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Routers serve a vital role in home networks, acting as a wireless bridge between the modem and the many devices used in the modern household. For those in areas directly serviced by CenturyLink, they remain a great option for home internet. Plans ranging from 20Mbps up to speedy 1Gbps fiber plans are available for every price point.
CenturyLink does provide its own storefront for obtaining additional network equipment, but you may find the suggestions in this guide help you make better use of your internet service. This guide provides five fantastic routers meant for a variety of uses. They can also take full advantage of whatever plan you might have through CenturyLink.
After weeks of rigorous testing, use, and overall enjoyment, here are the five routers we recommend for CenturyLink Internet:
- Best Overall Router for CenturyLink Internet: TP-Link Archer AX50
- Best Budget Router for CenturyLink Internet: TP-Link Archer A7
- Best Gaming Router for CenturyLink Internet: ASUS AX6000
- Best Mesh Router for CenturyLink Internet: Netgear Orbi RBK852
- Best Fiber Router for CenturyLink Internet: CenturyLink Greenwave C4000XG
Best Overall Router for CenturyLink Internet: TP-Link Archer AX50
- Wi-Fi 6 (802. 11ax) technology
- Communicates more data to more devices using OFDMA technology
- Increased battery life for devices
- Works with all internet service providers
The best overall router for your CenturyLink internet service is the TP-Link Archer AX50. The AX50 has coverage for up to 2,000 square feet, it is Wi-Fi 6 compatible, and it has a pair of high-powered antennae. No matter your service plan, the AX50 is a solid choice, offering a lot of modern features bundled at a reasonable price of $129.99. Wi-Fi 6 compatibility makes sure the device remains future-proof, and the amount of coverage should suit most medium-sized homes.
The AX50 scores good marks for general speed, supporting transfer speeds up to 2.42Gbps through wireless channels. The dual antennas allow for greater power to deliver the wireless signal across more of your home. For general purposes, the AX50 excels, delivering consistent speeds for streaming media, games, and general internet use like surfing and checking email.
Where it may falter is covering areas greater than its intended range, which would require other network devices like a bridge or wireless repeater to cover more of the home.
Check out TP-Link Archer AX50 on Amazon.
Best Budget Choice Router for CenturyLink Internet: TP-Link Archer A7
- OneMesh Compatible Router- Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders
- Router for wireless internet, works with Alexa, compatible with all Wi-Fi devices, 802.11ac and older
- Dual band router upgrades to 1750 Mbps high speed internet(450mbps for 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K streaming
- 3 external antennas for long range Wi-Fi. System Requirements-Internet Explorer 11, Firefox 12.0, Chrome 20.0, Safari 4.0, or other JavaScript-enabled browser. Cable or DSL Modem (if needed)
- Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, fast access to multiple connected wired devices, Ideal as a gaming router
Even if you’re on a budget, it doesn’t mean you have to forego having a dependable wireless router. The TP-Link Archer A7 comes in at a reasonable $53.99, but it isn’t skimping on the features despite the low price. While only Wi-Fi 5 protocols are supported, this affordable router still supports transfer speeds of up to 1.75Gbps.
USB support allows for file sharing at home or on the go. The A7 also supports integration into TP-Link’s OneMesh system, which allows for the installation of mesh nodes to further increase network availability in your home.
Parental controls are also present, providing easy network and traffic management. While it would be nice to have Wi-Fi 6 protocols like 802.11ax supported, the option for mesh coverage and USB file sharing still makes this a great choice for your CenturyLink internet service.
Check out TP-Link Archer A7 on Amazon.
Best Gaming Router for CenturyLink Internet: ASUS AX6000
- Next-gen Wi-Fi standard 802.11Ax
- Setup with Alexa is simple
- 4 antennas plus 8 LAN ports
- AiProtection powered by Trend Micro
- Compatible with ASUS AiMesh Wi-Fi system
The ASUS AX6000 is a Wi-Fi 6 router built for gaming, but it is also ideal for home use. This Wi-Fi 6 compatible device is MU-MIMO capable, meaning it can optimize multiple connections while using the full bandwidth of your CenturyLink internet connection.
The AX6000 supports up to 6Gbps and features adaptive Quality-of-Service. Adaptive QoS prioritizes packets for the shortest route possible between your game session and the internet. There is a total of eight ethernet ports adorning the back, allowing for multiple devices to be hardwired and utilizing up to 1 Gbps of speed.
The ASUS AX6000 is on the pricier side of the spectrum, coming in at $349.99. For users wanting the absolute best connection possible for gaming, it proves to be a solid choice. Robust networking options, support of the latest Wi-Fi protocols, and the array of four wireless antennas help provide consistent speed and coverage.
Check out ASUS AX6000 on Amazon.
