EarthLink has been in the internet game for a long time. The company offers everything from fiber to wireless and satellite options. But with so many great internet providers providing service these days, does EarthLink still live up to its name? Let’s break down their internet services and see if it's still worth considering today.
EarthLink: Company Overview
EarthLink has been around for quite a while (yes, they’re still in business!) Founded in 1994 in Atlanta, GA, EarthLink quickly rose to become the second-largest internet service provider by 2000, just behind America Online. If that brings back memories of slow speeds and dial-up tones, don't worry. EarthLink has adapted to new technologies and evolved far beyond those days.
Pros
- Flat-rate pricing with no price hikes
- Fiber internet available in certain locations
- Unlimited data for fiber plans
Cons
- High prices
- Annual contract required for most plans
- Speeds vary by location
Highlights
Available Fiber Speeds: 100 Mbps – 5 Gbps
Available Wireless Speeds: up to 100 Mbps
Available Satellite Speeds: up to 100 Mbps
Service Area: All states except Alaska and Hawaii
Price Range: $59.95-$189.95
Data Cap: Unlimited for fiber internet; 100 GB – Unlimited for wireless; 15 GB – 300 GB for satellite
Contract Required: Annual for fiber or satellite; Monthly or annual for wireless
BBB Rating: A+
In 2019, Thrive Capital acquired EarthLink. Today, EarthLink partners with big names like AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, Viasat, and Frontier to bring three types of internet service – fiber, wireless, and satellite – to 5 million homes in 78% of the United States.
Where Is EarthLink Available?
EarthLink provides internet service in the continental 48 states by partnering with other major ISPs, serving. However, coverage can vary depending on where you live within each state. The company does not offer services in Alaska or Hawaii.
You can find out if you can get EarthLink in your town by typing your address into the Internet Coverage Map.
Is EarthLink Worth It?
| Service Type | Available Speeds | Data Cap | Contract Requirement | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Internet | 100 Mbps – 5 Gbps | Unlimited | Annual | $59.95 – $189.95 |
| Wireless Internet | Up to 100 Mbps | 100 GB – Unlimited | Monthly or Annual | $59.95 – $159.95 |
| Satellite Internet | Up to 100 Mbps | 15 GB – 300 GB | Annual | Varies by location |
EarthLink doesn’t operate its own network. Instead, it partners with other providers like AT&T and Verizon to bring internet to your home. This helps EarthLink maintain wide availability and offer a diverse range of services. But, it also means that speeds and pricing can vary significantly, depending on where you live and which network EarthLink is using.
As one of the best wireless internet providers, competitors of EarthLink include:
In some areas, EarthLink's plans might be pricier than going directly through the underlying ISP, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth considering. One of EarthLink's biggest selling points is its straightforward pricing.
Unlike many internet companies that lure you in with low introductory offers only to hike your rates a year or two later, EarthLink offers a consistent rate from the start. That means you won’t have to worry about sudden price increases, but on the flip side, you won’t get those tempting initial discounts that other providers offer.
👉 Related reading: 7 Best Routers for Satellite Internet in 2024
Another key benefit of EarthLink is its unlimited data – if you’re lucky enough to live in an area with fiber access. This can be a game-changer for heavy internet users, gamers, or large households because you don't have to worry about going over your monthly data allowance or throttled speeds.
However, you should note that unlimited data is exclusive to fiber plans. If you're using wireless or satellite services, data caps still apply. There is an unlimited data option for wireless internet, but speeds are still heavily throttled.
EarthLink Internet
EarthLink offers three main types of internet services: fiber, wireless, and satellite. Since EarthLink partners with other providers to deliver its services, specific plans, pricing, and speeds will depend on where you live. The prices listed below are estimates, but you must call to get accurate pricing for your location.
Fiber Internet
| Plan | Speed | Price (Monthly) | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | $59.95 | Light usage, up to 5 devices |
| Fiber 300 | 300 Mbps | $64.95 | Medium usage, up to 12 devices |
| Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | $74.95 – $89.95 | Heavy usage, up to 15 devices |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 5 Gbps | $189.95 | Professional-grade, many devices |
With blazing-fast speeds and ultimate reliability, fiber internet is truly the best type of internet you can get. EarthLink’s fiber plans range from 100 Mbps up to 5 Gbps, which matches the top speeds of some of the best fiber internet providers. (Note that not all plans are available in every location.)
