5 Best Routers for CenturyLink in 2023
In today’s digital age, we rely heavily on the internet for everything from work to entertainment. A slow and unreliable internet connection can be frustrating and hinder productivity. If you are a CenturyLink internet subscriber, you may be wondering which router is the best choice for your home or office.
Choosing the right router for your CenturyLink internet connection can make a huge difference in the speed and reliability of your internet. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best routers for CenturyLink users, considering factors such as speed, range, and compatibility.
So, whether you’re a business owner or a casual internet user, read on to find the perfect router to enhance your CenturyLink internet experience.
Table of Contents
What should I look for in a router for CenturyLink?
Having a reliable router is essential for anyone who uses the internet regularly. If you are a CenturyLink customer, it can be challenging to know what to look for in a router that will work well with your network.
So, here are some of the key things that you should consider when shopping for a router for CenturyLink.
Compatibility
Compatibility is the primary consideration when choosing a router for CenturyLink. Make sure the router you’re going to buy is compatible with CenturyLink’s DSL or fiber optic network.
The easiest way to ensure compatibility is to purchase a router from CenturyLink or check their approved modem/router list.
Speed and Range
The router’s speed and range are critical when it comes to providing a consistent and reliable internet connection. The higher the speed, the faster your internet connection will be.
Check the router’s speed rating to ensure it can handle your internet needs. The speed of your router will directly affect the speed of your internet connection. Look for a router that supports at least 802.11n wireless technology or newer (like 802.11ac or 802.11ax), which offers faster speeds and greater range than older technologies.
The range of your router is also an important consideration, especially if you have a larger home or office space. Look for a router that has strong signal coverage and multiple antennas to ensure the greatest range possible.
Consider the size of your home or office and the number of devices that will be connected to the router to determine the range needed. Then, choose a router that fits your home needs.
Security Features
Security is crucial when it comes to protecting your connected devices from online threats. Look for routers that offer strong security features, such as WPA3 encryption, firewalls, and parental controls.
Also, ensure that the router allows for firmware updates to stay protected against any emerging threats.
Ease of Setup and Use
Finally, consider the ease of use of the router. Look for a router that is easy to set up and operate, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface.
Some routers even come with a mobile app that can make it easier to manage your network from your smartphone or tablet.
Best Overall: TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000
| SPECIFICATIONS LIST | TP-Link Archer AX55 |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 |
| WiFi Speed | 3,000 Mbps |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps |
| Coverage | 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Ethernet Ports | One Gigabit WAN Port Four Gigabit LAN Ports |
| Management App | Tether App |
| Security Features | TP-Link HomeShield Security |
| Other Features | 4 external antennas Beamforming High-power FEM OFDMA |
The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a recommended choice for those seeking to upgrade their CenturyLink router while getting the most value for their money. Trust us, this thing is speedy!
We recorded a speed of 747 Mbps from just 5 ft away, which is one of the fastest routers out there. Even if you have a big family, this router can handle it. It might not be quick enough for the Fiber Gig plan, but you can still get it with a wired connection.
This router is perfect for the Fiber 200 plan or any of the Simply Unlimited plans over Wi-Fi. If you have a medium-sized home, the range is 90-100 ft. which is pretty great.
Even if you have a larger home, the AX55 can work for you because of its OneMesh feature. This lets you add Mesh satellites to the network, extending its range indefinitely.
The router is equipped with QoS, which enables the prioritization of smart devices and provides temporary performance enhancement.
Additionally, if you’re into parental controls and antivirus technology, you can opt for TP-Link HomeProtect. It’s affordable at $5.99 per month or $54.99 per year. The only downside is that it’s not free like ASUS, but it’s still affordable and definitely worth it. It’s cheaper than Netgear’s version too!
Believe me, there’s really nothing I don’t like about this router. It’s nearly perfect and I highly recommend it for CenturyLink customers looking to upgrade.
