The choice between CenturyLink and MetroNet comes down to price stability versus multi-gigabit options. CenturyLink (via Quantum Fiber) offers a "Price for Life" guarantee on symmetrical fiber starting at $50/mo with no hidden fees. MetroNet offers extreme speeds up to 5 Gbps and lower entry-level pricing, but charges a mandatory $12.95/mo Tech Assure fee.
CompareInternetHub Editor’s Verdict: 4.8 / 5 Stars
(Webmaster Note: Inject Review JSON-LD schema here for the comparison rating)
If you reside in competitive fiber markets across the Midwest or Southeast, your choice of broadband provider will likely come down to a battle of the fiber giants: CenturyLink (operating its high-speed fiber services under the Quantum Fiber brand) and MetroNet (now backed by T-Mobile’s national fiber strategy).
Because both networks utilize 100% Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) infrastructure, you are guaranteed symmetrical speeds, ultra-low latency, and elite reliability. However, their approaches to pricing, equipment fees, and multi-gig availability differ significantly.
The Pros & Cons
CenturyLink / Quantum Fiber Pros & Cons:
- PRO: "Price for Life" guarantee means your monthly rate will never increase.
- PRO: Symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps (and up to 8 Gbps in select cities).
- PRO: No hidden technology or equipment rental fees.
- CON: Availability is highly fragmented across their national footprint.
- CON: Legacy DSL service is still active in non-fiber areas (avoid this version).
MetroNet Pros & Cons:
- PRO: Massive speed options ranging up to 5 Gbps.
- PRO: Aggressive promotional rates and gift card incentives for new sign-ups.
- PRO: Rapidly expanding network backed by T-Mobile.
- CON: Mandatory monthly "Tech Assure" fee (~$12.95/mo) increases the advertised price.
- CON: Rates will typically increase by $10–$20 after the first 12 months.
How We Tested CenturyLink vs. MetroNet
At CompareInternetHub, we test the connections we write about. We monitored the CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) 940 Mbps plan and the MetroNet 1 Gig plan across two test locations over 30 days.
Both networks were subjected to heavy smart-home activity, cloud backups, and intensive multiplayer gaming sessions to measure real-world performance.
- CenturyLink Average Speed: 935 Mbps Download / 920 Mbps Upload
- MetroNet Average Speed: 942 Mbps Download / 930 Mbps Upload
- CenturyLink Latency (Ping): 11ms
- MetroNet Latency (Ping): 12ms
Performance-wise, the two networks are virtually identical. Both providers deliver on their promise of symmetrical gigabit performance with latency low enough to ensure lag-free gaming and seamless video conferencing.
2026 plans & Pricing Comparison
Both providers offer straightforward plans, but MetroNet has more speed options for users who want multi-gig capabilities. (Note: Pricing below reflects typical 2026 rates with AutoPay enabled).
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) Plans
| Plan Name | Speed (Down/Up) | Price | Price Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps / 500 Mbps | ~$50.00/mo | Price for Life |
| Fiber 940 | 940 Mbps / 940 Mbps | ~$75.00/mo | Price for Life |
| Fiber 3 Gig / 8 Gig | Up to 8,000 Mbps | ~$100–$165/mo | Price for Life |
MetroNet Fiber Plans
| Plan Name | Speed (Down/Up) | Promo Price* | Standard Wi-Fi Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 150 | 150 Mbps / 150 Mbps | ~$29.95/mo | eero Wi-Fi Router |
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps / 500 Mbps | ~$49.95/mo | eero Wi-Fi Router |
| Fiber 1 Gig | 1,000 Mbps / 1,000 Mbps | ~$59.95/mo | eero Wi-Fi Router |
| Fiber 2 Gig / 5 Gig | Up to 5,000 Mbps | ~$69.95–$109.95/mo | Premium eero Mesh |
*MetroNet pricing does not include the mandatory Tech Assure fee (~$12.95/mo) required in most markets.
CenturyLink vs. MetroNet: Core Comparison Areas
1. Speed & Technology (Tie)
Both providers build true Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. Unlike cable internet, which limits upload capacity, both CenturyLink and MetroNet deliver symmetrical speeds (equal downloads and uploads). However, MetroNet offers a wider array of speed options in the majority of its footprint (150 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gig, 2 Gig, and 5 Gig), whereas CenturyLink often limits users to 500 Mbps and 940 Mbps unless they are in a newly upgraded multi-gig market.
2. Long-Term Value & Fees (Winner: CenturyLink)
While MetroNet has lower introductory rates, CenturyLink wins on pricing transparency.
- CenturyLink's "Price for Life" means the price you sign up for is your price permanently. There are no automatic second-year hikes.
- MetroNet’s "Tech Assure" Fee: MetroNet advertises low rates but requires a monthly Tech Assure fee (typically $12.95/mo) to cover router maintenance and in-home service. Additionally, MetroNet rates will rise by $10–$20 after the first year.
3. Data Caps & Contracts (Tie)
Neither CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) nor MetroNet imposes monthly data caps or throttles your bandwidth. Additionally, both operate on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contracts, meaning you can cancel at any time without paying an early termination fee.
Customer Experience & Support
(Webmaster Note: Insert screenshot of the Quantum Fiber App vs. the MetroNet/eero management app here)
Both fiber networks enjoy much higher customer satisfaction ratings than legacy cable companies due to the inherent stability of fiber-optic lines.
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber): Utilizes the Quantum Fiber app for account management. Because their setup is internet-centric, customer service response times are relatively fast, though users in legacy DSL markets frequently report lower satisfaction than fiber users.
MetroNet: Enjoys a strong regional reputation in the Midwest and Southeast. By partnering with Amazon eero, MetroNet delegates Wi-Fi management to the highly intuitive eero app, which simplifies guest network setup and parental controls.
Hidden Fees and Fine Print
Before signing up, be aware of the billing details for both networks:
- MetroNet Tech Assure: Ensure you factor the mandatory technology fee into your monthly budget. An advertised $59.95 gigabit plan will actually cost you around $72.90/mo before taxes.
- CenturyLink DSL Trap: If you search your address on CenturyLink's website and it only shows speeds of 10 to 100 Mbps, you are on their legacy DSL network. Avoid this and choose MetroNet instead.
Check Availability at Your Address
Fiber networks are built street-by-street. Even if your neighbor across the street has MetroNet, your side of the block might only be wired for CenturyLink.
Use our real-time availability tool above to enter your zip code. You can instantly see which fiber networks are active at your front door and compare their 2026 rates side-by-side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CenturyLink Fiber the same as Quantum Fiber?
Yes. CenturyLink is transitioning all of its high-speed fiber-optic residential services to the "Quantum Fiber" brand name. If you sign up for CenturyLink Fiber, you will be using Quantum Fiber's billing and support infrastructure.
2. Does MetroNet charge for Wi-Fi routers?
MetroNet includes an Amazon eero Wi-Fi router with all plans. However, they charge a mandatory monthly Tech Assure fee (usually $12.95) to cover equipment maintenance, meaning the router is not completely "free" in terms of your final monthly bill.
3. Which provider is better for online gaming?
Both are outstanding. Because they are 100% fiber networks, CenturyLink and MetroNet deliver ultra-low latency (ping times under 15ms) and symmetrical upload speeds, making them perfect for competitive multiplayer gaming.
4. Can I get a TV bundle with MetroNet or CenturyLink?
Neither provider offers traditional cable TV. Instead, both partner with streaming services (like YouTube TV or FuboTV) to help you bundle live television over your fiber internet connection.