All EarthLink Fiber plans require an annual contract, but rates are also locked in for 12 months and will not go up. Fiber plans also include unlimited data and equal upload/download speeds. A bonus for EarthLink fiber customers is the EarthLink Perks program, which offers discounts and deals for online shopping.
Fiber 100 Mbps – $59.95/mo.
If you're a light user with just a few devices, the 100 Mbps plan should be enough for streaming, casual gaming, and social media. It's good for budget-conscious individuals or small households and can support up to 5 devices simultaneously.
Fiber 300 Mbps – $64.95/mo.
For households with heavier demands, like remote workers, students, or gamers, the 300 Mbps plan offers faster downloads and smoother video calls. It's the best choice for up to 12 devices.
👉 Related: Is 300 Mbps Fast?
Fiber 1 Gig – $74.95-$89.95/mo.
EarthLink’s 1 Gbps plan can easily support up to 15 devices. It’s perfect for streaming ultra-HD content, running smart home devices, super fast downloads, and intensive multiplayer gaming sessions.
👉 Related: Is 1000 Mbps Fast in 2024?
Fiber 5 Gig – $189.95/mo.
For those who want the best of the best, there's the 5 Gbps fiber plan. With virtually no limits on speed or the number of devices you can connect, it’s the ultimate choice for large households, tech enthusiasts, or anyone who needs professional-grade internet.
EarthLink Wireless Internet Plans
EarthLink's Wireless Plans are based on data usage, not speed. Wireless speeds can vary from 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps depending on your location.
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 100 GB Data Cap | $59.95 | Light usage, single person |
| 150 GB Data Cap | $84.95 | Social media, light streaming |
| 200 GB Data Cap | $109.95 | Video calls, light gaming |
| 300 GB Data Cap | $159.95 | Streaming, occasional gaming, small family |
| Unlimited Data* | $79.95 | Daily tasks, work-from-home |
For those in areas where fiber or cable internet isn’t available, EarthLink offers wireless internet. This option uses cellular networks to provide home internet, so it’s a good solution if you live in a rural or remote area lacking many other internet options.
Since the speed depends on which network EarthLink partners within your area, it can vary, up to 100 Mbps.
👉 Related: Is 100 Mbps Fast in 2024?
Rather than organizing plans by speed, EarthLink structures its wireless plans around data caps, which range from 100 GB to Unlimited.
Prices for EarthLink Wireless internet plans also vary from location to location. The prices listed below are estimates.
100 GB – $59.95/mo.
The 100 GB plan is ideal for light users or a single-person household. Known as the “casual surfer” plan, the 100 GB plan is perfect if you’re someone who just uses the internet for basic tasks like browsing social media, sending emails, and reading news.
150 GB – $84.95
For those who are a bit more active online, the 150 GB plan (a.k.a the “social butterfly” plan) lets you comfortably engage in social media, online shopping, and light streaming. It’s great for someone who likes to stay connected but doesn’t need heavy streaming or gaming capabilities.
200 GB – $109.95
The 200 GB “digital nomad” plan is a good fit for people who spend a few hours a day surfing the web, video chatting, and even gaming lightly on a laptop or tablet. It’s also suitable for a small household or remote worker who needs a stable connection for video calls and file transfers.
👉 Related reading: Netgear Nighthawk RAX54S Review: After 2 Months of Use
300 GB – $159.95
The “Web Wizard” 300 GB plan caters to moderate internet users who enjoy streaming, occasional gaming, and frequent online activity. Whether you’re streaming music while cooking or catching up on shows with a smart TV, this plan supports a two-person household or small family with multiple devices in use. It’s robust enough for light gaming and regular movie nights without worrying about running out of data.
Unlimited (throttled) – $79.95
For households that need constant connectivity, EarthLink offers an unlimited data plan. However, speeds are limited to 25 Mbps for your first 300 GB. After you reach that limit, speeds are further throttled.
If you don't want to worry about overage charges or need a consistent connection for daily activities like working from home or running a small business, this plan will ensure you're never without a connection. But, it's not the best if you want to use your internet for lots of gaming, or if you have a lot of internet-intensive devices, like smart cameras or doorbells.