Best Mesh Router for CenturyLink Internet: Netgear Orbi RBK852
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. and for up to 100 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each additional satellite (sold separately). Works with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant
- Ultrafast AX6000 gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- Compatible with any internet service provider up to 2.5Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber and DSL
- Connects to your existing cable modem, and replaces your WiFi router
- Sets up in minutes with the Orbi App; easily manage WiFi settings, test internet speed, and monitor data usage
Mesh networks have become increasingly popular in the home after spending years in the domain of businesses. If you’re wanting to take advantage of a mesh network in your home with your CenturyLink internet service, the Netgear Orbi RBK852 is the best in class. This mesh router supports up to 100 devices and covers 5,000 square feet with the included satellite.
The Orbi RBK852 can support up to 100 individual devices accessing its network. Netgear also offers easy setup, using a companion app to aid in both router installation and maintenance of the network. Wi-FI 6 is also supported, allowing for maximum bandwidth usage across any number of devices you’re trying to use on your CenturyLink connection.
The RBK852 retails for $699.99, with additional satellites readily available for an additional $399.99.
Check out Netgear Orbi RBK852 on Amazon.
Best Fiber Router for CenturyLink Internet: CenturyLink Greenwave C4000XG
- WiFi 6 antenna - 2.4 GHz/5 GHz 802.11ax (backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
- Dynamic QoS - Prioritizes internet traffic by application and device for smoother streaming
- 5 Gigabit ports (1 WAN + 4 LAN)
- Smart Connect - Intelligently selects the fastest WiFi band for every device connection
- Supports fiber speeds up to 2.5 Gbps download/1 Gbps upload
While you can certainly use any of these routers with your CenturyLink fiber plan, very few are going to be able to handle the maximum speed of the service. CenturyLink’s own CenturyLink Greenwave C4000XG is a router and modem combo device designed for their fiber internet service. This two-in-one device is capable of Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, giving every device in your home optimal speeds.
On the back of the device is five ethernet ports, each capable of 1Gbps transfer speeds. Much like the ASUS AX6000, the C4000XG is capable of Adaptive Quality of Service for connections. This technology allows for certain devices to use more of the available bandwidth. This can be beneficial for streaming network-intensive media like 4K or 8K videos.
If you’re looking to minimize the setup time for your fiber plan, the Greenwave C4000XG is a great choice. It is easy to install and will get you up and running with minimal fuss.
Check out CenturyLink Greenwave C4000XG on Amazon.
How To Pick The Best Router for CenturyLink Internet: Step-By-Step
When you’re on the hunt for a router for your home network, there are a few things you should consider:
- Price
- Features
- Compatibility
- Area Coverage
Price
There are devices for every single price point you can imagine for your home network needs. Price is an important consideration, and should be part of the overall design of your home network. If you’re on a limited-speed plan intended for just the basics of internet consumption, a $700 router isn’t going to suit your needs very well. Modern routers are fast and capable devices. You won’t be left in the dust even with a budget offering if that better fits your finances.
Features
Think about what your home network needs. What comes to mind immediately? You might have a plethora of devices that demand the same quality of connection. Perhaps you’re a movie buff who enjoys films in 4K whenever possible. No matter what your network needs are, the features of a router should be considered. The various abilities of a router can make or break your home network. Choosing something capable of delivering what you need when you need it is crucial.
Compatibility
This is less of an important consideration and more something to keep in mind when shopping for a router. Compatibility in this instance refers if the router can take full advantage of the speed and throughput of your internet service plan. Fiber routers are a bit more specialized, though you can use a traditional broadband-oriented modem. No matter the choice you make however, it is important to take note of what your plan offers and whether the router you choose can support and deliver it to your home network.
Area Coverage
Wireless coverage of a home is dependent on a few factors like the number of antennas, the power being delivered to those antennas, and their directional output. For larger homes, a standard router won’t cut it, so it might be worth considering a higher-powered device or mesh-capable router.
A standard router might cover the whole 4,000 square feet of your home, but if the connection is of poor quality in certain rooms, it might be of greater benefit to extend that coverage. Picking the right option to deliver your wireless connections to all areas of the house can be done in a variety of ways.
Wireless repeaters and bridges are the more traditional way of extending coverage. However, you might find that a mesh network with nodes in various rooms of the house better suits your needs.
What To Know Before Buying A Router for CenturyLink Internet
Before purchasing a router, do your research. It is of vital importance to make sure you’re not using an outmoded or outdated device. Picking a router can be a tricky process with the many choices in today’s market. There is a router for every intended home networking niche, as you’ll find with a cursory glance at your preferred retailers.
Before you invest in a router, it is important to know whether it will support or hinder your home internet enjoyment. If you truly prioritize streaming media, then a lower-powered unit with basic wireless coverage might not cut it. This also applies to things like Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5, with the newer protocols supporting greater bandwidth utilization across multiple devices.
