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6 Best Centurylink Modems 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

C4000BG CenturyLink Bonded Line Wi Fi DSL Router

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,450
Speed
Ease of Setup

Most important from
469 reviews

Speed
With the new router, speed tests show a 2-3x increase in speed and no need for frequent reboots.
Ease of Setup
Setup was super easy and almost automatic, with the new router up and running within 10 minutes.

The C4000BG CenturyLink Bonded Line Wi-Fi DSL Router is a solid choice for users who need fast internet speeds and reliable connectivity. With speeds of up to 3 Gbps, it caters well to activities like 4K streaming and gaming, making it suitable for homes with multiple devices. The dual-band support and 160 MHz channel capability significantly enhance data rates, especially for modern mobile devices and laptops, which can benefit from the increased speeds compared to older models.

One of the router's strengths lies in its ease of setup, which can be a big bonus for those who may not be very tech-savvy. The inclusion of a single Wi-Fi SSID simplifies the user experience, allowing devices to connect seamlessly without having to switch networks. Security features like WPS offer an additional layer of protection, which is important for safeguarding your home network.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the router performs well under ideal conditions, its effectiveness could diminish in larger homes or spaces with heavy obstructions. The internal antenna design may limit its range compared to routers with external antennas, potentially resulting in weaker signals in far rooms. Additionally, while it supports various ADSL or VDSL profiles, users should ensure compatibility with their specific internet service to fully leverage its capabilities. If you're seeking a reliable router for streaming and gaming, the C4000BG is worth considering, especially for smaller to mid-sized homes. Just keep in mind the importance of placement and your home's layout to maximize performance.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,450
Speed
Ease of Setup

Most important from
469 reviews

Speed
With the new router, speed tests show a 2-3x increase in speed and no need for frequent reboots.
Ease of Setup
Setup was super easy and almost automatic, with the new router up and running within 10 minutes.
#2

ZyXEL C3000Z Modem CenturyLink

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Speed
Ease of Setup

Most important from
969 reviews

Compatibility
The ZyXEL C3000Z Modem works wonderfully with CenturyLink services and is super easy to set up.
Speed
After resetting to factory defaults and following the online setup, the modem delivers excellent ping times.
Ease of Setup
Instructions for installation were very clear, allowing for quick and hassle-free activation.

The ZyXEL C3000Z Modem is designed specifically for CenturyLink users, making it a solid choice for those who want reliable internet connectivity. One of its main strengths is its compatibility with CenturyLink's services, ensuring that users can easily connect without worrying about whether it will work with their setup. In terms of speed, it supports both 802.11n and 802.11ac Wi-Fi standards, which means you can expect good performance for streaming, gaming, and browsing—provided your internet plan supports it.

The modem features a total of 8 Ethernet ports, which is beneficial for users with multiple wired devices, allowing for a stable connection without sacrificing speed. Additionally, it is equipped with decent security features, which are essential for protecting your network from external threats.

The ZyXEL C3000Z does offer solid performance; however, its ease of setup could vary depending on the user's familiarity with networking equipment. Some users might find the initial setup process a bit challenging, especially if they are not tech-savvy. Furthermore, while it supports dual-band Wi-Fi, some may find that the range could be limited depending on their home layout, which could affect performance in larger spaces.

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Speed
Ease of Setup

Most important from
969 reviews

Compatibility
The ZyXEL C3000Z Modem works wonderfully with CenturyLink services and is super easy to set up.
Speed
After resetting to factory defaults and following the online setup, the modem delivers excellent ping times.
Ease of Setup
Instructions for installation were very clear, allowing for quick and hassle-free activation.
#3

CenturyLink C4000BZ Modem Router 2023 Modem Bright Speed

Rating
9.6
Speed
Wi-Fi Capability
Technology Standard

Most important from
11 reviews

Speed
Setup is straightforward and the device performs as expected in delivering wireless speeds.
Wi-Fi Capability
Wireless connections achieve near maximum download and upload speeds, showcasing strong Wi-Fi performance.
Technology Standard
Lacks support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, which may be a drawback for users seeking the newest technology.

