Best CenturyLink-Compatible Modems 2023
Our experts narrow down the 28 CenturyLink-compatible modems to the best model for each DSL technology.
CenturyLink wireless modem
Price: $150.00–$200.00 or $15.00/mo. to lease
Specs: Model varies based on plan
CenturyLink wireless modem
Price: $150.00–$200.00 or $15.00/mo. to lease
Specs: Model varies based on plan
Actiontec C3000A
Price: $179.99
Specs: ADSL, ADSL2+ (bonded), VDSL2 (bonded), GPON
Actiontec C3000A
Price: $179.99
Specs: ADSL, ADSL2+ (bonded), VDSL2 (bonded), GPON
Zyxel C3000Z
Price: $265.38
Specs: VDSL2 (bonded), GPON
Zyxel C3000Z
Price: $265.38
Specs: VDSL2 (bonded), GPON
DSL technology varies so vastly from place to place that finding a compatible modem for CenturyLink is tricky business.
But buying your modem can save you money in the long run, since CenturyLink charges $15 per month for you to lease one. Fortunately, we’ve gathered a bunch of good options for you to pick from.
In the end, though, we recommend buying your modem through CenturyLink. You’ll get a compatible DSL modem for CenturyLink for $150 to $200—that’s cheaper than many modems you’ll find on Amazon—and the device is guaranteed to work with your CenturyLink service.
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.
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
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.
Best for speed: Actiontec C3000A
Compatible DSL technology: ADSL, ADSL2+ (bonded), VDSL2 (bonded), GPON
Wireless protocol: 802.11n and 802.11ac
Price: $179.99
Amazon.com price as of 12/29/22 12:13 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.
Pros
- Works with most DSL types
- Offers faster Wi-Fi than most DSL modem/routers
Cons
- Costs about twice as much as CenturyLink’s modems
If you rely on Wi-Fi to get internet throughout your home, the Actiontec C3000A is an excellent choice. Its advanced 802.11ac tech expands the reach of your 5.0 GHz frequency Wi-Fi to 820 feet.
Minus the jargon, that means the Actiontec 3000AC gives you steadier, faster Wi-Fi speeds throughout your home than most DSL modem/routers. That will give your smart TVs, computers, and gaming consoles a chance to shine.
This option isn’t a great budget choice, though. It’ll take over two years for your purchase to equal what leasing a CenturyLink modem will cost you.
But it’s unlikely DSL modem tech will jump by leaps and bounds in the next couple of years. So if you’re taking advantage of CenturyLink’s price-for-life deal, the Actiontec C3000A could be a keeper as one of the best DSL modems for CenturyLink.
Best for static IPs: Zyxel C3000Z
Compatible DSL technology: VDSL2 (bonded), GPON
Wireless protocol: 802.11n and 802.11ac
Price: $265.38
Amazon.com price as of 12/29/22 12:13 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.
Pros
- Offers faster Wi-Fi than most DSL modem/routers
- Supports CBRAS connection
Cons
- Works only with fast DSL technology
If you’re tech-savvy, you might be a good match for the Zyxel C3000Z. This modem is compatible with CBRAS, which helps you set up LAN subnets and static IP addresses.
But even if none of those acronyms strike a chord with you, don’t count out the Zyxel C3000Z yet. It’s one of the more affordable DSL modems for CenturyLink and an excellent choice for high-speed plans. You’ll really get to enjoy all the speed you’re paying for this way.
If your plan comes with download speeds of 80 Mbps or more, it will probably work with this modem—ask your CenturyLink rep to be sure.
While you’re chatting with them, ask if this is the DSL modem you’d get if you bought one from CenturyLink. The Zyxel C3000Z is one of its models available in some areas, and buying it straight from CenturyLink can save you a few dollars.
Runner-up for flexibility: Actiontec C1900A
Compatible DSL technology: ADSL, ADSL2+ (bonded), VDSL2 (bonded), GPON
Wireless protocol: 802.11n and 802.11ac
Price: $57.90
Amazon.com price as of 12/29/22 12:13 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.
Pros
- Works with most DSL types
- Offers faster Wi-Fi than most DSL modem/routers
Cons
- Runs slower on ADSL than the Actiontec 3000A
Do you love the flexibility of the Actiontec 3000A but not the big price tag? No worries. This model works with most of CenturyLink’s DSL technologies too, which will give you a lot of flexibility if you move around but want to stick with CenturyLink internet.
And like the Actiontec and Zyxel models above, the Actiontec C1900A supports fast Wi-Fi speeds. It runs a little slower on ADSL than the Actiontec 3000A, but it’s unlikely you’ll run into a plan where that matters.
So if you want to save a bit, check out this scaled-down (and cheaper) Actiontec model.
Runner-up for static IPs: Technicolor C1100T
Compatible DSL technology: ADSL, ADSL2+, VDSL2, GPON
Wireless protocol: 802.11n
Price: $39.90
Amazon.com price as of 12/29/22 12:13 p.m. PT. Read full disclaimer.
Pros
- Supports CBRAS connection
- Works with slower DSL speeds that the Zyxel C3000Z doesn’t
Cons
- Doesn’t work with bonded DSL technology
- Doesn’t offer most advanced Wi-Fi technology
The Technicolor C1100T doesn’t have the advanced Wi-Fi technology that the Zyxel C3000Z does. But it does work with many of the slower speeds that Zyxel isn’t built for, so it’s one of the best modems for CenturyLink DSL if you have a low-speed internet plan but still need a CBRAS connection.
That said, if you’re not familiar with CBRAS, don’t worry—it’s not necessary for everyday browsing.
If you do choose this option, you’ll want to check that this modem works with your internet plan. The Technicolor C1100T isn’t equipped to work with bonded internet, which uses two or more internet connections together to provide faster internet speeds.
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.
Our final take
It’s a lot easier to buy a modem from CenturyLink than buying one online. Your CenturyLink modem will be guaranteed to work with whatever DSL technology your home uses, which is essential since there are so many generations of DSL tech out there.
But if you’re willing to spend more to get the best modem for CenturyLink and beyond, we recommend the Actiontec 3000A. It’s an excellent model that works with most CenturyLink plans.
Methodology
Our experts combed through CenturyLink’s list of 28 compatible third-party modems, then researched and selected the best modems that work for your local CenturyLink DSL network based on price, specs, supported speeds, and customer reviews.
For more information about our methodologies, head over to our How We Rank page.
CenturyLink-compatible modem FAQ
Can you use your own modem with CenturyLink?
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.
Will a NETGEAR modem work with CenturyLink?
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.
Does a CenturyLink modem need a router?
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.
Do I need both a modem and a router?
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.
How can I boost my CenturyLink Wi-Fi signal?
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.
What should my CenturyLink Internet speed be?
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.
Disclaimer
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