Best Budget: TP-Link Archer A7
| SPECIFICATIONS LIST | TP-Link Archer A7 |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 5 |
| WiFi Speed | 1, 750 Mbps |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band 2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps |
| Coverage | 2,000 sq. ft. |
| Ethernet Ports | One Gigabit WAN Port Four Gigabit LAN Ports |
| Other Features | 3 external antennas Beamforming Supports OneMesh |
If your current plan is the Simply Unlimited Internet or CenturyLink Fiber Internet, the TP-Link Archer A7 may be your best budget-friendly option. It’s super affordable, but still pretty speedy at 443 Mbps.
This router is a Wi-Fi 5, and though it’s not a Wi-Fi 6 router, it’s fast enough for most homes, especially small and mid-sized ones. Additionally, extending the range is simple if necessary.
The range is solid at 80-90 ft, but if you’ve got a huge house, you might need a Wi-Fi extender since it’s not mesh-compatible. On the bright side, the parental controls and QoS on this device are simple but effective.
The only downside is that it’s a bit basic in terms of the design, specs, special features, and advanced tech. However, that’s something that you can expect from a budget router.
Best for Gigabit Plans– ASUS RT-AX88U
| SPECIFICATIONS LIST | ASUS RT-AX88U |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 |
| WiFi Speed | 6,000 Mbps |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band 2.4 GHz: 1148 Mbps 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps |
| Coverage | 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Ethernet Ports | One 1GbE WAN Port Eight LAN Ports |
| Management App | ASUS Router App |
| Security Features | AiProtection Pro |
| Other Features | 3 external antennas Beamforming High-power FEM OFDMA AiMesh Compatible Adaptive QoS Compatible with Amazon Alexa |
If you’re not worried about the cost and you have CenturyLink’s Fiber Gig plan, the ASUS RT-AX88U is a solid choice.
This router is dual-band and supports the newest Wi-Fi 6 standard. The 2.4GHz band can reach 1148 Mbps and the 5GHz band can handle up to 4804 Mbps, at least in theory.
When we tested this out, the speeds went as fast as 925 Mbps on Wi-Fi 6 devices. rest assured that you’re getting the most out of your gigabit plans.
Lucky for you, it also has OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, along with 4 high-power external antennas, giving you broader wireless coverage and stronger internet signals.
During the testing, it was able to cover about 100-110 ft., which is already very impressive. If you want to expand your WiFi range, you can add mesh satellites for a seamless extension.
This router also comes with safety features like top parental controls and antivirus protection. You can even assign profiles to particular devices, maximizing their performance.
It’s true, the RT-AX88U can be pricey. But it’s definitely worth it for the fastest plan CenturyLink has to offer. So, if you’re willing to pay for it, the RT-AX88U is definitely the best premium router for the 1000 Mbps CenturyLink plan.
Best for Streaming: Netgear RAX50
| SPECIFICATIONS LIST | Netgear RAX50 |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 |
| WiFi Speed | 5,400 Mbps |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band 2.4 GHz: 1148 Mbps 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps |
| Coverage | 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Ethernet Ports | One 1GbE WAN Port Eight LAN Ports |
| Management App | Nighthawk App |
| Security Features | NETGEAR Armor |
| Other Features | 4 external antennas Beamforming High-power FEM OFDMA Adaptive QoS Compatible with Amazon Alexa |
The Netgear Nighthawk RAX50 is a router that can achieve speeds over 1 Gbps and offers secure internet usage. It is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax technology and high-quality hardware. This makes it ideal for gamers and those who consume high-end media that requires a smooth, lag-free experience.
So why should you choose the RAX50 for CenturyLink?
Well, for starters, it has a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 setup that can transfer massive amounts of data at incredible speeds. Even when we tested it 30 feet away from our iPhone 13, we still got download speeds of 967 Mbps and upload speeds of 454 Mbps with 1 Gbps IP. And that was just on the 5GHz band! On the 2.4GHz band, I still got great speeds of 467 Mbps for downloads and 167 Mbps for uploads.
But it’s not just about the numbers – the RAX50 can handle all your internet needs without any hiccups. Whether you’re gaming, streaming videos, or having a video conference, it can handle it all while still leaving enough bandwidth for other tasks like sending emails or browsing social media.
And if you need to plug in a device directly, it can handle that too!