The CenturyLink C4000BZ Modem Router is designed to offer high-speed internet with wireless speeds up to 3 Gbps, making it suitable for heavy activities like 4K streaming, gaming, and video calls. Its dual-core processor helps improve the overall network performance, which benefits both wired and wireless connections. The router supports the latest Wi-Fi technology standard (802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6), providing faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices at once.

It operates on a dual-band frequency with 160 MHz channel support, which can double speeds compared to older routers using 80 MHz channels. This makes it a good choice for users with newer laptops and mobile devices that can take advantage of these faster connections. The modem supports all common DSL profiles up to 17a, ensuring compatibility with various CenturyLink internet services. It includes basic security features like WPS for easy and secure device connection.

This modem router is a reliable option for home or small business use, especially if you need strong wireless performance and compatibility with CenturyLink's DSL services. It fits well for those prioritizing ultra-fast Wi-Fi and a future-proof setup.

Rating
9.6
Speed
Wi-Fi Capability
Technology Standard

Most important from
11 reviews

Speed
Setup is straightforward and the device performs as expected in delivering wireless speeds.
Wi-Fi Capability
Wireless connections achieve near maximum download and upload speeds, showcasing strong Wi-Fi performance.
Technology Standard
Lacks support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, which may be a drawback for users seeking the newest technology.

Buying Guide for the Best Centurylink Modems

Choosing the right modem for your CenturyLink internet service is crucial for ensuring a reliable and fast internet connection. The modem is the device that connects your home network to the internet, so it's important to pick one that meets your needs and is compatible with CenturyLink's service. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a CenturyLink modem, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the modem works with CenturyLink's internet service. This is important because not all modems are designed to work with all internet service providers. To ensure compatibility, check CenturyLink's list of approved modems or look for modems that specifically mention CenturyLink compatibility. If you have DSL service, make sure the modem supports DSL technology. For fiber or other types of connections, ensure the modem is designed for those specific technologies.
SpeedSpeed refers to the maximum data transfer rate that the modem can handle, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). This is important because it determines how fast your internet connection can be. Modems are often rated for different speed tiers, such as up to 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, or even higher. To pick the right speed, consider your internet plan's maximum speed and choose a modem that can handle at least that much. If you have a high-speed plan, opt for a modem with higher speed capabilities to ensure you get the most out of your service.
Wi-Fi CapabilityWi-Fi capability refers to whether the modem includes a built-in wireless router. This is important if you want to connect multiple devices wirelessly to your internet. Some modems are modem-only, meaning you'll need a separate router for Wi-Fi, while others are modem-router combos that provide both functions in one device. If you prefer a simpler setup, a modem-router combo might be the best choice. However, if you want more control over your network or already have a high-quality router, a modem-only device could be more suitable.
Number of Ethernet PortsThe number of Ethernet ports refers to how many wired connections the modem can support. This is important if you have multiple devices that you want to connect directly to the modem via Ethernet cables, such as desktop computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs. Modems typically come with 1 to 4 Ethernet ports. If you have several wired devices, look for a modem with more ports. If you primarily use Wi-Fi, the number of Ethernet ports may be less critical.
Technology StandardTechnology standard refers to the specific type of technology the modem uses to connect to the internet, such as ADSL, VDSL, or fiber. This is important because different types of internet connections require different types of modems. For example, ADSL and VDSL are common for DSL connections, while fiber connections may require a different type of modem. To pick the right one, check what type of connection CenturyLink provides in your area and choose a modem that supports that technology.
Security FeaturesSecurity features refer to the built-in protections that help keep your network safe from unauthorized access and cyber threats. This is important for protecting your personal information and ensuring a secure internet experience. Look for modems with features like WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and guest network capabilities. If you have sensitive data or multiple users on your network, robust security features are essential. Choose a modem with the latest security standards to keep your network safe.

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