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7 Best Centurylink Compatible Modem Router 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router Combo (CAX80) - Compatible with All Major Cable Providers incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - Cable Plans up to 6Gbps - AX6000 WiFi 6 Speed - DOCSIS 3.1

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,123
Compatibility
Speed
Range

Most important from
5649 reviews

Compatibility
Integrated seamlessly with mesh wireless and has been stable, serving up gigabit speeds since activation.
Speed
The NETGEAR Nighthawk provides the fastest speeds I've ever had, with zero issues since installation.
Range
The range of the WiFi is very impressive, reaching up to 200 feet from the house.
Security Features
The security footprint is the best seen on a retail device, with NETGEAR Armor catching several attacks that other routers missed.
Ease of Setup
The setup instructions are fantastic, making the process quick and easy, with a 10-minute call to the ISP to activate.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Built-in WiFi 6 Router (CAX80) excels in its high-speed capabilities, supporting internet plans up to 6Gbps with DOCSIS 3.1 and AX6000 WiFi 6 technology. This makes it an excellent choice for users with cable internet plans from providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, who need fast and reliable connections for activities like streaming and gaming. The dual-band WiFi covers up to 2,500 sq. ft. and supports up to 30 devices simultaneously, making it suitable for large households with many connected devices.

The inclusion of multiple Ethernet ports, including a 2.5 Gig port, allows for versatile wired connections and faster speeds through link aggregation. Security is another strong point, with NETGEAR Armor providing real-time protection against cyber threats and automatic firmware updates ensuring ongoing security. The router's setup and management are user-friendly, thanks to the Nighthawk app, which simplifies the process.

However, the router's 4.45-pound weight and bulkier size may be inconvenient for some users, and it isn't suitable for those needing compatibility with CenturyLink or bundled voice services. Additionally, the price might be higher compared to basic models, but it could save you money on rental fees in the long run. The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 is best suited for users with cable internet who need robust performance, extensive coverage, and strong security features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,123
Compatibility
Speed
Range

Most important from
5649 reviews

Compatibility
Integrated seamlessly with mesh wireless and has been stable, serving up gigabit speeds since activation.
Speed
The NETGEAR Nighthawk provides the fastest speeds I've ever had, with zero issues since installation.
Range
The range of the WiFi is very impressive, reaching up to 200 feet from the house.
Security Features
The security footprint is the best seen on a retail device, with NETGEAR Armor catching several attacks that other routers missed.
Ease of Setup
The setup instructions are fantastic, making the process quick and easy, with a 10-minute call to the ISP to activate.
#2

C4000BG CenturyLink Bonded Line Wi Fi DSL Router

Rating
8.5
Speed
Wi-Fi Standards
Range

Most important from
517 reviews

Speed
The router significantly improved internet speed, with one user noting a 2-3x increase compared to their old router.
Wi-Fi Standards
The ability to easily manage and switch between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands enhances connectivity for multiple devices.
Range
Coverage is superb, eliminating dead spots even in a 2000 sq ft, two-story house and extending signal strength to a camera 50 feet away.
Ease of Setup
Setup is user-friendly and can be completed in just 10 minutes, making it easy even for those who are not tech-savvy.

The C4000BG CenturyLink Bonded Line Wi-Fi DSL Router is designed to provide ultra-fast wireless connectivity, making it suitable for 4K streaming and gaming. It boasts speeds up to 3 Gbps, with 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2400 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, thanks to its 2-stream connectivity with 160MHz channel support. This router supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ax, which enhances performance and provides faster data rates with its 1024-QAM technology.

Compatibility-wise, it covers all ADSL and VDSL profiles up to 17a, ensuring it works seamlessly with CenturyLink services. The internal antennas, although convenient for a streamlined design, might limit the range compared to external antennas. The router offers dual-band frequency, which is beneficial for managing multiple devices without interference. Security features include WPS, which simplifies connecting devices securely. Additionally, setup is designed to be user-friendly, aiding those who might not be tech-savvy.

It is slightly on the heavier side at 2.79 pounds and has compact dimensions (4.7 x 5.7 x 8.3 inches), making it easy to place in various home settings. If you're a CenturyLink subscriber looking for a modem-router that supports high-speed internet and modern Wi-Fi standards, this model is a strong contender.