Regarding security, it’s got basic security features like WPA2/WPA3 encryption, Apple’s Touch ID, and two-factor authentication. But it goes above and beyond by offering a subscription-based Netgear Armor 2.0.
This comes with malware detection and elimination, weekly scans, and a layered approach to protect your devices. Plus, it’s got some cool parental controls. You can block websites, pause Wi-Fi, and monitor online activity. So, if you’re a digital mom, this router is definitely worth considering.
Best Mesh System: Amazon Eero 6+
| SPECIFICATIONS LIST | Eero 6+ |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6 |
| WiFi Speed | 3,000 Mbps |
| Coverage | 4,500 sq. ft. |
| Ethernet Ports | One Gigabit WAN Port Four Gigabit LAN Ports |
| Management App | Eero App |
| Security Features | Eero Secure |
| Other Features | MU-MIMO Beamforming High-power FEM OFDMA |
The Eero 6 Plus rocks Wi-Fi 6 support and awesome coverage and connection capabilities. It’s got wider channels and better radios that make it way faster and more reliable than its previous model. And guess what? It’s budget-friendly too!
So why is this mesh system perfect for CenturyLink? Well, we’ve put it through the same tests as all the other routers on our list.
The speeds were satisfactory with CenturyLink’s 1 Gbps plan despite being slightly lower. The download throughput speeds on the 5GHz band averaged 872 Mbps, with upload speeds at 228 Mbps.
What makes the Eero 6+ even more reliable is its low-frequency 2.4GHz band. Download and upload speeds hit 463 Mbps and 173 Mbps, respectively. We were able to play games online at 120fps, but there were some minor lags and latencies that affected the gaming experience a little.
For us, the only downside is, you only get 2 GbE ports per unit, which limits the number of devices you can connect to each unit. If you want to expand wired connections, you may buy an ethernet extender.
Eero 6+ is a mesh, so it has great coverage. You just have to put the 2 units in strategic places to get the most coverage. It covered around 2,500-2,800 Sq Ft. Plus, it has tech like MU-MIMO, so you can connect up to 40 devices without losing speed.
Let’s talk about security features. Amazon offers a premium security package for $99 per month, which includes Eero Secure and Secure+ to safeguard all devices against external threats and viruses.
It also has parental controls to pause Wi-Fi and monitor your kids’ online time. So, if you want great coverage and security, this is the router for you.
Should you buy a WiFi 6 router?
With the ever-increasing need for faster and more reliable internet, many people are considering upgrading their routers. One of the latest technologies to hit the market is WiFi 6, which promises to deliver faster speeds, improved reliability, and better coverage.
But should you buy WiFi 6 routers for CenturyLink? Not really, and here’s why.
First, let’s understand what WiFi 6 is. It’s the latest wireless networking standard, also known as 802.11ax. This technology promises faster speeds, lower latency, and better capacity than its predecessors.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your router, it’s definitely worth considering WiFi 6.
Secondly, you need to make sure that your devices are compatible with WiFi 6. If your devices are a few years old, they may not be able to take advantage of the new technology.
However, it’s worth noting that WiFi 6 is backward compatible, so it will work with older devices, but you won’t see the full benefits.
Another thing to consider is whether your internet service provider (ISP) supports WiFi 6. CenturyLink, for example, supports WiFi 6, but it’s always worth checking with your ISP before purchasing a new router. If your ISP doesn’t support it, you won’t be able to take advantage of the speed and reliability improvements.
Finally, you need to consider your needs. If you’re a heavy internet user, streaming videos, playing games, and downloading large files, then WiFi 6 may be worth the investment. However, if you only use the internet for basic browsing and email, then you may not see much benefit from upgrading to WiFi 6.
The Bottom Line
Our overall pick is the TP-Link AX55 because of its versatility and its current WiFi technology. It hits the spot for compatibility, speed, range, ease of use, and security. You won’t even need to break the bank for this!
We understand that this may be a tough choice to make/ But, we hope our list of routers helps you to decide which one is best for you. Just remember that you need to consider your needs and your current plan before you make a purchase.
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