5 Best CenturyLink Compatible Modems in 2023

This is our review of the best compatible modems for Centurylink in 2022. 

As a Network Engineer, I have talked to CenturyLink and researched to find the best modem for CenturyLink. 

And I have concluded that the C3000A is the best Centurylink-approved modem. 

But it won’t be the best option for everyone. Since it depends on your internet plan and the type of internet you have.

So, keep reading to learn more. 

Top 5 CenturyLink Approved Modems

Here are the 5 best CenturyLink-approved and compatible modems. 

1. Best Overall – CenturyLink C3000A
2. Best Performer – GreenWave C4000LG
3. Best Budget-Friendly – Zyxel PK5001Z
4. Runner Up – ZyXEL C3000Z
5. Best for Fiber Optic Internet – GreenWave C4000XG

5 Best CenturyLink Compatible Modems

Here are overviews of the best-approved modems for Centurylink. 

#1 Best Overall – CenturyLink C3000A

The Centurylink C3000A is the modem I recommend as an all-around option. Because it’s compatible with every single Centurylink internet type. 

That said, if you have the 940 Mbps fiber optic Internet plan, you should know that this modem/router will not deliver you that speed.

This is because it is a Wi-Fi 5 router with a single 5GHz band. And from my testing, no Wi-Fi 5 router ever reached more than 600 Mbps in Wi-Fi speed.  

Nevertheless, if you have a 500 Mbps plan or less, this modem/router is likely your safest bet. Because no matter what Centurlylnk internet you have, it will work.

One drawback with the router is that it lacks advanced features such as QoS or Parental controls. Which allows you to prioritize bandwidth and control your kid’s activities online.  

If you want this, your best bet is to get a separate modem and router. You can learn more about this in the buying guide. 

Overall, the Centurylink C3000A is a solid modem/router for any Centurylink customer with an internet plan below 500 Mbps. 

Centurylink’s overview of the C3000A. 

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#2 Best Performer – GreenWave C4000LG

The GreenWave C4000LG is an option for you with either ADSL, ADSL2+, VDSL, or Fiber Optic internet. 

Or in other words, if you have less than 100 Mbps, or if you have Fiber internet. 

This modem is best to get if you currently have a slow DSL plan but know that you will change to CenturyLink fiber in the future. 

Because this device uses Wi-Fi 6, the newest Wi-Fi standard. And therefore, it will be able to deliver you the Gigabit experience. 

However, the C4000LG lacks extra features such as QoS and Parental Controls. A theme in the modem/router that works for CenturyLink. 

Also, don’t get this modem/router if you have either bonded ADSL or VDSL. As it doesn’t support them. 

Altogether, the GreenWave C4000LG is a solid device for you that know that they will get fiber optic internet in the future but don’t have it yet.

Centurylink’s overview of the GreenWave C4000LG. 

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#3 Best Budget-Friendly – Zyxel PK5001Z

If you have a really slow internet connection and don’t plan to upgrade it, consider the Zyxel PK5001Z.

It’s a modem/router that’s only compatible with ADSL internet. Meaning if you have a faster DLS internet plan than 20 Mbps, you can’t use it. 

And honesty, it’s for the better. Because the router is equipped with Wi-Fi 4, an old wireless standard, which most likely couldn’t give you much more than 20 Mbps anyways. 

This means that this modem/router will probably be best if you live in more rural areas. With little access to anything faster than what you currently have. 

Overall, the Zyxel PK5001Z is only for you with ADSL type internet, anything else, and it won’t work. If you don’t know what you have, contact CenturyLink and ask. 

Centurylink’s overview of the Zyxel PK5001Z. 

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#4 Runner Up – ZyXEL C3000Z

The Zyxel C3000Z is very much like the C3000A, and if either is out of stock, you can confidently get the other.

But like the C3000A, I don’t recommend using it with a fiber plan exceeding 500 Mbps. Because the wireless standard on the router is Wi-Fi 5, which from my experience only reaches about 500 Mbps.

Nonetheless, if you have an internet plan at 500 Mbps or below, the C3000Z is a great option. 

The modem/router also makes a good choice if you plan to bridge it (turning off the router). Because it’s very easy to do with the C3000Z.

Bridge mode is necessary to use a separate modem and router. You might want this for better performance with faster internet plans and extra features. 

These features could include QoS and Parental Controls, which allow you to prioritize applications and restrict your children’s activities online. 

Things that the no of the modem/router in the list has. 

Overall, the Zyxel C3000Z is a solid modem/router that will work for every type of internet. Just avoid it for internet plans exceeding 500 Mbps. 

Centurylink’s overview of the ZyXEL C3000Z. 

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#5 Best for Fiber Optic Internet – GreenWave C4000XG

The GreenWave C4000XG is for you with a Fiber-optic connection, anything else and the device won’t work for you. 

This includes all the ADSL and VDSL standards, both bonded and none-bonded. I repeat, do not get this modem with any of them, only fiber.

The router is Wi-Fi 6, so you can use this router for any internet plan. Even the Gigabit plan.

That said, the best part about the device is that it’s preconfigured for CenturyLink’s internet. Meaning you can just plug it in, and you are ready to go. 

But know that if you are prepared to do some simple setup, you can use a better router for a lower price.

Because if you change the Tagging to 201, you can set up any router with your fiber optic connection.

You can learn more about this under “Fiber” and in our article on the best routers for Centurylink. 

Centurylink’s overview of the GreenWave C4000XG. 

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List of All CenturyLink Certified Modems

Here is a list of authorized modems. All tested and approved by CenturyLink for their internet. [1]

Brand	Model	Wi-Fi Standard	ADSL	ADSL2+	VDSL2	Fiber	End-of-Life
Actiontec	C1000A	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Actiontec	C1900A	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes
Actiontec	C2000A	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes
Actiontec	C2300A	Wi-Fi 4	No	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	No
Actiontec	C3000A	Wi-Fi 5	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	No
Actiontec	PK5000	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Actiontec	PK5001A	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Actiontec	Q1000	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Adtran	C424G	Wi-Fi 5	No	No	No	Yes	No
Calix	C844G	Wi-Fi 5	No	No	No	Yes	No
Cisco	2200DDR	Wi-Fi 4	No	Yes*	No	No	Yes
Greenwave	C4000BG	Wi-Fi 6	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	No	No
Greenwave	C4000LG	Wi-Fi 6	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Greenwave	C4000XG	Wi-Fi 6	No	No	No	Yes	No
Technicolor	C1100T	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Technicolor	C2000T	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes
Technicolor	C2100T	Wi-Fi 5	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes
Westell	7500	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Zyxel	C1000Z	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Zyxel	C1100Z	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Zyxel	C2100Z	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes
Zyxel	C3000Z	Wi-Fi 5	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	No
Zyxel	FR1000Z	Wi-Fi 4	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Zyxel	PK5000Z	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Zyxel	PK5001Z	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Zyxel	Q1000Z	Wi-Fi 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

* Means that the modem also supports the bonded version of the technology.

What to Consider Before Buying A CenturyLink Approved Modem

Here is what to specifically consider when buying an authorized modem for Centurylink. For a more general guide, check out the modem buying guide. 

Compatible with CenturyLink

Buying a modem for CenturyLink’s internet is harder than for most other ISPs. This is because they use more than five different DSL technologies across the country. 

This means that when you buy a compatible modem, it needs to support the right DSL technology that your region and plan are using. [2]

Therefore, you might need to contact their support before buying an approved modem and ask what type of DSL technology your home uses.

You can then make the right choice when picking a modem from the approved modems list. 

You can also guess what type of DSL you have by the speed of your plan. Below you can see the internet and the download speed they support.

Type	Max Speed
ADSL	7 Mbps
ADSL+	20 Mbps
Bonded ADSL2+	40 Mbps
VDSL2	100 Mbps
Bonded VDSL2	140 Mbps
G-Fast	100 Mbps
GPON (Fiber)	940 Mbps

Modem/Router Combo or Separate

Usually, when you buy a modem, you can get separate devices or a modem/router combo. 

A modem/router combo is a modem and router as one device, while separate has two, one router and one modem. 

But when it comes to CenturyLink compatible modems, modem/router combo (gateways) only exists. 

This, however, doesn’t make it impossible to use separate devices. Because you can put a gateway in something called a bridge mode.

This turns off the router in the device and enables you to connect it to another router. 

Both combos and separate have their pros and cons, but in this case, I would say that using the router in the modem will be enough. 

I would only get separate devices with CenturyLink if I wanted a particular feature in the router or had a large home. 

As many of the routers in the DSL modems are using older internet standards and are thus slow. 

That said, if you have a Fiber-optic connection, then you should consider getting a router only. As that’s really all you need. You can learn more about this under “Fiber.” 

You can check out my article on modem/router combo vs. separate if you want a more in-depth overview of the pros and cons of each option. 

Note, if you want a third-party modem and are about to order a CenturyLink Internet plan, you need to contact the support to bypass getting a modem from them. 

CenturyLink Fiber

If you have Centurylink’s fiber internet, then you actually don’t need a modem at all. 

All you need to get rid of it is a bit more configuration. 

Basically, you need to change the 201 tagging on your router, which you can do in one click from the admin panel. 

You can learn everything you need about not using a modem for fiber internet in the video below (skip to 12:43 for how to do the configuration)

And if you need help picking a router, check out our article on the best routers for Centurylink.

Rent Vs. Buy CenturyLink Modems

CenturyLink has three options for its internet equipment. These are [3, 4]:

• Rent a gateway from them for $15 a month
• Buy a gateway from them for $200
• Get an approved modem from a third-party source

If you do the math, you realize fast that renting is the worst option by far. In just 14 months, you will have paid more for renting than buying. 

This begs the question of whether you should buy a modem directly from CenturyLink or a third-party source. 

If you purchase it from CenturyLink, you can be sure that the modem will work with your type of DSL internet. 

But if you get a modem from a third-party source, you can choose any approved modem. Allowing you to pick either a cheaper one or a better one. 

If you want to delve deeper into the subject, check out renting vs. buying your modem. 

FAQ

Here are some common questions regarding CenturyLink and its network equipment:

Our Verdict

Much research went into figuring which was the best modem for CenturyLink. 

But in the end, we concluded that the C3000A is the best option for most. Because it’s compatible with every type of DSL internet and fiber. 

Just don’t get it if you have more than a 500 Mbps internet plan.