Rating
8.5
Speed
Wi-Fi Standards
Range

Most important from
517 reviews

Speed
The router significantly improved internet speed, with one user noting a 2-3x increase compared to their old router.
Wi-Fi Standards
The ability to easily manage and switch between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands enhances connectivity for multiple devices.
Range
Coverage is superb, eliminating dead spots even in a 2000 sq ft, two-story house and extending signal strength to a camera 50 feet away.
Ease of Setup
Setup is user-friendly and can be completed in just 10 minutes, making it easy even for those who are not tech-savvy.
#3

CenturyLink C4000BZ Modem Router 2023 Modem Bright Speed

Rating
8.2
Speed
Wi-Fi Standards
Ease of Setup

Most important from
27 reviews

Speed
Wireless speeds reached the expected maximums, providing excellent performance for streaming and gaming.
Wi-Fi Standards
The device lacks the newest Wi-Fi 7 technology, which would have made it even better for future-proofing.
Ease of Setup
Setup was straightforward and the device worked exactly as advertised, making it easy to get online quickly.

The CenturyLink C4000BZ modem router is designed to work well with CenturyLink services, supporting all ADSL and VDSL profiles up to 17a, making it compatible with most CenturyLink connections. It offers impressive speeds, reaching up to 3 Gbps by combining 600 Mbps on one band and 2400 Mbps on another, which is excellent for streaming 4K videos, gaming, and video calls. Thanks to the newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard and features like 160 MHz channel support and 1024-QAM, this router can deliver faster data rates and better performance on compatible devices compared to older models.

Its dual-core processor helps maintain stable wireless and wired connections, which benefits households with multiple users. The router supports dual-band frequencies, improving the range and reducing interference in busy environments. Security features like WPS make it easier to connect devices safely. Setup should be straightforward for home or small business users, especially for those familiar with typical router interfaces.

For users seeking a fast, modern modem-router that works with CenturyLink and supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, the C4000BZ is a solid choice.

Rating
8.2
Speed
Wi-Fi Standards
Ease of Setup

Most important from
27 reviews

Speed
Wireless speeds reached the expected maximums, providing excellent performance for streaming and gaming.
Wi-Fi Standards
The device lacks the newest Wi-Fi 7 technology, which would have made it even better for future-proofing.
Ease of Setup
Setup was straightforward and the device worked exactly as advertised, making it easy to get online quickly.

Buying Guide for the Best Centurylink Compatible Modem Router

Choosing the right CenturyLink-compatible modem router is essential for ensuring a reliable and fast internet connection. The modem router you select should be compatible with CenturyLink's network and meet your specific needs, whether it's for basic browsing, streaming, gaming, or handling multiple devices simultaneously. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and get the best performance out of your internet service.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the modem router works with CenturyLink's DSL or fiber internet service. This is crucial because not all modem routers are designed to work with every type of internet connection. To ensure compatibility, check if the modem router supports CenturyLink's specific requirements, such as VDSL2 for DSL or GPON for fiber. If you have DSL, look for models that explicitly state they support CenturyLink DSL. For fiber, ensure the device supports CenturyLink's fiber technology.
SpeedSpeed indicates the maximum internet speed the modem router can handle. This is important because it determines how fast your internet connection can be. Modem routers are often rated by their maximum download and upload speeds. For basic browsing and email, lower speeds (up to 100 Mbps) may suffice. For streaming HD videos, gaming, or multiple users, look for higher speeds (300 Mbps and above). Match the modem router's speed capabilities with your internet plan to avoid bottlenecks.
Wi-Fi StandardsWi-Fi standards refer to the technology the modem router uses to broadcast wireless signals. The most common standards are Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Wi-Fi 6 is newer and offers better performance, higher speeds, and improved capacity for multiple devices. If you have many devices or need the best performance, opt for Wi-Fi 6. For general use, Wi-Fi 5 is still very capable and often more affordable.
RangeRange is the distance over which the modem router can effectively provide a Wi-Fi signal. This is important for ensuring coverage throughout your home or office. Modem routers with higher range capabilities can cover larger areas and penetrate walls better. If you live in a small apartment, a standard range modem router will suffice. For larger homes or spaces with multiple floors, look for models with extended range or consider mesh systems to ensure consistent coverage.
Number of Ethernet PortsThe number of Ethernet ports indicates how many wired connections the modem router can support. This is important for devices that require a stable and fast wired connection, such as desktop computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs. If you have multiple devices that need wired connections, look for a modem router with more Ethernet ports (typically 4 or more). For basic setups, 2-3 ports may be sufficient.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your network from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Important security features include WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and guest network capabilities. WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi security protocol and offers enhanced protection. Firewalls help prevent malicious attacks, and guest networks allow visitors to connect without accessing your main network. If security is a priority, ensure the modem router includes these features.
Ease of SetupEase of setup refers to how simple it is to install and configure the modem router. This is important for users who may not be tech-savvy. Look for modem routers that offer user-friendly setup processes, such as mobile apps or web-based interfaces with step-by-step instructions. Some models come with pre-configured settings for CenturyLink, making the setup even easier. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, prioritize models known for their straightforward setup.

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