Brightspeed
Internet service provider
EarthLink
Internet service provider
Brightspeed vs EarthLink
Quick Answer
Brightspeed and EarthLink are both strong choices in 2026. Brightspeed leads on speed (up to Varies) while Brightspeed offers the lower entry price (from Contact for pricing). Best pick depends on availability at your address.
Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.
Brightspeed and EarthLink are two of the most searched internet providers in the United States. Below, we compare their plans, pricing, speeds, coverage, and customer satisfaction to help you choose the best option for your home internet needs.
Quick Answer
Brightspeed and EarthLink are evenly matched in 2026. Brightspeed offers Various internet starting at Contact for pricing/mo with speeds up to Varies (no contract). EarthLink offers Various internet starting at Contact for pricing/mo with speeds up to Varies (no contract).
Brightspeed vs EarthLink: Key Findings
- Both providers offer the same max speed of Varies
- Both start at the same price of Contact for pricing
- Both serve a similar number of areas
- Technology: Brightspeed uses Various, EarthLink uses Various
- Data caps: Brightspeed has a Varies cap; EarthLink has a Varies cap
- Overall: Tie across all categories
How Brightspeed and EarthLink Compare
Brightspeed and EarthLink are both major internet service providers, but they take different approaches to delivering broadband. Both providers use various technology, so the real differentiation comes down to pricing, plan options, and service quality in your area.
Both providers top out at Varies, so speed alone won't be the deciding factor. Focus instead on pricing, contract terms, and availability at your address. For most households of 2-4 people, a plan in the 200-500 Mbps range handles HD streaming, video calls, and general browsing with room to spare.
Both providers start at Contact for pricing, putting them on equal footing for budget-conscious shoppers. Neither provider requires a long-term contract, giving you the flexibility to switch if you find a better deal. Both providers impose data caps (Varies for Brightspeed, Varies for EarthLink), so heavy users should factor in potential overage charges.
Quick Verdict
It's a tie!
Both providers score equally on speed, price, coverage, contracts, and data caps
Brightspeed is a fiber and DSL internet provider formed in 2022 from former CenturyLink/Lumen territories, serving 20 states across the South and Midwest. EarthLink is a national internet service provider offering fiber, DSL, and fixed wireless internet across all 50 states, with speeds up to 5 Gbps and a focus on customer privacy and reliable service since 1994.
| Feature | Brightspeed | EarthLink |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 2 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
| Starting Price | $50/moPrice verified April 2026 | $50/moPrice verified April 2026 |
| Technology | Fiber (FTTH), DSL | Fiber, DSL, Fixed Wireless |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Data Caps | No | No |
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Brightspeed | EarthLink | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Varies | Varies | Tie |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing | Tie |
| Coverage (ZIP Codes) | 0 | 0 | Tie |
| Primary Technology | Various | Various | Depends on needs |
| Contract Required | No | No | Tie |
| Data Cap | Varies | Varies | Tie |
Pros & Cons
Brightspeed
Pros
- No contract required
Cons
- Has data cap (Varies)
EarthLink
Pros
- No contract required
Cons
- Has data cap (Varies)
Which Provider Should You Choose?
The Bottom Line
Both providers offer comparable maximum speeds. Both providers start at a similar price point. Ultimately, the best provider depends on availability at your address, your speed requirements, and whether you prefer no-contract or no-contract plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Brightspeed or EarthLink?
Which is cheaper, Brightspeed or EarthLink?
Do Brightspeed and EarthLink have data caps?
Do Brightspeed or EarthLink require a contract?
Is Brightspeed or EarthLink faster?
Is Brightspeed cheaper than EarthLink?
Which is better, Brightspeed or EarthLink?
Can I get Brightspeed and EarthLink at the same address?
Should I choose Brightspeed or EarthLink?
Sources & Methodology
This Brightspeed vs EarthLink comparison uses pricing, speed, and coverage data from FCC Broadband Data Collection filings, provider-published broadband nutrition labels, and Ookla speed test measurements. Plans and pricing are verified against each provider's current public offerings. Pricing, speeds, and availability are verified against provider broadband nutrition labels and may vary by location. For a detailed explanation of our data collection and scoring process, see our methodology page.
Data Sources
Last verified: April 2026. InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may earn commissions from partner links — this does not affect our editorial recommendations. See our methodology for details.
Source: FCC Broadband Data Collection, December 2024
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