CenturyLink uses the elusive ‘Fiber to the Node (FTTN)’ support for minimizing the distance between copper lines, which does a decent job of keeping the speeds up.

Hardware and Performance

Not many users pick a gateway looking at the internal setup. However, if you are the one who chooses differently, always opt for a device with a multi-core processor and 128MB RAM, provided the OEM declares these details.

As far as the performances are concerned, the gateway you choose should be able to offer built-in Quality of service and the required security safeguards to prevent miscreants from accessing the data. As for streaming, you might want to consider high-speed internet plans, like the 100Mbps offering from CenturyLink, and then the performances will be top-notch.

Design & Build

If you plan on choosing a gateway keeping the structural aspects in mind, prefer a good-looking device with an adequate number of LEDs for status reporting. Also, heat-dissipating vents on the sides are important as that would cause overheating. Finally, going light and slim is necessary if you do not want the device to take up a lot of space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Purchasing a DSL modem that supports CenturyLink from the above list is advisable unless you want to overburden yourself with those recurring rentals. If the selections still feel a tad overwhelming, provided you are migrating from cable to the DSL-Fiber space, here are certain goal-specific choices to work with:

• Invest in the GreenWave C4000XG if you have privileged access to CenturyLink Fiber. It has the best aesthetics and powerful Wi-Fi routing performance.
• For office and home-based setups that need IP calling support, the CenturyLink C2100T is a handy choice.
• Finally, if you seek an affordable DSL modem for low-speed plans, the ZyXEL P660HN-51 is a good choice.

You can even consider other options depending on the price you are willing to pay and the security specs you want to incorporate within the home or office network.