Satellite
| Plan | Speed | Data Cap | Contract Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite | Up to 100 Mbps | 15 GB – 300 GB | Annual |
Satellite internet is another option that EarthLink offers for rural customers. It might be a good choice if you live in a location where traditional high-speed cable, DSL, or fixed wireless internet options are limited or non-existent.
At up to 100 Mbps, satellite internet can’t match fiber's blazing speeds, but it's a reliable choice for basic browsing, streaming, and staying connected. Just be aware that satellite services usually have higher latency, so it might not be the best fit for gamers or heavy streamers.
Like EarthLink wireless plans, satellite internet service has data caps. Plans range from 15 GB to 300 GB per month. Prices vary based on your location, and the initial cost can be higher if you choose to purchase the required satellite dish. Alternatively, EarthLink offers the option to lease equipment if you don't have the funds to spend upfront.
Just like its regular fiber plans, EarthLink satellite plans also require you to sign an annual contract.
👉 Related reading: 6 Best TDS Compatible Modems in 2024 [Top Picks]
Rural
EarthLink also offers something called “rural internet,” which is a service for rural residents. EarthLink will help you find an alternative provider if its network isn’t available in your location. In most areas of the country, rural residents can choose between wireless or satellite. But, if neither of these services are available where you live, EarthLink will assist in finding another provider that suits your needs.
Equipment and Installation
| Service Type | Equipment Fee (Monthly) | Installation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | $10 – $15 | $40 – $100 |
| Wireless | $10 – $15 | Self-install |
| Satellite | Purchase or lease | Professional install required |
For fiber and wireless internet, EarthLink charges a $10–$15 equipment rental fee. This is a mandatory fee, even if you use your own modem and router. Satellite internet also requires you to either purchase or rent a dish from EarthLink, adding to your overall costs.
Installation
For fiber internet, EarthLink requires you to schedule an appointment for one of their expert technicians to visit your home and set up your connection. The professional installation fee is between $40-$100, depending on the infrastructure in your location.
During your installation visit, an adult over the age of 18 must be home. Installation can take a few hours.
Wireless internet, on the other hand, is designed for easy self-installation. When you sign up for EarthLink wireless internet, you will be sent a device that you just have to plug in somewhere near a window in your home. Then, you must use the EarthLink app to activate your connection.
Similarly, EarthLink satellite internet requires you to install a dish on your roof. This dish will communicate with satellites in space to deliver your internet service.
How To Sign Up for EarthLink
To sign up for EarthLink internet, you must call the main phone number at 866-618-0397. While you can view plans available in your area on the website, you cannot view prices or sign up without calling.
How To Contact / Get Tech Support
If you have an issue with your EarthLink service, it's good to know that EarthLink has highly-rated 24/7 customer support. To get in contact with EarthLink customer service, you can call 866-618-0397 or text the number 888-441-9144.
You can also find answers to frequently asked questions and solutions to common problems online at the EarthLink Support page. From this page, you also have the option to live chat with a representative.
EarthLink App
Available to download for free on the Apple App and Google Play store, the EarthLink app makes it easier to manage your account. You can pay bills, update account information, upgrade services, and get 24/7 chat support straight from the app. The app is also required to activate your connection for wireless or satellite internet.
👉 Related reading: Spectrum Mobile vs T-Mobile: Detailed Comparison
How To Cancel EarthLink Internet
To cancel EarthLink Internet, you must give them a call at 866-618-0397 and request cancellation. Keep in mind that all EarthLink plans except for wireless require you to sign an annual contract. If you cancel before this period is over, then you will be charged a steep early termination fee of up to $200.
Is EarthLink Internet a Good Choice in 2024?
If you value unlimited data and no price surprises, EarthLink could be a good fit – especially if you live in one of its fiber internet service regions. While their plans may seem a bit pricier upfront compared to other providers with low introductory rates, that cost comes with the benefit of no rate hikes or data caps.
That said, if flexibility is important to you and you don't want to be locked into a contract, you might want to look into other options. For instance, one of EarthLink's partners, AT&T, offers contract-free fiber internet plans if you go through them directly.
As for EarthLink's wireless and satellite options, the speeds and prices you can get really depend on where you live. So, before signing up, it’s a good idea to double-check what’s available in your area and compare the long-term costs with local competitors to make sure you're getting the best value.
Our guides help you choose the right fit for your budget and internet usage demands.
Continue reading:
