2018 Guide to CenturyLink Modems

After 14 days of crowdsourcing feedbacks, hands -on testing and evaluation, we conclude that the Century Link ActionTec C1000A Modem Router is one of the best centurylink modem for 2018. Owing to its compatibility to VDSL and ADSL2/2+ backwards, this unit is one of the most versatile and efficient modem.

Are you fed up with sluggish internet speeds?

Are you tired of constantly restarting your router to find out what’s wrong with the connection?

Have you reached your boiling point that you ended up throwing your router in dismay?

This is a common situation for most people who seek good service from Internet Service Providers, however most of the time it is not the fault of the ISP but of the router you are using.​

Centurylink, for example is known for consistent, fast and reliable internet speeds. However, a few users have complained about slow connections. It was found out later on that these slow speeds were brought about by malfunctioning or underperforming modems.

Here, we want you to enjoy the maximum potential of your Centurylink connections. This is why we have done a tedious process of crowdsourcing opinions, research and testing to find out which of the centurylink compatible modems in the market nowadays provide the best value for your money.

We proudly present to your our picks of the best centurylink modems of 2018. Check out each review and learn about their pros and cons.

What to Consider When Buying A Centurylink Modem?

We know live in the time of advanced technology and the internet. Most days, we enjoy super fast speeds, buffering videos in Youtube in lightning speed. However, there are also times when we scratch our heads with sluggish speeds like we were living in the age of dial up internet.

While the culprit of this is usually the internet service provider, our routers can also play a huge role in this unfortunate predicament. So before you go to the nearby office and rant to your internet provider, check first if your modem is performing well or not.

Before buying a modem, there are several factors that you need to consider. These factors all make a huge impact in the performance and overall functionality of the router.

1. Standards

Basically there are two different standards set by most modem manufacturers, these are: X2 and KFlex. These two standards help to achieve higher speeds considering that the Internet Service Provider supports these speeds.

Another more recent or new standard is the V.90 which provides better versatility and can work with most Internet Service Providers while offering highspeeds.

2. Connection

Another important factor you need to consider is the connection. Not in terms of internet connection or speed but the ports the modem is equipped with. Most modems nowadays are equipped with an RJ-11 connection. This is a standard phone connection needed for modems.

To offer more functionality to the router, it is best that you equip yourself with a modem that has two RJ-11 connectors. This is because one is used for modem to phone connection while the other one can be used for another phone in the home or maybe in an office.

You also need one with a pc card modem. Pc card modems used for laptops and computers can have a variety of methods to connect to a phone line. For this, the two most common connection types are the X-Jack and Dongle. So before buying a new Pc Card Modem, make sure that it works fine on your unit.

3.​ Internet availability

Internet availability also depends on your location. Sadly, not all places or locations can have the availability to connect to the internet, especially in rural areas. So before buying a new modem, make sure that your location has enough signal coverage to be provided with an internet connection.

Moreso, once you have established this, pick a modem that works well on your location with your chosen internet service provider.​

4. Price range

As with most products you are purchasing, you also need to consider your budget. Modems come in a wide array of price ranges. Most of the time, price is relative to speed that the modem offers. This means that more expensive modems, usually provide better speeds.

Internal modems usually are priced 80 dollars or below, while external modems can range from 100 to 150. USB modems usually range about 140 to 200. Lastly, PC card modems can range from 50 to 200.​

How We Assessed and Evaluated These Products

In this article, we did a very exhaustive process of evaluating and assessing each modem we deem were fit to match the standards of a reliable and excellent modem to help connect you to your centurylink internet connection. After 2 weeks of scouring the internet, for potential candidates and actual testing, we shortlisted a total of 15 modems.

These 15 modems all exhibited admirable traits and all were compatible to connect with Centurylink speeds. However, to further narrow down our list to 5 we had to weigh in on their specifications as well as compare each of their outputs.

For this assessment, we chose to focus on the essentials such as: speed, connectivity, versatility, number of ports, durability as well as coverage of wifi. In this regard, we checked each of these aspects in terms of their respective outputs.

For example in speed, we measured each modem in their respective outputs by using speedtest. We ranked each of their outputs to find out which of them provided reliable and consistent browsing speeds.

In terms of coverage, we did several researches from reputable sites such as Lifewire.com and Thewirecutter.com. This is important since you wouldn’t want to stay close always to the router when you want to just doze off or lounge around on your bed.

Aside from the essentials, we also weighed in on their design and construction quality just to add more points to compare each unit.

After 2 weeks of rigorous crowdsourcing feedbacks, research and actual hands on testing, we are here to present to your our picks of the 5 of the best centurylink modems of 2018. In this article, we highlighted each of the units’ specifications as well as gave you our two cents regarding their pros and cons.

Read more to find out which of these 5 modems are our 3 favorite picks.​

Our Top Picks

The first entry on our list is the Century Link ActionTec C1000A Modem Router. Being included in ActionTec’s line of modems, you can be sure of its compatibility to several platforms.

To make things more interesting, the C1000A is equipped with a myriad of added features.

The product is equipped with several ports. These include DSL ports and phone ports that are placed strategically in the back portion of the modem.

Because of the inclusion of these two ports, there is no need for an in line DSL filter.

The C1000A is certified compatible to VDSL2 and ADSL2/2+ backwards. With this you are assured that it can work with any DSL plan, never needing to worry which service your area is providing.

Equipped with a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button, connecting new devices to your network will be a breeze. In addition to the ports mentioned, it also has a USB port for network attached storage devices as well as four Ethernet ports for wired connections, a standard for most wifi routers.

In our test, we found that the product can support CenturyLink Internet speeds of up to 40 Mbps with a lower limit of 20 mbps at best.

Our main gripe with the product is the fact that despite these admirable features, ActionTec decided to give it the usual, uninspired boxy look. Moreover, if you have a larger room, expect that there will be some dead spots

The second entry on our list is the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Modem Router.

The AC1900 is deemed to be the fastest among the Nighthawk series of NETGEAR.

In our test, we can confirm that the AC1900 works well with even the fastest speeds of Centurylink’s networks.

However, you need to make sure that your service is not on a bonded VDSL line as it is not compatible.

In terms of compatibility, this router can support VDSL2 while still being compatible with ADSL2/2+ service.

With this product, there is no need to worry about speed and performance as its dual band wireless speeds far exceeded the transfer speeds from either protocols.

With its patent Beamforming+ technology, the AC1900 can definitely deliver better wireless coverage even in large rooms.

The AC1900 is equipped with USB 3.0 port to be able to connect to an NAS device which can eventually be connected to the ReadyCloud service. In our surprise, the router can even support OpenVPN for easy remote access.

With all these awesome features, the product however does not come without a catch. You can expect that this modem will be priced higher compared to its counterparts.

Another worthy entry for this list is another product from NETGEAR, theN600.

This device boasts of being compatible to even the older ADSL2+ protocols.

The router also has a maximum transfer speed of 24 Mbps and thus offers excellent N-band range even at an affordable price point.

The router has a dual band platform built in, with this, it provides consistent and reliable rangle in mid to large sized homes.

Because of this, you never need to worry about slower speeds when you're in the porch or in the backyard.

The purchase comes with an in line DSL filter that allows you to connect a phone to the DSL line port. In addition, it is equipped with four Ethernet ports and a USB port to allow connection with other networks and storage devices.

​Just like the AC1000A, this one comes with an easy access WPS button that allows you to easily connect new devices to your network. Having trouble setting up with other modems? No need for this one because it has its patented Genie app that guides you throughout the entire process.

However, we realized that the product cannot support VDSL. In addition, it has a low maximum downstream speed compared to the other counterparts.​

One of the more affordable options, the Linksys X2000 Wireless Router still delivers great ratio of price and performance comprise of range and speed.

It has a built in N300 router which is comparable to common ISPs. To boost its range and scope, it is equipped with a MIMO antenna.

Same with the previous router, this is not compatible with VDSL so that is one of its disadvantages. However, newer networks rely on ADSL services so this is not much of a problem.

The product comes with a very affordable price that will have you looking back at its price tag because it is that surprising. While not having the premium features of more expensive routers, you do get the essentials at a price that won’t break the bank.

In terms of ports, it has the essentials down however it does not have a USB port so don’t expect that you can connect a hard drive.

The last entry on our list is the TRENDnet N300 Wireless TEW-722BRM Modem Router. This router has all the essentials.

It also takes a simple yet efficient approach on an ADSL2+gateway.

The product is meant for low to mid speed Centurylink connections and can provide internet for only a small to mid sized room.

Equipped with MIMO antenna, the wifi coverage is enhanced than what it is equipped with. It also is equipped with standard features such as guest network and parental controls.​

Installation and setup is a breeze thanks to the guide and app provided with the purchase. With its WPS button, you can easily add new devices to your network.

To help you save energy and electricity consumption it has a unique feature called GREENnet technology.

In terms of ports, it has four Ethernet ports, however, do not expect lightning fast speeds because they are not gigabit ports. Moreover, the lack of a USB port is another disappointment. However, who are we to complain when the product comes with a very affordable price tag.​

Our Recommendations:

Editor's Pick: Century Link ActionTec C1000A Modem Router

Picking our favourite from this list of great centurylink compatible modems was a hard task. All of them, provided excellent speeds with wide coverage.

However, with intense deliberation and weighing of all their pros and cons we have decided that the Centurylink ActionTec C1000A Modem Router is one of the best centurylink modem of 2018.

Owing to its compatibility with VDSL2 and ADSL2/2+ backwards, you can connect with most of Centurylink’s network services. In addition to its holistic features, it also allows both phone and USB support.

Owing to its WPS button, connecting to new devices will be a walk in the park.

With all these admirable features, the C1000A deserves to be in the top spot of the list of the best centurylink modem’s of 2018.

Runners Up: NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Modem Router and NETGEAR N600 ADSL2+ Modem Router

Coming in at second place is the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Modem Router. It is equipped with a dual band connection so that there will be better reception and wider wireless range.

Equipped with Beaform Technology, the modem has USB support to allow connection with cloud services. In addition, it is compatible with VDSL2 and ADSL2/2+ backwards. With the AC1900, you are assured of consistent and fast browsing speeds on your devices.

At third place is the NETGEAR n600 ADSL2+ modem router. It comes with DSL line filter so that phone connection will be easier. For easy installation, it is equipped with a software that guides you throughout the entire process.

It has a WPS button that allows easy connectivity with new devices.